The Price of Patriotism and Leadership

Exodus 30:12
…every man a ransom for his soul… Although the King James translators chose to put “children” here instead of “sons,” the remainder of the text is clear that males are intended. This tax was only levied against men who were able to fight. No women or children were included. The resulting count of half-shekels was no doubt used to assign the leaders of tens, hundreds, and so forth, as well as to estimate the nation’s fighting strength. Women and children were not counted, because they did not participate in combat except in the most extreme circumstances. The half-shekel was silver, representing the blood of the donor. It was a statement of patriotism, of willingness to defend Israel to the death if required.

Exodus 30:20
When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation... Bronze represents judgment, and the priests were to wash in the bronze basin before ministering before God on behalf of the people. This is the same principle in effect when Peter wrote that "judgment must begin at the house of God." The more authority one has, the more responsibility and accountability. A husband and father must undergo judgment and purification before he is fully competent to judge and purify his family. A leader must be judged and found competent before he is placed in charge of a congregation.