Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical law and practice, the concept of "dedication" refers to the act of setting apart something or someone for a sacred purpose, often as an offering to God. This act of dedication is irrevocable and signifies a total commitment to the divine service, rendering the dedicated item or person as "not redeemable."The principle of non-redeemability is primarily derived from the Levitical laws concerning vows and dedications. In Leviticus 27, the Lord provides Moses with instructions regarding various types of vows and dedications. The chapter outlines the conditions under which certain items or persons dedicated to the Lord can be redeemed, or bought back, and those which cannot. Leviticus 27:28-29 states: "But nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. No person who has been set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death." This passage highlights the seriousness and sanctity of dedicating something to God. Once an item or person is devoted in this manner, it becomes "most holy to the LORD," indicating that it is wholly and irrevocably given over to divine purposes. The term "set apart for destruction" refers to the irrevocable nature of certain dedications, often associated with the concept of "herem," which involves the complete consecration of something to God, sometimes through destruction. The irrevocability of such dedications underscores the importance of intentionality and reverence in making vows to God. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it." In the New Testament, the concept of dedication is echoed in the call for believers to offer themselves wholly to God. Romans 12:1 exhorts: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." The idea of being "not redeemable" in the context of dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the total commitment expected in one's relationship with God. It reflects the understanding that certain commitments, once made, are binding and reflect a deeper spiritual truth about the nature of holiness and devotion. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 27:28,29Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote to the LORD of all that he has, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy to the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Resources What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What was inside the ark of the covenant? | GotQuestions.org Dedication: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dedication by Idolaters in Setting up Idols Dedication of Property often Perverted Dedication of Samuel by his Mother Dedication of Self: Feast of Dedication Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem Dedication: Consecration of a Place of Worship Dedication: Devoting Any Thing to Sacred Uses Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God Dedication: Law Concerning Dedicated Things Dedication: Must be Without Blemish Dedication: Offering Must be Voluntary Dedication: Solemn Confirmation of a Covenant Dedication: Subjects of Houses when Built Dedication: Subjects of Persons Dedication: Subjects of Property Dedication: Subjects of Second Temple Dedication: Subjects of Spoils of War Dedication: Subjects of Tabernacle Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Dedication: Subjects of Tribute from Foreigners Dedication: Subjects of Walls of Cities Dedication: Things Dedicated to God for Support of Priests Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Applied to the Repair and Maintenance of the Temple Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Esteemed Holy Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Law Respecting the Release of Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Levites Place Over Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Placed With the Treasures of the Lord's House Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Special Chambers Prepared For Related Terms Dedication-offering (3 Occurrences) Dedication-gift (3 Occurrences) Dedication-song (1 Occurrence) |