Numbers 3:48

And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.

And thou shalt give {H5414} the money {H3701}, wherewith the odd number {H5736} of them is to be redeemed {H6302}, unto Aaron {H175} and to his sons {H1121}.

Give the redemption money for these extra people to Aharon and his sons."

Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”

and thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.

Commentary

Numbers 3:48 concludes a specific transaction in the detailed instructions for the tribal organization and priestly service within ancient Israel. This verse specifies the recipient of the redemption money collected for the surplus firstborn males.

Context

In Numbers chapter 3, God commands a census of the Levites, designating them for special service in the Tabernacle. This divine decree establishes the Levites as substitutes for all the firstborn males of Israel, whom God had previously claimed as His own after sparing them during the Passover in Egypt (Exodus 13:2). Upon counting, it was found that there were 22,000 Levites but 22,273 firstborn males among the other tribes. This meant there was an "odd number," or surplus, of 273 firstborn males who did not have a direct Levite substitute.

To redeem these 273 individuals, God commanded a payment of five shekels per head, totaling 1,365 shekels of silver (Numbers 3:47). Numbers 3:48 then provides the clear instruction: this collected money was to be given "unto Aaron and to his sons," who constituted the priestly family set apart for service to the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Redemption and Substitution: This passage vividly illustrates the principle of redemption, where a price is paid to secure freedom or fulfill an obligation. The Levites acted as substitutes for the firstborn, and the money served to redeem those for whom no direct substitute was available. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ Jesus, who paid the ultimate price for humanity.
  • Divine Order and Precision: The meticulous counting, specific instructions, and exact destination of the funds underscore God's detailed and orderly nature in establishing His covenant relationship and the structure of worship and community life for Israel.
  • Support for the Priesthood: The allocation of this redemption money directly to Aaron and his sons highlights the importance of financially supporting those dedicated to sacred service. This provision ensured the sustenance and resources for the priestly family, enabling them to focus on their divinely appointed duties without distraction.
  • God's Ownership: The underlying theological principle is God's claim on all that is first and best, reminding Israel that all life, especially the firstborn, belongs to Him (Numbers 3:13).

Linguistic Insights

The key term "redeemed" comes from the Hebrew verb padah (Χ€Χ“Χ”), meaning "to ransom," "to deliver by payment," or "to reclaim." It denotes a transaction where something is bought back or delivered from an obligation, bondage, or even death, through a specific price. The phrase "odd number" translates the Hebrew word yother (Χ™ΧͺΧ¨), which refers to "the remainder" or "the surplus," specifically those firstborn not covered by the Levite count.

Practical Application

While rooted in ancient Israelite law, Numbers 3:48 offers enduring principles. It reinforces the biblical concept of being "bought with a price," a central theme in the New Testament regarding Christian redemption (1 Corinthians 6:20). Just as the firstborn were God's, believers are called to live lives dedicated to Him, having been redeemed not with corruptible things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.

Furthermore, this verse establishes a precedent for supporting those in full-time ministry. The provision for the priests allowed them to devote themselves entirely to their sacred duties. This principle remains relevant for the financial support of pastors, missionaries, and other Christian workers today, enabling them to serve the Lord without undue worldly concerns.

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Cross-References

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