Leviticus 27:22

Now if a man consecrates to the LORD a field he has purchased, which is not a part of his own property,

Study Bible

Now if a man consecrates to the LORD
Consecration in the biblical context involves setting something apart for a sacred purpose. In Leviticus, this often pertains to offerings or vows made to God. The act of consecrating a field signifies a voluntary dedication, reflecting the individual's devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all possessions. This practice is rooted in the broader Levitical laws that emphasize holiness and dedication to God.

a field he has purchased,
The mention of a purchased field indicates that the field was not part of the man's ancestral inheritance. In ancient Israel, land ownership was typically tied to family lineage and tribal allotments, as seen in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes (Joshua 13-21). Purchasing a field would have been a significant investment, suggesting the man's willingness to dedicate something valuable to God. This reflects the principle that offerings to God should be meaningful and sacrificial.

which is not a part of his own property,
This phrase highlights the distinction between inherited land and acquired land. In Israelite society, inherited land was considered a perpetual family possession, as seen in the Year of Jubilee laws (Leviticus 25:23-28), which ensured that land would eventually return to the original family. By consecrating a purchased field, the man is offering something that does not have the same familial ties, emphasizing the voluntary nature of his vow. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, who, though not bound by earthly inheritance, offered Himself wholly to God for the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The central figure in the passage, representing God, to whom the field is consecrated.

2. A Man
The individual who is making the vow or consecration of the field to the LORD.

3. Field
The piece of land being consecrated, which is significant as it is not originally part of the man's inheritance.

4. Purchased Property
Indicates that the field was bought and not part of the man's ancestral land, highlighting the importance of ownership and stewardship.

5. Consecration
The act of dedicating something to the LORD, which in this context involves a field that was purchased.

Teaching Points

Understanding Consecration
Consecration involves setting something apart for God's use. It is a serious commitment that requires sincerity and integrity.

Stewardship and Ownership
The passage highlights the importance of recognizing God's ultimate ownership of all things. Even purchased property is subject to God's authority.

The Significance of Vows
Making a vow or consecration to God is a solemn act. Believers should be mindful of their promises and commitments to God.

Spiritual Sacrifices
In the New Testament context, believers are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as praise and good deeds, as acts of consecration to God.

Redemption and Restoration
The concept of consecration ties into the broader biblical theme of redemption, where God restores and redeems what is dedicated to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to consecrate something to the LORD, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives?

2. How does the concept of stewardship in Leviticus 27:22 relate to our understanding of ownership and responsibility today?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our commitments and vows to God are sincere and fulfilled?

4. How does the idea of consecration in the Old Testament connect with the New Testament call to offer spiritual sacrifices?

5. What lessons can we learn from the practice of consecration about God's ownership and our role as stewards of His creation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Year of Jubilee and the redemption of property, providing context for the laws of consecration and redemption.

Numbers 30
Addresses vows and the importance of fulfilling them, which relates to the act of consecrating property to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 23
Talks about the importance of keeping vows made to God, reinforcing the seriousness of consecration.

Acts 5
The account of Ananias and Sapphira highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in dealings with God, similar to the sincerity required in consecration.

Hebrews 13
Encourages believers to offer sacrifices pleasing to God, which can be seen as a New Testament parallel to the Old Testament practice of consecration.