What is the meaning of Leviticus 27:6? Now if the person is from one month to five years of age God sets the age parameters first, covering little ones who are past infancy yet not beyond early childhood. In the larger context (Leviticus 27:2-3), He is teaching Israel how to fulfill voluntary vows by assigning monetary equivalents instead of requiring the actual person in lifelong service. Similar age groupings appear whenever a census or redemption is involved, such as Numbers 3:40-43, where males one month and older are counted for dedication. By identifying this specific range, the Lord underscores that every stage of life—yes, even toddlers—has value and may be dedicated to Him. Key takeaways • The valuation system protected families from unrealistic vows (compare Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). • The mention of “from one month” links back to the redemption of firstborn sons at that same age (Numbers 18:15-16), showing continuity in God’s economy. then your valuation for the male shall be five shekels of silver A set price—five shekels—keeps devotion tangible yet affordable. Five shekels reappears in Numbers 18:16 as the redemption price for firstborn males, creating a clear bridge between ceremonial law and family life. Five shekels equaled roughly twenty months’ wages for a laborer in biblical times, ensuring the commitment was meaningful but not crippling (see also Exodus 30:12-16, where a half-shekel ransom protected against plague). What the fixed amount teaches • God values human life above livestock or grain (Leviticus 27:9-13) by assigning higher prices to persons. • Consistency in valuation shields poorer Israelites from exploitation (Leviticus 19:15). and for the female three shekels of silver A lower amount for girls acknowledged typical economic realities of ancient agrarian Israel, where sons inherited land (Numbers 27:1-11) and carried family names. Yet three shekels still affirmed a girl’s worth before God; she is expressly given a valuation, countering cultures that treated young females as expendable. Later revelation makes full spiritual equality clear (Galatians 3:28), but even here God establishes dignity for daughters within the covenant community. Observations • Both sexes are listed, confirming that boys and girls could be dedicated through vows (compare 1 Samuel 1:11). • The proportional difference is economic, not spiritual; each child is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). summary Leviticus 27:6 presents a gracious system: parents who vow their small children to the Lord may redeem that vow with a set payment—five shekels for a boy, three for a girl. By specifying ages, amounts, and both genders, God affirms the sanctity of every child, safeguards households from excessive burdens, and foreshadows the ultimate redemption He would provide through Christ. |
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