Tithing and Redemption

Leviticus Chapter 27 This is the last chapter of Leviticus

The Lord gave Moses instruction to pass to the Israelites on the scale of the values of things to be dedicated to the Lord: A man between 20 and 60 is valued at fifty pieces of silver, a woman of that age is valued at 30 pieces of silver. A boy between 5 & 20 is valued at 20 pcs. of silver, a girl of same age, at 10 pcs of silver. A boy between one month and five yrs is 5 pcs of silver, a girl at 3 pcs of silver. A man older than sixty is valued at 15 pcs of silver, a woman over sixty at 10 pcs of silver.If their vow could not be afforded in these amount, they must go to the priest and he would evaluate their ability to pay.

If the vow involves a clean animal(acceptable),then the gift is considered holy for a Lord's gift. The animal must never be exchanged or substituted for another, but is an exchange is necessary, then both the original animal and the substitute must be considered holy. If the animal is considered unclean, then they must bring the animal to the priest and he will assess its value and redemption will cost the value plus 20 per cent.

If a person dedicates a piece of ancestral property to the Lord, the value will be assessed by the amount of seed require to plan it-50 pcs of silver for an area that produces 5 bushels of barley seed. If the dedication is made during the Jubilee Year, the entire assessment will apply, but after that the priest will assess it. I a person pays the land's value plus 20 percent, the field belongs to him. More redemption of land details in versus 20 through 25 and more redemption of animals are detailed in verses 26 through 29.
A person set apart by the Lord for destruction cannot be redeemed; such a person must be put to death.

A tenth of the produce belongs to the Lord. The Lord owns every tenth animal in the herds and flocks.

BIBLE NOTES show the Israelites were required to give or dedicate certain things to the Lord, such as firstfruits, firstborn animals, firstborn sons, a tithe of their increase. Many made unrealistic vows or promises, so a 20 percent penalty was put on the items purchased back by money.

How does this chapter relate to our world today? God tries to make us faithful stewards through tithing.Often we forget that our church buildings have heat, light bills etc. that increase just like ours in our homes. God expects you to fulfill your vows even if it is difficult to do so. Gifts gave grudgingly shows a person with a stingy heart. God wants us to be cheerful givers.

The book of Leviticus sets out instructions for sacrifices which were symbols of repentance and obedience. It also gave us the opportunity to see the purity laws and the celebration rites. It has given us a chance to see that many of the principles set out, are still true for our times. God does not change, society does.
Praise be to God!

Yours in Christ,
Mary