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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 27:26–34. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A caution given that no man should make such a jest of sanctifying things to the Lord as to sanctify any firstling to him, for that was his already by the law, Lev 27:26. Though the matter of a general vow be that which we were before obliged to, as of our sacramental covenant, yet a singular vow should be of that which we were not, in such circumstances and proportions, antecedently bound to. The law concerning the firstlings of unclean beasts (Lev 27:27) is the same with that before, Lev 27:11, Lev 27:12.
II.Things or persons devoted are here distinguished from things or persons that were only sanctified.
1.Devoted things were most holy to the Lord, and could neither revert nor be alienated, Lev 27:28. They were of the same nature with those sacrifices which were called most holy, which none might touch but only the priests themselves. The difference between these and other sanctified things arose from the different expression of the vow. If a man dedicated any thing to God, binding himself with a solemn curse never to alienate it to any other purpose, then it was a thing devoted.
2.Devoted persons were to be put to death, Lev 27:29. Not that it was in the power of any parent or master thus to devote a child or a servant to death; but it must be meant of the public enemies of Israel, who, either by the appointment of God or by the sentence of the congregation, were devoted, as the seven nations with which they must make no league. The city of Jericho in particular was thus devoted, Jos 6:17. The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead were put to death for violating the curse pronounced upon those who came not up to Mizpeh, Jdg 21:9, Jdg 21:10. Some think it was for want of being rightly informed of the true intent and meaning of this law that Jephtha sacrificed his daughter as one devoted, who might not be redeemed.
III.A law concerning tithes, which were paid for the service of God before the law, as appears by Abraham's payment of them, (Gen 14:20), and Jacob's promise of them, Gen 28:22. It is here appointed,
1.That they should pay tithe of all their increase, their corn, trees, and cattle, Lev 27:30, Lev 27:32. Whatsoever productions they had the benefit of God must be honoured with the tithe of, if it were titheable. Thus they acknowledged God to be the owner of their land, the giver of its fruits, and themselves to be his tenants, and dependents upon him. Thus they gave him thanks for the plenty they enjoyed, and supplicated his favour in the continuance of it. And we are taught in general to honour the Lord with our substance (Pro 3:9), and in particular to support and maintain his ministers, and to be ready to communicate to them, Gal 6:6; Co1 9:11. And how this may be done in a fitter and more equal proportion than that of the tenth, which God himself appointed of old, I cannot see.
2.That which was once marked for tithe should not be altered, no, not for a better (Lev 27:33), for Providence directed the rod that marked it. God would accept it though it were not the best, and they must not grudge it though it were, for it was what passed under the rod.
3.That it should not be redeemed, unless the owner would give a fifth part more for its ransom, Lev 27:31. If men had the curiosity to prefer what was marked for tithe before any other part of their increase, it was fit that they should pay for their curiosity.
IV.The last verse seems to have reference to this whole book of which it is the conclusion:
These are the commandments which the Lord commanded Moses, for the children of Israel. Many of these commandments are moral, and of perpetual obligation; others of them, which were ceremonial and peculiar to the Jewish economy, have notwithstanding a spiritual significancy, and are instructive to us who are furnished with a key to let us into the mysteries contained in them; for unto us, by those institutions, is the gospel preached as well as unto them, Heb 4:2. Upon the whole matter, we may see cause to bless God that we have not come to mount Sinai, Heb 12:18.
1.That we are not under the dark shadows of the law, but enjoy the clear light of the gospel, which shows us Christ the end of the law for righteousness, Rom 10:4. The doctrine of our reconciliation to God by a Mediator is not clouded with the smoke of burning sacrifices, but cleared by the knowledge of Christ and him crucified.
2.That we are not under the heavy yoke of the law, and the carnal ordinances of it (as the apostle calls them, Heb 9:10), imposed till the time of reformation, a yoke which neither they nor their fathers were able to bear (Act 15:10), but under the sweet and easy institutions of the gospel, which pronounces those the true worshippers that worship the Father in spirit and truth, by Christ only, and in his name, who is our priest, temple, altar, sacrifice, purification, and all. Let us not therefore think that because we are not tied to the ceremonial cleansings, feasts, and oblations, a little care, time, and expense, will serve to honour God with. No, but rather have our hearts more enlarge with free-will offerings to his praise, more inflamed with holy love and joy, and more engaged in seriousness of thought and sincerity of intention. Having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near with a true heart, and full assurance of faith, worshipping God with so much the more cheerfulness and humble confidence, still saying, Blessed be God for Jesus Christ!
