The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not
give
less than half a shekel
Which shows that the Israelites were alike in the esteem of God,
their worldly circumstances making no difference; their souls
being alike, the same ransom price was given for them; and that
they were all to have an equal share in the service and sanctuary
of God, and the price was set so low, that the poorest man might
be able to pay it: and even Maimonides F25 says,
if he lived on alms, he was to beg it of others, or sell his
clothes from off his back to pay it. This shows the equality of
the redeemed and ransomed of the Lord; for though some sins and
sinners are greater than others, and some are redeemed from more
sins than others, yet all sins being infinite, as committed
against an infinite God, but one price is paid for all, and that
is the precious blood of Christ, the Son of God, an infinite and
divine Person; hence all the ransomed ones have the same faith,
righteousness, salvation, and eternal life:
when they give an offering unto the Lord, to make atonement
for
your souls;
which have sinned, are liable to death for it, are the more
excellent part of men, and require a great price for the
redemption and ransom of them; and hence it is so great a
blessing to be ransomed, because it is the ransom of the soul:
and such is the efficacy of Christ's ransom, that it is a full
atonement for the souls of men, and their sins, and completely
delivers from sin, Satan, the law, death, and hell.