Definition: A bekah for every man, [that is], half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty [men].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage. It’s a really important part of the story of Moses and God’s plan to make the Israelites secure in their new land. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse establishes a system for counting people to ensure the Israelites are properly numbered and protected. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “Exodus 38:26” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. It's a passage from the Book of Exodus. “A bekah for every man, [that is], half a shekel…” : This means that every single person in Israel – regardless of age – was to be numbered. A “bekah” (which translates roughly as "a covering" or "a shelter") was given to each person. This was a crucial part of ensuring they were accounted for. “…after the shekel of the sanctuary…” : The shekel is a very important Jewish word, and it refers to God’s law and covenant with Israel. It's like a sacred seal. This means every number had to be recorded in relation to the laws given by God at the Tabernacle (the temporary home for the Israelites) and later, in the Temple in Jerusalem. “…for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward…” : This is a crucial detail – it’s about anyone who was counted. It specifically includes people aged 20 or older. “six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty [men]” : This is the most complex part. It translates to "six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men." This number represents the entire population of Israel . It’s a huge figure, showing the immense importance placed on this counting process. So, what's the point? God was giving the Israelites a way to ensure they were counted accurately for several reasons: Protection: Accurate numbers allowed God to know who was in his presence and protect them from harm. Law & Covenant: The counting system reinforced the importance of following God’s law and maintaining a covenant relationship with him. Security: Knowing precisely how many people were in Israel gave God greater control over their lives and destiny. Important Context: This passage is a key part of the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and establishing them in a new land. It’s a foundational element to understanding why God chose to make this counting system so important. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts further? Connect this verse to a larger story or theme?