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you shall take five shekels apiece by the poll; after the shekel of the sanctuary shall you take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs):

Verse Takeaways

1

A Standard, Set Price

Commentators explain that the redemption price for the extra 273 firstborn was set at five shekels per person. This was not an arbitrary amount but was based on the 'shekel of the sanctuary,' a standard weight and measure, ensuring fairness. This specific price would later become the standard law for redeeming all firstborn sons, as established in Numbers 18:16.

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4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Numbers 3:44–51

18th Century

Theologian

This redemption money (see the marginal references) would perhaps be exacted from the parents of the “youngest” children of the 22,273 ([Reference …

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Numbers 3:47

19th Century

Bishop

Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll. — It is not stated how the 273 families from whom the redemption mo…

John Gill

John Gill

On Numbers 3:47

17th Century

Pastor

You shall even take five shekels apiece the poll
Or head; every firstborn, or his parent for him, was bound to pay f…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Numbers 3:40–51

17th Century

Minister

The number of the firstborn, and that of the Levites, were close to each other. Known to God are all His works beforehand; there is an exact propor…