Numbers 3:51

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:51 concludes a pivotal phase in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing Moses' faithful execution of God's command to collect redemption money for the excess firstborn males not covered by the Levites' substitution. This act of transferring the collected five shekels per head to Aaron and his sons underscores the divine authority behind the census and the sacred principle of redemption, while simultaneously providing for the sustenance and ministry of the newly consecrated priestly family, all meticulously carried out "according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 3:51 serves as the final, conclusive verse in a specific divine mandate outlined in [Numbers 3:40-50](/numbers/3-40 "Numbers 3:40-50 - Redemption of the Firstborn"). The preceding verses detail God's instruction to Moses to conduct a census of all firstborn males in Israel, from a month old and upward (Numbers 3:40). This census revealed 22,273 firstborn males. Simultaneously, God had commanded that the tribe of Levi be set apart to serve in place of all the firstborn of Israel, whom He had consecrated to Himself during the Passover deliverance in Egypt (Numbers 3:11-13). A census of the Levites (Numbers 3:14-39) showed their number to be 22,000 males. This created a deficit of 273 firstborn males who did not have a Levite substitute. For these 273 individuals, God commanded a redemption price of five shekels of silver per head, to be collected from the Israelites and given to Aaron and his sons (Numbers 3:46-48). Verse 51 confirms the immediate and precise fulfillment of this divine directive, bringing closure to this particular administrative and theological episode within the larger narrative of the wilderness journey and the establishment of the Levitical and priestly systems.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of the firstborn held immense significance in ancient Israelite society, deeply rooted in their history and covenant relationship with God. God claimed all firstborn males as His own, a claim solidified during the tenth plague in Egypt when the firstborn of Egypt were struck down, but the firstborn of Israel were spared by the blood of the Passover lamb (see [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover") and [Exodus 13:1-2](/exodus/13-1 "Exodus 13:1-2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). This divine claim meant that the firstborn were consecrated to the Lord for special service. However, God later chose the tribe of Levi to serve in place of all the firstborn of Israel (Numbers 3:12). The redemption price for the excess 273 firstborn, therefore, served as a symbolic and literal ransom, reinforcing the idea that all of Israel belonged to God and that substitutionary principles were at play. The five shekels per person was a standard redemption price for a male between one month and five years old, as stipulated in [Leviticus 27:6](/leviticus/27-6 "Leviticus 27:6 - Valuation of Persons"). The allocation of this money to Aaron and his sons was crucial for the practical support of the priesthood and the maintenance of the Tabernacle services, establishing a precedent for the community's responsibility to provide for those dedicated to God's service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeemed (Hebrew: פדה, _padah_):** This verb signifies "to ransom," "to deliver," or "to set free by payment." In this context, it refers to the act of acquiring freedom or release for the firstborn through a monetary transaction. It underscores the idea of a substitutionary exchange, where a price is paid to release one from an obligation or claim. Theologically, _padah_ is a foundational concept, pointing to God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:8](/deuteronomy/7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:8 - God's Redemption of Israel")) and foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual redemption.
* **Commanded (Hebrew: צוה, _tsavah_):** This verb means "to command," "to order," or "to appoint." Its repeated use in Numbers 3:51 ("according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses") emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the instructions. Moses' actions were not arbitrary or self-initiated but were direct responses to specific, detailed divine mandates. This highlights the importance of precise obedience to God's revealed will in the Mosaic covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons":** This clause describes the direct action taken by Moses. Having collected the redemption price (1,365 shekels of silver, as calculated in [Numbers 3:50](/numbers/3-50 "Numbers 3:50 - The Redemption Price")), Moses faithfully transfers it to the designated recipients: Aaron, the high priest, and his sons, who constituted the priestly lineage. This transfer signifies the completion of the divine command and the practical provision for the priestly ministry.
* **"according to the word of the LORD":** This phrase emphasizes that Moses' actions were not arbitrary but were in strict adherence to God's explicit instructions. It underscores the divine origin and authority behind the entire process of the census, the Levite substitution, and the redemption of the excess firstborn. It highlights Moses' role as a faithful mediator of God's will.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This reiterative phrase reinforces the previous one, stressing the meticulous obedience of Moses. It serves as a powerful affirmation of Moses' faithfulness in executing every detail of the divine will. The double emphasis on God's command underscores the non-negotiable nature of the instructions and the importance of precise fulfillment in the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 3:51 employs several literary devices to underscore its theological message. **Repetition** is prominently used with the phrases "according to the word of the LORD" and "as the LORD commanded Moses." This doubling emphasizes the divine origin of the command and the absolute faithfulness of Moses in its execution, leaving no doubt about the legitimacy and authority of the act. The verse also functions as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, serving as the climax to the detailed instructions given in the preceding verses regarding the redemption of the firstborn. It provides a clear resolution, demonstrating that God's word is not only spoken but also perfectly accomplished through His chosen servants. Furthermore, the redemption money itself serves as a **Symbolism** of divine ownership and the principle of substitutionary atonement, where a price is paid to release a claim, pointing forward to a greater spiritual reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:51 is rich with theological significance, extending beyond a mere historical transaction. It powerfully illustrates God's sovereign ownership over all life, particularly His claim on the firstborn as a memorial of His deliverance during the Passover. The concept of redemption, central to this passage, highlights God's provision for substitution—first the Levites for the firstborn, and then the redemption money for the excess firstborn—underscoring that a price must be paid for liberation and consecration. This act also establishes the divine pattern for supporting those set apart for sacred service, ensuring the practical means for the priesthood to fulfill their duties in the Tabernacle. Ultimately, the meticulous obedience of Moses reflects the importance of faithfully executing God's commands, a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch that stresses the covenant community's responsibility to live in alignment with divine will.

