Numbers 3:51

And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.

And Moses {H4872} gave {H5414} the money {H3701} of them that were redeemed {H6302}{H6306} unto Aaron {H175} and to his sons {H1121}, according to the word {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}, as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Moshe gave the redemption-money to Aharon and his sons, in keeping with what ADONAI had said, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

and Moses gave the redemption-money unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of Jehovah, as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 3:51 marks the culmination of a specific divine instruction regarding the redemption of the firstborn of Israel. The preceding verses (Numbers 3:40-50) detail a unique census and exchange: God declared that the tribe of Levi would serve in place of all the firstborn males of Israel, whom He had consecrated to Himself during the Passover in Egypt (Exodus 13:2). However, there were 22,273 firstborn males in Israel but only 22,000 Levite males. For the 273 excess firstborn, a redemption price of five shekels per head was commanded to be collected from the Israelites. This verse confirms that Moses faithfully executed this command, delivering the collected silver to Aaron and his sons, the priestly lineage.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Obedience: The repeated phrase, "according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses," underscores God's absolute authority and Moses' unwavering faithfulness in executing every detail of the divine will. This meticulous obedience is a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch, highlighting the importance of adhering precisely to God's instructions.
  • Redemption and Substitution: The payment for the firstborn illustrates the concept of redemption, where a price is paid to release someone from an obligation or claim. In this case, money served as a substitute for the lives of the firstborn who were not covered by the Levites' substitution. This foreshadows the ultimate spiritual redemption found in Christ, who paid the price for humanity's sin (1 Peter 1:18-19).
  • Support for the Priesthood: The redemption money was specifically given to Aaron and his sons, who were set apart for priestly duties (Numbers 3:10). This act provided financial support for their ministry and the upkeep of the Tabernacle services, establishing a principle of the community providing for those consecrated to God's service.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "redeemed" is padah (Χ€Χ“Χ”), which carries the meaning of ransoming, delivering, or setting free by payment. It emphasizes the idea of a transactional release, where a valuable price is exchanged for freedom or ownership. This concept is central to understanding both the ancient Israelite sacrificial system and the New Testament understanding of salvation.

Practical Application

Numbers 3:51, though detailing an ancient ritual, offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Faithful Obedience: Moses' diligent execution of God's command serves as a powerful example. Believers are called to live in loving obedience to God's Word, trusting that His commands are for our good and His glory.
  • Understanding Redemption: This passage deepens our appreciation for the concept of redemption. Just as a price was paid for the physical freedom of the firstborn, Christ paid the ultimate price for our spiritual freedom from sin and death (Ephesians 1:7).
  • Supporting Ministry: The allocation of the redemption money to the priests illustrates the importance of the community supporting those dedicated to full-time ministry. This principle continues in the New Covenant through various forms of giving to support the work of the Church and its leaders (1 Corinthians 9:14).
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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Numbers 16:15

    And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:12

    If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

  • 1 Peter 5:2

    Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

  • 1 Samuel 12:3

    Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

  • 1 Samuel 12:4

    And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.

  • Acts 20:33

    I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
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