What is the meaning of Leviticus 1:1? Then the LORD called - God Himself initiates the conversation. The sacrificial laws that follow are not human invention but divine revelation. - Exodus 19:3 recounts a similar moment: “the LORD called to him from the mountain”. - When the LORD calls, lives change—think of 1 Samuel 3:4 (Samuel) or Acts 9:4 (Saul). - The reliability of Scripture rests on this truth: God speaks first; we respond. to Moses - The call is directed to a specific covenant mediator. Moses is chosen, prepared, and commissioned. - Exodus 3:4 shows the beginning of that calling at the burning bush. - Deuteronomy 34:10 affirms, “No prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” - God’s choice of one man highlights both His sovereignty and His grace toward an entire people. and spoke to him - Revelation becomes articulation; God’s voice turns divine intention into intelligible words. - Numbers 12:6–8 stresses the clarity of God’s communication with Moses—“mouth to mouth”. - 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “All Scripture is God-breathed,” underscoring the trustworthiness of what Moses records. - Because God speaks, His people can listen, learn, and obey with confidence. from the Tent of Meeting - The location matters: the newly erected Tabernacle signifies God dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8). - Exodus 40:34–35 describes the cloud filling the Tent, a visible sign of holy presence. - The Tent stands between a holy God and a sinful people, foreshadowing Christ who “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). - Worship and instruction flow from the place where God chooses to meet humanity. saying - A simple word that anticipates commandments to follow. God’s speech is purposeful, never idle (Isaiah 55:11). - Leviticus 1:2 immediately continues, “Speak to the Israelites and tell them…,” showing the chain of communication: God → Moses → people. - Matthew 4:4 echoes the principle: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” - What God says sets the agenda for worship, life, and community. summary Leviticus 1:1 opens with God’s initiative, calling Moses and speaking plainly from His dwelling among the Israelites. Each phrase underscores a foundational truth: the Lord reaches out first, appoints a mediator, communicates clearly, draws near to His people, and delivers life-giving words. This verse is the doorway to the entire sacrificial system, grounding every instruction that follows in the authority, presence, and grace of the living God. |
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