In the biblical context, the concept of dedication refers to the act of setting apart persons, objects, or time for the service and worship of God. This act of consecration is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, as outlined in the Scriptures. The laws concerning the dedication of things to God, particularly regarding their release, are primarily found in the Old Testament, where they are intricately linked to the holiness and sovereignty of God.

Levitical Law and Vows

The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on the dedication of things to God, especially in the context of vows. Leviticus 27 is a key chapter that addresses the laws concerning vows and dedications. It outlines the procedures for dedicating persons, animals, houses, and fields to the Lord, as well as the conditions under which these dedications can be redeemed or released.

For instance, 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 set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death." This passage emphasizes the irrevocable nature of certain dedications, underscoring the seriousness with which vows to God were to be taken.

The Year of Jubilee

The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, also plays a significant role in the release of dedicated things. Every fiftieth year, a special time of liberation and restoration was proclaimed throughout the land. During the Jubilee, properties that had been sold or dedicated were to be returned to their original owners, and individuals who had become indentured servants were to be freed.

Leviticus 25:10 declares: "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan." This provision ensured that dedications did not permanently alienate families from their ancestral inheritance, reflecting God's concern for justice and equity among His people.

The Role of the Priests

The priests held a crucial role in overseeing the dedication and release of things to God. They were responsible for evaluating the value of items dedicated and ensuring that the laws were followed correctly. Leviticus 27:12 instructs: "The priest shall set its value, whether high or low; as the priest values it, so it will be." This priestly oversight maintained the sanctity and order of the dedication process.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not provide specific laws regarding the release of dedicated things, the principles of dedication continue to be significant. The early Christian community understood dedication in the light of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the call to live lives wholly devoted to God. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers: "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."

In summary, the biblical laws concerning the dedication and release of things to God reflect a deep commitment to holiness, justice, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. These laws served to guide the Israelites in their worship and relationship with God, ensuring that all dedications were made with reverence and integrity.Leviticus 27:1-34
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

the life of constantine
... to the East was postponed because of These Things. ... Decennial Periods of his Reign,
he dedicated the Church at ... all the Provinces attended the Dedication of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/the life of constantine/

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... restored to the faithful that confidence in the omnipotence of their God which had ...
a great-grandson of Hezekiah:* "I will utterly consume all things from off ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... The dedication of this statue took place about 880 ... Several towns were dedicated to
him: Hathapi, Nuit ... who accompany thee have ordered all things,"the overflow ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

[Endnotes]
... of course, refers to the state of things in the ... taught, by the case of Cornelius,
that "God also to ... causes desired publicly to testify their dedication to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

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