Numbers 3:50

KJV

Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five [shekels], after the shekel of the sanctuary:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the firstborn {H1060} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} took {H3947} he the money {H3701}; a thousand {H505} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} and threescore {H8346} and five {H2568} shekels, after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the amount of money he took from the firstborn of the people of Isra'el was 1,365 shekels, using the sanctuary shekel.

Berean Standard Bible

He collected the money from the firstborn of the Israelites: 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.

American Standard Version

from the first-born of the children of Israel took he the money, a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:50 meticulously records the precise sum of money collected for the redemption of the surplus firstborn males of Israel, those who exceeded the number of Levites dedicated to Tabernacle service. This accounting highlights God's exacting standards for the sacred economy of His people, underscoring the principles of divine ownership, substitutionary redemption, and the provision for the priestly ministry, all measured by the unchanging standard of the sanctuary shekel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 3 is dedicated to detailing the divine appointment and organization of the Levites for service in the Tabernacle. Following God's declaration of His ownership of all firstborn males (Numbers 3:11-13), He commanded that the tribe of Levi be taken as a substitute for the firstborn of all other Israelite tribes. A census was conducted, revealing 22,000 Levites (Numbers 3:39) and 22,273 firstborn males (Numbers 3:43). This left a surplus of 273 firstborn who were not "covered" by a Levite substitute. For these 273 individuals, a redemption price of five shekels per head was mandated (Numbers 3:46-47). Numbers 3:48-49 specifies that this collected money was to be given to Aaron and his sons, the priests, for their service. Numbers 3:50, therefore, serves as the concluding statement for this specific transaction, confirming the exact amount collected and the standard by which it was measured, bringing closure to the detailed accounting of the firstborn and Levites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of the firstborn belonging to God is deeply rooted in Israel's history, particularly in the Passover event where God spared the firstborn of Israel while striking the firstborn of Egypt ([Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague")). This act established God's claim on Israel's firstborn, leading to the command to consecrate them to Him ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). The substitution of the Levites for the firstborn (Numbers 3:12) was a unique divine provision, demonstrating God's mercy and His meticulous organization of worship. In the ancient Near East, precise weights and measures were crucial for commerce and religious offerings, often with specific standards for sacred transactions. The "shekel of the sanctuary" was a recognized, unchanging standard, distinct from common commercial weights, ensuring integrity and holiness in all matters pertaining to God's service. This practice reflects a broader cultural understanding of the importance of accuracy in sacred duties, preventing fraud and upholding the sanctity of offerings and redemptions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Firstborn (Hebrew, בְּכוֹר, _bekor_):** This term signifies the initial offspring, often carrying legal, social, and religious significance in ancient Israel. In the context of Numbers 3, the firstborn males were divinely claimed by God as a memorial of His sparing Israel's firstborn during the Passover, thus establishing His ultimate ownership over all life and particularly over those who initiate the family line. Their redemption, whether by substitution (Levites) or payment, underscores the principle that life is a gift from God and can be "bought back" from His claim.
* **Money (Hebrew, כֶּסֶף, _kesef_):** While literally meaning "silver," in this context, it refers to the collected redemption price. This "money" was not a tax or an offering in the typical sense, but a payment for the "release" or "redemption" of the firstborn who were not covered by the Levite substitution. The specific amount, 1,365 shekels, derived from 273 individuals at five shekels each, highlights the precise and non-negotiable nature of God's requirements for redemption.
* **Shekel of the sanctuary (Hebrew, שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, _sheqel haqqodesh_):** This phrase refers to a specific, fixed standard of weight used for sacred purposes, distinct from common commercial shekels which might vary. It ensured absolute accuracy and integrity in all transactions related to the Tabernacle, offerings, and vows. The use of this sacred standard emphasizes the holiness and unchangeable nature of God's commands and the importance of precision and honesty in all dealings with Him. It served as a safeguard against fraud and a testament to the divine order in worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money;":** This clause establishes the source of the funds – the firstborn males of the Israelite tribes (excluding Levi). The "he" refers to Moses, acting under divine instruction, who oversaw the collection of the redemption money from the families of the 273 firstborn who were in excess of the 22,000 Levites. This collection was not a voluntary offering but a mandatory payment to fulfill the divine requirement for redemption.
* **"a thousand three hundred and threescore and five [shekels],":** This specifies the exact total amount collected: 1,365 shekels. This figure is the product of 273 (the number of surplus firstborn) multiplied by 5 (the redemption price per head, as stipulated in Numbers 3:47). The precise number underscores the meticulous nature of God's commands and the careful accounting maintained in Israel's sacred economy.
* **"after the shekel of the sanctuary:":** This critical phrase indicates the standard of measurement used for the collection. It was not according to a variable commercial shekel but according to the fixed, sacred "shekel of the sanctuary." This ensured uniformity, honesty, and the holiness of the transaction, emphasizing that all matters pertaining to God's service and the Tabernacle required the highest degree of accuracy and integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 3:50, though a factual and numerical statement, employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is **Precision and Detail**, as the verse provides an exact numerical sum and a specific standard of measurement. This meticulous accounting reflects God's ordered nature and the absolute clarity of His divine law, leaving no room for ambiguity or human estimation in matters of redemption and sacred finance. There is also an element of **Symbolism** at play; the "money" itself, collected "after the shekel of the sanctuary," symbolizes the cost of redemption and the sacred value placed on life and service to God. The consistent use of the "sanctuary shekel" throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - Half-Shekel for the Tabernacle")) serves as a **Leitwort** or guiding word, reinforcing the theme of holiness and divine standards in all Tabernacle-related transactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:50 is a testament to several profound theological principles. It highlights God's absolute ownership over all life, particularly exemplified in His claim on the firstborn of Israel. This divine claim necessitates a principle of redemption, where something or someone claimed by God can be "bought back" through a substitute or a price. The meticulous accounting and the use of the "shekel of the sanctuary" underscore God's demand for precision, integrity, and holiness in all matters pertaining to His worship and economy. Furthermore, the destination of this collected money—to Aaron and his sons—illustrates God's provision for those dedicated to priestly ministry, establishing a foundational principle for supporting those who serve Him.

