Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 27:32. It’s a really important part of understanding how God views our relationship with livestock and property. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse says that anything you give to God – specifically, the portion of your livestock or flock – that doesn't meet God's standards (the "rod" part) should be treated as sacred and holy. It's a rule about giving generously and respectfully. Let’s break it down word by word: “Leviticus 27:32” : This is the name of the verse itself, coming from the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament. “And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock…” : This refers to a regular payment – the "tithe" – that people gave to God as part of their worship and offering. It was a way for them to show gratitude and respect for what they had. "Herd" and "flock" are specifically referring to animals (cattle, sheep, goats, etc.). “[even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod…” : This is key! “The rod” refers to God's law or standards. The word “passeth under the rod” means ‘meets’ or ‘satisfies.’ It signifies that everything must meet those standards. “the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.” : This is the most important part. "The tenth" means a specific amount – typically around 10% of what you give to God. “Holy” means it's reserved for God, not for personal use. It’s a way for us to show that we are giving to God with reverence and trust. In simpler terms: God wants us to be generous with our resources – especially things like livestock and property. But everything must be given to him as a sign of respect and worship. The tenth portion is a special, sacred amount that’s reserved for God. Why is this important? This verse highlights God's absolute authority and control over all things. It emphasizes that we are stewards of God’s resources and should treat them with respect and gratitude. It’s also about recognizing that God’s blessings come from Him, and we should give back a portion as a demonstration of this. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus? Discuss the significance of the tenth in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical teachings about giving or stewardship?