Leviticus 27:1-3 (ESV)
Laws About Vows
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, If anyone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the valuation of persons, then the valuation of a male from twenty years old up to sixty years old shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary.
We probably would read right past chapter 27 if we had our preferences. But 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us all Scripture is profitable. The thought behind this chapter is when a person makes a vow to give something to God, they need to keep it. They can adjust it and can keep a portion back, but it can’t be done in deception. It needs to be done based upon the rules and laws of this chapter. The Priest are to be the administrators of this practice. The item vowed was in the control of the person making the vow. They could offer it out of the will, but had to follow these rules. A key phrase in the chapter is if the donor wishes to redeem. The point made this is a willing heart and they can give all or some of the offering. But it had to be based upon a willing heart and not have deception.
This is a good background for what happens in Acts 5 with Ananias and his wife Sapphira. Note:
Acts 5:1-4 (ESV) Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”
They were both killed because of their deception in worship. They didn’t have to vow their land to the Church. They did, but lied about it. And like the rules and laws of Leviticus 27, they died for it.
When we vow to God it is to be in good conscience and to be done to fulfill what we said we would do.
Numbers 30:2 (ESV)
If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Feel free to make a vow or not. But if you make one, complete the vow the way you vowed it.
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