Leviticus – Be Still…

Leviticus 27:1-34 – Giving Back to God

Read Leviticus 27:1-34

Knowing what is meant by “making a vow” will help us understand this passage a little more. As I understand it, in those days when you prayed to God you could make a vow and add on to your prayer by giving something of value to God as a special gift dedicated to him. This “vow” could be a person, animal, house, or land, in place of any monetary gift to be given. The priests were in charge of keeping track of the values.

The idea of a vow that comes to me is what a bride and groom exchange during a wedding ceremony. Much different, and yet still the same. The marriage vow is more of a pledge to be true and honor God and the other spouse in the union. Different in that it doesn’t involve a monetary value, but the same in that it is a dedication to God. The marriage union is then deemed to be bound by God. I wonder how many couples today understand the history of vows in God’s eyes. Continue reading “Leviticus 27:1-34 – Giving Back to God”

Leviticus 26:1-46 – To Obey or Not

Read Leviticus 26:1-46

Life in the Promised Land is at stake. God’s prescription for life is wrapping up with this exhortation of what happens if you make the choice to disobey. If the people obey, the land will be as great as possible. If they disobey, well then, they’ll understand how God feels about that, too.

Personally, I think the sounds of an abundant land safe from enemies sound delightful. Sometimes we know who our enemies are, and sometimes we don’t. God is being transparent with the consequences. Sitting on this side of history, we know how the Israelites chose to behave. God didn’t send them into exile for a generation or two for good behavior. Continue reading “Leviticus 26:1-46 – To Obey or Not”

Leviticus 25:23-55 – Redemption

Read Leviticus 25:23-55

One of the first words a toddler learns to say is “mine.” As we grow older, that idea of things belonging to us changes, but we can get territorial over our belongings, can’t we? Unlike most expats around our area who move into a furnished home with other people’s stuff, David and I brought our household with us, so we’re surrounded by the familiar, something I want to protect.

But what about ownership? Think about it for a minute. If you “own” a car or a house, do you really own it? In terms of our society, yes. In terms of God’s economy, no. Continue reading “Leviticus 25:23-55 – Redemption”

Leviticus 25:1-22 – Special Years

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What did you know before about the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee? I knew enough to know there was a lot more to understand and learn about. This text was helpful for me in that regard. But unless you travel in circles of Orthodox Jews, then you probably haven’t heard about such special years.

The Sabbath Year that is celebrated by certain Jews is now known as the shmita. The next one to be celebrated is 2028-2029. On the other hand, the Year of Jubilee has not been celebrated since the twelve tribes all lived in the land of Israel since they were taken in captivity by Babylon. Continue reading “Leviticus 25:1-22 – Special Years”

Leviticus 24:10-23 – That’s Justice

Read Leviticus 24:10-23

Here, the LORD is giving Moses examples of what to do to punish certain sinful behaviors. Was it an honor or a curse that God gave Moses the authority to bring justice to the people? I can certainly see the “fairness” in these laws. I wonder what sort of pushback Moses got. I’m sure people today would revolt.

God felt it necessary to set guidelines and establish criteria for handling circumstances that he knew would come up. The example he gave first was about blasphemy, showing disrespect for God. Of course, that is the most personally hurtful to God, so I can understand why he addresses it first. Were you surprised at the punishment? What if that was a law in effect for us today? There might not be many people still alive! Continue reading “Leviticus 24:10-23 – That’s Justice”