Page 91 - Pentateuch - Student Textbook

funds to redeem himself, with the priest making an adjustment based on what he could afford (27:1-8).
Animals could be given, even unclean animals. Houses, family land, and a field bought from someone
outside the family could be dedicated (27:9-25). Exceptions are discussed such as any firstborn, which
already belongs to YHWH, or anything devoted to destruction (usually items taken during the conquest
of the land) or the normal tithe (27:26-33).

Connections are briefly made to the Sabbath in reference to the Year of Jubilee (v. 17, 18, 21, 23, 24).
Yet this final chapter brings together other theological themes as well. Perhaps most important are the
references to what is holy. The word “dedicate” (v. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 26, 28) is actually a verb
form of “holy.” A person deeply thankful to God for all his gifts can transform something common into
something holy, special. We begin to see how resting in God starts the process of transforming life. He is
great. I am small. I need him constantly for everything. My honor of him, my trust in him, my thanks to
him can make this day holy.

The first verse refers to a “special vow,” and the rest of the chapter qualifies what is not included in such
a vow. To this point in the Bible this word special occurs five times. Genesis 18:4 asks, “Is anything too
hard for the Lord?” Exodus 3:20 promises, “I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all
the wonders that I will perform among them.” Exodus 15:11 celebrates the crossing of the Red Sea
asking, “Who is like you -- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 34:10
promises, “I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world.” Leviticus 22:21
anticipates the present chapter, referring to a “special vow.” As can be seen from these references,
special is the standard word in the OT for a miracle, something only God can do.

A special vow is a miraculous vow, something only God can do, or something an Israelite can only do
with God’s direct help. This is the final topic of Leviticus. After all the sacrifices, after all the discussion of
clean and unclean, after all the instructions of holy and common, after a thorough legislation on the day
of atonement, and after several chapters on God’s Sabbath rest, the entire book points the average
person of faith in Israel to anticipate greater things than all of these. Life ahead holds out the prospect
of God’s personal presence in the life of the believer to do marvelously, things beyond the ability of any
human alone. The final chapter of Leviticus ties in with the Year of Jubilee, a time of complete rest in
God and trust in his provision

11.4 Let’s Practice…

1. The high priest wore fancy clothing on the Day of Atonement. True False

2. On the Day of Atonement a goat was left in the wilderness. True False

3. Israel was allowed to offer sacrifices anywhere in the country. True False

4. The Day of Atonement was the second time each year when the priest entered the Holy of Holies.
True False
5. The word “Sabbath” means “rest.” True False

6. The Sabbath year required people not to plant crops for an entire year. True False

7. The Year of Jubilee came in the forty-ninth year. True False

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