Leviticus 22:31

You are to keep My commandments and practice them. I am the LORD.

Study Bible

You are to keep My commandments
This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws, which were given to the Israelites through Moses. The commandments refer to the entire body of laws and instructions found in the Torah, particularly those in Leviticus, which focus on holiness and purity. The call to keep the commandments is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 6:17, the Israelites are similarly instructed to diligently keep the commandments. This obedience is not merely external but involves a heart commitment, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.

and practice them.
The phrase "practice them" underscores the necessity of not just knowing God's commandments but actively living them out. This involves a daily commitment to align one's actions with God's will. The Hebrew concept of "practice" implies a continuous, habitual action, suggesting that obedience is a lifestyle rather than a one-time event. James 1:22 in the New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to be doers of the word and not hearers only. The practice of God's commandments was meant to set Israel apart from other nations, serving as a witness to God's holiness and righteousness.

I am the LORD.
This declaration serves as a divine signature, affirming God's authority and the reason for obedience. The use of "LORD" in all capitals indicates the translation of the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God. This phrase is a reminder of God's identity and His relationship with Israel, as seen in Exodus 3:14-15, where God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM." The statement "I am the LORD" is frequently used in Leviticus to reinforce the divine origin of the laws and to remind the Israelites of their unique relationship with God. It also points to God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises, which is a foundation for trust and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who commands His people to live according to His statutes.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are called to live in holiness and obedience to God's commandments.

4. The Tabernacle
The place of worship where the Israelites were to bring their offerings and where the priests served.

5. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, responsible for maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle and the proper conduct of worship.

Teaching Points

Obedience as Worship
Obedience to God's commandments is an act of worship. Just as the Israelites were called to keep and practice God's laws, Christians today are called to live out their faith through obedience to God's Word.

Holiness in Daily Life
The call to holiness is not limited to religious rituals but extends to every aspect of life. Believers are to reflect God's holiness in their actions, decisions, and interactions with others.

The Authority of God
Recognizing God as the LORD emphasizes His authority over our lives. Our obedience is a response to His sovereignty and lordship.

Consistency in Faith
Practicing God's commandments requires consistency and intentionality. It is not enough to know God's laws; we must actively live them out.

The Role of Community
Just as the Israelites were a community called to uphold God's laws together, the church today is a community that supports and encourages one another in obedience and holiness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God as "the LORD" influence your approach to obedience in your daily life?

2. In what ways can you practice holiness in your current circumstances, reflecting the call in Leviticus 22:31?

3. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the command to keep and practice God's commandments?

4. What role does the Christian community play in helping you live out the principles found in Leviticus 22:31?

5. How can you ensure that your obedience to God's commandments is consistent and not just occasional or situational?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20
The giving of the Ten Commandments, which are foundational to the laws in Leviticus.

Deuteronomy 6
The Shema, which emphasizes loving and obeying God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.

John 14
Jesus speaks about the importance of keeping His commandments as a demonstration of love for Him.

1 Peter 1
Peter calls believers to be holy in all their conduct, echoing the call to holiness found in Leviticus.

James 1
James emphasizes being doers of the word, not just hearers, which aligns with practicing God's commandments.