Part 39: The Use Of Money Throughout
The Bible
In the name of
God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the earth.
Abraham who existed before
the Law was a wealthy man (See Genesis 13:2). His wealth consisted of precious
metals, livestock and servants (See genesis 24:34-35). He used money, shekels
of silver, to purchase land, it is also noted that coined money was not in
existence at this time (See Genesis 23:15-16).
Jacob and Joseph also
used money before the Law. Jacob purchased land for 100 pieces of silver (See
Genesis 33:19). Joseph was sold by his brothers for 20 shekels of silver (See
Genesis 37:38). Joseph's brothers went to Egypt to buy food with silver (See
Genesis 24).
During the time of
the written Law Gods people gave money to support the Tabernacle (See Exodus
30: 14-16, 38: 24-31 and Exodus 35:5, 21, 22). There were also monetary
penalties (See Deuteronomy 22:28-29, Leviticus 5:15).
The following
scripture references note the use of money during the ministry of Jesus:
1. The Widow, Mark
12:42-44.
2. Jesus told his
disciples not to take any money with them on their journey, Mark 6:7-10.
3. Jesus declared
that "You cannot serve both God and money”. Matthew 6:24.
4. Parables noted in
the first four Books of the New Testament. The use of talents as a rate of
exchange:
1. Matthew 18:23-34.
2. Matthew 25:15-18.
3. Mark 11:15-18.
Money Changers 25:27.
4. John 13:29 Judas
in charge of the money. Zechariah 11:12-13, 30 pieces of silver prophesied.
5. Matthew 26:14-15
Judas and 30 pieces of silver.
6. Matthew 27:3-7 the
results of Judas treachery.
Money was also used
after the ministry of Jesus:
1. Conspiracy of
Priests and Elders to dispute the resurrection, Matthew 28:12-13.
2. Can you pay for
the Holy Spirit? Acts 8:17-20.
3. People begged for
money Acts 3:1-6.
4. Money used to help
the needy Acts 4:34-35.
Money & Taxes
Taxes have been
collected throughout the Bible in the form of produce, livestock and money.
Also, the word tax appears either as a tribute, levy or duty. A tribute to the
Lord that included items, other than money. (See Numbers 31:26-41).
In the Old Testament
taxes were used to support the Tabernacle (See Exodus 30:14-16). Land was also
taxed to support the government. This tax was similar to today's property tax.
(See II Kings 23: 33, 35, Ezra 4:12-13). See Kings loss of revenue in Ezra
7:24. In Nehemiah 5:4 money borrowed to pay taxes. Tax Collector sent out is
noted in Daniel 11:20.
Taxes are also noted
in the New Testament. Tax Collectors in the New Testament.
1. Matthew 5:46,
9:10-11, 21:31-32.
2. Mark 2:15
3. Luke 18:10-14.
They were often in the company of Jesus.
4. Matthew 17:24-27,
The Fish.
5. Matthew 22:17-21,
Caesar.
Finally we see that
wages and compensation for work is also recorded in the Bible:
1. Workers who
repaired the Temple were paid in money. (See II Kings 22:4-7. Also see II
Chronicles 38:8-13, II Kings 12:13-15 and Ezra 3:6-7.
2. I Samuel 13:19-21
Money paid to sharpen tools.
3. Judges 16:4-6
Delilah received money to seduce Samson.
4. Judges 9:3-5 Men
hired to kill 70 people. Also see II Samuel 10:6 and Jeremiah 46:21
The New Testament also
records the use of money as wages:
1. Matthew 20:1-2,
20:8-10.
2. Luke 10:34-35 The
Good Samaritan.
3. Acts 16:16 Fortune
Tellers. Also see James 4:13
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net