Numbers 3:46

And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;

And for those that are to be redeemed {H6302} of the two hundred {H3967} and threescore and thirteen {H7657}{H7969} of the firstborn {H1060} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, which are more {H5736} than {H5921} the Levites {H3881};

Since there were 273 more firstborn males from Isra'el than male L'vi'im, in order to redeem them,

To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites,

And for the redemption of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the first-born of the children of Israel, that are over and above the number of the Levites,

Commentary

Numbers 3:46 addresses a specific detail in God's instructions regarding the Levites and the firstborn sons of Israel, highlighting the principle of redemption within the Mosaic Law.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger passage (Numbers 3) that details the divine census and the unique role of the tribe of Levi. God had declared that the Levites would be set apart for service in the tabernacle, taking the place of all the firstborn males of Israel (Numbers 3:11-13). A census revealed there were 22,000 Levites (Numbers 3:39), but 22,273 firstborn males among the other tribes of Israel (Numbers 3:43). This verse, Numbers 3:46, pinpoints the numerical discrepancy: 273 firstborns remained who were "more than the Levites" and thus required individual redemption.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership and Redemption: From the time of the Passover in Egypt, God claimed all the firstborn as His own (Exodus 13:2). The Levites served as a substitute for the majority, but for the surplus 273 firstborn, a redemption price was required, affirming God's right of ownership and the necessity of being "bought back."
  • Precision in God's Law: The meticulous accounting of both Levites and firstborn sons underscores the divine order and precision in God's commands. Every detail, down to the exact number of individuals requiring redemption, was carefully specified.
  • The Principle of Substitution: While the Levites served as a collective substitute, the redemption of the remaining firstborn highlights the individual aspect of substitution. Someone or something had to stand in their place to fulfill the divine requirement.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "redeemed" comes from the Hebrew root padah (Χ€ΦΈΧ“ΦΈΧ”), which means "to ransom," "to buy back," or "to deliver." It implies a payment or an equivalent exchange made to secure release from an obligation, bondage, or ownership. In this context, it signifies buying back the firstborn who were consecrated to God, a concept central to understanding God's relationship with His people.

Practical Application

This verse, though specific to ancient Israelite law, offers timeless spiritual lessons. It reminds us that humanity, by nature, belongs to God. When we fell into sin, we became spiritually "unredeemed." Just as a price was paid for the firstborn, a far greater price was paid for our redemption. The New Testament teaches that we are not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). This passage in Numbers foreshadows the ultimate redemption offered through Jesus Christ, where He became the perfect substitute, paying the ultimate price to reconcile us to God.

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 13:13

    And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.

  • Numbers 18:15

    Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, [whether it be] of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

  • 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.
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