balances

Instruments for weighing. They consisted of a central support and crossbeam from which two equally weighted pans were suspended by cords. Biblical references to balances are numerous, both to false or deceitful scales (Prov 11:1; Prov 20:23; Hos 12:7; Amos 8:5) and to just balances (Lev 19:36; Job 31:6; Prov 16:11; Ezek 45:10). Metaphorically the balance was used to judge a person’s righteousness (Dan 5:27; Rev 6:5).