What is the meaning of Leviticus 17:5? For this reason the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they have been offering in the open fields – God had just declared in Leviticus 17:3-4 that any animal slain outside His prescribed place would bring guilt. He now provides the reason: every sacrifice must be redirected from private, unregulated locations to Himself. – This safeguards Israel from idolatry. Sacrifices “in the open fields” had often been blended with pagan practices (cf. Deuteronomy 32:16-17; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20). By claiming every animal for His altar, the LORD cuts off demonic worship. – It also reminds the people that every blessing, even the meat they eat, belongs to Him first (Psalm 50:10-15). – Practical take-aways: • Worship is never a private invention; it must follow God’s revealed pattern. • The LORD lovingly interrupts our routines to keep our hearts fixed on Him. They are to bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting – God centers worship at the Tent, the place where His glory dwells (Exodus 40:34-35). – Bringing the animal “to the priest” underscores mediation; sinful humans approach God through an ordained representative (Hebrews 5:1). – The “entrance” is significant: the worshiper remains outside the holy space while the priest carries the blood within (Leviticus 1:3-5). This preserves God’s holiness and the worshiper’s life (Leviticus 16:1-2). – Cross references reinforce the theme of centralized, priest-mediated worship: Deuteronomy 12:5-7; 2 Chronicles 30:16; John 14:6. – Life application: • Approach God through His appointed Mediator, Jesus Christ, not by self-made pathways. • Gather with the covenant community rather than offering isolated “field” worship. and offer them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the LORD – The peace offering (Leviticus 3; 7:11-21) celebrates fellowship restored. Part of the animal is burned for God, part is given to the priest, and part is enjoyed by the giver. – By requiring every peace offering to pass through His altar, the LORD ensures that true peace comes only on His terms (Isaiah 26:12; Colossians 1:20). – The shared meal anticipates the greater table of communion with Christ (Luke 22:19-20; Revelation 19:9). – Practical implications: • Peace with God produces shared joy with others; private religion robs the community of rejoicing. • Thanksgiving belongs in God’s presence first; every celebration should acknowledge His provision. summary Leviticus 17:5 commands Israel to relocate their formerly private sacrifices to the LORD’s altar, under priestly supervision, and to present them specifically as peace offerings. In doing so, God protects His people from idolatry, teaches them mediated worship, and invites them into joyful fellowship grounded in His holiness. |
    |