What is the meaning of Leviticus 27:1? Then - This small word signals continuity. Chapter 27 follows immediately after the covenant blessings and warnings of chapter 26, so the narrative does not reset; it advances. - Scripture often marks new instructions with a simple temporal marker, as in Leviticus 25:1, “The LORD spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai”. - The flow reminds us that God’s call to holy living (chapters 1-26) naturally leads to practical commitments like vows (chapter 27). - Exodus 40:1 and Numbers 1:1 show the same pattern—after God lays out worship and lifestyle standards, He adds specific regulations for His people. the LORD - The speaker is the covenant-keeping Yahweh, whose name stresses both His eternal self-existence and His faithfulness (Exodus 3:15; Malachi 3:6). - Because “the LORD” speaks, the instruction carries absolute authority; no part of chapter 27 is mere human suggestion. - Psalm 19:7 affirms, “The law of the LORD is perfect,” underscoring that every command, even about voluntary vows, reflects divine perfection. - James 1:17 echoes this certainty: every good and perfect gift—vows included—comes from the unchanging LORD. said to Moses - God addresses His chosen mediator. Exodus 33:11 notes that “the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend”. - Moses then relays the words to Israel, modeling faithful transmission; see Numbers 12:7-8 where the LORD commends Moses’ unique prophetic role. - By speaking through Moses, God sets a pattern fulfilled in Christ, “who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses was faithful in all God’s house” (Hebrews 3:2-5). - This phrase also roots the instruction in history. Deuteronomy 34:10 declares no prophet like Moses arose again in Israel, emphasizing the reliability of what Moses records. summary Leviticus 27:1 anchors the entire chapter in divine authority. The temporal marker “Then” connects the vows legislation to the preceding covenant context. “The LORD” guarantees that the directions are flawless and binding, while “said to Moses” assures us that God’s word was accurately mediated to His people. Because Scripture is literally true, we can study the rest of chapter 27 with confidence that it reveals God’s practical wisdom on dedicating people, animals, and possessions to Him. |
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