* [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn"): "Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine."
* [Leviticus 27:6](/leviticus/27-6 "Leviticus 27:6 - Valuation of Persons"): "And if it be from a month old even unto five years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver, and for the female thy estimation shall be three shekels of silver."
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministry"): "Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 3:51, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers profound and enduring principles for believers today. Moses' unwavering and meticulous obedience to God's specific and detailed commands serves as a powerful exemplar for our own lives. It reminds us that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but active, diligent, and precise submission to God's revealed will, even in seemingly mundane or complex administrative tasks. Furthermore, this passage deepens our understanding of redemption, illustrating that freedom from obligation or claim often requires a price. This concept should lead us to a greater appreciation for the ultimate redemption offered in Christ. Finally, the provision for the priesthood through the redemption money highlights the timeless principle of the community's responsibility to support those dedicated to full-time ministry, ensuring that the work of God's kingdom can continue unhindered. We are called to participate in God's economy, both in our obedience and in our stewardship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to a more precise and diligent obedience to God's specific commands, even when they seem small or inconvenient?**
* **How does the concept of "redemption" in Numbers 3:51 deepen my appreciation for the spiritual redemption I have received through Christ?**
* **What is my role in supporting the work of God's kingdom and those dedicated to full-time ministry today, echoing the principle established in this passage?**
* **How does the repeated emphasis on "the word of the LORD" and "the LORD commanded Moses" influence my view of biblical authority and its application to my daily decisions?**

### FAQ
**Why was a redemption price necessary for the firstborn if the Levites were already substituting for them?**

Answer: The redemption price was necessary because there was an imbalance in the numbers. God had declared that the entire tribe of Levi would be set apart to serve in place of *all* the firstborn males of Israel (Numbers 3:12). However, when the census was taken, there were 22,273 firstborn males but only 22,000 Levite males (Numbers 3:39, Numbers 3:43). This left an excess of 273 firstborn males who did not have a direct Levite substitute. To maintain the principle of divine ownership and the necessity of redemption for those not covered by the Levites' substitution, God commanded a specific redemption price of five shekels of silver for each of these 273 individuals (Numbers 3:46-47). This ensured that every firstborn male was either directly substituted by a Levite or redeemed by payment, affirming God's claim and the sacredness of life.

**What was the purpose of giving the redemption money to Aaron and his sons?**

Answer: The purpose of giving the redemption money to Aaron and his sons was primarily to provide financial support for the priesthood and the maintenance of the Tabernacle services. Aaron and his sons were consecrated to God for the sacred duties of the priesthood, which involved serving at the altar, maintaining the Tabernacle, and mediating between God and the people (see [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Duties of Aaron and his Sons")). This was a full-time, demanding role that precluded them from engaging in other forms of livelihood or inheriting land in the same way as the other tribes. Therefore, the redemption money, along with other offerings and tithes, served as a divine provision for their sustenance and the operational costs of the Tabernacle. This established a foundational principle in Israel that those who ministered in sacred things were to be supported by the community, ensuring the continuity and integrity of divine worship and service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 3:51, with its emphasis on redemption, substitution, and divine ownership, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The payment of five shekels for the firstborn foreshadows the infinitely greater price paid for humanity's redemption. Just as the firstborn were claimed by God and then redeemed, so too all humanity is under the claim of sin and death, but Christ, our ultimate substitute, has paid the ransom. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood, not perishable silver or gold, is the means by which we are redeemed from our futile way of life (as seen in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). The Levites' substitution for the firstborn, and the money's substitution for the excess, point to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, who fully satisfied the righteous demands of God's law on our behalf (as described in [Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Moses' faithful obedience in delivering the money "as the LORD commanded" also prefigures Christ's perfect obedience to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (highlighted in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). In Christ, the shadow of ancient redemption rituals gives way to the glorious reality of spiritual freedom and new life, eternally secured by His finished work on the cross.

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 3:48

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.