What is the meaning of Leviticus 23:33? And Leviticus 23 flows like a conversation that keeps building. The tiny word “And” lets us know the Lord is adding something important to what He has already said about the appointed times. It connects this verse with the whole chapter—just as earlier “And’s” knit together the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:3), Passover (23:4-5), and the other feasts. • The narrative rhythm of “And the LORD said” appears often (Exodus 31:12; Numbers 15:1), reminding us that God’s instructions come in a deliberate sequence. • Each “And” signals continuity: the same God who spoke in Genesis 1:3 continues to direct His people step by step. the LORD The speaker is “the LORD,” the covenant name that reveals God’s unchanging character. Exodus 3:14-15 declares, “I AM WHO I AM … this is My name forever,” anchoring every command in His eternal faithfulness (Malachi 3:6). • Because the LORD is holy (Leviticus 11:44), His feasts are holy. • Because He redeems (Exodus 6:6-7), His calendar reminds Israel of redemption. • Because He is sovereign (Psalm 103:19), His word carries absolute authority. said God communicates. He doesn’t leave His people guessing. Deuteronomy 8:3 notes that “man lives on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD,” and Isaiah 55:11 promises His word “will accomplish what I please.” • Creation began with “God said” (Genesis 1:3). • The prophets received “Thus says the LORD” (Jeremiah 2:2). • Hebrews 1:1 affirms that God “spoke to our fathers” and ultimately through His Son. His speaking here guarantees that the Feast of Booths (explained in the next verses) is not man-made tradition but divine revelation. to Moses The message goes “to Moses,” Israel’s appointed mediator (Exodus 3:10). Numbers 12:7-8 highlights that God spoke with Moses “face to face,” distinguishing him from other prophets. • Moses then relayed God’s words to the people (Leviticus 23:44), just as later he wrote them down (Deuteronomy 31:24-26). • Acts 7:37 points to Moses as the one who said, “God will raise up for you a Prophet like me,” foreshadowing Christ—the ultimate Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Hearing God through Moses teaches us that the Lord loves order and appoints trustworthy servants to transmit His truth. summary Leviticus 23:33 may look like a simple heading, yet every word counts. “And” ties this instruction to the unfolding story of redemption. “The LORD” identifies the holy, covenant-keeping Author. “Said” assures us of the creative, life-giving power of His speech. “To Moses” underscores God’s chosen channel for revelation. Together they introduce the Feast of Booths with the full weight of divine authority, inviting God’s people—then and now—to listen, trust, and obey. |
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