Topical Bible: Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows

◄ Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows ►

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In the biblical context, vows are solemn promises made to God, often involving the dedication of persons, animals, or possessions. The estimation of the redemption price for things offered in vows is primarily detailed in Leviticus 27, which provides guidelines for Israelites on how to fulfill or redeem their vows.

Persons Dedicated to the Lord

When a person makes a vow dedicating themselves or another to the Lord, the redemption price is determined by age and gender. Leviticus 27:2-7 outlines these valuations:

· Males aged 20 to 60 years are valued at fifty shekels of silver.
· Females of the same age group are valued at thirty shekels.
· Males aged 5 to 20 years are valued at twenty shekels, and females at ten shekels.
· Males aged 1 month to 5 years are valued at five shekels, and females at three shekels.
· Males aged 60 years and older are valued at fifteen shekels, and females at ten shekels.

These valuations reflect the economic and social roles of individuals within the ancient Israelite community, acknowledging their potential contribution to society.

Animals Dedicated to the Lord

Animals vowed to the Lord are considered holy. If the animal is suitable for sacrifice, it cannot be redeemed or exchanged. Leviticus 27:9-10 states, "If what he vowed is an animal that may be brought as an offering to the LORD, any such animal given to the LORD will be holy. He must not replace it or exchange it, either good for bad or bad for good."

If the animal is unclean and not suitable for sacrifice, it can be redeemed by adding a fifth to its value, as per Leviticus 27:11-13: "If the animal is unclean and cannot be presented as an offering to the LORD, the animal must be presented before the priest, who will set its value, whether high or low. Whatever the priest sets as its value, that will be the price. If the owner wishes to redeem the animal, he must add a fifth to its value."

Houses and Land Dedicated to the Lord

Houses and land can also be dedicated to the Lord. The redemption price for a house is determined by the priest, as stated in Leviticus 27:14-15: "If a man consecrates his house as holy to the LORD, the priest shall assess its value, whether high or low. The price will stand just as the priest determines. If the one who consecrates his house redeems it, he must add a fifth to its value, and it will belong to him."

For land, the valuation is based on the amount of seed required to sow it, with a standard of fifty shekels of silver per homer of barley seed. Leviticus 27:16-19 provides further details: "If a man consecrates to the LORD a part of his field, its valuation will be proportional to the seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver per homer of barley seed. If he consecrates his field during the Year of Jubilee, the price will stand. But if he consecrates his field after the Jubilee, the priest will calculate the price according to the years remaining until the next Jubilee, and the price will be reduced. If the one who consecrated the field wishes to redeem it, he must add a fifth to its value, and it will belong to him."

General Principles

The principles governing the estimation of redemption prices emphasize the sanctity of vows and the importance of fulfilling them. The addition of a fifth to the redemption price serves as a reminder of the seriousness of making vows to God. These regulations underscore the need for integrity and faithfulness in one's commitments to the Lord, reflecting a heart devoted to honoring God in all aspects of life.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 27:1-13
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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Library

The Priesthood of Christ
... or can hold them in such little estimation, as either ... now in an appropriate manner
offered up those vows which well ... he has paid, and of the redemption which he ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... upon the power of his Godhead he offered up himself ... the enabling of thee to see his
things; this then ... for whom Christ has obtained eternal redemption, and such ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Footnotes
... of His Majesty's Happy Restoration," by John Price, DD, one of ... itself, and to the
examination of such things as are ... With regard to the estimation in which as a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... with chapters, and prayers, and promises, and vows, and a ... city; or like Adam the
first, who offered Faithful his ... I hope, designed me for better things, kept me ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... I am compelled, against my resolution and even my vows, to make reply, lest by ... that
he will avoid personalities, and reply only about the things in question ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /