Leviticus 7:38

which the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai on the day He commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai.

Study Bible

which the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the laws and instructions given in Leviticus. Mount Sinai is a significant location in biblical history, where God revealed Himself to Moses and provided the Ten Commandments and other laws. This underscores the authority and sacredness of the instructions. The giving of the law at Sinai is a pivotal moment in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, establishing the Israelites as His chosen people. The mountain itself is traditionally identified with Jebel Musa in the Sinai Peninsula, though its exact location remains debated. The event signifies God's direct communication and covenant with His people, setting a foundation for their identity and worship practices.

on the day He commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the LORD
This phrase highlights the specific instructions regarding offerings, which are central to the Levitical system. The offerings symbolize the Israelites' devotion, atonement, and thanksgiving to God. The sacrificial system was a means for the Israelites to maintain a right relationship with God, acknowledging His holiness and their need for purification. The command to present offerings is a reminder of the importance of obedience and worship in the life of the community. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system by offering Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10).

in the Wilderness of Sinai
The Wilderness of Sinai serves as the backdrop for the giving of the law and the establishment of the covenant. This location is significant as it represents a period of testing, reliance on God, and preparation for entering the Promised Land. The wilderness experience is a formative time for the Israelites, teaching them dependence on God and shaping their identity as His people. It is a place of both physical and spiritual challenges, where God provides for their needs and instructs them in His ways. The wilderness journey is often seen as a metaphor for the Christian life, a time of growth and reliance on God's provision and guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who gives the laws and commandments to His people.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who receives and communicates God's laws to the people.

3. Mount Sinai
The mountain where God gave the Law to Moses, a significant place of divine revelation.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are to follow His commandments and present offerings.

5. The Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the Israelites camped and received the Law after their exodus from Egypt.

Teaching Points

Divine Command and Obedience
The verse emphasizes the importance of following God's commands as given to Moses. Believers today are called to obey God's Word as revealed in Scripture.

Significance of Offerings
The offerings were a means for the Israelites to maintain a right relationship with God. In the New Testament, Christ is the ultimate offering, and believers are called to live sacrificially.

God's Holiness and Presence
The giving of the Law at Sinai underscores God's holiness and His desire to dwell among His people. Christians are called to live holy lives, reflecting God's character.

Community Worship
The communal aspect of presenting offerings highlights the importance of corporate worship and fellowship among believers.

Historical Context and Continuity
Understanding the historical context of the Law helps believers appreciate the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the context of Mount Sinai enhance our appreciation of God's commandments in Leviticus?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of presenting offerings to the Lord in our daily lives today?

3. How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in the Wilderness of Sinai about trusting and obeying God in our own "wilderness" experiences?

5. How does the concept of community worship in Leviticus 7:38 inform our understanding of the church's role today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 19-20
These chapters describe the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, providing context for the commandments in Leviticus.

Hebrews 10
This chapter discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ, connecting the Old Testament offerings to the New Covenant.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the offerings commanded in Leviticus.