Leviticus 27:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This passage carries profound significance and will be explored in depth at the right moment; for now, we observe that some Israelites, driven by a desire to dedicate themselves to God—despite still being entrenched in types and shadows—approached those appointed to the priesthood at the altar and declared their valuations. However, others who sought the same honor, yearning to be recognized as consecrated and holy, found their aspirations hindered by financial poverty, an unavoidable barrier to their devotion.

When the scribes and Pharisees urged them zealously—characterized by a greedy desire for wealth and an inclination toward shameful gain—they feigned respect for their parents. They argued that they could barely provide for themselves and their families, struggling to secure basic necessities and clothing. They were persuaded to view their situation as insignificant in God’s eyes; thus, if their parents asked for their usual support, these individuals would explain: ‘A gift, which you would have received from me. That is, if you had received anything from me, know that by this you would have caused harm to the gift of God and would have laid your hands on the sacred patrimony, for I have dedicated myself and promised myself as a gift to God.’ Fearing the repercussions of sacrilege and the strict laws surrounding it, they endured their circumstances with sorrow and made their piety before God a reason for their hunger, perhaps blaming the divine commandment for imposing hardships on their most basic needs. Hence it is spoken: ‘Thou shalt destroy the commandment of God for your tradition.’

Honor for one's parents should not be compromised; rather, we ought to balance our duties to God without neglecting the obligations toward our parents. Therefore, we should be diligent in ensuring what is appropriate for God is upheld, without overlooking the needs of humanity. We must devote the foremost part of our affection to God, and afterwards, as a priority, offer our parents the respect due to them, keeping in mind the considerations above.

A different valuation was assigned to those outside of this age bracket. For the economically disadvantaged, the responsibility of determining their value was given to the priests, who were to assess it based on their capacity. God also prohibited the substitution of different animals in place of unblemished sacrifices, imposing penalties for such actions. As stated, ‘If any man alters his sacrifice, let that man also be declared holy’ (Leviticus 27:10). Similarly, the valuation of unclean animals was designated for the priest to determine (Lev. 10:10). God instructed that the same principles apply to houses and fields. He even specified the weight of the didrachma, prescribing it to be equivalent to twenty pennies (Lev. 27:25). Some scholars have referred to the didrachma as a statyr. Nevertheless, Moses ordained that those set apart for God should not be allowed redemption.