What role did Moses play in communicating God's commands in Leviticus 23:44? Setting the Scene Leviticus 23 catalogs the LORD’s sacred times—Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles—and ends with a summary statement: “So Moses proclaimed to the Israelites the appointed feasts of the LORD.” (Leviticus 23:44) Moses: God’s Mouthpiece - Personally chosen to speak for God (Exodus 3:10-15) - Delivered the law at Sinai (Exodus 19:3-6) - “I was standing between the LORD and you at that time to declare to you the word of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 5:5) - Recorded every word faithfully (Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 31:24-26) Proclaiming the Appointed Feasts The Hebrew verb for “proclaimed” (nâgad) means to announce or make fully known. Moses: - Publicly announced each feast—dates, rituals, purposes - Ensured every tribe understood God’s calendar for worship and remembrance - Added nothing, withheld nothing—he simply broadcast heaven’s decree Faithful and Complete Transmission 1. Accuracy—nothing altered (Deuteronomy 4:2) 2. Clarity—practical, detailed instructions (Exodus 24:3) 3. Authority—the message came from God, so Moses’ words carried divine weight (Numbers 15:31) Mediator of Covenant Relationship By declaring the feasts Moses: - Anchored Israel’s life to God’s redemptive acts - Preserved national unity through shared worship - Guarded the rhythm of work and rest (Leviticus 23:3; Exodus 20:8-11) - Foreshadowed the ultimate Mediator, Jesus, who fulfills every feast (Colossians 2:16-17) Enduring Lessons - God entrusts His commands to faithful human messengers - Clear proclamation undergirds corporate worship and obedience - Remembering God’s works is commanded for His glory and our good |
    |