How does Leviticus 27:6 influence our understanding of stewardship over children? Setting the Verse in Context Leviticus 27 closes the book with guidelines for making vows and dedicating persons or property to the LORD. Verse 6 addresses the valuation of very young children—those “from one month to five years of age.” “‘And if the person is a child from one month to five years of age, your valuation shall be five shekels of silver for a male and three shekels for a female.’” (Leviticus 27:6) Key Observations from Leviticus 27:6 • Children already counted as “persons” before God from one month old—God recognizes their full humanity. • A specific monetary valuation is assigned, underscoring tangible responsibility. • Parents could not dedicate a child without cost; stewardship involves real sacrifice. • The valuation is lesser than that of older age groups (vv. 3-7), reminding us that the youngest are needy and dependent. Principles of Stewardship Over Children • Ownership: God claims ultimate ownership of every child. Parents are trustees, not proprietors (Psalm 24:1). • Value: Even the smallest life carries measurable worth. God assigns value; we do not set or alter it. • Accountability: Because a vow required payment, parents were held accountable for the promises they made regarding their children (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). • Protection: Lower valuations reflect vulnerability, calling parents to guard and nurture weak lives (Proverbs 31:8). • Dedication: The practice foreshadows presenting children to the Lord—echoed by Hannah with Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27-28) and Joseph and Mary with Jesus (Luke 2:22). Practical Takeaways for Today • Recognize each child as God’s possession entrusted to your care. • Invest time, resources, and prayer, accepting that stewardship always costs something valuable. • Teach children God’s Word diligently (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). God’s valuation motivates wholehearted spiritual training. • Guard their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, since they are “a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3). • Fulfill your commitments; avoid casual promises concerning your children’s upbringing, education, or spiritual formation. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 24:1—The earth and all who dwell in it belong to the LORD. • Psalm 127:3—“Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” • Proverbs 22:6—“Train up a child in the way he should go…” • Deuteronomy 6:6-7—Impress God’s commandments on your children. • 1 Samuel 1:27-28—Hannah dedicates Samuel to the LORD. • Luke 2:22—Jesus presented to the LORD according to the Law. Conclusion: Honoring God Through Faithful Stewardship Leviticus 27:6 reminds us that children belong to God and carry inherent worth from the earliest days of life. Biblical stewardship means valuing them as He does, sacrificing gladly for their good, and raising them in wholehearted devotion to the LORD. |
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