What consequences are outlined for not redeeming a consecrated field in Leviticus 27:20? Setting the Scene Leviticus 27 caps the book by explaining how vows and consecrations work. Verses 16-24 address a man who dedicates a portion of his inherited land to the LORD, laying out its valuation, the buy-back price, and what happens if he walks away from the transaction. The Key Verse Leviticus 27:20: “But if he does not redeem the field, or if he has sold it to another man, it shall not be redeemed anymore.” Immediate Consequence: Right of Redemption Lost • Once the original owner refuses—or neglects—to pay the redemption price (the valuation plus an added fifth, v. 19), he forfeits forever the legal right to get the land back. • Even if his financial situation later improves, “it shall not be redeemed anymore.” No appeal, no second chance. Long-Term Outcome: Field Becomes Holy • Verse 21 explains the logical next step: “When the field is released in the Jubilee, it shall become holy to the LORD like a field devoted to Him; it becomes the priest’s property.” • Thus, at the Jubilee: – The land is removed from the family’s inheritance chain. – It is treated as most holy property belonging to God and administered by the priests (cf. Numbers 18:14). • By failing to redeem, the owner effectively hands the field over to permanent sacred use. Why This Matters • God’s ownership is ultimate (Leviticus 25:23). Dedication was not to be made lightly. • The irreversible result underscores the seriousness of vows (Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:4-6). • The added fifth for redemption (v. 19) illustrates grace—there is a path back—but ignoring it closes the door. Parallel Principles in the Rest of Scripture • Ananias and Sapphira illustrate the danger of half-hearted dedication (Acts 5:1-11). • Jesus’ call to “count the cost” (Luke 14:28-33) echoes Leviticus: commitments to God demand follow-through. • Hebrews 10:26-27 warns of willful neglect after receiving knowledge of the truth; forfeiture of blessing parallels the lost field. Takeaway Points • God values integrity; broken vows carry real loss. • Opportunities for redemption are time-sensitive; delay can end in permanent forfeiture. • What is consecrated to the LORD must stay wholly His—He will ensure it does, even if we do not. |
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