Numbers 3:47
you shall take five shekels per head; you shall take them according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel of twenty gerahs),
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse reveals that the "shekel of the sanctuary" wasn't just a unit of currency, but a sacred standard. It implies that even in the mundane act of financial redemption, God set a holy measure, reminding His people that all their affairs, even monetary ones, were to be conducted with reverence and according to His divine specifications.
Following the census of the Levites and the discovery that there were more firstborn Israelites than Levites, God instructs Moses to establish a redemption price for the surplus firstborn. This verse details that specific monetary redemption amount, five shekels per person, to be paid to Aaron and his sons. This payment serves as a substitute for the Levites who were chosen to serve God instead of all the firstborn.
Why a fixed price for redemption? Discover how God established a consistent value for every life entrusted to Him.
In this passage, God commands a specific redemption price: five shekels, using the 'shekel of the sanctuary.' This wasn't an arbitrary amount. It represented a standardized value, ensuring fairness and consistency in the redemption process.
The census revealed more firstborns than Levites. What happens when the substitute falls short, and how does God cover the difference?
This verse operates within a crucial context: the Levites were set apart to serve as God's substitute for all the firstborn Israelites. God had claimed all firstborn males as His own (Numbers 3:13). However, when the census was taken, there were 273 more firstborn males than there were Levites (Numbers 3:43, 46).
Understand the original words
sheqel · Hebrew Noun
A unit of weight used for currency in ancient Israel, typically made of silver. When specified as the "shekel of the sanctuary," it refers to the standard, official weight maintained by the priests to ensure fairness and consistency in offerings.
qodesh · Hebrew Noun
The area within the Tabernacle or Temple where the direct presence of God dwelt. Items or measurements designated as "of the sanctuary" were holy, set apart, and subject to the specific regulations given by God to Moses.
gerah · Hebrew Noun
The smallest unit of weight in the Hebrew system, equal to one-twentieth of a shekel. Its inclusion ensures precision and adherence to God's standard in all financial dealings related to holy things.
This verse comes from a pivotal moment where God is organizing His people and their sacred duties after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. The institution of a redemption price for the firstborn connects their physical survival to their spiritual dedication, emphasizing that life itself is a gift from God to be accounted for and consecrated to Him.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This event is foundational to their national identity and covenant relationship with God.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God establishes the Mosaic Law, including instructions for the Tabernacle and the priesthood, as recorded in Exodus and Leviticus. This sets the stage for the census and organization described in Numbers.
c. 1445 BC
Census of Israel
Moses conducts a census of the Israelite tribes as commanded by God. This census in chapter 1 categorizes the population and highlights the need for organization and specific roles.
c. 1445 BC
Census of the Levites
The Levites are counted separately and appointed to serve God and assist the priests. Their unique role is established in contrast to the rest of Israel.
This passage establishes the 'shekel of the sanctuary' as the standard for the half-shekel temple tax, directly referencing the same measure of value used in Numbers 3:47 for redemption.
Leviticus 27:25This verse also mentions the 'shekel of the sanctuary' in the context of valuations and vows, underscoring the consistent use of this sacred standard for monetary matters in Israel.
Numbers 18:15-16These verses explicitly state that the redemption price for firstborn males exceeding the number of Levites is five shekels, directly citing and applying the law established in Numbers 3:47.
Luke 21:2This passage describes a poor widow giving two small copper coins, highlighting the concept of a redemption or offering, even with a small amount, which parallels the principle of assigning monetary value for sacred purposes.
ellicottNumbers 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:)"
(47) Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll. —It is not stated in what manner the 273 families of whom the redemption money was exacted were determined. Inasmuch, however, as the law of the redemption of the firstborn by the payment of five shekels came into operation from this time ( Numbers 18:16 ), it seems probable that th…
gillNumbers 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:)"
Thou shall even take five shekels apiece the poll,.... Or head; every firstborn, or his parent for him, was bound to pay five shekels, which were about eleven or twelve shillings of our money, and which was afterwards settled as the price of such a redemption, Numbers 18:16 , after the shekel of the sanctuary shall thou take them; being ful…
This verse reveals that the "shekel of the sanctuary" wasn't just a unit of currency, but a sacred standard. It implies that even in the mundane act of financial redemption, God set a holy measure, reminding His people that all their affairs, even monetary ones, were to be conducted with reverence and according to His divine specifications.
Following the census of the Levites and the discovery that there were more firstborn Israelites than Levites, God instructs Moses to establish a redemption price for the surplus firstborn. This verse details that specific monetary redemption amount, five shekels per person, to be paid to Aaron and his sons. This payment serves as a substitute for the Levites who were chosen to serve God instead of all the firstborn.
Following the census of the Levites and the discovery that there were more firstborn Israelites than Levites, God instructs Moses to establish a redemption price for the surplus firstborn. This verse details that specific monetary redemption amount, five shekels per person, to be paid to Aaron and his sons. This payment serves as a substitute for the Levites who were chosen to serve God instead of all the firstborn.
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c. 1445 BC— this verse
Redemption of Firstborn
God declares that all firstborn males in Israel belong to Him, due to His sparing them during the plague of the firstborn in Egypt. The Levites are taken instead of the firstborn Levites. The excess firstborn males are to be redeemed with a payment.
c. 1445 BC
Establishment of Redemption Price
The specific redemption price of five shekels per head is set for the firstborn males of Israel who exceed the number of Levites available to serve. This establishes a standardized monetary value for this sacred obligation.
"you shall take five shekels per head; you shall take them according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel of twenty gerahs)," — This verse reveals that the "shekel of the sanctuary" wasn't just a unit of currency, but a sacred standard. It implies that even in the mundane act of financial redemption, God set a holy measure,…