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Summary
Leviticus 27:34 serves as the definitive colophon for the entire Book of Leviticus, emphatically declaring the divine origin and authoritative nature of every law, statute, and instruction meticulously detailed throughout its preceding chapters. This concluding verse underscores that the comprehensive body of legislation—encompassing sacrificial rituals, purity laws, ethical guidelines, and covenant stipulations—was directly revealed by the LORD to Moses on Mount Sinai, thereby establishing it as the foundational blueprint for Israel's covenant relationship with God and the pathway to holiness.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 27:34 functions as an explicit and powerful closing statement, marking the definitive end of the detailed legal and cultic instructions contained within the Book of Leviticus. The preceding chapters meticulously outline the requirements for holiness in every facet of Israelite life—from the intricate laws of sacrificial offerings and priestly consecration in the initial chapters (Leviticus 1-Leviticus 7) to regulations concerning ritual purity (Leviticus 11-Leviticus 15), the pivotal Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16), and a wide array of ethical and social mandates known as the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-Leviticus 26). Chapter 27, specifically, addresses vows, tithes, and devoted things, providing a final set of regulations related to personal commitments to God. This concluding verse thus acts as a comprehensive summary, validating the entirety of the preceding divine revelation and solidifying its authority as God's direct command to His chosen people, ensuring the reader understands the whole book as a singular, divinely inspired corpus.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical setting for the giving of these commandments is "Mount Sinai," a location of profound theological and historical significance in Israel's nascent history as a nation. Following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the children of Israel arrived at Sinai in the third month after their exodus (Exodus 19:1). It was here that God formally entered into a covenant with Israel, establishing them as His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). The giving of the Law on Sinai, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and the subsequent detailed statutes, was the foundational act that defined Israel's identity and their unique relationship with Yahweh. Moses served as the indispensable mediator, ascending the mountain to receive God's instructions and then descending to deliver them to the people (Exodus 24:12). This verse, therefore, roots all the Levitical laws firmly within the context of God's covenant initiation at Sinai, emphasizing their divine origin and the unique status of the Israelite nation as God's covenant people, set apart to reflect His holiness to the world.
Key Themes
Leviticus 27:34 powerfully reinforces several pervasive theological themes found throughout the book and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Authority and Revelation, asserting that all the laws are direct commands from the LORD, not human inventions. This establishes God as the supreme Lawgiver and the ultimate source of truth and morality. Closely related is the theme of Covenant Relationship, as these laws are the terms of the covenant established at Sinai, defining how Israel, as God's chosen people, is to live in fellowship with a holy God. The entire book, culminating in this verse, emphasizes Holiness, both God's inherent holiness and the call for His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45). The laws provided the framework for Israel to maintain ritual purity and ethical conduct, reflecting God's character. Finally, the verse underscores the Mediation of Moses, highlighting his unique and indispensable role as the conduit through whom God communicated His will to the children of Israel, a role crucial for the establishment and understanding of the Old Covenant.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to a divine injunction, precept, or ordinance. It signifies not merely a suggestion but an authoritative directive from God, carrying the weight of His sovereign will. In the context of Leviticus, mitsvâh encompasses the entire body of moral, civil, and ceremonial laws given to Israel, all designed to guide their conduct and maintain their covenant relationship with a holy God. The plural form emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine instructions, indicating a complete and unified body of law.
This verb denotes a strong, authoritative, and often formal declaration or instruction. It implies a direct mandate from a superior to an inferior, highlighting God's absolute authority over His people. The repetition of this root (implied in "commandments" and explicit in "commanded") in the verse underscores the divine initiative and the non-negotiable nature of the laws. It is God who issues the decree, not Moses or the people, thereby establishing the laws as immutable and binding.
More than a mere geographical location, Sinai is a profound theological symbol of divine revelation, covenant formation, and God's manifest presence. It is the sacred space where God descended in fire and cloud, speaking directly to Moses and establishing His covenant with Israel. Its mention here serves as a powerful reminder of the solemnity and divine authority behind every law contained in Leviticus, anchoring the entire book in the foundational event of Israel's relationship with Yahweh and imbuing the commandments with sacred and enduring significance.
Verse Breakdown
"These [are] the commandments"
This opening phrase serves as a definitive summary statement, referring back to the entirety of the preceding 26 chapters of Leviticus. It declares that the vast array of laws, rituals, and ethical guidelines are not human inventions or cultural traditions, but a comprehensive collection of divine precepts. The use of "these" provides a strong sense of closure and finality to the book's contents, asserting the completeness and unity of the divine revelation.
"which the LORD commanded Moses"
This clause explicitly attributes the origin of all these commandments to Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes God's direct communication and initiative in revealing His will, highlighting His sovereignty as the ultimate Lawgiver. Moses (H4872, Môsheh) is clearly identified as the chosen and authoritative mediator through whom God's divine instructions were delivered to the people, underscoring his unique and indispensable role in the establishment of the Old Covenant.
"for the children of Israel"
This phrase specifies the intended recipients and beneficiaries of these laws. The commandments were not for all nations but were uniquely given to Israel (H3478, Yisrâʼêl), God's chosen people, to define their identity, regulate their worship, and govern their communal life. They were designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation (H1121, bên), distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures, and to enable them to live in a right and sanctified relationship with their holy God.
