he law concerning vows, Of persons and animals. (1-13) Vows
concerning houses and land. (14-25) Devoted things not to be
redeemed. (26-33) Conclusion. (34)
Verses 1-13: Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on
some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the
service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons who
thus dedicated themselves might be employed as assistants; in
general they were to be redeemed for a value. It is good to be
zealously affected and liberally disposed for the Lord's
service; but the matter should be well weighed, and prudence
should direct as to what we do; else rash vows and hesitation in
doing them will dishonour God, and trouble our own minds.
Verses 14-25: Our houses, lands, cattle, and all our substance, must be
used to the glory of God. It is acceptable to him that a portion
be given to support his worship, and to promote his cause. But
God would not approve such a degree of zeal as ruined a man's
family.
Verses 26-33: Things or persons devoted, are distinguished from things
or persons that were only sanctified. Devoted things were most
holy to the Lord, and could neither be taken back nor applied to
other purposes. Whatever productions they had the benefit, God
must be honoured with the tenth of, if it could be applied. Thus
they acknowledge God to be the Owner of their land, the Giver of
its fruits, and themselves to be his tenants, and dependants
upon him. Thus they gave him thanks for the plenty they enjoyed,
and besought his favour in the continuance of it. We are taught
to honour the Lord with our substance.
Verse 34: The last verse seems to have reference to this whole book.
Many of the precepts in it are moral, and always binding; others
are ceremonial, and peculiar to the Jewish nation; yet they have
a spiritual meaning, and so teach us; for unto us, by these
institutions, is the gospel preached, as well as unto them, (Heb
4:2). The doctrine of reconciliation to God by a Mediator, is
not clouded with the smoke of burning sacrifice, but cleared by
the knowledge of Christ and him crucified. We are under the
sweet and easy institutions of the gospel, which pronounces
those true worshippers, who worship the Father in spirit and
truth, by Christ only, and in his name. Yet, let us not think,
because we are not tied to the ceremonial rites and oblations,
that a little care, time, and expense, will serve to honour God
with. Having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of
Jesus, let us draw near with a true heart, and in full assurance
of faith, worshipping God with the more cheerfulness and humble
confidence, still saying, BLESSED BE GOD FOR JESUS CHRIST.
he law concerning vows, Of persons and animals. (1-13) Vows
concerning houses and land. (14-25) Devoted things not to be
redeemed. (26-33) Conclusion. (34)