Numbers 3:47 - you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs):
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What does "Numbers 3:47" mean?
This verse from Numbers 3:47 is part of the instructions for the ransom of the firstborn sons of Israel. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"you shall take five shekels apiece for each one": This establishes the price for redeeming (buying back) each firstborn son. The amount is five shekels. Remember this is talking about redeeming the firstborn males of the Israelites, because they were considered dedicated to God, and the Levites were chosen to serve in their place. Since there were more firstborn males than Levites, the remaining firstborns needed to be redeemed.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them": This specifies the standard of measurement for the shekel. The shekel used for religious purposes (like this redemption) was a specific weight and purity, often considered more accurate or sacred than common, everyday shekels. This ensured that the correct value was being given.
"(the shekel is twenty gerahs)": This clarifies the relationship between the shekel and a smaller unit of currency, the gerah. It states that one shekel is equal to twenty gerahs. This provides further precision in the measurement and valuation.
In summary, the verse means:
God commands that a payment of five "sanctuary shekels" (where each shekel is defined as being made up of 20 gerahs) is to be collected as a ransom for each Israelite firstborn son who exceeds the number of Levites available to replace them. The phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" specifies a specific standard of weight, ensuring the correct value is paid. The verse is essential for ensuring fairness and consistency in religious transactions.
Numbers 3:47 - you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs):
What does "Numbers 3:47" mean?
This verse from Numbers 3:47 is part of the instructions for the ransom of the firstborn sons of Israel. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"you shall take five shekels apiece for each one": This establishes the price for redeeming (buying back) each firstborn son. The amount is five shekels. Remember this is talking about redeeming the firstborn males of the Israelites, because they were considered dedicated to God, and the Levites were chosen to serve in their place. Since there were more firstborn males than Levites, the remaining firstborns needed to be redeemed.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them": This specifies the standard of measurement for the shekel. The shekel used for religious purposes (like this redemption) was a specific weight and purity, often considered more accurate or sacred than common, everyday shekels. This ensured that the correct value was being given.
"(the shekel is twenty gerahs)": This clarifies the relationship between the shekel and a smaller unit of currency, the gerah. It states that one shekel is equal to twenty gerahs. This provides further precision in the measurement and valuation.
In summary, the verse means:
God commands that a payment of five "sanctuary shekels" (where each shekel is defined as being made up of 20 gerahs) is to be collected as a ransom for each Israelite firstborn son who exceeds the number of Levites available to replace them. The phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" specifies a specific standard of weight, ensuring the correct value is paid. The verse is essential for ensuring fairness and consistency in religious transactions.