Leviticus 27 deals with things dedicated to the Lord. This verse (Leviticus 27:15) specifically addresses the redemption of a house that someone has dedicated to the Lord. Here's a breakdown:
"If he who dedicates it will redeem his house...": This means if the person who originally vowed or dedicated their house to the Lord later decides they want it back (to "redeem" it).
"...then he shall add the fifth part of the money of your valuation to it...": "Your valuation" refers to the priest's assessment of the house's worth. To get the house back, the original owner had to pay that assessed value plus an additional 20% (one-fifth).
"...and it shall be his.": After paying the assessed value plus the 20% penalty, the house would be returned to the original owner.
In simpler terms:
If you dedicate your house to the Lord (meaning you're giving up your ownership and use of it for God's purposes), and later decide you want it back, you have to pay the priest's assessed value of the house, plus an extra 20% as a kind of redemption fee. Once you pay that, the house is yours again.
Why this rule?
Discourages rash vows: This prevented people from making dedications lightly, without fully considering the consequences. The added cost served as a deterrent.
Honors the dedication: Even though the person wanted the property back, the 20% "redemption fee" acknowledged the initial dedication to the Lord and provided a financial offering to the sanctuary.
Fairness and practicality: The system allowed for flexibility. If circumstances changed, a person could redeem their property, but only by compensating the sanctuary for the loss of its potential use.
Potential benefit to the Temple: The extra 20% would have benefited the sanctuary, ensuring it could continue to function.
Essentially, this verse is about the process and cost of getting back property that was previously dedicated to the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of careful consideration when making vows and the responsibility to fulfill them or make amends if they wish to change their mind.
Leviticus 27 deals with things dedicated to the Lord. This verse (Leviticus 27:15) specifically addresses the redemption of a house that someone has dedicated to the Lord. Here's a breakdown:
"If he who dedicates it will redeem his house...": This means if the person who originally vowed or dedicated their house to the Lord later decides they want it back (to "redeem" it).
"...then he shall add the fifth part of the money of your valuation to it...": "Your valuation" refers to the priest's assessment of the house's worth. To get the house back, the original owner had to pay that assessed value plus an additional 20% (one-fifth).
"...and it shall be his.": After paying the assessed value plus the 20% penalty, the house would be returned to the original owner.
In simpler terms:
If you dedicate your house to the Lord (meaning you're giving up your ownership and use of it for God's purposes), and later decide you want it back, you have to pay the priest's assessed value of the house, plus an extra 20% as a kind of redemption fee. Once you pay that, the house is yours again.
Why this rule?
Discourages rash vows: This prevented people from making dedications lightly, without fully considering the consequences. The added cost served as a deterrent.
Honors the dedication: Even though the person wanted the property back, the 20% "redemption fee" acknowledged the initial dedication to the Lord and provided a financial offering to the sanctuary.
Fairness and practicality: The system allowed for flexibility. If circumstances changed, a person could redeem their property, but only by compensating the sanctuary for the loss of its potential use.
Potential benefit to the Temple: The extra 20% would have benefited the sanctuary, ensuring it could continue to function.
Essentially, this verse is about the process and cost of getting back property that was previously dedicated to the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of careful consideration when making vows and the responsibility to fulfill them or make amends if they wish to change their mind.