June 20, 2021
Scripture: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, If anyone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the valuation of persons… But no devoted thing that a man devotes to the LORD, of anything that he has, whether man or beast, or of his inherited field, shall be sold or redeemed; every devoted thing is most holy to the LORD. Leviticus 27:2, 28 ESV
Observation: At first glance, this law appears to devalue women, children, and the aged. Two thoughts. First, this is about economics, about redeeming the loss in income that would have resulted if the person was otherwise dedicated to the service of the Lord—not an evaluation of their worth to God. In an agrarian society, healthy adult males were a valuable asset to food production and survival. In subsequent verses we see the valuation of males decline in correlation to the minor’s reduced age and conversely decrease with the aging elderly—all of which are less productive in the field. Secondly, this law pertained to devoting loved ones to the Lord. A price was paid to ensure that they would remain devoted to the Lord as his holy possession (verse 28).
Takeaway: Such beautiful imagery of what Christ has done for us. He has paid the price in full (and not on a sliding scale according to age or gender) that we might become the Father’s holy and precious possession.
Prayers: Thank you, Father, for giving us your Son, who has paid the price in full to irredeemably dedicate us to you as your holy possession.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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