# Overview Leviticus Chapter 27 serves as a concluding section to the Book of #Leviticus, focusing on vows and dedications to the #LORD. This chapter provides detailed instructions on how the Israelites are to handle various types of vows, particularly those involving the dedication of persons, animals, and property to #God. It begins with the valuation of persons who are dedicated, setting specific values based on age and gender. This valuation system underscores the importance of integrity and commitment when making vows before God, as well as the necessity of fulfilling these vows with sincerity and faithfulness. The chapter highlights that everything dedicated to the Lord is holy and must be treated with the utmost respect and reverence, illustrating the sacredness of vows and dedications in the #Israelite community. Furthermore, Leviticus 27 addresses the redemption of vowed offerings, including land and houses, providing clear regulations on how these dedications can be redeemed or retained. The text emphasizes that the #tithe, or a tenth of the produce of the land, is holy unto the Lord and is not subject to alteration or redemption. This chapter fittingly concludes the Book of Leviticus by reiterating the theme of holiness and obedience to God's commands, reflecting the covenant relationship between #God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring commitments made to God, illustrating the broader theological themes of holiness, dedication, and the need for the people of #Israel to maintain their covenantal obligations with the #LORD. ## Theological Insights Leviticus 27 concludes the book by discussing the laws regarding vows, dedications, and tithes, emphasizing the importance of holiness and commitment to the #LORD. This chapter underscores the sanctity and seriousness of making vows to God, reflecting a key theological principle throughout the scriptures: the covenantal relationship between #God and His people, #Israel. The chapter highlights that offerings and vows are not merely transactional but are deeply rooted in the worship and reverence of #Yahweh. The detailed regulations on how vows involving persons, animals, and property are to be redeemed or substituted reflect the high value placed on integrity and faithfulness in one's relationship with God. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of fidelity to God's commands as a demonstration of one's love and devotion. Leviticus 27:30-34 discusses the tithe as holy to the #LORD, reinforcing the theme of consecration that permeates the book of Leviticus. Tithing, as an act of giving back a portion of what God has provided, manifests a recognition of God's sovereignty over all creation and sustenance. This concept of tithing also appears in other parts of scripture, such as in [[Malachi/Malachi Chapter 3]], where withholding the tithe is equated with robbing God. Moreover, the chapter's concluding verses emphasize that these commandments were given by the #LORD to #Moses for the Israelites on Mount Sinai, reinforcing the divine authority behind the laws and the sacredness of adhering to them. This reinforces the covenant established at Sinai, a pivotal moment in Israel's history as found in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19]] and further elaborated in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] with the giving of the Ten Commandments. Overall, Leviticus 27, with its focus on vows and tithes, reminds the faithful of the importance of dedicating oneself and one's resources to God and the community, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of living a life set apart for God's glory. ## Thematic Connections ### Vows and Dedication to the Lord Leviticus 27 discusses the regulations surrounding vows and the dedication of persons, animals, and property to the #Lord. This chapter emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows made to God, highlighting a theme present in other parts of Scripture, such as the story of #Hannah in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 1]], who vowed to dedicate her son #Samuel to the Lord. This reflects the broader biblical principle of integrity and faithfulness in commitments made to God, as seen in [[Ecclesiastes/Ecclesiastes Chapter 5|Ecclesiastes 5:4-5]], which warns against making vows rashly. ### Holiness and the Sacredness of Offerings The chapter underscores the sacredness of offerings dedicated to God, reinforcing the theme of #holiness that permeates the book of Leviticus. The idea that certain things, once dedicated, become holy to the Lord, connects with the broader biblical narrative of God's call for His people to be set apart, as seen in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 19|Leviticus 19:2]] and reiterated in the New Testament in [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 1|1 Peter 1:15-16]]. ### Redemption and Valuation The process of redeeming or valuing what has been dedicated to the Lord is detailed in this chapter, illustrating the theme of #redemption. