John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. And if [it be] from a month old even unto five years old , etc.] That is, if a man devotes his child to the Lord within such an age, and says, the estimation of this my son or my daughter be upon me, then he was to pay the value, as next directed; for one under a month old no estimation was to be made: the Jews say, “one less than a mouth old may be vowed, but not estimated f932 :” then thy estimation shall be of the male five shekels of silver ; somewhat more than ten shillings: and for the female thy estimation [shall be] three shekels of silver ; about seven shillings, which is the least value put on any; and though the lives of male or female at this age are equally uncertain, and the service of either of little worth when near the full time fixed; yet the preference is given to the male, as being of the more perfect kind, and its life generally most desirable.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-13 - Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons who thus dedicated themselves might be employed as assistants; in general they were to be redeemed for value. It is good to be zealously affected and liberally disposed for the Lord's service; but the matter should be well weighed, and prudenc should direct as to what we do; else rash vows and hesitation in doin them will dishonour God, and trouble our own minds.
Original Hebrew ואם518 מבן1121 חדשׁ2320 ועד5704 בן1121 חמשׁ2568 שׁנים8141 והיה1961 ערכך6187 הזכר2145 חמשׁה2568 שׁקלים8255 כסף3701 ולנקבה5347 ערכך6187 שׁלשׁת7969 שׁקלים8255 כסף׃3701
