Leviticus Chapter 27 — Vows and Valuations
This chapter details the regulations for voluntary vows and the monetary valuations for people, animals, and property dedicated to God.
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Notable Verses
Leviticus 27:8
“But if he is poorer than your valuation, then he shall be set before the priest, and the priest shall assign a value to him. The priest shall assign a value according to his ability to pay.”
This verse demonstrates the accessibility of the law, ensuring that even those with limited means could fulfill their vows to God.
Leviticus 27:30
“All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD.”
This is a foundational verse regarding the practice of tithing, establishing that a portion of the land's increase belongs to God.
Leviticus 27:34
“These are the commandments which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.”
This concluding statement identifies the divine source and historical context of the laws recorded throughout the book.
Chapter Summary
Leviticus 27 serves as an appendix to the book, focusing on the laws surrounding voluntary vows and the consecration of property. It establishes specific monetary values for individuals dedicated to the Lord, categorized by age and gender, while providing adjustments for those who are too poor to pay the standard rate. The text also covers the dedication of animals, houses, and land. For items being redeemed, a surcharge of one-fifth of the valuation is typically required. The chapter makes a distinction for 'devoted' things, which are considered permanently set apart and cannot be redeemed. It concludes with the laws of the tithe, declaring that a tenth of all produce and livestock belongs to the Lord, and emphasizes that these commands were given to Moses on Mount Sinai for the children of Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
The value was based on specific age and gender brackets. For example, a male between 20 and 60 years old was valued at fifty shekels, while a female of the same age was valued at thirty shekels. These values represented a standard donation to the sanctuary.
In most cases involving houses, animals, or land, a person could redeem the item by paying its assigned value plus an additional twenty percent (one-fifth) of that value.
Something 'devoted' (herem) was considered most holy and set apart permanently. Unlike items dedicated through a standard vow, devoted things could not be sold or redeemed; they belonged entirely to the sanctuary or the priests.
The tithe was determined by having the animals pass under a rod. Every tenth animal was marked as holy to the Lord, regardless of whether it was 'good or bad.' The owner was not permitted to swap or exchange the selected animal.
Study Note
The 'shekel of the sanctuary' mentioned in verse 25 refers to a standardized weight kept by the priests to ensure consistent and honest economic transactions within the community.
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