But the field, when it goeth out in the Iubile, shall be holy vnto the Lord, as a field deuoted: the possession thereof shalbe the Priests. Leviticus 27:21 (KJV)
The book of Leviticus, the third book of the Pentateuch, gives the Israelites detailed instructions concerning worship, daily life, and their covenant relationship with God. Chapter 27 deals specifically with vows and the redemption of things that have been dedicated to the Lord. In verse 21 the focus is on a field that has been devoted through a vow. When that field goes out in the Year of Jubilee—a special year occurring every fifty years when debts are cancelled, slaves are freed, and land reverts to its original owners—it becomes holy to the LORD, and its possession is transferred to the priest.
The holiness mentioned here means the field is set apart and consecrated to God. Once declared holy, the land is no longer ordinary property but belongs to the priest for his use and upkeep. The priest’s field, being holy, is not to be sold nor redeemed, underscoring its permanent dedication to the service of God’s house.
From this verse we draw several spiritual lessons. First, the principle of the Jubilee reminds believers of God’s provision, restoration, and justice, encouraging trust in His faithfulness for both spiritual and material needs. Second, the call to holiness invites each believer to consecrate their lives, offering themselves as living sacrifices set apart for God’s purposes (cf. Romans 12:1). Third, the provision of a holy field for the priest illustrates God’s care for those who faithfully serve Him, assuring that He rewards diligent seekers (cf. Hebrews 11:6). Finally, the permanence of dedication teaches that once we commit ourselves to God, that commitment should be unwavering and enduring, not conditional or temporary.
In conclusion, Leviticus 27:21 teaches that a devoted field becomes holy at the Jubilee and passes into the priest’s permanent possession, a field that cannot be sold or redeemed. This passage highlights the themes of divine restoration, the call to personal consecration, God’s provision for His servants, and the steadfast nature of true dedication—principles that remain relevant for believers today.
