How does Leviticus 27:28 emphasize the concept of things being "devoted to the LORD"? The Verse in Focus “No devoted thing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether man, animal, or land of his inheritance—may be sold or redeemed; every devoted thing is most holy to the LORD.” (Leviticus 27:28) Meaning of “Devoted to the LORD” • “Devoted” translates the Hebrew cherem—something irrevocably set apart. • Once designated, it leaves ordinary circulation: no resale, no buy-back. • God claims exclusive ownership; the item (or person, place, or animal) becomes “most holy,” a superlative reserved for what belongs only to Him (cf. Exodus 26:34). Why Total Devotion Matters • Affirms God’s absolute sovereignty: everything ultimately belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). • Protects worship from bargain or profit motives—no one can make money off what is holy. • Highlights the seriousness of vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5); words spoken to God create binding reality. Implications for Israel • Priests received devoted items (Numbers 18:14), reinforcing their service’s dependence on God, not commerce. • Military victories often involved cherem: spoils in Jericho were “devoted” and untouchable (Joshua 6:17-19). Achan’s violation showed the danger of reclaiming what God has claimed (Joshua 7:1-26). • Saul’s partial obedience with Amalek (1 Samuel 15) illustrated that selective devotion equals disobedience. Connecting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 7:26—Israel must not bring a devoted thing into the house, lest they become “devoted to destruction” with it. • Malachi 1:14—Those who vow but substitute blemished offerings are “cursed,” underscoring the same principle. • Romans 12:1—Believers are urged to present their bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,” the New-Covenant echo of being wholly devoted. Application for Believers Today • God still claims first place: time, talents, possessions are His stewardship, not ours to reclaim at will. • Devotion is comprehensive: partial surrender contradicts the very idea of holiness (Luke 14:33). • Integrity in commitments: whether financial pledges, ministry promises, or marital vows, the pattern of Leviticus 27:28 warns against retraction. • Living sacrifices remain on the altar; daily choices honor that once-for-all consecration (Galatians 2:20). Key Takeaways • Devoted means irrevocably God’s. • Such items are “most holy,” removing them from ordinary use. • Attempting to reverse a devotion affronts God’s holiness and authority. • The principle guides believers toward wholehearted, irreversible surrender in every area of life. |
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