Leviticus 27:21 - but the field, when it goes out in the Jubilee, shall be holy to Yahweh, as a devoted field. It shall be owned by the priests.
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What does "Leviticus 27:21" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 27:21 addresses what happens to a field that someone dedicates (devotes) to the Lord and subsequently wants to redeem (buy back). Let's break it down piece by piece:
"but the field, when it goes out in the Jubilee...": The Jubilee Year was a special year declared every 50 years in ancient Israel. It was a time for debt cancellation, release of indentured servants, and the return of land to its original family ownership. This phrase indicates that the field in question is subject to the rules of the Jubilee.
"...shall be holy to Yahweh, as a devoted field.": If the person who dedicated the field doesn't redeem it before the Jubilee year arrives, the field becomes permanently dedicated to the Lord (Yahweh). It is considered "holy" meaning set apart for sacred use.
"It shall be owned by the priests.": This is the crucial part. Because the field is now permanently dedicated to the Lord, it becomes the possession of the priests. The priests were the tribe of Levi, who did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were supported by tithes, offerings, and other dedications made to the Lord. This field is one of those sources of support for them.
In essence, the verse outlines the following scenario:
1. Someone dedicates a field to the Lord, potentially promising to donate its produce or value.
2. They have the option to redeem the field by paying a certain price (as described in previous verses).
3. If they do not redeem the field before the Jubilee year, the field becomes permanently devoted to the Lord.
4. As a result of being permanently dedicated, the ownership of the field transfers to the priests, who use it to support their livelihood and ministry.
Significance and Implications:
Irrevocable Dedication: This verse highlights the seriousness of vows and dedications to God. Once something was devoted to the Lord, it was not easily taken back.
Support for the Priesthood: It underscores the responsibility of the people to support the priestly class who served in the tabernacle/temple and facilitated their relationship with God.
Economic System: It demonstrates the unique economic and social structure of ancient Israel, where religious obligations were intertwined with land ownership and wealth distribution.
In modern interpretation, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping promises made to God and of supporting those who are dedicated to serving Him. It also illustrates the concept of consecration and setting things apart for holy purposes.
Leviticus 27:21 - but the field, when it goes out in the Jubilee, shall be holy to Yahweh, as a devoted field. It shall be owned by the priests.
What does "Leviticus 27:21" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 27:21 addresses what happens to a field that someone dedicates (devotes) to the Lord and subsequently wants to redeem (buy back). Let's break it down piece by piece:
"but the field, when it goes out in the Jubilee...": The Jubilee Year was a special year declared every 50 years in ancient Israel. It was a time for debt cancellation, release of indentured servants, and the return of land to its original family ownership. This phrase indicates that the field in question is subject to the rules of the Jubilee.
"...shall be holy to Yahweh, as a devoted field.": If the person who dedicated the field doesn't redeem it before the Jubilee year arrives, the field becomes permanently dedicated to the Lord (Yahweh). It is considered "holy" meaning set apart for sacred use.
"It shall be owned by the priests.": This is the crucial part. Because the field is now permanently dedicated to the Lord, it becomes the possession of the priests. The priests were the tribe of Levi, who did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were supported by tithes, offerings, and other dedications made to the Lord. This field is one of those sources of support for them.
In essence, the verse outlines the following scenario:
1. Someone dedicates a field to the Lord, potentially promising to donate its produce or value.
2. They have the option to redeem the field by paying a certain price (as described in previous verses).
3. If they do not redeem the field before the Jubilee year, the field becomes permanently devoted to the Lord.
4. As a result of being permanently dedicated, the ownership of the field transfers to the priests, who use it to support their livelihood and ministry.
Significance and Implications:
Irrevocable Dedication: This verse highlights the seriousness of vows and dedications to God. Once something was devoted to the Lord, it was not easily taken back.
Support for the Priesthood: It underscores the responsibility of the people to support the priestly class who served in the tabernacle/temple and facilitated their relationship with God.
Economic System: It demonstrates the unique economic and social structure of ancient Israel, where religious obligations were intertwined with land ownership and wealth distribution.
In modern interpretation, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping promises made to God and of supporting those who are dedicated to serving Him. It also illustrates the concept of consecration and setting things apart for holy purposes.