Numbers 3:49

KJV

And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} took {H3947} the redemption {H6306} money {H3701} of them that were over {H5736} and above them that were redeemed {H6302} by the Levites {H3881}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the L'vi'im;

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses collected the redemption money from those in excess of the number redeemed by the Levites.

American Standard Version

And Moses took the redemption-money from them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:49 concludes a precise divine accounting and redemption process, detailing Moses' collection of the specified redemption money. This payment was for the 273 firstborn Israelite males who exceeded the number of Levites designated by God as substitutes, thereby finalizing the numerical reconciliation and ensuring every firstborn male was properly redeemed according to the Lord's meticulous instructions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 3:49 serves as the culmination of a detailed divine directive initiated earlier in the chapter. The preceding verses establish the Lord's command to Moses to number all the firstborn males of Israel from a month old and upward ([Numbers 3:40](/numbers/3-40 "Numbers 3:40 - Census of the Firstborn")). Simultaneously, God designates the entire tribe of Levi as a substitute for all the firstborn of the other Israelite tribes ([Numbers 3:12-13](/numbers/3-12 "Numbers 3:12-13 - God's Choice of the Levites")), commanding Moses to number them as well ([Numbers 3:15](/numbers/3-15 "Numbers 3:15 - Census of the Levites")). A census revealed 22,273 firstborn males ([Numbers 3:43](/numbers/3-43 "Numbers 3:43 - Number of Firstborn")) but only 22,000 Levite males ([Numbers 3:39](/numbers/3-39 "Numbers 3:39 - Number of Levites")). This created a surplus of 273 firstborn who were not covered by the Levite substitution. For these 273 individuals, a specific redemption price of five shekels of silver per person was required ([Numbers 3:46-47](/numbers/3-46 "Numbers 3:46-47 - The Redemption Price")). Numbers 3:49 marks the completion of this divine instruction, with Moses collecting this precise sum, thus bringing the entire redemption process for the firstborn to its divinely ordained conclusion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This passage is situated firmly within the historical narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings, specifically after the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and the organization of the Levitical service. The underlying principle for this redemption process traces back to the Passover event in Egypt, where God spared the firstborn of Israel while striking down the firstborn of Egypt (see [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover") and [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). Following this, God claimed all the firstborn of Israel as His own, declaring them consecrated to Him ([Exodus 13:12-16](/exodus/13-12 "Exodus 13:12-16 - Dedication of the Firstborn")). Later, in a pivotal act of divine substitution, the Lord chose the tribe of Levi to serve Him in the Tabernacle as a ransom and substitute for all the firstborn males of the other Israelite tribes ([Numbers 3:12-13](/numbers/3-12 "Numbers 3:12-13 - God's Choice of the Levites")). The collection of the redemption money in [Numbers 3:49](/numbers/3-49 "Numbers 3:49 - Collection of Redemption Money") underscores the sacredness of the firstborn and the meticulous nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where every detail, including numerical imbalances, required precise divine resolution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redemption Money (Hebrew, _piḏyôn'_):** This term, specifically _keseph piḏyôn_ (money of redemption), is derived from the verbal root _pāḏāh_ (פָדָה), meaning "to ransom," "to redeem," or "to deliver." It signifies a payment made to secure release from an obligation, ownership, or a state of bondage. Here, it refers to the precise monetary value set by God to "buy back" or release the firstborn from their direct obligation of service to Him, an obligation that was otherwise transferred to the Levites. The payment underscores the seriousness of the divine claim and the necessity of a substitute or a price for release.
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _pāḏāh'_):** The verb _pāḏāh_ (פָדָה) appears twice in the broader context ([Numbers 3:46](/numbers/3-46 "Numbers 3:46 - Redemption Price for the Surplus"), [Numbers 3:48](/numbers/3-48 "Numbers 3:48 - Total Redemption Money Collected")) and is the root of the noun _piḏyôn_. It denotes the act of ransoming or delivering by payment of a price. In this context, it describes the process by which the firstborn were either substituted by the Levites or, for the surplus, released through monetary payment. It highlights a fundamental biblical concept: release from a claim or obligation often requires a payment or a substitute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses took the redemption money":** This clause highlights Moses' role as the divinely appointed mediator and executor of God's commands. His action of "taking" (וַיִּקַּח, _wayyiqqaḥ_) signifies the completion of the collection, an act of obedience to the Lord's meticulous instructions regarding the census and the subsequent redemption process. The "redemption money" (כֶּסֶף הַפִּדְיֹן, _keseph happiḏyôn_) refers to the five shekels per head, as specified in [Numbers 3:47](/numbers/3-47 "Numbers 3:47 - The Redemption Price").
* **"of them that were over and above":** This phrase refers to the 273 firstborn Israelite males who remained after the Levites had been counted and designated as substitutes for an equal number of firstborn. The Levites numbered 22,000, while the firstborn totaled 22,273, leaving a surplus of 273 ([Numbers 3:46](/numbers/3-46 "Numbers 3:46 - The Surplus Firstborn")). This numerical discrepancy necessitated a direct monetary redemption for those not covered by the Levitical substitution.
* **"them that were redeemed by the Levites":** This final phrase clarifies the context for the "over and above" group. It indicates that the primary method of redemption for the firstborn was through the Levites serving as their substitutes. The "redemption money" was specifically for those who were *not* "redemed by the Levites" due to the numerical imbalance, ensuring that every single firstborn male was accounted for and consecrated to God, either by substitution or by payment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [Numbers 3:49](/numbers/3-49 "Numbers 3:49 - Collection of Redemption Money") is rich in **precision** and **symbolism**. The meticulous accounting of the firstborn and the Levites, down to the exact number of 273 individuals requiring monetary redemption, underscores God's absolute order and attention to detail in His covenant relationship with Israel. This divine precision reflects His sovereignty and the seriousness with which He regards His claims and commands. Furthermore, the entire process of **redemption** – whether through substitution by the Levites or by a monetary payment – serves as profound **symbolism**. It teaches the foundational truth that life, especially consecrated life, belongs to God, and that release from His direct claim, or from the consequences of sin, requires a price to be paid or a substitute to be provided. This Old Testament pattern powerfully **foreshadows** the ultimate redemption that would be accomplished through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the perfect substitute and ransom for humanity's sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of [Numbers 3:49](/numbers/3-49 "Numbers 3:49 - Collection of Redemption Money") extends far beyond a mere financial transaction. It powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of **redemption**, where a price is paid to secure release or transfer of ownership. God's initial claim on the firstborn (Exodus 13) established their consecration, and the Levites served as a **substitutionary** offering for the majority. For the remainder, a monetary payment completed the redemption, emphasizing that all life ultimately belongs to God and requires either direct service, a substitute, or a ransom. This divine order and precision underscore God's meticulous care for His covenant people and the seriousness of His claims, demonstrating His commitment to justice and holiness even in numerical details.

