(14) From twenty years old and above.--A Hebrew was not reckoned full grown till twenty. At twenty the liability to military service began (Numbers 1:3;
Verse 14. - From twenty years old and upward. Twenty was the age at which an Israelite was reckoned a man; at twenty he became liable to serve in the wars (2 Chronicles 25:5), and entered otherwise on the duties of citizenship. At twenty the Levites began their service in the temple (1 Chronicles 23:24, 27; 2 Chronicles 31:17; Ezra 3:8).
30:11-16 The tribute was half a shekel, about fifteen pence of our money. The rich were not to give more, nor the poor less; the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and God is no respecter of persons, Ac 10:34; Job 34:19. In other offerings men were to give according to their wordly ability; but this, which was the ransom of the soul, must be alike for all. The souls of all are of equal value, equally in danger, and all equally need a ransom. The money raised was to be used in the service of the tabernacle. Those who have the benefit, must not grudge the necessary charges of God's public worship. Money cannot make atonement for the soul, but it may be used for the honour of Him who has made the atonement, and for the maintenance of the gospel by which the atonement is applied.
Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above,.... Even Levites, Israelites, proselytes, and servants freed, but not women, bond servants, or children (x):
shall give an offering to the Lord; the half shekel before mentioned.
2 Chronicles 25:5). At twenty the Levites commenced their service in the sanctuary (1 Chronicles 23:24-27; 2 Chronicles 31:17; Ezra 3:8).
shall give an offering to the Lord; the half shekel before mentioned.
(x) Misn. Shekalim, c. 1. sect. 1, 3.