Numbers 3:51
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֶּ֧סֶף
the money
H3701
כֶּ֧סֶף
the money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
4 of 15
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
הַפְּדֻיִ֛ם
of them that were redeemed
H6302
הַפְּדֻיִ֛ם
of them that were redeemed
Strong's:
H6302
Word #:
5 of 15
as abstractly (in plural masculine) a ransom
וּלְבָנָ֖יו
and to his sons
H1121
וּלְבָנָ֖יו
and to his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֣י
according to the word
H6310
פִּ֣י
according to the word
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
9 of 15
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Aaron and his sons served as high priest and priests respectively. The redemption silver supported the priesthood who had no inheritance in the land (Numbers 18:20). This established the principle that those who serve the altar share in its offerings (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the priest receiving the redemption money point to Christ's mediatorial work?
- What does it mean that we cannot redeem ourselves but need priestly mediation?
- How should we support those who serve in gospel ministry today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses giving the redemption money to Aaron and his sons demonstrates the priestly role in mediation. The silver represents ransomed lives placed into priestly hands, prefiguring Christ our high priest who received the payment of His own blood for our redemption (Hebrews 9:12). The transfer of silver to the priests shows that atonement requires priestly mediation—sinners cannot approach God directly under the old covenant. This ceremonial system pointed forward to Christ's priestly work.