* [Exodus 13:13](/exodus/13-13 "Exodus 13:13 - Redemption of the Firstborn")
* [Leviticus 27:26-27](/leviticus/27-26 "Leviticus 27:26-27 - Redemption of Firstborn Animals")
* [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified by His Grace as a Gift")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual described in [Numbers 3:49](/numbers/3-49 "Numbers 3:49 - Collection of Redemption Money") holds profound contemporary relevance for believers today. Just as the firstborn of Israel needed redemption to be released from their specific obligation, all humanity stands in dire need of spiritual redemption from the bondage of sin and its ultimate consequence, death. This passage reminds us that freedom from divine claims or spiritual debt is never free; it always requires a price or a substitute. The meticulous detail with which God orchestrates this redemption process in the Old Testament assures us of His perfect order, justice, and faithfulness, even in the smallest matters. For us, this translates into a deep trust in His providence and a recognition that if He cared so precisely for the physical redemption of ancient Israel, how much more does He care for our spiritual redemption and sanctification. Furthermore, understanding that the firstborn were consecrated to God encourages us to consider our own lives as consecrated to Him by grace, prompting us to live in a manner that honors His ownership and redemptive work in us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize my own need for ongoing redemption and release from the power of sin in my life?**
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this ancient command encourage my trust in His care and sovereignty over the details of my own life?**
* **Considering the consecration of the firstborn, how can I more fully dedicate my life, talents, and resources to God as a response to His redemptive grace?**

### FAQ
**Why did God require a redemption price for the firstborn?**

Answer: God required a redemption price for the firstborn males of Israel primarily because He claimed them as His own, a principle established during the Passover in Egypt when He spared Israel's firstborn while striking Egypt's (see [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). This act consecrated Israel's firstborn to Him. While the tribe of Levi was chosen as a substitute for the majority of the firstborn (as detailed in [Numbers 3:12-13](/numbers/3-12 "Numbers 3:12-13 - God's Choice of the Levites")), a numerical imbalance meant there were 273 more firstborn than Levites. For these "over and above" individuals, a monetary redemption of five shekels per person was mandated (see [Numbers 3:46-47](/numbers/3-46 "Numbers 3:46-47 - The Redemption Price and Surplus")). This ensured that every firstborn was formally redeemed, either by substitution or by payment, reinforcing God's ownership and the sacredness of His claims.

**What was the significance of the "five shekels" redemption money?**

Answer: The "five shekels" (specifically, five shekels of the sanctuary, as noted in [Numbers 3:47](/numbers/3-47 "Numbers 3:47 - The Redemption Price")) was the standard redemption price for a male from one month to five years old, as stipulated in [Leviticus 27:6](/leviticus/27-6 "Leviticus 27:6 - Valuation of Vows"). This consistent valuation across different contexts suggests a standardized, divinely ordained value for the redemption of human life or service dedicated to God. Its significance lies in its role as a tangible, precise payment that satisfied God's claim on the firstborn who were not covered by the Levitical substitution. It underscored the seriousness of the divine claim and the necessity of a specific, divinely appointed means of release or transfer of obligation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous redemption process detailed in [Numbers 3:49](/numbers/3-49 "Numbers 3:49 - Collection of Redemption Money"), with its emphasis on substitution and the payment of a price, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament system, with its temporary Levite substitutes and monetary redemptions, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ. Unlike the limited redemption of the firstborn, Christ's sacrifice provides eternal redemption for all who believe, ransoming us not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). He is the ultimate substitute, bearing the penalty for our sins and releasing us from the bondage of spiritual death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). Through Him, we are not merely released from an obligation but are brought into a new covenant relationship, adopted as children of God ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Adoption as Sons")). The precision of God's plan in Numbers foreshadows the perfect execution of His redemptive plan in Christ, demonstrating that every detail of salvation was meticulously orchestrated by a loving and just God, culminating in the cross where the ultimate price was paid for our freedom ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.