'The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not
give less than half a shekel....'--EXODUS xxx. 15.
This tax was exacted on numbering the people. It was a very small
amount, about fifteen pence, so it was clearly symbolical in its
significance. Notice--
I. The broad principle of equality of all souls in the sight of God.
Contrast the reign of caste and class in heathendom with the democracy
of Judaism and of Christianity.
II. The universal sinfulness. Payment of the tax was a confession that
all were alike in this: not that all were equally sinful, but all were
sinful, whatever variations of degree might exist.
'There is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the
glory of God.'
III. The one ransom. It was a prophecy of which _we_ know the meaning.
Recall the incident of the 'stater' in the fish's mouth.
Christ declares His exemption from the tax. Yet He voluntarily comes
under it, and He provides the payment of it for Himself and for Peter.
He does so by a miracle.
The Apostle has to 'take and give it'; so faith is called into exercise.
Thus there is but one Sacrifice for all; and the poorest can exercise
faith and the richest can do no more. 'None other name.'