The Price of Redemption
4/26 Reading Portions: Numbers 3; Psalm 37; Song of Solomon 1; Hebrews 1
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
4/26 Reading Portions: Numbers 3; Psalm 37; Song of Solomon 1; Hebrews 1
Numbers 3:46
And as the redemption price for the 273 of the firstborn of the people of Israel, over and above the number of the male Levites,
SHEKEL
This fourth book of the Bible is not about having HUGE numbers and BIG church congregations as some might propose. Its truth is much, much bigger. God chose the tribe of Levi for Himself, as substitutes on behalf of Israel’s firstborn sons (Num 3:41). Yet there were not enough Levites to represent all of them (Num 3:43-46). One might be tempted to think, why couldn’t a sovereign God just make enough children born in the Levite families for all things to come out equal? The Levite number was an insufficient exchange… as is everything pertaining to man. Redemption must come by a humble offering made by God Himself in, by, and through His only Son, Jesus Christ (Phil 2:8). The redemption shekel declared to make up the difference is reflective of God’s humble offering. Where did the children of Israel get the silver shekels in the first place? They received them by God’s miraculous rescue from their bondage in Egypt, spoiling the Egyptians when Israel left at the first Passover (Ex 3:21-22; 11:2; 12:35-36).
Why only five shekels (Num 3:47)? We must keep in mind the origin of the offering— it came by God’s command and providence through spoiling Egypt. In effect, it cost the firstborn of Israel nothing, for it was given by God (grace). Yet by God’s command, the five shekels must be given if those who are to be redeemed may be accepted (faith). It is written,
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
In every detail of God’s truth,
It shows us Jesus Christ—
God’s providence, His love, His grace,
And Christ’s redemptive price.
By grace through faith we have been saved,
Redeem’d by sovereign love;
For Jesus suffer’d wrath and died
And wash’d us in His blood.