1. Leviticus 19:24 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What happens to the fruit in the fourth year?

Leviticus 19:24 (ESV)

24 And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, an offering of praise to the LORD.

In the fourth year, the Hebrews may still not eat the fruit. The fruit belongs to the Lord as an offering of praise. The phrase offering of praise is only used on one other occasion in the Old Testament (Judges 9:27). The fourth year is understood to be one of celebration and devotion because God has given good gifts to his people.