Numbers 3:45

45 "Now dedicate the Levites as mine in place of all the first-born Israelite sons, and dedicate the livestock of the Levites in place of the first-born of the Israelites' livestock.

Numbers 3:45 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 3:45

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.

Numbers 3:45 In-Context

43 one month old or older; the total was 22,273.

44 The Lord said to Moses,

45 "Now dedicate the Levites as mine in place of all the first-born Israelite sons, and dedicate the livestock of the Levites in place of the first-born of the Israelites' livestock.

46 Since the first-born Israelite sons outnumber the Levites by 273, you must buy back the extra sons.

47 For each one pay five pieces of silver, according to the official standard,