Footnote 2 – Does the Bible Exaggerate King Solomon’s Golden Wealth?

Values of Assyrian and Babylonian weights have been calculated by weighing inscribed stone weights found at various places. The mina was about 17 ounces (480 grams). This sets the talent of 60 minas at 63.5 pounds (28.8 kilograms). Weights in Israel were slightly different, the mina being estimated at 1 pound, 1.5 ounces to 1 pound, 8 ounces (500 to 600 grams); the talent at 66 to 76 pounds (30 to 36 kilograms); and the shekel at about 0.4 ounce (11.5 grams). With the uncertainty about exact weights, all the figures given in this essay have to be understood as subject to correction. See Roland de Vaux, Ancient Israel I (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1961).