(The Lord speaking is red text)
But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the LORD [withal].
In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy, for praising ADONAI.
In the fourth year all its fruit must be consecrated as a praise offering to the LORD.
But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy, for giving praise unto Jehovah.
But in the fourth{H7243} year{H8141} all the fruit{H6529} thereof shall be holy{H6944} to praise{H1974} the LORD{H3068} withal.
Leviticus 19:24 is part of the Holiness Code in the Book of Leviticus, which outlines various laws and rituals to ensure the religious and moral purity of the Israelite community. The verse falls within a section that deals with regulations for agricultural practices, reflecting the agrarian society of ancient Israel.
The verse specifically addresses the law concerning the fruit of a tree during its first four years after planting:
1. **Historical Context**: The Israelites, having recently been freed from slavery in Egypt, were in the process of establishing their identity as a nation under God's covenant. The laws in Leviticus were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai and were meant to guide the people in living set-apart lives that honored God.
2. **Themes**:
- **Sacred Offerings**: The verse reflects the theme of sacred offerings, stating that the fruit of the fourth year was to be set aside as holy, dedicated to the Lord. This practice reinforced the idea that the first and best of their produce belonged to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.
- **Stewardship of the Land**: The law also emphasizes responsible stewardship. By prohibiting the consumption of fruit from a tree until its fifth year, the Israelites were to practice patience and trust in God's timing, ensuring the sustainability of their agricultural resources.
- **Gratitude and Worship**: The fruit of the fourth year was to be used for praising the Lord, indicating a connection between the produce of the land and worship. This practice would remind the people of God's faithfulness and encourage a posture of thankfulness.
- **Social Welfare**: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Levitical laws includes concern for the poor and marginalized. The produce set aside in the fourth year may have been used in ways that benefited not only the priests and the sanctuary but also those in need.
In summary, Leviticus 19:24 reflects themes of sacred offerings, stewardship of the land, gratitude and worship, and is set against the backdrop of ancient Israel's agricultural society, which was guided by detailed laws aimed at maintaining holiness and purity before God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)