Bible Commentaries
Leviticus 27

Verses 1-34

In this final page of the Book of Leviticus we have something superadded to actual laws and yet of very vital importance. It is concerned with vows. A vow is a promise made to God voluntarily and not in obedience to any divine requirement. That is not to suggest that a vow is wrong. It expresses a devotion of the person or of property to the service of God beyond that which is demanded in the strict economy of relationship. It is not necessary therefore that any such vows should be made, but it is laid down clearly that if they are made, they must be religiously observed.

Vows dealing with the devotion of the person, of beasts, of houses, and of fields are dealt with and the great principle is emphasized throughout that though such offerings are voluntarily, yet they must be paid to the full. If for any reason whatever one making such a vow desires to be set free from it or to redeem that which he has devoted, he must pay its full value, and something more, according to the appraisements of the priests.