Numbers 3:50

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

Study Bible

From the firstborn of the Israelites
This phrase refers to the redemption of the firstborn sons of Israel, a practice rooted in the Exodus narrative. Historically, the firstborn were spared during the final plague in Egypt, and thus they were consecrated to God. The Hebrew term for "firstborn" is "bekor," which signifies primacy and special status. This redemption underscores the principle that all life belongs to God, and the firstborn, in particular, are a reminder of God's deliverance and sovereignty.

he collected silver
The act of collecting silver here is significant as it represents the redemption price for the firstborn. Silver, in biblical times, was a common medium of exchange and often symbolized purity and redemption. The Hebrew word for silver is "kesef," which also means money. This collection was a tangible acknowledgment of God's claim over the firstborn and a means to support the Levitical priesthood, who served in place of the firstborn.

weighing 1,365 shekels
The specific amount of 1,365 shekels is noteworthy. The shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel. The precision of this number reflects the meticulous nature of the Levitical system and the importance of exactness in offerings to God. This amount would have been significant, indicating the large number of firstborns and the community's commitment to fulfilling God's command.

according to the sanctuary shekel
The "sanctuary shekel" was a standard measure used in the tabernacle, ensuring uniformity and fairness in religious transactions. The Hebrew term "shekel" comes from the root "shaqal," meaning to weigh. This standardization highlights the importance of integrity and consistency in worship and offerings. It also points to the centrality of the sanctuary as the place where God's presence dwelt and where His commands were to be observed with precision and reverence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who was responsible for collecting the redemption money from the firstborn of Israel.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were required to redeem their firstborn sons with silver.

3. Firstborn
The first male offspring of every Israelite family, who were to be redeemed as a reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt.

4. Sanctuary Shekel
The standard unit of weight used in the tabernacle for offerings and transactions, ensuring uniformity and fairness.

5. Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where the collected silver was likely used for its maintenance and service.

Teaching Points

The Principle of Redemption
The redemption of the firstborn in Israel serves as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and ownership over His people. It points to the greater redemption found in Christ.

Value and Sacrifice
The use of silver shekels signifies the value God places on His people and the cost of redemption. It encourages believers to consider the cost of their own redemption through Christ.

God's Ownership
By requiring the redemption of the firstborn, God reminds His people that everything they have belongs to Him. This principle encourages Christians to live with a mindset of stewardship.

Consistency in Worship
The use of the sanctuary shekel ensures fairness and consistency in worship practices, teaching believers the importance of integrity and uniformity in their own worship and service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of redeeming the firstborn in Numbers 3:50 reflect God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and how can this be applied to our understanding of spiritual redemption today?

2. In what ways does the use of the sanctuary shekel in the Old Testament relate to the principles of fairness and integrity in our financial dealings as Christians?

3. How does the practice of redeeming the firstborn in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as our Redeemer?

4. What does the requirement of silver for redemption teach us about the value God places on His people, and how should this influence our view of self-worth and the worth of others?

5. How can the principle of God's ownership, as demonstrated in the redemption of the firstborn, impact our daily lives and decisions as stewards of God's resources?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 13:2
This verse establishes the principle of consecrating the firstborn to God, which is the basis for the redemption practice described in Numbers 3:50.

Leviticus 27:6
Provides guidelines for the valuation of persons dedicated to the Lord, which relates to the concept of redemption and the use of shekels.

Luke 2:22-24
Describes the presentation of Jesus at the temple, connecting the practice of redeeming the firstborn to New Testament times.

1 Peter 1:18-19
Speaks of redemption not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, drawing a spiritual parallel to the redemption of the firstborn.