Leviticus 27

Leviticus 27 / Leviticus Wrap-Up

Votive Offerings: Leviticus 27

Leviticus 27 comprises a list of instructions that continues from Leviticus 25. For modern minds, it might make sense for Leviticus 26 to be the last book of the bible, with its instructions for keeping on God's good side. However, this is not the way the authors chose to arrange the bible. The effect is such that Leviticus 27 functions like an appendix of various offerings not mentioned elsewhere.

I have to admit, I do not understand this chapter well. What does dedication get you, besides recognition by God? Is it necessary in any religious capacity? From what I have read, I would imagine that these laws go back to much older ideas...

In any case, ou may devote a number of objects to the Lord, and Leviticus 27 lists these and their accompanying directives. Enjoy these handy charts. Impress your friends!

Humans equivalencies in vows to the Lord
[That is, the equivalent amount to give as a dedication to God in lieu of a human that will do service]

Males age 20 to 66: 50 shekels silver

Females age 20 to 66: 30 shekels silver

Males age 5 to 20: 20 shekels silver

Females age 5 to 20: 10 shekels silver

Males age 1 month to 5 years: 5 shekels silver

Females age 1 month to 5 years: 3 shekels silver

Males age 60+: 15 shekels silver

Females age 60+: 10 shekels silver

Assessments for those who cannot afford a human dedication will be made by a priest on a case-by-case basis, depending on what a family can afford.

Animal offerings

Regularly sacrificed animals are holy. This holiness is nontransferrable to animals that have not been conecrated. In the case of substitution, both animals are deemed holy.

Unclean animals are assessed by a priest on a case-by-case basis, with an additional 20% tacked on.

Consecrating Houses

Assessed by a priest. It may be redeemed by the original owner with an additional 20% tacked on [a great way to make some money back if you have someone's property!].

Consecrating land

Value is based on equivalence: 50 shekels silver is equal to a homer of barley seed. The jubilee year merits special considerations. 

Misc.

Firstling clean animals cannot be consecrated. Nor can unclean animals, but these are valued by a priest with 20% added.

Everything devoted to the Lord may not be sold or redeemed. Not even humans. This is God's no-exchange policy.

Tithes of produce belong to the Lord, but may be redeemed with 20% added. The herd and flock tithes are one-tenth of the herd or flock. These may not be substituted with money.

The book ends:

These are the commandments that the Lord gave to Moses for the people of Israel on Mount Sinai.
(Lev. 27.34)

It's been a long journey. Look for tomorrow's entry - Leviticus wrap-up!