THEOSISWlastow G.K.
The redemption of the souls of the Israelites is highlighted in this text. A. C. B. points out that while gold and bronze were designated as 'given as an offering' (Ex. xxxv⁴⁰; 3, 24-29), the silver was described as “which came from those who were numbered” (id, vv. 25-26). This indicates that besides the silver (also see Ex. 25:2, 30:21, etc.), all items required for the construction of the tabernacle were voluntary contributions. The silver, in contrast, was collected as a tax owed to the Sovereign of Israel. It served as a 'redemption of the soul,' to prevent a 'destructive plague.' It is noteworthy that David's count (2 Samuel 24) resulted in a plague affecting the people.
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When this verse is examined alongside the account in 2 Samuel, it appears that David overlooked the fact that the true King of Israel is the Lord Jehovah, who alone has the authority to command a census of His people. The 'redemption of the soul,' or the people's acknowledgment of their responsibilities to their King, along with the mandatory involvement of each individual in the construction of the Sanctuary, was essential for the census, which symbolized the people's prosperity. According to Num. I, 1, the counting of the Israelites occurred in the second month of the second year after their exodus from Egypt; further, Exod. 11:17 indicates that the Tabernacle was completed in the first month of that same year. It is believed that the command to provide a 'redemption of the soul' was issued earlier, coinciding with the initiation of the Tabernacle's construction. This current census was conducted after the Tabernacle was built to confirm the total collected from the people for the 'redemption of the soul.'