Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Old Testament, the concept of vows, particularly those involving land or fields, is a significant aspect of Israelite religious and social life. The primary biblical reference for vows of a field is found in Leviticus 27, which outlines the laws concerning vows and dedications to the LORD.Biblical Foundation Leviticus 27:16-25 provides detailed instructions regarding the dedication of a field to the LORD. According to the Berean Standard Bible, the passage begins: "If a man consecrates to the LORD a part of his field, its valuation shall be in proportion to the seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver for every homer of barley seed" (Leviticus 27:16). This valuation system reflects the economic value of the field based on its agricultural potential. The passage further explains that if the field is dedicated during the Year of Jubilee, its value is calculated according to the number of years remaining until the next Jubilee. The Year of Jubilee, occurring every 50 years, is a time of liberation and restoration, where land is returned to its original owners (Leviticus 25:10-13). Redemption and Valuation The owner of the field has the option to redeem it by paying the valuation plus an additional fifth of its value. If the field is not redeemed and is sold to another, it cannot be redeemed again. However, if the field is not redeemed by the Jubilee, it becomes holy to the LORD, like a field devoted, and becomes the property of the priests (Leviticus 27:19-21). The valuation of the field is also adjusted if the dedication occurs after the Jubilee year. The priest is responsible for calculating the value based on the number of years until the next Jubilee, ensuring that the dedication reflects the field's worth over time (Leviticus 27:18). Theological Significance The laws concerning the vows of a field underscore the principle of holiness and dedication to God. By dedicating a field, an Israelite acknowledges God's sovereignty over the land and expresses gratitude and devotion. The regulations ensure that such dedications are made thoughtfully and with an understanding of their economic implications. Moreover, the inclusion of the Jubilee year in these laws highlights the themes of redemption and restoration. The Jubilee serves as a reminder of God's provision and the ultimate ownership of the land by the LORD. It also emphasizes the importance of justice and equity within the community, as land is returned to its original families, preventing the permanent loss of inheritance. Practical Implications For the Israelites, the vow of a field was not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual commitment. It required careful consideration and a willingness to honor God with one's resources. The additional fifth required for redemption serves as a deterrent against rash vows and encourages sincerity in one's dedication. In contemporary application, the principles behind the vows of a field can inspire believers to consider how they dedicate their resources to God. It challenges individuals to reflect on their stewardship and the ways in which they honor God with their possessions, recognizing that all they have ultimately belongs to Him. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 27:16-25And if a man shall sanctify to the LORD some part of a field of his possession, then your estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: an homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver. Nave's Topical Index Library The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... The Barley Field on Fire Lessons for Worship and for Work AL Barbauld Evan. CM So Also were Sacrifices and Oblations. The National Oath at Shechem The Life of Mr. John Dickson. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The "Fraternity" of Pharisees Resources Is the Catholic concept of a nun biblical? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian wedding be different from a non-Christian wedding? | GotQuestions.org What is a religious order? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Vows of Ananias and Sapphira, in the Dedication of the Proceeds of the Sale of Their Land Vows of Certain Jews With Paul Vows of Children Void Without the Consent of Parents Vows of Hannah, to Consecrate to the Lord the Child for Which She Prayed Vows of Job, not to Entertain Thoughts of Fornication Vows of Mariners Who Cast out Jonah Vows of Married Women Void Without Consent of Husbands Vows of the Jews, to Kill Paul Vows of the Mother of Micah, in the Dedication of Silver for the Making of an Idol Vows of Things Corrupt or Blemished an Insult to God Vows of Widows and Women Divorced from Their Husbands Binding Vows of Wives, Could Only be Objected to at the Time of Making Vows were Made in Reference to Afflicting the Soul Vows were Made in Reference to Dedicating Children to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting Property to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting the Person to God Vows were Made in Reference to Offering Sacrifices Vows: All Things Dedicated By, to be Brought to the Tabernacle Vows: Clean Beasts the Subjects of, not to be Redeemed Vows: Danger of Inconsiderately Making Vows: Edible Things offered In, to be Eaten the Same Day They Were offered Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows Vows: Might be Redeemed by Paying a Suitable Compensation Vows: Rash: The Israelites, to Destroy the Benjamites Vows: Solemn Promises Made to God Vows: The Hire of a Prostitute or Price of a Dog Could not be The Vows: The Redemption Price of the offering of Real Estate, to be Valued by the Priest Vows: Things Forbidden to be offered in Receipts of the Whore and the Price of a "Dog" Vows: Things offered In, to be Brought to the Tabernacle or Temple Vows: To be Performed Faithfully Vows: To be Performed Without Delay Vows: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) |
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