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, notably in the concept of #redemption that is central to the gospel message in the New Testament, such as in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 1|Ephesians 1:7]], where believers are redeemed through the blood of #Christ. ### The Year of Jubilee Leviticus 27 briefly touches upon the #Year of Jubilee, a recurring theme in Leviticus that symbolizes freedom and restoration. This theme anticipates the ultimate freedom and restoration found in #Christ, as taught in passages like [[Luke/Luke Chapter 4|Luke 4:18-19]], where Jesus proclaims the fulfillment of the Jubilee in His ministry. ### The Principle of Devotion The principle of total devotion to the Lord is highlighted through the irrevocable nature of certain dedications. This theme connects with the call to wholehearted devotion found in passages like [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6|Deuteronomy 6:5]], where love for God is described as encompassing all of one's heart, soul, and might. It also parallels the New Testament call to present oneself as a living sacrifice, as seen in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 12|Romans 12:1]]. ### The Role of Priests The role of #priests in assessing the value of dedicated items underscores their mediatorial role between the people and God. This theme of priestly mediation is foundational to the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament with [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the ultimate high priest, as expounded in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews 4:14-16]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Holiness and Redemption of God’s People #Leviticus 27 concludes with laws regarding vows and dedications made to God. This chapter emphasizes the holiness required in offerings and the redemption process when vows are made. The concept of holiness and redemption is fulfilled in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who embodies the ultimate holiness and provides redemption for all people. In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the one who fulfills the law, offering His life as the ultimate sacrifice, as seen in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 9|Hebrews 9:11-14]], where He redeems humanity with His own blood, surpassing the temporary and symbolic offerings described in Leviticus. ### The Concept of Vows and Sacrifices The chapter's focus on vows and their fulfillment can be seen as a precursor to the New Covenant established through Jesus. In [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|Matthew 5:33-37]], Jesus speaks about vows and oaths, encouraging simplicity and truthfulness in commitments. This aligns with the Levitical laws that emphasize sincerity and integrity in one's promises to God. Jesus fulfills the prophetic vision of a covenant where internal sincerity replaces external ritualistic obligations, embodying the spirit of the law rather than just the letter. ### The Dedication to God and His Sovereignty In Leviticus 27, items and people dedicated to God highlight His sovereignty over all aspects of life. This dedication is prophetically fulfilled in the New Testament, where believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as stated in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 12|Romans 12:1]]. This call to dedication reflects the Levitical principle, fulfilled and transformed in the life of a believer through the work of the Holy Spirit, allowing them to live out the holiness that Leviticus anticipates. ### The Concept of Redemption The chapter’s instructions on redeeming vowed items or persons foreshadow the ultimate redemption brought by Jesus. In [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 1|1 Peter 1:18-19]], it is stated that believers are redeemed not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. This aligns with the principles of Leviticus 27, where redemption through payment is a key theme, prophetically pointing to the spiritual redemption found in Christ. ### The Eternal Value of God’s Commands Leviticus 27 emphasizes the importance of adhering to God’s commands regarding vows and dedications. This principle is fulfilled in Jesus’ teaching, where He accentuates the eternal value of God’s word, as seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 24|Matthew 24:35]], where He declares that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never pass away. This affirms the enduring nature of God’s commands and their fulfillment in Christ's eternal kingdom. ## Verses - **Leviticus 27:1** - "The Lord said to Moses," - **Leviticus 27:2** - "“Give the following instructions to the people of #Israel. If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate someone to the Lord by paying the value of that person," - **Leviticus 27:3** - "here is the scale of values to be used. A man between the ages of twenty and sixty is valued at fifty shekels of silver, as measured by the sanctuary shekel." - **Leviticus 27:4** - "A woman of that age is valued at thirty shekels of