What is the meaning of Leviticus 4:1? Then • The small word “Then” grounds Leviticus 4:1 in real time, linking it to the flow of events in chapters 1 – 3, where the LORD outlined the burnt, grain, and peace offerings. • It signals that God’s instructions about the sin offering follow logically and historically—just as Exodus 40:34-38 records God filling the tabernacle, and “then” (Leviticus 1:1) He began speaking about sacrifices. • Scripture often uses “then” to mark decisive moments when God acts or speaks (Genesis 6:13; Joshua 1:1-2), reminding us that He moves purposefully in history. the LORD • The speaker is “the LORD,” the covenant name revealed in Exodus 3:14-15, underscoring His self-existence, faithfulness, and holiness (Isaiah 6:3; Malachi 3:6). • Because He is holy, any word He gives about sin and atonement carries absolute authority (Leviticus 11:44-45; 1 Peter 1:16). • Recognizing the LORD as the author of the sacrificial system points us forward to the ultimate fulfillment of those sacrifices in Christ (Hebrews 10:1-10). said • God speaks; He is not silent. From creation (“And God said,” Genesis 1) to the prophets (Jeremiah 1:4) to the Son (Hebrews 1:1-2), divine speech reveals His character and will. • His words are life-giving and binding (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4). When He “said” something about sin offerings, it became the unchangeable standard for Israel’s worship. • This underscores why “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). Leviticus 4:1 is not human speculation but direct revelation. to Moses • Moses, God’s chosen mediator (Exodus 19:3; Numbers 12:6-8), receives the instructions on behalf of the people. • His unique role foreshadows the greater Mediator, Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15; John 1:17; 1 Timothy 2:5). • By addressing Moses, the LORD establishes orderly leadership and ensures accurate transmission of His commands (Exodus 24:3-4). summary Leviticus 4:1 may be only nine English words—“Then the LORD said to Moses,”—yet each word is loaded with meaning. It roots the sin-offering instructions in real history, highlights the holy Covenant-Keeper as the speaker, affirms the life-giving authority of divine speech, and reminds us that God works through a chosen mediator. These layers prepare us to understand the gravity of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s perfect sacrifice. |
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