Leviticus 27:11
But if the vow involves any of the unclean animals that may not be brought as an offering to the LORD, the animal must be presented before the priest.
But if the vow involves any of the unclean animals

An animal devoted to the LORD by a vow was not necessarily fit for sacrifice. Animals classed as unclean under Israel’s laws could not be offered on the altar or used as food, preserving the distinction God established between what was holy and what was common.

Lev 11:2-8 Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth,…
Lev 20:25 You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean…
Deu 14:7-8 But of those that chew the cud or have a divided hoof…

that may not be brought as an offering to the LORD,

The LORD required sacrificial animals to be acceptable according to His commands and without defect. An unclean animal could still be dedicated in a vow, but it could not approach the altar as a sacrificial gift. Its value, rather than its blood, would be set apart for the sanctuary.

Lev 22:19-20 must offer an unblemished male from the cattle…
Lev 22:21-22 When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD…
Deu 17:1 You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God…

the animal must be presented before the priest.

The priest examined and valued the animal according to the instructions that follow. He served as God’s appointed representative in matters involving vows, ensuring that personal devotion was governed by God’s holiness rather than human preference. The priestly mediation anticipates Christ, the perfect High Priest who brings His people near to God.

Lev 13:2 “When someone has a swelling or rash or bright spot…
Lev 14:2-3 This is the law for the one afflicted with a skin disease…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The original audience of the Levitical laws, including the instructions in Leviticus 27.

2. The Priests
The mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for overseeing offerings and sacrifices.

3. Unclean Animals
Animals that were not acceptable for sacrifice according to the Levitical law.

4. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites where offerings were presented.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God and communicated them to the people.
Teaching Points
Understanding Holiness
The distinction between clean and unclean animals underscores the importance of holiness and purity in worship. Believers are called to live lives set apart for God.

Role of the Priesthood
The priests served as mediators, highlighting the need for a mediator between God and humanity. In the New Covenant, Jesus is our High Priest.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sacrificial system points to the need for atonement and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were required to follow God's specific instructions, teaching us the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Spiritual Discernment
Just as the Israelites needed to discern between clean and unclean, believers today must discern what is spiritually beneficial and what is not.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 27:11 relate to the broader theme of holiness in the book of Leviticus?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in Leviticus 27:11 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. How can the principles of obedience and discernment found in Leviticus 27:11 be applied to modern Christian living?

4. What are some New Testament passages that reflect a shift in understanding the laws of clean and unclean, and how do they apply to the inclusion of all people in the faith?

5. How does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 11
Provides a detailed list of clean and unclean animals, offering context for why certain animals could not be presented as offerings.

Numbers 18
Discusses the role of the priests and their responsibilities, including handling offerings.

Hebrews 10
Reflects on the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system and points to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice.

Acts 10
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith, showing a shift from Old Testament dietary laws.
Singular VowsJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 27:1-25
Spontaneous DevotionW. Clarkson Leviticus 27:1-33
On Keeping VowsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 27:1-34
Vows and DuesR.A. Redford Leviticus 27:1-34
A Vow FulfilledMemoir of Sir Francis Crossley.Leviticus 27:2-13
A Vow KeptElihu Burritt.Leviticus 27:2-13
Brittle VowsJ. Spencer.Leviticus 27:2-13
Influence of a Singular VowPresident Lincoln.Leviticus 27:2-13
Laws Concerning VowsF. W. Brown.Leviticus 27:2-13
Philip Henry's VowC. Bullock.Leviticus 27:2-13
The Extraordinary in the Service of GodHenry, MatthewLeviticus 27:2-13
The Provisions of Righteousness and GraceC. H. Mackintosh.Leviticus 27:2-13
The Redemption of a Singular VowRobert Spurgeon.Leviticus 27:2-13
The Singular VowH. Christopherson.Leviticus 27:2-13
People
Israelites, Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Acceptable, Animal, Beast, Bring, Ceremonially, However, Kind, Oblation, Offer, Offered, Offering, Offerings, Present, Presented, Priest, Sacrifice, Unclean, Vowed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 27:1-25

     5741   vows

Leviticus 27:1-27

     8223   dedication

Leviticus 27:1-33

     6714   ransom

Leviticus 27:9-13

     4605   animals, religious role

Leviticus 27:11-13

     7340   clean and unclean

Library
List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work.
THE Mishnah is always quoted according to Tractate, Chapter (Pereq) and Paragraph (Mishnah), the Chapter being marked in Roman, the paragraph in ordinary Numerals. Thus Ber. ii. 4 means the Mishnic Tractate Berakhoth, second Chapter, fourth Paragraph. The Jerusalem Talmud is distinguished by the abbreviation Jer. before the name of the Tractate. Thus, Jer. Ber. is the Jer. Gemara, or Talmud, of the Tractate Berakhoth. The edition, from which quotations are made, is that commonly used, Krotoschin,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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