Leviticus 9:6

And Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you."

Study Bible

And Moses said
Moses, the central figure in the Pentateuch, acts as the intermediary between God and the Israelites. His role as a prophet and leader is crucial, as he conveys God's commands to the people. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which implies not just speaking but declaring or commanding with authority. Moses' words are not his own but are divinely inspired, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions.

This is what the LORD has commanded you to do
The phrase underscores the divine origin of the instructions. "The LORD" refers to "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, highlighting His personal relationship with Israel. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צִוָּה" (tsavah), which conveys a sense of authoritative instruction. This command is not optional; it is a divine mandate. The historical context here is the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, a pivotal moment in establishing the Levitical priesthood.

so that the glory of the LORD
The "glory" (Hebrew: "כָּבוֹד," kavod) of the LORD refers to His manifest presence and majesty. In the Old Testament, God's glory often appears as a visible sign, such as a cloud or fire, symbolizing His holiness and power. The Israelites' understanding of God's glory is deeply rooted in their experiences, such as the pillar of cloud and fire during the Exodus. This phrase indicates that obedience to God's commands is directly linked to experiencing His presence.

may appear to you
The Hebrew root for "appear" is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), meaning to see or behold. This suggests a tangible, visible manifestation of God's presence. The historical context is significant; the Israelites are in the wilderness, and God's presence is a source of guidance and assurance. The appearance of God's glory is contingent upon their obedience, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's presence is both a privilege and a responsibility, contingent upon faithfulness to His commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments. In this context, Moses is instructing the people on the procedures for the offerings.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who is giving instructions to His people through Moses. The focus is on His glory appearing to the Israelites.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving the commandments and instructions for worship and offerings.

4. The Tabernacle
The place where the Israelites worshiped God and where His presence was manifested. It is central to the events of Leviticus 9.

5. The Glory of the LORD
A manifestation of God's presence and power, often associated with divine approval and blessing.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were instructed to follow God's commands precisely to experience His glory. This teaches us the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

The Manifestation of God's Glory
God's glory is revealed when His people are obedient and faithful. We should seek to live in a way that invites His presence into our lives.

The Role of Leadership
Moses, as a leader, communicated God's instructions to the people. Spiritual leaders today have the responsibility to guide others in understanding and applying God's Word.

The Importance of Worship
The context of this verse is worship and offerings. Our worship should be sincere and in accordance with God's instructions, as it is a means to experience His presence.

God's Desire to Dwell with His People
The ultimate goal of the commandments was for God to dwell among His people. This points to the New Testament truth of God dwelling in us through the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of the Israelites in Leviticus 9:6 relate to the concept of obedience in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to experience the glory of the LORD in our daily lives?

3. How does the role of Moses as a leader in this passage inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

4. What are some modern-day practices that can help us maintain a sincere and obedient worship life?

5. How does the concept of God's glory dwelling among His people in the Old Testament connect to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 40
Describes the setting up of the Tabernacle and the glory of the LORD filling it, showing the continuity of God's presence with His people.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the earthly sanctuary and the limitations of the old covenant, pointing to the fulfillment in Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God's glory.

2 Chronicles 7
When Solomon dedicated the temple, the glory of the LORD filled it, similar to the events in Leviticus 9, emphasizing God's approval and presence.