silver." - **Leviticus 27:5** - "A boy between the ages of five and twenty is valued at twenty shekels of silver; a girl of that age is valued at ten shekels of silver." - **Leviticus 27:6** - "A boy between the ages of one month and five years is valued at five shekels of silver; a girl of that age is valued at three shekels of silver." - **Leviticus 27:7** - "A man older than sixty is valued at fifteen shekels of silver; a woman of that age is valued at ten shekels of silver." - **Leviticus 27:8** - "If you desire to make such a vow but cannot afford to pay the required amount, take the person to the priest. He will determine the amount for you to pay based on what you can afford." - **Leviticus 27:9** - "“If your vow involves giving an animal that is acceptable as an offering to the Lord, any gift to the Lord will be considered holy." - **Leviticus 27:10** - "You may not exchange or substitute it for another animal—neither a good animal for a bad one nor a bad animal for a good one. But if you do exchange one animal for another, then both the original animal and its substitute will be considered holy." - **Leviticus 27:11** - "If your vow involves an unclean animal—one that is not acceptable as an offering to the Lord—then you must bring the animal to the priest." - **Leviticus 27:12** - "He will assess its value, and his assessment will be final, whether high or low." - **Leviticus 27:13** - "If you want to buy back the animal, you must pay the value set by the priest, plus 20 percent." - **Leviticus 27:14** - "“If someone dedicates a house to the Lord, the priest will come to assess its value. The priest’s assessment will be final, whether high or low." - **Leviticus 27:15** - "If the person who dedicated the house wants to buy it back, he must pay the value set by the priest, plus 20 percent. Then the house will again be his." - **Leviticus 27:16** - "“If someone dedicates to the Lord a piece of his family property, its value will be assessed according to the amount of seed required to plant it—fifty shekels of silver for a field planted with five bushels of barley seed." - **Leviticus 27:17** - "If the field is dedicated to the Lord in the Year of Jubilee, then the entire assessment will apply." - **Leviticus 27:18** - "But if the field is dedicated after the Year of Jubilee, the priest will assess the land’s value in proportion to the number of years left until the next Year of Jubilee. Its assessed value is reduced each year." - **Leviticus 27:19** - "If the person who dedicated the field wants to buy it back, he must pay the value set by the priest, plus 20 percent. Then the field will again be his." - **Leviticus 27:20** - "But if he does not want to buy it back and it is sold to someone else, it can never be bought back." - **Leviticus 27:21** - "When the field is released in the Year of Jubilee, it will be holy, a field specially set apart for the Lord. It will become the property of the priests." - **Leviticus 27:22** - "“If someone dedicates to the Lord a field he has purchased but which is not part of his family property," - **Leviticus 27:23** - "the priest will assess its value based on the number of years left until the next Year of Jubilee. On that day he must give the assessed value of the land as a sacred donation to the Lord." - **Leviticus 27:24** - "In the Year of Jubilee the field must be returned to the person from whom he purchased it, the one who inherited it as family property." - **Leviticus 27:25** - "All the payments must be measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel, which equals twenty gerahs." - **Leviticus 27:26** - "“You may not dedicate a firstborn animal to the Lord, for the firstborn of your cattle, sheep, and goats already belong to him." - **Leviticus 27:27** - "However, you may buy back the firstborn of a ceremonially unclean animal by paying the priest’s assessment of its worth, plus 20 percent. If you do not buy it back, the priest will sell it at its assessed value." - **Leviticus 27:28** - "“However, anything specially set apart for the Lord—whether a person, an animal, or family property—must never be sold or bought back. Anything devoted in this way has been set apart as holy, and it belongs to the Lord." - **Leviticus 27:29** - "No person specially set apart for destruction may be bought back. Such a person must be put to death." - **Leviticus 27:30** - "“One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy." - **Leviticus 27:31** - "If you want to buy back the Lord’s tenth of the grain or fruit, you must pay its value, plus 20 percent." - **Leviticus 27:32** - "Count off every tenth animal from your herds and flocks and set them apart for the Lord as holy." - **Leviticus 27:33** - "You may not pick and choose between good and bad animals, and you may not substitute one for another. But if you do exchange one animal for another, then both the original animal and its substitute will be considered holy and cannot be bought back." - **Leviticus 27:34** - "These are the commands that the Lord gave through Moses on Mount #Sinai for the Israelites."