Leviticus 27:21
When the field is released in the Jubilee, it will become holy, like a field devoted to the LORD; it becomes the property of the priests.
When the field is released in the Jubilee
The concept of the "Jubilee" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, originating from the Hebrew word "yobel," meaning a ram's horn, which was used to proclaim the Jubilee year. This year, occurring every 50th year, was a time of liberation and restoration, where debts were forgiven, and land was returned to its original owners. The "release" signifies a divine reset, a reminder of God's sovereignty over the land and His provision for His people. It underscores the principle that the land ultimately belongs to God, and humans are merely stewards.

it will become holy
The term "holy" in Hebrew is "qodesh," which means set apart or consecrated. In the context of the Jubilee, the field becoming "holy" signifies its dedication to God. This consecration is not just a ritualistic act but a profound acknowledgment of God's ownership and the sanctity of His creation. It serves as a reminder that all things are to be used for God's glory and purposes, reflecting His holiness in the world.

like a field devoted to the LORD
A "field devoted to the LORD" refers to something irrevocably given over to God, as seen in the Hebrew term "cherem," meaning devoted or banned. Such devotion implies a complete and total surrender to God's will, often signifying that the field cannot be redeemed or sold. This devotion is a powerful testament to the ultimate authority and holiness of God, illustrating the principle that what is given to God is beyond human claim or use.

it becomes the property of the priests
The "priests" in ancient Israel held a unique role as mediators between God and the people. The transfer of the field to the priests signifies the support and sustenance of those who serve in God's temple. This provision underscores the importance of maintaining the spiritual leadership and the worship of God, ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to His service are cared for. It reflects the broader biblical principle of supporting the ministry and those who are called to lead God's people in worship and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Jubilee Year
A significant event in Israelite society occurring every 50th year, where land and property were returned to original owners, and debts were forgiven. It was a time of liberation and restoration.

2. The Priests
The descendants of Aaron, responsible for the spiritual leadership and rituals in Israel. They were given certain lands and offerings as part of their sustenance.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who established the laws and statutes for His people, including the regulations for the Jubilee.

4. The Field
Represents property or land that could be consecrated to the LORD and would become holy during the Jubilee.

5. Holiness
A state of being set apart for God, which in this context, refers to the land becoming sacred and belonging to the priests.
Teaching Points
Understanding Holiness
The concept of holiness in Leviticus 27:21 teaches us about being set apart for God. Just as the land becomes holy, believers are called to live lives that are consecrated to God.

The Role of the Priests
This passage highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the provision for those who serve God. It reminds us to support and honor those in spiritual authority.

The Principle of Jubilee
The Jubilee year is a powerful reminder of God's desire for restoration and freedom. It encourages us to practice forgiveness and generosity in our own lives.

God's Ownership
The transfer of land to the priests underscores the truth that everything ultimately belongs to God. We are stewards of His creation and should manage our resources with this perspective.

Redemption and Restoration
The Jubilee points to the ultimate redemption found in Christ. It challenges us to seek restoration in our relationships and communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of the Jubilee year in Leviticus 27:21 reflect God's character and His intentions for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of holiness, as seen in the consecration of the field, to our daily lives?

3. How does the provision for the priests in this passage inform our understanding of supporting those in ministry today?

4. What are some practical ways we can embody the spirit of the Jubilee, particularly in terms of forgiveness and restoration, in our communities?

5. How does the idea of everything belonging to God, as illustrated by the land becoming the property of the priests, influence our view of stewardship and resource management?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 25
Provides a broader context for the Jubilee, explaining its purpose and the laws surrounding it, emphasizing themes of redemption and rest.

Numbers 18
Discusses the inheritance of the priests, highlighting their unique role and the provision made for them through offerings and dedicated lands.

Hebrews 7
Connects the priesthood of the Old Testament to the priesthood of Christ, showing the fulfillment of the law in Jesus.
Singular VowsJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 27:1-25
Spontaneous DevotionW. Clarkson Leviticus 27:1-33
On Keeping VowsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 27:1-34
Vows and DuesR.A. Redford Leviticus 27:1-34
People
Israelites, Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Apart, Becomes, Devoted, Field, Free, Goes, Holy, Jubilee, Oath, Owned, Possession, Priest, Priests, Priest's, Property, Released, Reverts, Thereof
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 27:1-25

     5741   vows

Leviticus 27:1-27

     8223   dedication

Leviticus 27:1-33

     6714   ransom

Leviticus 27:20-23

     8270   holiness, set apart

Library
List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work.
THE Mishnah is always quoted according to Tractate, Chapter (Pereq) and Paragraph (Mishnah), the Chapter being marked in Roman, the paragraph in ordinary Numerals. Thus Ber. ii. 4 means the Mishnic Tractate Berakhoth, second Chapter, fourth Paragraph. The Jerusalem Talmud is distinguished by the abbreviation Jer. before the name of the Tractate. Thus, Jer. Ber. is the Jer. Gemara, or Talmud, of the Tractate Berakhoth. The edition, from which quotations are made, is that commonly used, Krotoschin,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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