Leviticus 27:29

No person set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death.

Study Bible

No person set apart for destruction
This phrase refers to individuals who have been devoted to God for destruction, often in the context of warfare or judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such devotion was a common practice, where certain people or things were irrevocably given over to God, often as a form of divine judgment. This concept is seen in the story of Jericho (Joshua 6:17), where everything in the city was devoted to destruction. Theologically, it underscores the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God, who demands justice.

may be ransomed;
The idea of ransom involves the payment required to redeem or buy back something or someone. In the broader biblical narrative, ransom is a significant theme, pointing to the ultimate redemption through Christ (Mark 10:45). However, in this specific context, the text emphasizes that certain individuals, once devoted to destruction, cannot be redeemed or bought back. This highlights the irrevocable nature of certain divine decrees and the finality of God's judgment.

he must surely be put to death.
This phrase underscores the certainty and inevitability of the judgment pronounced. In the historical context of ancient Israel, capital punishment was a means of maintaining the holiness and purity of the community. Theologically, it points to the ultimate consequence of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). This also foreshadows the necessity of Christ's sacrificial death, as He took upon Himself the judgment that humanity deserved, providing a way for redemption and life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
- The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, forming the covenant community of God.

3. Mount Sinai
- The place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the instructions found in Leviticus.

4. God
- The divine lawgiver who established the covenant with Israel and provided the laws for holy living.

5. Vows and Devotions
- The context of Leviticus 27, which deals with vows made to God and the rules surrounding them.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The verse underscores the gravity of sin and the holiness of God. Sin that is set apart for destruction cannot be redeemed, highlighting the need for repentance and obedience.

The Irrevocability of Certain Vows
Once something is devoted to God for destruction, it cannot be redeemed. This teaches us about the seriousness of our commitments to God and the importance of following through with our vows.

God’s Justice and Mercy
While this verse emphasizes justice, it also points us to the mercy available through Christ. In the New Covenant, Jesus provides a way of redemption that was not available under the law.

The Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to be set apart for God, not for destruction. This calls us to live lives that reflect God’s holiness and righteousness.

Understanding the Old Covenant Context
Recognizing the historical and cultural context of Leviticus helps us understand the nature of God’s covenant with Israel and how it points to the need for a Savior.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of being "set apart for destruction" in Leviticus 27:29 reflect the holiness and justice of God?

2. In what ways does the irrevocability of certain vows in the Old Testament challenge us in our commitments to God today?

3. How can we reconcile the justice of God in Leviticus 27:29 with the mercy offered through Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What are some modern-day applications of being "set apart" for God, and how can we ensure we are set apart for holiness rather than destruction?

5. How do the principles in Leviticus 27:29 help us understand the seriousness of sin and the need for a Savior as presented in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:12-18
This passage discusses the destruction of cities that turn to idolatry, emphasizing the seriousness of being "set apart for destruction."

Joshua 6:17-21
The account of Jericho, where certain things were devoted to destruction, illustrating the concept of being set apart for God’s judgment.

1 Samuel 15:3
God's command to Saul to destroy the Amalekites, showing the application of being set apart for destruction.

Romans 6:23
The New Testament principle that the wages of sin is death, connecting the idea of destruction with the consequence of sin.

Hebrews 10:26-31
A warning against willful sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, relating to the irrevocable nature of being set apart for destruction.