What is the meaning of Leviticus 18:1? Then • This tiny word roots the passage in a real timeline. It links what follows to what came before—Israel’s rescue from Egypt, the giving of the law at Sinai (Exodus 19:1–6), and the holiness code begun in Leviticus 17. • “Then” signals continuity: God’s revelation is progressive, building step by step (Hebrews 1:1–2). • It reminds readers that God always speaks at the right moment—never late, never early (Galatians 4:4). the LORD • “LORD” (YHWH) stresses God’s covenant name, the One who keeps promises (Exodus 3:14–15; Deuteronomy 7:9). • His moral authority flows from His unchanging character (Malachi 3:6). When He speaks, His words carry absolute weight (Psalm 19:7–9). • By identifying Himself, God underscores that the coming commands are not human opinion but divine decree (Isaiah 45:22–23). said • God communicates clearly. Revelation is verbal; He chooses words, not merely impressions (Jeremiah 1:9; Matthew 4:4). • Scripture insists that every word He speaks is true and trustworthy (Numbers 23:19; 2 Timothy 3:16). • His speech accomplishes what He intends—creating, correcting, guiding (Genesis 1:3; Isaiah 55:11). to Moses • God addresses a real, historical mediator. Moses stands as the faithful servant in God’s house (Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:7–8). • By speaking “to Moses,” God gives Israel a concrete channel for His law, foreshadowing the ultimate Mediator, Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15; Hebrews 3:3–6). • The personal nature of the address highlights relationship: God is not distant; He engages His people through chosen servants (Exodus 34:27). summary Leviticus 18:1, though brief—“Then the LORD said to Moses”—sets a profound stage. “Then” anchors the verse in redemptive history; “the LORD” points to the covenant-keeping God; “said” affirms that He speaks with inerrant authority; “to Moses” reveals a personal, mediated conversation that will convey holy standards to His people. Together, these words declare that the commands to follow are God’s timeless, trustworthy directives for living set-apart lives. |
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