This sheet on Leviticus 27 was written by Marc Bregman for 929 and can also be found here
The Book of Leviticus concludes with commandments concerning vows and tithes and their fulfillment or redemption. The final verse of Leviticus provides an apt conclusion to the whole book: “These are the commandments that the Lord gave Moses for the Israelite people on Mount Sinai” (Leviticus 27:34). The rabbinic sages often preferred to conclude their midrashic-aggadic homiletical compositions on a positive note, usually with the promise of the future messianic redemption.
Midrash Leviticus Rabbah (37:4) concludes its extensive and detailed elaboration of the Book of Leviticus with just such a “messianic peroration”. “Rabbi Yaakov bar Avina’ said: Anyone who makes a vow and fulfills (meshalem, literally ‘pays’) it may be assured that his prayer shall be heard. What is the Scriptural basis for this? ‘Praise befits You in Zion, O God. Vows are paid to You. All mankind comes to You -- You who hear prayer’ (Psalms 65:2-3). Rabbi Aha said: Anyone who makes a vow and fulfills it, will in the Future merit to fulfill his vow in Jerusalem, for this is what is written in Scripture: ‘I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people’ (Psalms 116:18). Where? ‘…in the courts of the house of the Lord -- in the midst of Jerusalem. Hallelujah!’ (verse 19). ‘Hallelujah! Praise the Lord for He is good. His steadfast love is eternal’ (Psalms 106:1). Concluded is the Aggadah of Leviticus Rabbah!”
What better way to conclude our study of the Book of Leviticus? Hallelujah!
Midrash Leviticus Rabbah (37:4) concludes its extensive and detailed elaboration of the Book of Leviticus with just such a “messianic peroration”. “Rabbi Yaakov bar Avina’ said: Anyone who makes a vow and fulfills (meshalem, literally ‘pays’) it may be assured that his prayer shall be heard. What is the Scriptural basis for this? ‘Praise befits You in Zion, O God. Vows are paid to You. All mankind comes to You -- You who hear prayer’ (Psalms 65:2-3). Rabbi Aha said: Anyone who makes a vow and fulfills it, will in the Future merit to fulfill his vow in Jerusalem, for this is what is written in Scripture: ‘I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people’ (Psalms 116:18). Where? ‘…in the courts of the house of the Lord -- in the midst of Jerusalem. Hallelujah!’ (verse 19). ‘Hallelujah! Praise the Lord for He is good. His steadfast love is eternal’ (Psalms 106:1). Concluded is the Aggadah of Leviticus Rabbah!”
What better way to conclude our study of the Book of Leviticus? Hallelujah!
Marc Bregman is the Herman and Zelda Bernard Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies emeritus, at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro.
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