Leviticus 17:1
Then the LORD said to Moses,
Then
This word indicates a continuation of the narrative and instructions given to Moses. It connects the previous chapters, which dealt with various laws and rituals, to the new set of instructions that follow. It suggests a sequence in the divine revelation and the unfolding of God's covenantal laws to Israel.

the LORD
The use of "the LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of God with His people, Israel. It underscores His authority and the divine origin of the laws being given.

said
This highlights the direct communication between God and Moses, a common theme in the Pentateuch. It underscores the prophetic role of Moses as the mediator between God and the Israelites. The phrase "the LORD said" is used frequently in the Torah to introduce divine commands and instructions.

to Moses
Moses is the central human figure in the Pentateuch, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to receive the Law on their behalf. His role as a prophet and leader is crucial, as he acts as the intermediary through whom God communicates His will to the people. Moses' leadership and faithfulness are often seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (Hebrews 3:1-6).

This verse sets the stage for the instructions that follow in Leviticus 17, which focus on the proper place and manner of sacrifices, emphasizing the holiness and distinctiveness of Israel's worship practices.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is giving instructions to His people through Moses. Yahweh is central to the account, emphasizing His authority and holiness.

2. Moses
The leader and prophet of Israel, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments to the Israelites. Moses acts as the mediator between God and the people.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving these laws as part of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. They are called to live according to God's statutes.

4. The Tabernacle
While not mentioned directly in this verse, the Tabernacle is the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites, and the context of Leviticus 17 involves regulations concerning sacrifices.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites are receiving these laws, highlighting their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and their dependence on God's guidance.
Teaching Points
God's Authority and Holiness
Recognize that God's instructions are rooted in His authority and holiness. As believers, we are called to respect and adhere to His commands.

The Role of Mediators
Moses serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were required to follow God's laws precisely. Similarly, Christians are called to live in obedience to God's Word, reflecting His character in our lives.

Community and Worship
The laws given to Israel were meant to shape their community and worship practices. Today, our worship and community life should be guided by biblical principles.

Continuity and Fulfillment
While the sacrificial system is fulfilled in Christ, the principles of holiness, obedience, and worship continue to be relevant for believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's authority in Leviticus 17:1 influence your view of His commands in your life today?

2. In what ways does Moses' role as a mediator foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience from Leviticus to our daily walk with Christ?

4. What are some ways our worship practices today can reflect the holiness and reverence that God required of the Israelites?

5. How does the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ impact your understanding of the Old Testament laws and their relevance to your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20
The giving of the Ten Commandments, which establishes the foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God, similar to the laws in Leviticus.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the sacrificial system and its fulfillment in Christ, providing a New Testament perspective on the laws given in Leviticus.

Acts 15
The Jerusalem Council, where early Christians discuss the application of Mosaic Law to Gentile believers, reflecting on the ongoing relevance of Old Testament laws.
Features of Christian ServiceW. Clarkson Leviticus 17:1-7
One Place of SacrificeS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 17:1-7
Sanctity of Animal LifeR.A. Redford Leviticus 17:1-9
Grace Before MeatR.M. Edgar Leviticus 17:1-16
Statutes Concerning BloodJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 17:1-16
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 17:1-5

     8626   worship, places

Library
Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Justification.
Christ is represented in the gospel as sustaining to men three classes of relations. 1. Those which are purely governmental. 2. Those which are purely spiritual. 3. Those which unite both these. We shall at present consider him as Christ our justification. I shall show,-- I. What gospel justification is not. There is scarcely any question in theology that has been encumbered with more injurious and technical mysticism than that of justification. Justification is the pronouncing of one just. It may
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Discourse on Spiritual Food and True Discipleship. Peter's Confession.
(at the Synagogue in Capernaum.) ^D John VI. 22-71. ^d 22 On the morrow [the morrow after Jesus fed the five thousand] the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea [on the east side, opposite Capernaum] saw that there was no other boat there, save one, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples went away alone 23 (howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after that the Lord had given thanks): 24 when the multitude
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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