When you take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the LORD when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them.
#exodus 30:12

The census was set between the atonement for the priests and the atonement for the people. It was an integral part of the process of atonement. The 1/2 shekel tax that was used to take the census in Exodus 30:11-16 is a token given in place of the donor's blood, but it is also a statement of willingness to give all if necessary. Silver symbolizes blood and the atonement and redemption that is enabled by blood. The exact same amount of silver required of each man means that the same blood atones for all. Atonement doesn't cost more for the rich or poor, the criminal or the police.

https://soilfromstone.blogspot.....com/2009/03/judgmen