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Numbers 3:49 - Redemption beyond Levites' count?

Numbers 3:49 - במדבר 3:49

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח מֹשֶׁה אֵת כֶּסֶף הַפִּדְיוֹם מֵאֵת הָעֹדְפִים עַל פְּדוּיֵי הַלְוִיִּם׃

English Translation

And Moshe took the redemption money of those who were over and above those who were redeemed by the Levites:

Transliteration

Vayikach Moshe et kesef hapidyon me'et ha'odfim al pduyei halevi'im.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֣ח מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֵ֖ת כֶּ֣סֶף הַפִּדְי֑וֹם מֵאֵת֙ הָעֹ֣דְפִ֔ים עַ֖ל פְּדוּיֵ֥י הַלְוִיִּֽם׃
וַיִּקַּ֣ח מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֵ֖ת כֶּ֣סֶף הַפִּדְי֑וֹם מֵאֵת֙ הָעֹ֣דְפִ֔ים עַ֖ל פְּדוּיֵ֥י הַלְוִיִּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 3:49) appears in the context of the census of the firstborn Israelites and their redemption by the Levites. The Torah commands that firstborn males be redeemed (pidyon) since they were originally designated for Divine service. However, the Levites were chosen in their place, and a monetary exchange was made to "redeem" the excess firstborn Israelites who outnumbered the Levites.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 3:49) explains that Moshe took the silver coins (shekalim) from the additional firstborn Israelites who could not be matched one-to-one with Levites. Since there were 273 more firstborn Israelites than Levites (22,273 firstborn vs. 22,000 Levites), these extra firstborn had to be redeemed with money—five shekalim each, as prescribed in the Torah (Bamidbar 3:47).

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 11:1-2) discusses the laws of pidyon haben (redemption of the firstborn) and notes that this exchange with the Levites established a precedent. Even after the Levites' service in the Mishkan ended, the mitzvah of pidyon haben remained obligatory for all firstborn Israelite males, performed by giving five silver shekalim to a Kohen.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) elaborates that the redemption money symbolized the transfer of sanctity from the firstborn to the Levites. The extra 273 firstborn who could not be directly exchanged with Levites still needed this spiritual "redemption" through monetary means, demonstrating that kedushah (holiness) can be transferred through financial mitzvot as well.

Chizkuni's Additional Commentary

Chizkuni (Bamidbar 3:49) emphasizes that Moshe acted as an agent of Hashem in collecting this money, ensuring that the redemption was conducted with precision. The funds were later used for the upkeep of the Mishkan, linking the sanctity of the firstborn to the maintenance of the Divine dwelling place.

Key Lessons

  • The exchange highlights the principle of pidyon (redemption) as a transfer of sacred duty.
  • The monetary aspect teaches that financial contributions can fulfill spiritual obligations.
  • Moshe's role underscores the importance of proper leadership in executing Divine commandments.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 3:49 mean when it mentions 'redemption money'?
A: In Numbers 3:49, the 'redemption money' refers to the five shekels that were collected from each firstborn Israelite male to redeem them from service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Since the Levites were chosen to serve instead of the firstborns, this money was given as a symbolic exchange (Rashi on Numbers 3:49).
Q: Why did Moshe take the redemption money in Numbers 3:49?
A: Moshe took the redemption money because there were more firstborn Israelites than Levites. The extra firstborns needed to be redeemed with money (five shekels each) since the Levites could not fully substitute for them (Rambam, Hilchot Shekalim 1:5). This teaches the importance of fulfilling mitzvot precisely.
Q: How does the concept of redemption in Numbers 3:49 apply today?
A: Today, the mitzvah of Pidyon HaBen (redemption of the firstborn son) is still observed, where a Kohen redeems a firstborn son for five silver coins. This practice originates from this verse and reminds us of the sanctity of the firstborn and our dedication to serving Hashem (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 305).
Q: What is the significance of the number five in the redemption money?
A: The Torah specifies five shekels for redeeming a firstborn, based on Numbers 3:47. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:4) connects this to the five books of the Torah, showing that Torah study is the true 'redemption' and purpose of the Jewish people.