What is the meaning of Leviticus 22:17? Then - This small word ties the verse to everything that has just happened. Leviticus 22:1-16 has addressed the priests’ need to stay ceremonially clean when handling holy things. Only after that teaching is complete does the next instruction appear—“Then the LORD said ….” - Scripture often uses this connective to show a logical and historical sequence. Exodus 40:34-35 records, “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting,” marking the next act of God after the tabernacle’s completion. In the same way, Leviticus 22:17 marks the next act of divine speech following detailed guidance on holiness. - The flow reminds us that God’s commands build on one another; obedience in one area prepares us for the next (John 14:15-17). the LORD - “LORD” in small caps points to the covenant name, YHWH—the self-existent, unchanging God who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14-15). Malachi 3:6 affirms, “I, the LORD, do not change,” so His standards for holiness remain constant. - Because it is the LORD who speaks, the upcoming instructions carry divine authority. Psalm 19:7-9 celebrates that “The law of the LORD is perfect” and “the commandments of the LORD are radiant.” What follows in Leviticus 22 is therefore not human tradition but God-breathed truth. said - God is not silent or distant; He speaks. Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds us that “God spoke to our fathers through the prophets … and in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” The pattern begins here: verbal revelation that becomes written Scripture. - 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms, “All Scripture is God-breathed,” so the words recorded by Moses are fully reliable. When the LORD “said,” He revealed His will, leaving no room for speculation about acceptable worship. - Each “said” in Leviticus (the phrase occurs more than thirty times) reassures us that every statute rests on God’s own voice, not on human opinion. to Moses - Moses serves as the appointed mediator. Numbers 12:6-8 notes that God speaks with Moses “face to face, clearly and not in riddles.” That privileged role underlines both Moses’ authority and his responsibility to convey God’s words accurately. - Exodus 19:3 shows the pattern: the LORD calls Moses up the mountain, gives instruction, and sends him back to teach the people. Leviticus 22:17 follows that same rhythm, underscoring Moses’ faithful service as the channel of revelation. - While Moses mediates old-covenant law, the New Testament points to Jesus as the greater Mediator (Hebrews 3:3-6; 1 Timothy 2:5). Yet the continuity remains: God still speaks, and His chosen servant communicates His will. summary Leviticus 22:17—“Then the LORD said to Moses,”—is more than an introductory clause. “Then” anchors the verse in a continuing story of holiness; “the LORD” highlights the covenant God whose character shapes His commands; “said” reminds us of the authority and clarity of divine revelation; and “to Moses” points to the ordained mediator through whom the people receive God’s word. Together these simple words set the stage for the offerings that must be without blemish (vv. 18-25), assuring readers that the coming instructions flow directly from the unchanging, speaking God who calls His people to worship Him in purity. |
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