As we've seen throughout our study of Leviticus, the Israelites were required to give or dedicate things to the Lord. For example, the first portion of their harvests, their firstborn sons and animals, and a tithe when their wealth increased. Some of the Israelites, just like some Christians today, wanted to go above and beyond what was required and give even more to the Lord. Sometimes they would dedicate themselves, another family member, donate land, give additional animals, and so on to God. And rather than actually GIVE something to God, they could donate the money that the gift was worth (as determined by the priest).
But the Israelites, like us, were human. Sometimes one of them might make a vow or dedication that was beyond their means, maybe a show of bravado or "look how much I gave to the Lord!" (We see a lot of that in Jesus' time.) In Leviticus 27, God seeks to discourage that behavior. But, because He recognizes that sometimes we humans make rash decisions, He instituted a return policy for offerings.
First of all, God forbids swapping out offerings. In vv. 9-10, God basically says that if you give an animal to Him as an offering, you can't just substitute another animal for it if you realized later on that you need the original animal. You could give another animal, but both animals would be considered holy and had to be treated as such. God was teaching the people that if they made a commitment to Him, they shouldn't go back on their promise even if things got tough. God did allow people dedicated to Him to be purchased back with a 20% penalty. So often today we promise to give 10% of our income to God, but then some unexpected bill comes up or for some reason we just "can't" give a tithe this month. God expects us to keep our promises to Him, even if it leads to short term pain. But remember, God also promises to provide for those who remain faithful!
People could also donate land, just as people today do. If an Israelite donated a piece of land to the Lord in, say, a will, the Lord gives provisions for doing that in vv. 14-25. As you read these verses, you'll notice that the land donations especially revolve around the Year of Jubilee. Land value depreciated the closer it got until the next Year of Jubilee, and at that time the land must be returned to the original owner or his decedents. But if the family does not want the land back, or it was sold to another people, at the Year of Jubilee the field becomes holy, and it will be the property of the priests to keep for the Lord. This is another wonderful provision God set up that we no longer keep today.
In Leviticus 27:33, God gives a final thought on tithe and offering. Many of the principles God has outlined in Leviticus for His people were not intended to be edicts that had to be followed OR ELSE. Instead, God was encouraging the people to give from the heart, to have their outward gifts match their inward feelings. If a person gives a big gift but is inwardly upset or feels forced into it, he or she is only giving an offering out of obligation, which is not what God is asking for. Paul puts it like this, "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.' And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." (2: Cor. 9:7-8)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Heb. 13:8)Encounter: How do you worship God in your everyday life, by just following the rules, or by inviting Him to be a part of everything you do? Have you thanked Him for being involved (even when you didn't think you wanted Him to be)?
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