Topical Bible: Priests: Revenues of Redemption-Money of the First-Born

◄ Priests: Revenues of Redemption-Money of the First-Born ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Old Testament, the concept of redemption-money for the first-born is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites. This practice is primarily outlined in the Pentateuch, where God establishes the principle that the first-born of both man and beast belong to Him. This is a reflection of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, where the first-born of the Egyptians were struck down, while the first-born of Israel were spared (Exodus 13:2, 12-15).

Biblical Foundation

The requirement for the redemption of the first-born is explicitly stated in the Book of Numbers. Numbers 3:13 declares, "For all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD." This sanctification signifies that the first-born are set apart for God, necessitating a redemption process for human first-borns.

Redemption Process

The redemption of the first-born son is further detailed in Numbers 18:15-16 : "The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD, belongs to you. But you must surely redeem the firstborn of man and the firstborn of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male child, five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs."

This passage outlines the financial aspect of the redemption process, where a specific monetary value is assigned for the redemption of a first-born son. The payment of five shekels of silver serves as a symbolic act of acknowledging God's claim over the first-born and fulfills the requirement of the Law.

Role of the Priests

The priests, as mediators between God and the people, were the recipients of the redemption-money. This revenue was part of the broader system of support for the Levitical priesthood, who had no inheritance of land among the tribes of Israel. Instead, they were sustained through the tithes, offerings, and specific revenues such as the redemption-money.

The redemption-money served not only as a practical means of support for the priests but also as a continual reminder to the Israelites of their deliverance and God's sovereignty. It reinforced the idea that everything, including the first-born, ultimately belongs to God.

Theological Significance

The practice of redeeming the first-born underscores several theological themes. It highlights the concept of substitutionary atonement, where a payment is made in place of the first-born, prefiguring the ultimate redemption through Christ. It also emphasizes the holiness and separateness of God's people, who are called to remember their deliverance and live in obedience to His commands.

In summary, the redemption-money of the first-born was a divinely instituted practice that provided for the priests and reinforced the Israelites' covenantal obligations. It served as a tangible expression of God's ownership and the people's gratitude for His saving acts.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 3:48,51
And you shall give the money, with which the odd number of them is to be redeemed, to Aaron and to his sons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 18:15,16
Every thing that opens the matrix in all flesh, which they bring to the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be yours: nevertheless the firstborn of man shall you surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shall you redeem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook