Book of Leviticus s1
Book of Leviticus
Chapter 27
The Value of Vows
If you have ever found it difficult or impossible to keep a promise to God, this chapter is for you. In a time of extreme trial or excited joy, a person might make a vow to God, promising to give Him something valuable in appreciation for His blessings.
1. Making Vows to God – Several things could be dedicated or promised to God.
A. Vows concerning people (vs. 1-8)
B. Vows concerning animals (vs. 9-13, 26-27)
C. Vows concerning property (vs. 14-25)
2. Keeping Vows to God – If a person could not make good on his promise:
A. He could not back out
B. He could not offer a cheap substitute
C. He could redeem what was promised – He could give the equivalent in money plus 20%. This was called “redeeming” what was promised in a vow. The priest knew how to evaluate the gift so the Lord would receive the right amount. This money was used for the expenses of the sanctuary. The word “estimation” (valuation) is used 19 times in this chapter.
Three things could not be “redeemed:” (1) the firstborn; (2) anything under “a ban” (devoted to destruction); and (3) required tithes. The firstborn already belonged to the Lord (verse 26), so a person could not dedicate it to Him again. The tithes already belonged to God, so nothing could be offered as an equivalent.
Points to Ponder:
· Vows should be made thoughtfully – Deuteronomy 23:21-23 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.
Proverbs 20:25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
· Vows should be kept promptly – Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Verse 34 is an appropriate conclusion to the Book of Leviticus. God’s commands were clear and specific to the people. From these commnads we can learn many things about God’s nature and character and also everyday principles for godly living.
Lasting Lessons from Leviticus:
1) God is a holy God.
2) God requires His people to be holy.
3) Holiness begins at the altar.
4) Holiness involves obedience and discipline.
5) Holiness must be genuine.
6) Holiness requires priestly ministry.
7) Holiness or lack of it affects the entire nation.
8) Holiness means living to please God alone.
Book of Leviticus
Chapter 27
The Value of Vows
1. ______to God – Several things could be dedicated or promised to God:
A. Vows concerning______(vs. 1-8)
B. Vows concerning______(vs. 9-13, 26-27)
C. Vows concerning______(vs. 14-25)
2. ______to God – If a person could not make good on his promise or vow:
A. He could not______
B. He could not______
C. He could______
Points to Ponder:
· Vows should be______
Deuteronomy 23:21-23 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. Proverbs 20:25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
· Vows should be______
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Lasting Lessons from Leviticus:
1) God is______
2) God requires______
3) Holiness begins______
4) Holiness involves______
5) Holiness must be______
6) Holiness requires______
7) Holiness or lack of it______
8) Holiness means______