Bible Dictionary
Balances
Balances were used to weigh money and goods. God required honest balances and weights, while dishonest weighing was condemned as deceitful and wicked.
Definition
Balances were instruments used to weigh money, goods, and other commodities. They had a beam and counterweights, and transactions were commonly made by weight.
Biblical Usage
God required just balances and condemned the practice of buying with heavier weights and selling with lighter ones. Dishonest balances are presented as deceitful and wicked.
Historical Background
Balances were in common use for receiving and paying out gold and silver. Their inaccurate or manipulated use enabled commercial fraud.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Reference to balances is found in (Leviticus 19:36) They were in common use, gold and silver being paid out and received by weight. Reference is also made in (Micah 6:11; Hosea 12:7) to the dishonest practice of buying by heavier and selling by lighter weights.