What is the meaning of Leviticus 22:1? Then • The word “Then” roots this verse in a real timeline. God is not speaking into a vacuum; He is continuing an unfolding conversation that began in the previous chapter where priests were instructed about holiness (Leviticus 21). • Scripture’s flow reminds us that obedience in one area often leads directly to fresh revelation in the next (see Exodus 40:34–38, where after Moses finishes the tabernacle, the LORD’s glory immediately fills it). • The sequence underscores that God’s directions are orderly; He builds precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:10). the LORD • “The LORD” (YHWH) is the covenant name, emphasizing God’s personal, faithful relationship with Israel (Exodus 3:14–15). • Because He is holy, His instructions carry absolute authority; they are not suggestions (Leviticus 11:44). • The same LORD who delivers sacrificial laws in Leviticus is the One who declares, “I am the LORD, and I do not change” (Malachi 3:6), giving us confidence that His standards are consistent and trustworthy. said • God speaks. He is not silent or hidden; He communicates His will clearly (Hebrews 1:1–2). • Divine speech creates obligation. When the LORD “said,” Israel was expected to listen and obey (Deuteronomy 6:4–9). • His spoken word carries life and power—“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made” (Psalm 33:6)—so these instructions have creative and transformative force. to Moses • Moses stands as the mediator between God and the people (Exodus 19:3–8). The LORD entrusts him to relay holy standards accurately. • This reinforces Moses’ prophetic role; unlike later prophets who often began, “Thus says the LORD,” Moses receives direct speech first, then passes it on (Numbers 12:6–8). • Moses’ mediating work foreshadows the ultimate Mediator, Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5), who perfectly reveals the Father to us (John 1:17–18). summary Leviticus 22:1 might appear simple—“Then the LORD said to Moses”—yet each word is loaded with meaning. The verse anchors God’s latest instructions in a precise timeline (“Then”), highlights the personal covenant God who speaks (“the LORD”), stresses the binding power of His revelation (“said”), and identifies the ordained mediator who will transmit that word to God’s people (“to Moses”). Together they affirm that a holy, unchanging God communicates clearly and authoritatively through His chosen servant, calling His people into responsive obedience. |
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