The Census, Ex.30:11-16.

God's command to Moses to number the men of Israel. 

The first Census after coming out of Egypt, in the wilderness of Sinai-Num.1:1-3.

Every male over 20 years old had to be numbered- the men able to go to war. God's army.

The Census was called by God. When David called a Census against the wishes of his commanders a plague broke out with devastating results: 2 Samuel 24:15.

Any unauthorized Census would bring a a plague upon the people of God. God alone calls for service, it is God's doing. There is a curse upon those who shun God's call and service. Every man numbered had to pay an equal amount of money, whether rich or poor. It speaks of equality in the House of God. It was called the Atonement money. However it was not to buy their Salvation, neither can we do such a thing, for God paid for that at Calvary with His precious blood. Salvation is free.

Why then the half shekel? 

Dedicated for the service of the Tabernacle, for its upkeep. We are told "so that a plague shall not break out" like the case when David called a Census. Man's pride may be aroused by any unauthorized census and had to be curbed. God, by calling a Census, called out an army ready for war. Only Israelites could be counted who paid the Atonement Money. People who are not washed by the blood of the Lamb cannot enlist in Gods army nor can they fight God's battles. We do not hear of any complainants from the men enlisted about the Atonement Money or call out: Jer 48:10.

What are the parallels in today's Church? 

Just as God called out  His army we are called out to serve our God, clothed with Gods power and protection because we face a powerful enemy Eph. 6:11-12.

We also have an obligation: the Atonement money paid for the upkeep of God House. Our tithes and

offerings. It is not an option but our duty.

There is a life of discomfort and hardship for the soldiers of the Lord but at the end there is Glory

waiting for the faithful ones.

The first army that was raised marched to destruction. They perished in the wilderness. Now the army of the Lord marches victoriously because of the work of its Leader the Lord Jesus Christ. We start from a point of Victory and fight the battles that come our way. We are not a defeated army, though Satan tries to give us this impression.