Then the LORD said to Moses,
This phrase introduces a divine communication, emphasizing the direct revelation from God to Moses, a central figure in the Pentateuch. Moses is recognized as the mediator between God and the Israelites, underscoring his role as a prophet and leader. The phrase highlights the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where God directly instructs His people through chosen leaders. This divine communication is foundational for the laws and instructions that follow, establishing their authority and significance.

In the broader biblical context, God's communication with Moses is a recurring theme, seen in passages such as Exodus 3:4, where God calls Moses from the burning bush, and throughout the wilderness journey. This consistent interaction underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, with Moses as the intermediary.

Theologically, this phrase sets the stage for the instructions on sin offerings, which are detailed in Leviticus 4. These offerings are part of the sacrificial system that points to the need for atonement and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as seen in Hebrews 10:1-10. The sacrificial system is a type of Christ's atoning work, illustrating the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a mediator, fulfilled in Jesus as the ultimate High Priest and sacrifice.

Historically, the setting is during the Israelites' wilderness period after the Exodus from Egypt, a time when God was establishing His covenant laws and rituals. This period is crucial for understanding the formation of Israel's identity as God's chosen people, distinct from surrounding nations.

Culturally, the communication between God and Moses reflects the ancient Near Eastern context, where divine instructions were often given to leaders or prophets. However, the personal and direct nature of God's communication with Moses is unique, highlighting the intimate relationship between God and His chosen leader.

In summary, this phrase introduces a significant moment of divine instruction, setting the foundation for the laws that follow and pointing to the greater redemptive plan fulfilled in Christ.1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are receiving instructions on how to live in covenant relationship with Yahweh.Understanding Sin and Atonement
Leviticus 4 introduces the sin offering, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who atones for our sins once and for all.

God's Holiness and Our Response
The instructions given to Moses emphasize God's holiness and the need for His people to live in a way that reflects His character. We are called to pursue holiness in our own lives.

The Role of Mediators
Moses acts as a mediator between God and the Israelites, foreshadowing Christ as our ultimate mediator. This reminds us of the importance of intercession and prayer in our relationship with God.

Obedience to God's Commands
The detailed instructions in Leviticus demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's commands. We are encouraged to seek God's will and follow His guidance in our daily lives.

Community and Accountability
The communal aspect of the sin offering underscores the importance of community and accountability in our spiritual journey. We are called to support and encourage one another in faith.THE SIN OFFERING (Leviticus 4; Leviticus 5:1-13). At the time of the Mosaic legislation, burnt offerings and meat offerings were already in existence, and had existed from the time of the Fall. A beginning, therefore, is made with them, and the regulations of the peace offerings naturally follow, because these sacrifices succeed in order to the burnt and meat offerings, and because sacrifices in some respects of the same nature as peace offerings had previously existed under a different name (cf. Exodus 10:25 with Exodus 24:5, and see above notes on chapter 3). The sin and trespass offerings, therefore, are left to the last, though, owing to their meaning, they were always offered first of all, when sacrifices of all three kinds were made together. They are the means of ceremonially propitiating God when alienated from his people, or from any individual member of it, by sin, which they legally atone for. The need of expiation is implied and suggested by the offering of the blood, both in the burnt sacrifice and the peace offering (cf. Job 1:5). But this was not sufficient; there must be a special sacrifice to teach this great truth as its primary lesson. The sin offering typifies the sacrifice of our Lord JESUS CHRIST upon the cross, as the great Sin Offering for mankind, whereby the wrath of God was propitiated, and an expiation for the sins of man was wrought, bringing about reconciliation between God and man.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר (way·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Moses,
מֹשֶׁ֥ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver


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OT Law: Leviticus 4:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses saying (Le Lv Lev.)