Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD. Everyone who crosses overThis phrase refers to the act of passing over or through, often used in the context of crossing a boundary or threshold. In the Hebrew context, the word "crosses over" is derived from the root "abar," which means to pass through or over. This can symbolize a transition or a movement from one state to another, often associated with a spiritual or covenantal journey. Historically, this crossing over can be seen as a metaphor for the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, a passage that requires faith and obedience. must pay a half shekel according to the sanctuary shekel twenty gerahs to a shekel This half shekel is an offering to the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the laws and instructions from God on Mount Sinai, including the commandment regarding the census offering. 2. The Israelites The people of God who were delivered from Egypt and were journeying towards the Promised Land. They were the recipients of the laws given through Moses. 3. The Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where offerings and sacrifices were made. 4. The Census Offering A specific offering required from every Israelite twenty years and older, as a ransom for their lives to prevent a plague during the census. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who established the covenant with His people and provided the laws for their worship and community life. Teaching Points Age of ResponsibilityThe age of twenty signifies a level of maturity and responsibility in the community of faith. This can be a point of reflection on when and how we assume spiritual responsibilities in our own lives. Communal Contribution The census offering was a collective responsibility, emphasizing the importance of each individual's contribution to the community and the worship of God. Ransom and Redemption The concept of a ransom offering points to the greater redemption found in Christ. It serves as a reminder of the cost of our salvation and the value God places on each life. Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites were required to follow God's specific instructions. This teaches us the importance of obedience in our walk with God, even in seemingly small matters. Stewardship and Generosity The offering was a tangible expression of stewardship and generosity, encouraging us to consider how we use our resources for God's purposes today. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the age requirement of twenty years old for the census offering teach us about spiritual maturity and responsibility in our own lives?2. How does the concept of a communal offering in Exodus 30:14 relate to the way we contribute to our local church or faith community today? 3. In what ways does the idea of a ransom offering in the Old Testament foreshadow the redemption we have in Christ? 4. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, especially in areas that may seem minor or routine? 5. Reflect on your own practices of stewardship and generosity. How can you ensure that your contributions are aligned with God's purposes and the needs of your community? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 38:25-26This passage provides further details on the collection of the census offering and its use in the construction of the Tabernacle, highlighting the communal responsibility and contribution to the worship of God. Numbers 1:2-3 This scripture outlines the process of taking a census of the Israelite men who are twenty years and older, connecting the age requirement for the census offering. Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus' discussion about the temple tax with Peter can be seen as a New Testament reflection on the principles of giving and responsibility to God's house. 1 Peter 1:18-19 This passage speaks of the redemption not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, drawing a parallel to the concept of ransom in the Old Testament.
People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Census, Contribution, Heave-offering, Lord's, Numbered, Offering, Passes, Passeth, Passing, Twenty, Upward, UpwardsDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 30:14 1654 numbers, 11-99 Library The Altar of Incense'Thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon.' --EXODUS xxx. 1. Ceremonies are embodied thoughts. Religious ceremonies are moulded by, and seek to express, the worshipper's conception of his God, and his own relation to Him; his aspirations and his need. Of late years scholars have been busy studying the religions of the more backward races, and explaining rude and repulsive rites by pointing to the often profound and sometimes beautiful ideas underlying them. When that process is applied to Australian … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ransom for Souls --I. Ransom for Souls --ii. "Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. " Jesus Pays the Tribute Money. How a Private Man must Begin the Morning with Piety. The Copies of Things in the Heavens Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry. Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the Way, the Forbidding of Him who could not Follow with the Disciples, and The Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . Prayer Exodus Links Exodus 30:14 NIVExodus 30:14 NLT Exodus 30:14 ESV Exodus 30:14 NASB Exodus 30:14 KJV Exodus 30:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |