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Numbers 3:43

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And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.

And all the firstborn {H1060} males {H2145} by the number {H4557} of names {H8034}, from a month {H2320} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, of those that were numbered {H6485} of them, were twenty {H6242} and two {H8147} thousand {H505} two hundred {H3967} and threescore and thirteen {H7657}{H7969}.

The total number of firstborn males registered, a month old and over, of those who were counted, was 22,273.

The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273.

And all the first-born males according to the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 3:43 is part of a detailed account in the Book of Numbers concerning the organization and duties of the Israelite camp, particularly focusing on the tribe of Levi. Following the divine command to number the tribes of Israel in Numbers chapter 1, this chapter zeroes in on the Levites, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle. A key aspect of this setting apart was their role as substitutes for the firstborn males of all the other Israelite tribes. God had claimed all the firstborn for Himself after the Passover event in Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 13:2 and Exodus 13:12-16. Numbers 3 details the census of the Levites (from one month old and upward) and then, in this verse, provides the corresponding count of the firstborn males from the other tribes. This precise numerical comparison sets the stage for the redemption process described in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership and Consecration: The verse underscores God's claim on the firstborn, a principle established at the time of the Exodus. This ownership signifies a special dedication and consecration to the Lord.
  • Substitution and Redemption: The primary purpose of this census was to establish the Levites as a substitute for the firstborn of Israel. For every firstborn male, there was a Levite to take his place in service to God. This principle of substitution is central to God's plan of salvation, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
  • God's Meticulous Order: The precise numbering—"twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen" (22,273)—highlights God's attention to detail and His desire for order in all matters, especially concerning worship and service.
  • Covenant Relationship: The dedication of the firstborn, and their subsequent substitution by the Levites, reinforced the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "threescore and thirteen" is an archaic King James Version rendering for "seventy-three." Thus, the total number of firstborn males is 22,273. The precision of this number, down to the last individual, emphasizes the literal and exact nature of the census conducted by Moses and Aaron under God's instruction.

Practical Application

Numbers 3:43, while a seemingly dry statistical detail, holds profound spiritual lessons for believers today:

  • God's Precision and Purpose: Every detail in God's plan, no matter how small or numerical, has a purpose. This reminds us that God is actively involved in the specifics of our lives and His kingdom.
  • The Principle of Substitution: The exchange of the Levites for the firstborn powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of substitution. Just as the Levites were given as a substitute for the firstborn, so too was Jesus Christ given as the ultimate substitute for humanity, bearing the penalty for our sins.
  • Dedication and Service: The setting apart of the Levites for tabernacle service encourages us to consider our own calling to serve God. While not all are called to full-time ministry, every believer is called to a life of dedication and service within the body of Christ (Romans 12:1).
  • The Value of Every Soul: The careful counting of each firstborn male, from "a month old and upward," highlights the value God places on every individual life, even infants.

This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record but a foundational block in understanding God's character, His meticulous planning, and His redemptive purposes for His people.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 3:39 (2 votes)

    All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, [were] twenty and two thousand.