Leviticus 27:4

• This section shows how people were ranked socially in ancient Near Eastern cultures. An adult working man had the highest rank, followed by an adult working woman. A boy ranked higher than a girl, and both ranked higher than toddlers. Senior citizens, who were past their prime working age, ranked similarly to boys and girls.

• The amount of fifty shekels was about 570 grams (20 ounces) of silver, which was a lot (see study note on Leviticus 5:15). Comparisons with other writings from that time show that the biblical shekel value was very high and unaffordable for most people.

This chapter concludes the book by discussing different types of vows. It ends with a rule for redeeming one's tithes (see also chapter Leviticus 25). At certain times, such as emergencies, a person might vow something to God in exchange for answered prayers (see Jonah 2:9). After God answered the prayer, the person might want to ignore the vow. Scripture requires that people vow carefully and then fulfill them (see Leviticus 5:4; Ecclesiastes 5:4–6). Jesus taught that people should not make oaths often or carelessly (Matthew 5:33–37; 23:16–22).