Numbers 3:50
Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:
Original Language Analysis
מֵאֵ֗ת
H853
מֵאֵ֗ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכָּ֑סֶף
he the money
H3701
הַכָּ֑סֶף
he the money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
7 of 14
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ
three
H7969
וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
10 of 14
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וָאֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
H505
וָאֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
12 of 14
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
Conducted in the wilderness of Sinai during Israel's second year after the Exodus, this census organized the Levites for tabernacle service. The Levites replaced Israel's firstborn sons as dedicated servants of the sanctuary, a permanent reminder of the Passover when God spared Israel's firstborn while judging Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's detailed organization of worship challenge modern attitudes toward casual or spontaneous worship?
- What does the Levites' substitution for the firstborn teach us about Christ's substitutionary atonement?
- In what ways does God's knowledge of each individual Levite reflect His personal knowledge of His people today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse records the final census count of the Levites, demonstrating God's meticulous care in organizing His people for worship and service. The numbering of the Levites represents divine order and accountability within the covenant community. Each Levite was known and counted, reflecting the Reformed principle that God knows and calls each of His elect by name. The precision of this census emphasizes that worship must be conducted according to God's revealed will, not human innovation.