Numbers 3:40

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Number {H6485} all the firstborn {H1060} of the males {H2145} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} from a month {H2320} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, and take {H5375} the number {H4557} of their names {H8034}.

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Register all the firstborn males of the people of Isra'el a month old and over, and determine how many there are.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names.

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Number all the first-born males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.

Commentary

Numbers 3:40 records a specific divine command given to Moses during Israel's time in the wilderness at Mount Sinai. This instruction is critical for understanding God's intricate organizational plan for His people and the sacred duties associated with the Tabernacle.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Numbers 3) that details the census and roles of the tribe of Levi. Following the Passover event in Egypt, where God struck the firstborn of the Egyptians but spared Israel's, the Lord had claimed all the firstborn males of Israel as His own (Exodus 13:2). However, in Numbers 3, God institutes a substitution: He takes the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the other tribes (Numbers 3:12). This census of the firstborn was necessary to compare their number with the Levites and determine the redemption price for any excess firstborn males not covered by the number of Levites.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Order: God's instructions are precise and detailed, emphasizing His meticulous planning for the spiritual and social order of Israel. Every aspect, from the census to the roles of the tribes, was divinely ordained.
  • Consecration and Ownership: The firstborn were originally consecrated to the Lord as a memorial of their deliverance from Egypt. This concept highlights God's ultimate ownership and claim over all life, especially those He redeems.
  • Redemption and Substitution: The counting of the firstborn directly precedes their redemption by the Levites, and for any surplus, a monetary payment. This foreshadows the broader biblical theme of redemption through substitution.
  • Significance of "Firstborn": The term bekhor (בְּכוֹר) in Hebrew signifies not just the first in birth order but often carries a connotation of preeminence, special privilege, and dedication.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "firstborn" is bekhor (בְּכוֹר), which is a significant term throughout the Old Testament, often denoting a position of special blessing or dedication to God. The phrase "from a month old and upward" indicates that even very young male infants were included in this count, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's claim and the census.

Practical Application

While we are not under the Old Testament law of firstborn consecration, the principles embedded in this verse remain relevant:

  1. God's Ownership: This passage reminds us that God has a sovereign claim over all things, including our lives. Just as He claimed the firstborn, He claims those who are His by creation and redemption.
  2. Dedication and Service: The Levites were set apart for sacred service. Believers today are called to a life of dedication and service to God, using their gifts for His glory (1 Peter 2:9).
  3. The Ultimate Firstborn: The concept of the firstborn ultimately points to Jesus Christ. He is called the "firstborn of all creation" and the "firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18), signifying His preeminence and unique status in God's plan of redemption.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 3:15 (4 votes)

    Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.

  • Revelation 14:4 (2 votes)

    These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

  • Luke 10:20 (2 votes)

    Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

  • Hebrews 12:23 (2 votes)

    To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

  • Numbers 3:12 (2 votes)

    And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

  • Philippians 4:3 (2 votes)

    And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

  • 2 Timothy 2:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.