Leviticus 27:16

If a man consecrates to the LORD a parcel of his land, then your valuation shall be proportional to the seed required for it--fifty shekels of silver for every homer of barley seed.

Study Bible

If a man consecrates
The Hebrew root for "consecrates" is "קדש" (qadash), which means to set apart or dedicate something as holy. In the context of Leviticus, consecration involves dedicating something to God, signifying a deep commitment and recognition of God's sovereignty over all possessions. This act of consecration reflects a heart of worship and obedience, acknowledging that everything ultimately belongs to the Lord.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes the dedication of the land to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This is not merely a transaction but a spiritual act of devotion. The LORD, represented by the tetragrammaton YHWH, is the personal name of God, highlighting His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. Offering land to the LORD signifies trust in His provision and a desire to honor Him with one's resources.

a parcel of his land
The term "parcel" refers to a portion or piece of land. In ancient Israel, land was a significant inheritance and a symbol of God's promise to His people. By consecrating a parcel of land, the individual acknowledges God's ultimate ownership and stewardship over the land. This act also reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where land was central to livelihood and identity.

then your valuation
The word "valuation" comes from the Hebrew "ערך" (erek), meaning to assess or appraise. This involves determining the monetary worth of the consecrated land. The valuation process underscores the principle of fairness and justice in dedicating resources to God. It ensures that the offering is made with integrity and reflects the true value of what is being consecrated.

shall be proportionate to the seed required for it
This phrase indicates that the valuation is based on the agricultural potential of the land, specifically the amount of seed needed to sow it. This method of valuation ties the worth of the land to its productivity and potential yield, reflecting the practical and economic considerations of the time. It also highlights the importance of stewardship and the responsible use of resources in service to God.

fifty shekels of silver
The "shekel" was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel. "Fifty shekels of silver" represents a significant amount, indicating the value placed on the land. Silver, a precious metal, symbolizes wealth and stability. This valuation reflects the seriousness of the consecration and the substantial commitment involved in dedicating land to the LORD.

for every homer of barley seed
A "homer" is a unit of measure for dry goods, approximately equivalent to 220 liters or 6 bushels. Barley was a staple crop in ancient Israel, often used for food and trade. By specifying "barley seed," the text connects the valuation to a tangible and essential aspect of daily life. This grounding in agricultural reality underscores the practical nature of the law and its relevance to the community's economic and spiritual life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, to whom the field is consecrated.

2. The Man
An Israelite who chooses to consecrate a part of his field to the LORD.

3. The Field
Represents a portion of land that is dedicated to God, reflecting the agricultural context of ancient Israel.

4. Shekels of Silver
The currency used for the valuation of the consecrated field.

5. Homer of Barley Seed
A unit of measure for the seed, indicating the size of the field being consecrated.

Teaching Points

Consecration and Commitment
Dedicating a portion of one's resources to God is an act of worship and commitment. It reflects a heart that prioritizes God's kingdom over personal gain.

Valuation and Fairness
The valuation system ensures fairness and equity, reminding us that our offerings to God should be proportional to what we have received.

Stewardship of Resources
This passage encourages believers to be wise stewards of their resources, recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to God.

Spiritual Significance of Material Offerings
Material offerings have spiritual significance, symbolizing our trust in God's provision and our dedication to His purposes.

Reflecting on Priorities
This scripture challenges us to reflect on our priorities and consider how we can dedicate our time, talents, and treasures to God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to consecrate a part of your resources to the LORD in today's context?

2. How does the concept of valuation in Leviticus 27:16 relate to the idea of giving proportionally in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of stewardship from this passage to our daily lives?

4. How does the act of consecrating a field to the LORD demonstrate trust in God's provision?

5. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our priorities align with God's kingdom, as suggested by this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Year of Jubilee, which impacts the valuation of land and its redemption.

Numbers 18:21-24
Describes the tithes given to the Levites, which relates to the concept of dedicating portions of one's resources to God.

Deuteronomy 14:22-29
Talks about tithing and the use of resources for worship and support of the Levites, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven, which parallels the idea of dedicating earthly resources to God.