◄ Leviticus 21:16 ►
Then the LORD said to Moses,
Study Bible
Then the LORD
The phrase "Then the LORD" signifies a direct communication from God, emphasizing His authority and the divine origin of the instructions that follow. In Hebrew, "LORD" is represented by the tetragrammaton YHWH, which is the sacred and personal name of God. This name is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting His eternal presence and faithfulness. The use of "LORD" here underscores the seriousness and sanctity of the message being delivered.

said
The Hebrew word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the context of divine speech. This word indicates not just a casual conversation but a formal declaration or command. In the context of Leviticus, it reflects the authoritative nature of God's communication with Moses, serving as a reminder that the laws and instructions given are not merely human traditions but divinely ordained mandates.

to Moses
Moses is a central figure in the Pentateuch, serving as the mediator between God and the Israelites. His role as a prophet and leader is crucial, as he is chosen by God to deliver His laws and guide His people. The mention of Moses here reinforces his unique position and responsibility in receiving and transmitting God's commandments. Historically, Moses is seen as the lawgiver, and his interactions with God on Mount Sinai are foundational to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Moses' faithfulness and obedience are exemplary, serving as a model for leadership and devotion to God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and sets the standards for His people.

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

3. Israel
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws of holiness and priestly conduct are being given.

4. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, who are given specific instructions on maintaining holiness and purity in their service to God.
Teaching Points
Holiness in Leadership
God’s instructions to Moses highlight the importance of holiness among those who lead and serve in spiritual capacities. Leaders today are called to a higher standard of conduct and purity.

God’s Standards are Unchanging
The call to holiness is consistent throughout Scripture. While the specific laws may differ, the principle of being set apart for God remains the same.

The Role of Mediators
The priests served as mediators between God and the people. This foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ, who bridges the gap between humanity and God.

Inclusivity of God’s Call
While the Levitical laws were specific to the Israelites, the New Testament expands the call to holiness to all believers, emphasizing a personal relationship with God.

Reflecting God’s Character
As God’s representatives, both the priests and modern believers are called to reflect His character in their daily lives, demonstrating His love and righteousness to the world.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Moses as a mediator between God and the Israelites inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways does the call to holiness in Leviticus 21 relate to the New Testament teachings on holiness for believers?

3. How can we apply the principles of priestly conduct in our own lives, even if we are not in formal ministry roles?

4. What are some practical ways we can reflect God’s holiness in our daily interactions with others?

5. How does understanding the Levitical priesthood enhance our appreciation of Jesus’ role as our High Priest?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28-29
These chapters provide background on the consecration and duties of the priests, emphasizing the importance of holiness in their service.

Hebrews 7
This chapter discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing a contrast between the Levitical priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
This verse speaks to the New Testament believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the call to holiness from the Old Testament to the New Testament church.
Sermons
Blemishes Affect Service, not SonshipC. H. Mackintosh.Leviticus 21:1-24
Holy PriestsS. R. Aldridge, B. A.Leviticus 21:1-24
Law of Holiness for the PriestsR.A. Redford Leviticus 21:1-24
Personal Requirements of the PriestsJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 21:1-24
Priestly QualificationsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 21:1-24
Sacred Relationship Demands Sanctity of LifeW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 21:1-24
The Perfection of the PriesthoodJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 21:1-24
Unblemished ServiceW. Clarkson Leviticus 21:16-24
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 21:10-23

     1065   God, holiness of

Leviticus 21:16-23

     5296   disabilities
     5309   eunuchs
     7424   ritual law

Library
What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man. …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Monks.
In the story of St. Athanasius, monks have been more than once mentioned, and it is now time to give some account of these people and of their ways. The word "monk" properly means one who leads a "lonely" life; and the name was given to persons who professed to withdraw from the world and its business that they might give themselves up to serve God in religious thoughts and exercises. Among the Jews there had been whole classes of people who practised this sort of retirement: some, called "Essenes", …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

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

Links
Leviticus 21:16 NIV
Leviticus 21:16 NLT
Leviticus 21:16 ESV
Leviticus 21:16 NASB
Leviticus 21:16 KJV

Leviticus 21:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Leviticus 21:15
Top of Page
Top of Page