What role does Moses play in guiding the Israelites in Leviticus 9:5? Setting the scene - The ordination week is complete (Leviticus 8), and the first public worship service is about to begin. - Offerings are prepared exactly “as the LORD commanded through Moses” (Leviticus 8:36). - Every detail of the tabernacle worship now depends on Moses’ precise relay of God’s word. Leviticus 9:5 spotlight “So they took what Moses had commanded to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and the whole congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.” What Moses does in this moment - God’s authoritative mouthpiece • He transmits the Lord’s instructions verbatim (Exodus 40:16; Leviticus 8:36). - Mediator who ushers the people into God’s presence • By directing sacrifices and positioning the nation, he enables them to “draw near” safely (Deuteronomy 5:5; Hebrews 3:5). - Organizer of orderly worship • He ensures offerings arrive “to the front of the Tent of Meeting,” modeling that all must be done “properly and in an orderly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:40). - Model of obedient faith • The congregation obeys because Moses first obeyed, showing that faithful leadership invites communal obedience (Numbers 27:12-14). Why this matters theologically - Access to a holy God requires an appointed mediator who follows divine revelation precisely (Leviticus 10:1-2). - Obedience to Scripture opens the way to blessing; neglect invites judgment (Leviticus 26:3-39). - Moses’ role foreshadows the greater Mediator who brings final access to God (John 1:17; Hebrews 3:1-6). Living it today - Treasure Scripture as God-breathed, wholly trustworthy instruction (2 Timothy 3:16-17). - Approach corporate worship reverently, relying on our perfect High Priest while honoring God’s revealed pattern (Hebrews 4:14-16). - Lead others by pointing them to God’s word, not personal preference—shepherding with humility and example (1 Peter 5:2-3). Supporting scriptures - Exodus 40:16 — “Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.” - Leviticus 8:36 — “So Aaron and his sons did everything the LORD had commanded through Moses.” - Deuteronomy 34:10 — “Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” - Hebrews 3:5 — “Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later.” |
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