Numbers 18:15-17

15 The first offspring of every womb, both human and animal, that is offered to the LORD is yours. But you must redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.

16 When they are a month old, you must redeem them at the redemption price set at five shekels^[a] of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs.

17 “But you must not redeem the firstborn of a cow, a sheep or a goat; they are holy. Splash their blood against the altar and burn their fat as a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

Numbers 18:15-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 18

This chapter gives an account of the distinct work and service of the priests and Levites, Nu 18:1-7; and of several things given to the priests for their maintenance, Nu 18:8-19; and of the tithes the Levites should have to live upon, since they were to have no inheritance in the land of Israel, Nu 18:20-24; and of the tenth out of those tithes they were to give to the high priest, Nu 18:25-32.

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 13:2
• 2. S Numbers 3:46
• 3. S Genesis 10:15
• 4. S Exodus 13:13
• 5. S Numbers 3:15
• 6. S Leviticus 27:6
• 7. S Exodus 30:13
• 8. Numbers 3:47
• 9. S Leviticus 27:9; Deuteronomy 15:19
• 10. S Leviticus 3:2
• 11. S Exodus 29:13
• 12. S Leviticus 1:9

Footnotes

• [a]. That is, about 2 ounces or about 58 grams