Numbers 3:44

⁴³The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273.⁴⁴Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,⁴⁵“Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.

Summary

In this verse, God instructs Moses to take the Levites in place of the firstborn sons of Israel to serve in the tabernacle. This exchange symbolizes the consecration of the Levites for the service of God and highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. By designating the Levites for this role, God demonstrates His sovereignty in choosing those who are set apart for His work. This verse also foreshadows the sacrificial system and the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for all humanity.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel,.... The Lord had declared before that he had taken them, and now he bids Moses take them, who had numbered them, and give them to Aaron, instead of the firstborn, whose numbers were also taken for this purpose: and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; but not to be given to Aaron and his sons, or to the priests for their use, but to remain with the Levites for their use, who were now separated from the other tribes, and taken into the service of God; and as they were dedicated to God, so their cattle likewise for their support as his ministers: and the Levites shall be mine; in a special manner his, being devoted to his service: I am the Lord; who had a right to do this, and expected to be obeyed in it.