What is the meaning of Leviticus 27:20? If, however, • This opening phrase signals an exception to the usual pattern of redeeming a vowed field (compare Leviticus 27:19). • The shift reminds us that God’s law anticipates various outcomes and prescribes clear boundaries for each (Leviticus 25:14-17). • It stresses personal responsibility: once a vow is made, failure to follow through is not a neutral act (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). he does not redeem the field, • “Redeem” means paying the assessed value plus the required fifth (Leviticus 27:18-19, 31). • Choosing not to redeem exposes a heart unwilling to honor what was pledged to the LORD (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). • This opt-out highlights that God values integrity over mere ritual; promises made to Him are binding (Psalm 15:4). or if he has sold it to another man, • Selling the field after vowing it compounds the failure: it places personal gain over a sacred commitment. • Once transferred, the original owner loses any claim of redemption—illustrated in property laws like the near-kinsman purchase in Ruth 4:3-6. • The clause protects the new buyer and prevents manipulating vows for profit (Leviticus 25:25-28). it may no longer be redeemed. • Finality underscores the seriousness of dedicating something to God; the opportunity window closes (Leviticus 27:21). • At Jubilee the land becomes “holy to the LORD,” passing to the priests, never back to the first owner—demonstrating that what is consecrated remains God’s (Numbers 18:14). • Similar gravity appears in Acts 5:1-4, where mishandling a pledged gift brings judgment. summary Leviticus 27:20 teaches that a vowed field left unreclaimed—or worse, sold—moves permanently out of the owner’s hands, becoming the LORD’s possession. The verse reminds believers that vows are sacred, integrity is expected, and half-hearted devotion has lasting consequences. |
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