SHEKEL, Siclus; an Hebrew Weight and Money. It is derived from the Verb Shacal, which signifies to weigh. The Name of Shekel is used to denote the Weight of any thing, as Iron, Hair, Spices, Exod. xxx. 23, 24. 2 Sam. xiv. 26.and all other things. Among the different Opinions that have been proposed, concerning the Weight and Value of the Shekel, we shall adhere to the Sentiments of M. Le Pellitier of Roban, who says it is of the Weight of half an Ounce, or four Roman Drachmæ, or nine Penyweight and three Grains; and that the Shekel of Silver is worth two Shillings three pence Farthing and half a Farthing of our Money. Moses and Ezekiel say, it was worth twenty Oboli, or twenty Gerah. Numb. xviii. 16. Ezek. xlv. 12. See the Table of Weights and Measures.
The Shekel of Gold was of half the Weight as the Shekel of Silver, and was worth eighteen Shillings and three Pence of English Money.
The Shekel of the Sanctuary, according to several Interpreters, was double to the common Shekel; but this Opinion wants good Proof. We think it to be the same as the common Shekel, and the Words of the Sanctuary are added, to express a just and exact Weight, according to the Standards that were kept in the Temple or Tabernacle.