Numbers 3:40-51 – Redemption of the First-Born
The first-born are numbered from a month old. If there are 22,000 first-born males, we may suppose there are as many females. It is a sign of God’s goodness and blessing, that they are not only kept alive, but greatly increased, in a barren wilderness.
The number of the first-born, and that of the Levites, by a special providence, come pretty close to each other. God knows all His works beforehand, and there is an exact proportion between them.
The Levites’ cattle are said to be taken instead of the first of the cattle of the children of Israel. In other words, the Levites, with all their possessions, are devoted to God instead of the first-born and all theirs. When we give ourselves to God, we give all we have to God as well.
The small number of first-born which exceeds the number of the Levites (273 in all) are to be redeemed, at five shekels apiece, and the redemption-money given to Aaron.
The church is called the church of the first-born, which is redeemed, not as these are, with silver and gold, but, being devoted by sin to the justice of God, is ransomed with the precious blood of the Son of God.
Question
- Why did the Levites cattle belong to God?
- How has God redeemed His Church?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God’s care for His Church.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.