Translations
Original
Notes
There were 273 more firstborn sons in Israel from the non-Levite tribes than there were Levite males (compare Leviticus 3:39). The Levites acted as substitutes for Israel's firstborn sons (3:41; see study note on 3:11–13). The law required a redemption price of five pieces of silver for each extra firstborn son (Numbers 3:46–48; compare Leviticus 27:6).
It is unclear who paid this cost. This arrangement for special substitutes points to Christ’s role as a substitute. Through his death, Christ paid the redemption price for all humanity (see Mark 10:45; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:15).
Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt
Glossary
Biblical Concept of Law Cattle Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of Priests and Levites Ransom
Topics
Census: The Numbering of Israel by Moses Firstborn: Levites Taken Instead of Firstborn of the Families of Israel Firstborn: Redemption of Levites: Substituted in the Place of the Firstborn Children The First Born of Israel: Tribe of Levi Taken For The Levites: Taken Instead of the First-Born of Israel