* [Exodus 13:13](/exodus/13-13 "Exodus 13:13 - Redemption of the Firstborn")
* [Leviticus 27:25](/leviticus/27-25 "Leviticus 27:25 - Valuation by Sanctuary Shekel")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 3:50, though detailing an ancient Israelite transaction, offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and integrity, expecting nothing less from His people. The meticulous counting and the exact redemption price for the firstborn serve as a powerful metaphor for the infinite value God places on every individual life, and the precise cost required for redemption from His just claim. This passage challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we approach our spiritual lives, our finances, and our commitments to God, ensuring they are "after the shekel of the sanctuary"—measured by God's holy standards, not our own convenience or fluctuating values. It also reinforces the biblical principle of supporting those who minister, recognizing that God ordains means for the sustenance of those dedicated to His work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in Numbers 3:50 challenge my own approach to spiritual disciplines and financial integrity?**
* **In what ways do I recognize God's ownership over my life, and how does that understanding influence my daily choices?**
* **What does the concept of "redemption" in this passage teach me about the value God places on human life and the cost of being reconciled to Him?**
* **How can I apply the principle of supporting ministry, as seen in the destination of the collected money, within my own community and church?**

### FAQ

**Why was the money collected from the firstborn of Israel?**

Answer: The money was collected as a redemption price for the 273 firstborn males of Israel who exceeded the number of Levites. God had claimed all firstborn males as His own following the Passover, but He chose the tribe of Levi as a substitute for the firstborn of all other tribes. Since there were more firstborn than Levites, a monetary redemption was required for those not covered by a Levite, at a rate of five shekels per head, as stipulated in [Numbers 3:47](/numbers/3-47 "Numbers 3:47 - Redemption Price for the Firstborn").

**What is the significance of "the shekel of the sanctuary"?**

Answer: The "shekel of the sanctuary" refers to a fixed, sacred standard of weight or value used for all transactions related to the Tabernacle and its services. Unlike common commercial shekels, which could vary, the sanctuary shekel was a precise and unchanging measure. Its use ensured accuracy, integrity, and holiness in all sacred financial dealings, preventing fraud and upholding the divine standard for offerings and redemptions. It underscored the importance of absolute precision and honesty in matters pertaining to God, as also seen in [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - Half-Shekel for the Tabernacle").

**Who received the money collected from the firstborn?**

Answer: The money collected from the redemption of the firstborn was given to Aaron and his sons, who were the priests. [Numbers 3:48](/numbers/3-48 "Numbers 3:48 - Money Given to Aaron and His Sons") explicitly states this, indicating that this provision was for their support and for the maintenance of their priestly service in the Tabernacle. This established a divine precedent for the support of those dedicated to spiritual ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 3:50, with its emphasis on the firstborn, redemption, substitution, and precise divine standards, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The firstborn of Israel were claimed by God, signifying His ultimate ownership and the need for a redemption price. Christ is the ultimate "firstborn" – the [firstborn over all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation") and the [firstborn from the dead](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Firstborn from the Dead"), uniquely belonging to God. While the Levites served as a temporary, imperfect substitution for the firstborn of Israel, Jesus is the perfect and eternal substitute, offering His life as the ultimate redemption price for humanity. We, who were alienated from God by sin, are redeemed not with perishable things like silver or gold, but [with the precious blood of Christ](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood"), the [Lamb without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood"). The meticulous accounting of the sanctuary shekel, ensuring perfect measure and integrity, points to the perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Christ, which fully satisfies God's righteous demands. His sacrifice is the ultimate "shekel of the sanctuary," perfectly valued and eternally sufficient, securing our redemption once and for all, as declared in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption").

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.

Cross-References

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;

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:)

Matthew 20:28

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1 Timothy 2:5

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Timothy 2:6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.