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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 27 - Verse 32

27:32
And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Meaning

When we examine the verse "And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD," we see a directive from the Lord regarding tithing of livestock. In this context, tithing refers to giving a tenth of one's income or possessions to God as an act of worship and obedience. The practice of tithing is a way for individuals to acknowledge God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of all blessings. By setting apart a portion of their livestock, the Israelites were demonstrating their faithfulness and gratitude to God. The phrase "passeth under the rod" symbolizes the act of counting and selecting the animals to be tithed, emphasizing the importance of offering God the best of what one has. The tenth that is set apart is considered holy unto the Lord, signifying that it is dedicated to Him and should not be used for any other purpose. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize God in their giving and to trust in His provision for their needs.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Leviticus 27:32, the concept of tithing is explored in the context of livestock. The tithe refers to setting aside a tenth of one's livestock for the Lord. The phrase "passes under the rod" likely refers to the practice of counting sheep or cattle as they are separated from the herd, ensuring that every tenth animal is designated as holy to the Lord. This demonstrates the importance of giving back to God from the resources He has blessed us with. The act of tithing not only acknowledges God as the ultimate provider but also serves as a way to support the religious community and priests. Furthermore, the concept of holiness is emphasized, as the tithe is set apart for the Lord's use and should be treated with reverence. By following this commandment, the Israelites were able to demonstrate their faithfulness and obedience to God.

American Standard Version

And all the tithe of the herd or the flock, whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto Jehovah.
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