Lev 27:1-8 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Lev 27:1-34: 27:1-34 As a conclusion to the book, this chapter discusses various types of vows and ends with a provision for redeeming one’s tithes (see also ch 25 ). Under certain circumstances, such as an emergency, an individual might make a vow promising something to God, usually in exchange for God’s answering his or her prayer (see Jon 2:9 ). Once the prayer is answered, the individual might be tempted to discount the vow. Scripture requires that vows be made carefully (see Lev 5:4 ; Eccl 5:4-6 ) and then carried out. Jesus taught that oaths should not be commonly or carelessly made (Matt 5:33-37 ; 23:16-22 ).

Summary for Lev 27:1-34: 27:1-34 ^a As a conclusion to the book, this chapter discusses various types of vows and ends with a provision for redeeming one’s tithes (see also ch 25 ^b). Under certain circumstances, such as an emergency, an individual might make a vow promising something to God, usually in exchange for God’s answering his or her prayer (see Jon 2:9 ^c). Once the prayer is answered, the individual might be tempted to discount the vow. Scripture requires that vows be made carefully (see Lev 5:4 ^d; Eccl 5:4-6 ^e) and then carried out. Jesus taught that oaths should not be commonly or carelessly made (Matt 5:33-37 ^f; 23:16-22 ^g).
27:2 ^h The vow taken to become a Nazirite is also called a special vow (Num 6:2 ⁱ), but the vow mentioned here was probably a promise made to God when seeking a desired answer to prayer (see Gen 28:20-22 ^j). Pagan religions of the time sacrificed infants to their gods, but God outlawed such a practice (Lev 18:21 ^k; 20:2-5 ^l; cp. Gen 22:12-13 ^m). Consequently, the concept of being vowed to the Lord was measured in terms of service given, not in the sacrifice of a life. Whether the vow was made by the person or by another acting for him or her, payment was to be made to the sanctuary, apparently for the person’s expenses during the term of service. See also Num 6:1-21 ⁿ; Judg 13:5 ^o, 7 ^p; 1 Sam 1:11 ^q; Amos 2:11-12 ^r; Acts 18:18 ^s.
Summary for Lev 27:3-7: 27:3-7 ^t This section reflects social rank in ancient Near Eastern cultures. An adult man of working age had the highest rank, followed by an adult woman of working age. A boy ranked higher than a girl, and both ranked higher than toddlers. Senior citizens, who were past prime working age, ranked comparably to boys and girls.

• The amount of fifty shekels (see study note on 5:15) would have represented about 20 ounces (570 grams) of silver, a significant amount. Comparisons with other literature of the time indicates that the biblical valuation is quite high and would have been out of reach for most people.
27:8 ^u As in the offering system (see 5:7-13 ^v), special consideration was given to the poor person who wanted to contribute to the sanctuary. In such cases, the amount of silver to accompany the pledge was left to the priest’s discretion.