"in mount Sinai"
This final geographical and historical marker anchors the entire corpus of Levitical law to the specific, sacred location (H2022, har) where the covenant was formally established. Mount Sinai (H5514, Çîynay) represents the place of divine encounter, revelation, and covenant-making, lending immense authority and solemnity to every commandment. It serves as a constant reminder that these laws flow directly from God's presence and His unwavering covenant commitment to Israel, making them eternally significant for the covenant community.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 27:34 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message and provide a powerful sense of closure. The most prominent is Inclusio, as this verse forms a literary bookend with the opening verses of Leviticus, which begin with God speaking to Moses from the Tent of Meeting (a portable Sinai). By explicitly stating that "These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai," the verse ties the entire book back to its divine origin and the foundational covenant event, providing a powerful sense of completion, unity, and divine authority to the whole corpus of laws. There is also a strong element of Emphasis through the repeated notion of "command" (מִצְוָה, mitsvâh and צָוָה, tsâvâh). This repetition reinforces the absolute authority and divine source of the laws, leaving no doubt that they are not human constructs but direct revelations from God. Furthermore, the specific mention of "Mount Sinai" functions as potent Symbolism, representing not just a physical location but the very locus of God's covenant presence, His manifest glory, and the giving of His Law, thereby imbuing the commandments with sacred weight and eternal significance for the covenant community.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 27:34 encapsulates profound theological truths concerning God's character, the nature of His revelation, and His relationship with humanity. It unequivocally asserts God's absolute sovereignty and authority as the Lawgiver, emphasizing that all true righteousness and moral order flow from His divine will. The verse highlights the concept of a covenant relationship, where God graciously initiates and defines the terms by which His people can draw near to Him and live in a manner that reflects His holiness. The detailed laws, though specific to ancient Israel, reveal timeless principles of holiness, justice, purity, and the necessity of atonement for sin, all pointing to humanity's inherent need for a mediator and a perfect sacrifice to bridge the gap created by sin. This concluding statement solidifies the understanding that the entire Levitical system was a divine blueprint for a holy people to dwell with a holy God.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 27:34, though concluding an Old Testament book of detailed laws, offers enduring principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, who communicates His will clearly and authoritatively. His Word is not arbitrary but is given for our good, designed to shape us into a people who reflect His character. While the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Mosaic Law have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying moral principles of holiness, justice, and love remain eternally binding, revealing God's unchanging nature. This verse challenges us to approach all of Scripture with reverence, recognizing its divine origin and its power to transform. It calls us to consider how God's unchanging character, revealed in these ancient commands, still informs our understanding of righteousness, sin, and our profound need for grace. Ultimately, it encourages us to live lives of humble obedience, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a joyful and grateful response to the God who has commanded us for our blessing and His glory, empowering us by His Spirit to walk in newness of life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "Mount Sinai" in this verse and for the Book of Leviticus?
"Mount Sinai" is profoundly significant as the sacred location where God formally established His covenant with the children of Israel after their exodus from Egypt. It was on this mountain that Moses received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and all the subsequent detailed laws, including those found throughout Leviticus. Its mention in Leviticus 27:34 serves to underscore the divine origin and absolute authority of every commandment in the book, grounding them firmly in the foundational event of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. It symbolizes God's direct revelation, His covenant faithfulness, and the solemnity of His law given to His chosen people, emphasizing that these are not human traditions but divine mandates.
How does this concluding verse of Leviticus apply to Christians today, given that many Old Testament laws are not directly practiced?
While many specific ceremonial and civil laws of Leviticus are not directly practiced by Christians today, this verse's core message of divine authority and the nature of God's commands remains highly relevant. It reminds us that God is the ultimate Lawgiver, and His character (holiness, justice, love) is unchanging. The Law, as concluded here, served to reveal God's perfect standard, expose sin, and demonstrate humanity's inability to perfectly obey, thereby pointing to the need for a perfect Savior (Galatians 3:24). For Christians, this verse encourages a deep respect for all of Scripture as divinely inspired, helping us understand the continuity of God's redemptive plan and appreciate the fulfillment of the Law in Jesus Christ. It still calls us to pursue holiness, not by legalistic adherence to the Old Covenant, but by grace through faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the moral principles of God's Kingdom, which are summarized in love for God and neighbor.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 27:34, as the concluding testament to the Mosaic Law given at Sinai, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The commandments, divinely ordained for the children of Israel, served as a "tutor" or "guardian" to lead humanity to Christ (Galatians 3:24). They unveiled God's perfect standard of holiness, revealing the depth of human sin and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through self-effort. Jesus, however, did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). He perfectly embodied its righteous requirements, living a sinless life in complete obedience to the Father. Furthermore, as the ultimate Lamb of God, He became the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilling all the sacrificial laws detailed in Leviticus (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:11-14). Through His atoning death and resurrection, Christ established a New Covenant, not written on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:6). Thus, the divine authority of the commandments, once mediated by Moses on Mount Sinai, is now fully realized and graciously applied through Jesus, our great High Priest and the mediator of a superior covenant (Hebrews 8:6), enabling us to approach God with confidence and live in true holiness by His grace.