Numbers 18:16

And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which [is] twenty gerahs.

And those that are to be redeemed {H6299} from a month {H2320} old {H1121} shalt thou redeem {H6299}, according to thine estimation {H6187}, for the money {H3701} of five {H2568} shekels {H8255}, after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944}, which is twenty {H6242} gerahs {H1626}.

The sum to be paid for redeeming anyone a month old or over is to be five shekels of silver [two ounces], as you value it, using the sanctuary shekel (this is the same as twenty gerahs).

You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.

And those that are to be redeemed of them from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary (the same is twenty gerahs).

Commentary

Numbers 18:16 lays out a specific regulation regarding the redemption of firstborn males in ancient Israel, emphasizing God's meticulous instructions for His covenant people. This verse is part of a larger divine decree concerning the roles and provisions for the priests and Levites.

Context

This verse is found within a detailed section (Numbers 18) where God establishes the duties and support system for the Levitical priesthood, led by Aaron. Following the rebellion of Korah, God reaffirms the exclusive nature of the Aaronic priesthood and the Levites' unique role in serving the tabernacle. A key aspect of this arrangement was that the Levites were taken by God in place of all the firstborn males of Israel, whom God had claimed as His own after the Passover event in Egypt (Numbers 3:12-13). Since the Levites were a specific tribe, any firstborn male not a Levite still needed to be 'redeemed' from God's initial claim.

Key Themes

  • Redemption and Dedication: The verse highlights the principle of redemption, where something consecrated or claimed by God (in this case, the firstborn) could be bought back. This practice acknowledged God's initial claim over all firstborn, a perpetual reminder of His deliverance during the Exodus.
  • Divine Ownership: God declared all firstborn males His own (Exodus 13:2). The redemption price served as a symbolic recognition of this divine ownership and the sanctity of life.
  • Specific Regulations: God provides precise instructions, including the age (from a month old) and the exact monetary value (five shekels). This demonstrates God's attention to detail in His covenant relationship with Israel and the importance of adhering to divine law.
  • Support for the Priesthood: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the redemption money likely contributed to the support of the Levites and the upkeep of the tabernacle, as part of the overall system God established for His ministers.

Linguistic Insights

The verse specifies "the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which [is] twenty gerahs."

  • Shekel of the Sanctuary: This term (Hebrew: shekel ha-kodesh) refers to a standardized weight, ensuring consistency and honesty in temple transactions. It was a fixed, sacred standard, distinct from common commercial weights, emphasizing the holiness and integrity required in all matters related to God (Exodus 30:13, Leviticus 27:25). This standard ensured fairness and prevented fraud in sacred offerings.
  • Gerah: A gerah was a small unit of weight, with twenty gerahs making up one shekel. This precise measurement further underscores the exactness of God's requirements and the value He placed on meticulous adherence to His commands.

Practical Application

While the specific practice of redeeming firstborn males is part of the Old Covenant law, the principles behind it resonate powerfully today:

  • God's Sovereignty and Ownership: This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate owner of all life. Our lives, talents, and resources are gifts from Him, to be used for His glory and purposes.
  • The Principle of Redemption: For believers, the concept of redemption points to the ultimate redemption found in Christ. Just as the firstborn were redeemed by a set price, humanity is redeemed from sin's bondage by the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). We are bought with a price, and therefore belong to Him.
  • Obedience to God's Specifics: God often gives precise instructions. This verse encourages us to pay careful attention to His Word and obey His commands, even in seemingly small details, trusting in His wisdom and perfect plan.
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 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

  • Exodus 30:13

    This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel [is] twenty gerahs:) an half shekel [shall be] the offering of the LORD.

  • Numbers 3:47

    Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take [them]: (the shekel [is] twenty gerahs:)

  • Ezekiel 45:12

    And the shekel [shall be] twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.

  • Leviticus 27:25

    And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.

  • Leviticus 27:2

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons [shall be] for the LORD by thy estimation.

  • Leviticus 27:7

    And if [it be] from sixty years old and above; if [it be] a male, then thy estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels.
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