Log inSign up

Exodus 30 · a question people ask

Why did counting people need a ransom?

In the text

The chapter gives the purpose, not a full reason: "each man shall give a ransom for his soul to the LORD when you count them, that there be no plague among them when you count them" (30:12). Counting isn't forbidden here; the LORD himself later says, "Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel" (Numbers 1:2). Much later, after King David counts the people, "David’s heart struck him" (2 Samuel 24:10), and "the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel" (2 Samuel 24:15). 2 Samuel doesn't mention the half shekel, and Exodus doesn't say more about why counting brought danger. What Exodus does say is that the ransom was "to make atonement for your souls" (30:15).

The verses

““When you take a census of the children of Israel, according to those who are counted among them, then each man shall give a ransom for his soul to the LORD when you count them, that there be no plague among them when you count them.”
Exodus 30:12 · World English Bible
“The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of the LORD, to make atonement for your souls.”
Exodus 30:15 · World English Bible
““Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, every male, one by one,”
Numbers 1:2 · World English Bible
“David’s heart struck him after he had counted the people. David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in that which I have done. But now, the LORD, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.””
2 Samuel 24:10 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Exodus 30

Exodus 30: A perpetual incense

The golden altar before the veil needed its own atonement "once in the year" (30:10). Every man counted paid the same half shekel, rich or poor, as "a ransom for his soul" (30:12), and that silver went into the sockets of the sanctuary and the veil (38:25-27).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekExodus 30 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Exodus 30

All questions about Exodus →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions