“Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the LORD.”
Context: Leviticus is a book of the Old Testament that contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. It deals extensively with the system of offerings and sacrifices, as well as guidelines for holy living and worship. Leviticus 27 concludes the book by discussing laws pertaining to vows and dedications made to the Lord.
Devoted Things: Leviticus 27:28 specifically refers to “devoted things.” These were objects, animals, or even people that were set apart or consecrated for exclusive use by the Lord. A devoted thing was considered most holy unto the Lord and could not be sold or redeemed.
Significance of Devotion: The concept of devoting something to the Lord is rooted in the idea of offering it as a sacred gift or dedicating it to God’s service. It was an act of worship and surrender, acknowledging that everything ultimately belongs to God. The Israelites were encouraged to devote the best of their possessions and livestock to demonstrate their reverence and commitment to God.
Irredeemable Devoted Things: Leviticus 27:28 states that a devoted thing could neither be sold nor redeemed. This means that once something was dedicated to the Lord as a devoted thing, it could not be bought back or repurchased by the original owner. The object or animal remained wholly dedicated to the Lord and could only be used in accordance with His purposes.
Holiness and God’s Ownership: The reason behind the irredeemability of devoted things lies in their sanctity. A devoted thing was considered “most holy unto the Lord.” By making something a devoted thing, it was set apart as sacred and exclusively reserved for God’s use. This principle highlights the concept of God’s ownership over all things and the need for reverence in dealing with that which is consecrated to Him.
Application Today: While the specific regulations regarding devoted things in Leviticus 27 may not directly apply to us today, the underlying principles have enduring significance. We can learn from this verse about the importance of dedicating our lives and resources to God, recognizing His ownership over all that we have. It encourages us to give our best to the Lord, holding nothing back and seeking to honor Him in every aspect of our lives.
In summary, Leviticus 27:28 addresses the concept of devoted things that were consecrated to the Lord. It emphasizes their sanctity and inalienability, highlighting the need for reverence and surrender in our relationship with God.
