Numbers 3:46
And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites; And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
Numbers 3:46 belongs to the numbering of Israel and the ceremonies connected with worship. Every firstborn male of Israel belonged to God because Israel's firstborn were preserved from the destroyer that slew the firstborn of the Egyptians. Like the firstfruits of the farm, they belonged to Him. The firstborn sons would have become the priests and religious teachers of the people, but God chose the tribe of Levi for those services instead, so the Levites took over the priestly service formerly associated with the firstborn.
The assignment of the Aaronic priesthood to the tribe of Levi by law was for that dispensation, until the type met its antitype in Christ. The verse identifies 273 as the number by which the firstborn exceeded the Levites. Those 273 firstborn in excess of the Levites were to be redeemed. Each firstborn son was consecrated to God and then redeemed.
The redemption price was five shekels. The five shekels were about $2.75. The redemption money went to the Levites. The redemption payment returned each son to his family. Parents should therefore consecrate every child to God and keep the child before Him in earnest prayer.