Numbers 3:46

46 To rescue the 273 remaining oldest Israelites over and above the number of Levites,

Numbers 3:46 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 3:46

And for those that are to be redeemed
With money, there being not Levites enough to answer to them, and exchange for them:

of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the
children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
for the sum total of the Levites, as given, was but 22,000, ( Numbers 3:39 ) , whereas the sum total of the firstborn of Israel were 22,273, ( Numbers 3:43 ) , so that there were, two hundred seventy three more of the latter than of the former; and what was to be done with these next follows.

Numbers 3:46 In-Context

44 Then the LORD spoke to Moses:

45 Take the Levites in place of all the oldest Israelites and the cattle of the Levites in place of their cattle. The Levites are mine; I am the LORD.

46 To rescue the 273 remaining oldest Israelites over and above the number of Levites,

47 you will receive five shekels each. You will receive them according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs to the shekel.

48 You will give the money for their rescue to Aaron and his sons.