Among the Israelites, persons were not always prosperous or afflicted according to their
obedience or disobedience. But national prosperity was the effect of national obedience, and national
judgments were brought on by national wickedness. Israel was under a peculiar covenant. National
wickedness will end in the ruin of any people, especially where the word of God and the light of
the gospel are enjoyed. Sooner or later, sin will be the ruin, as well as the reproach, of every people.
Oh that, being humbled for our sins, we might avert the rising storm before it bursts upon us! God
grant that we may, in this our day, consider the things which belong to our eternal peace.
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and (1–13)
animals.
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