Leviticus 27
-The last chapter of Leviticus deals, strangely enough, with
keeping vows and the valuation (def.- the act or process of valuing specific usually
to the appraisal of property, the estimated or determined market value of a
thing) or redemption in those vows. As we have seen in this book, the Israelites
were required to give or dedicate certain items and things to the LORD and His priests.
They were to give the firstfruits of their harvest, the firstborn of their animals,
their firstborn sons, and a tithe of their increase (Leviticus 23:10; 27:30, Numbers
3:13). A lot of the people went beyond the commanded giving and desired to give
more of themselves to their King. In the process of this, some made rash or unrealistic
promises and had to go back on what they had committed. There was basically set
up a 20% penalty for doing this according to the Law. There were some things that
could not be taken back of course (Leviticus 27:9-10). Real estate was covered in
this valuation giving in much the same way we see today through wills and donations
to charitable organizations (Leviticus 27:14-25). The things set apart, or
devoted, to destruction has application to the things that God would ban like
captured booty from idol-worshipers or their idols themselves. These types of
things were to be destroyed. They could not be redeemed (Leviticus 27:29). The tithe
is consummated in the final verses with some principles outlined for cheerful
giving (Leviticus 27:30-33, 2 Corinthians 9:7). The final phrase of the book sums
it all up, “These are the commandments which the LORD commanded Moses for the sons
of Israel at Mount Sinai (Leviticus 27:34).”
-*Application* What we learn here is the fact that God takes
our promises seriously, so we should too. Stewardship is costly, and God
expects us to fulfill our vows when we make them. So consider the cost before committing
anything to the LORD. Further, tithing is one thing the Scripture says that we
can test God on (Malachi 3:10). So, if you are not in the habit of giving the commanded
10% of your income to the LORD, and most American Christians are not, resolve
to change your priorities. Has God saved your wallet yet?
Verse to Memorize:
Leviticus 27:34
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