What is the meaning of Leviticus 27:29? No person • The verse opens with an absolute: “No person …” (Leviticus 27:29). • God’s standard is applied without favoritism (Acts 10:34). Whether king or commoner, the same justice applies (Deuteronomy 16:19). • This reminds us that every individual is accountable before a holy God (Ecclesiastes 12:14). set apart for destruction • “Set apart” describes someone “devoted” (cherem) to God’s judgment—often because of idolatry or flagrant rebellion. • Examples: – Jericho was “devoted to destruction” (Joshua 6:17). – Achan took what was under the ban and fell under this decree (Joshua 7:12). – Entire towns seducing Israel to idolatry were to be treated the same way (Deuteronomy 13:12-15). • The focus is not arbitrary violence but the removal of irredeemable evil from God’s covenant community (Exodus 22:20). may be ransomed • Unlike other vows in Leviticus 27 that allowed monetary redemption, the “devoted” person had crossed a line where payment could no longer substitute (Numbers 35:31-33 forbids ransom for a murderer). • Saul’s failure to carry out this command against Amalek shows the seriousness of ignoring it (1 Samuel 15:3, 23). • The principle underscores that sin’s debt can’t always be offset by human means (Psalm 49:7-8). he must surely be put to death • The double emphasis (“must surely”) signals certainty—justice must be executed (Genesis 9:6). • God’s holiness demands final judgment on unrepentant evil (Hebrews 10:28). • Yet the gospel shines here: what no ransom could achieve, Christ fulfilled by bearing the curse Himself (Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:23). summary Leviticus 27:29 teaches that when someone is permanently devoted to judgment, no payment can rescue him; divine justice must fall. The verse upholds God’s unwavering holiness, the gravity of sin, and our need for a perfect substitute. In Israel’s theocracy, that meant irreversible capital judgment. In the broader biblical story, it points to the cross, where the only effective ransom was paid by Jesus, satisfying the very justice this verse announces. |
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