Numbers 3:50

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:

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}:

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

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

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

Numbers 3:50 concludes a significant accounting of the firstborn of Israel and the Levites, highlighting God's meticulous instructions for the organization and service of the Tabernacle. This verse details the exact amount of money collected for the redemption of the firstborn males who exceeded the number of Levites.

Context of Numbers 3:50

Chapter 3 of Numbers is pivotal in establishing the roles of the Levites in Israel's worship. God had declared His ownership of all the firstborn of Israel, a claim rooted in the Passover event where He spared Israel's firstborn while striking Egypt's (Exodus 13:2). Instead of requiring all firstborn males to serve Him directly, God commanded that the tribe of Levi be set apart to serve the Tabernacle in their place (Numbers 3:12-13).

However, a census revealed there were 22,273 firstborn males compared to 22,000 Levites. This left a surplus of 273 firstborn who were not "covered" by a Levite substitute. For these 273, a redemption price was required: five shekels per head (Numbers 3:47). Numbers 3:50 records the total sum collected from this redemption, which was 273 multiplied by 5 shekels, resulting in 1,365 shekels. This money was then given to Aaron and his sons, the priests, for their service (Numbers 3:48).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Redemption and Substitution: The most prominent theme is the principle of redemption. The firstborn, by divine decree, belonged to God, and their redemption by payment or substitution (the Levites) illustrates a fundamental concept in biblical theology—that life is a gift from God and can be reclaimed or redeemed through a price. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ.
  • God's Ownership: The initial claim on the firstborn underscores God's sovereignty and His right to all life. The meticulous calculation and collection reinforce that God's laws and claims are precise and absolute.
  • Holiness and Precision in Worship: The phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary" emphasizes the sacred standard of measurement and the importance of accuracy and integrity in all matters pertaining to God's service and offerings. It prevented fraud and ensured that all transactions related to the Tabernacle were conducted with utmost fairness and holiness.
  • Support for Ministry: The collected money was given to the priests, demonstrating a divine provision for those dedicated to serving God and His people. This principle of supporting those who minister continues throughout biblical history.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" (Hebrew: sheqel haqqodesh) refers to a standard weight used for sacred offerings and valuations in ancient Israel. It was a fixed, unchanging measure, distinct from common commercial weights which could vary. This ensured fairness and adherence to divine requirements in all transactions related to the Tabernacle and its services, emphasizing the sacredness and unchangeable nature of God's commands.

Practical Application

Numbers 3:50, while rooted in ancient Israelite law, offers timeless lessons. It reminds us of God's meticulous attention to detail and His expectation of precision and integrity in our walk with Him. The principle of redemption points us to the greater truth that we, too, are bought with a price—not silver or gold, but the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Furthermore, the support provided to the priests highlights the importance of valuing and supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry in our own communities today.

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

  • 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.
← Back