Devoted Thing

DEVOTED THING. That which is set apart to the Lord, and thus belongs no longer to the former owner and may not be used for sacrifice. A sacrifice or offering is a voluntary gift from the owner and can be recalled at any time before the ceremony, but not a devoted thing. Achan’s sin at Jericho (Josh.6.17-Josh.6.19) was considered far more serious than mere stealing, for he had taken something devoted. Nations, cities, or men who were “devoted” were to be utterly destroyed: e.g., the Amalekites (1Sam.15.1-1Sam.15.35).