Leviticus 1:1

Then the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying,

Study Bible

Then the LORD called to Moses
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Moses, emphasizing the divine origin of the instructions that follow. The LORD, represented by the tetragrammaton YHWH, is the covenant name of God, highlighting His personal relationship with Israel. Moses, as the leader and mediator of the Israelites, is often the recipient of God's commands. This calling signifies the continuation of the divine guidance that began in Exodus, where Moses was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The calling of Moses also prefigures the role of Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:5.

and spoke to him
This phrase underscores the verbal communication between God and Moses, a common method of divine revelation in the Old Testament. The act of speaking indicates clarity and authority, ensuring that Moses receives precise instructions. This communication is foundational for the laws and rituals that will be established in Leviticus. It reflects the intimate relationship between God and His chosen leaders, similar to how God spoke to the prophets. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), embodying God's ultimate communication to humanity.

from the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was a portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing God's presence and holiness. The location of this communication highlights the importance of the Tabernacle as the meeting point between God and His people. The Tent of Meeting foreshadows the incarnation of Christ, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14), and the future establishment of God's eternal dwelling with humanity in Revelation 21:3.

saying,
This introductory word sets the stage for the specific instructions that follow. It indicates that what is about to be communicated is of divine origin and carries the weight of God's authority. The use of "saying" is a common biblical formula that introduces direct speech, ensuring that the message is received as God's own words. This mirrors the way Jesus often prefaced His teachings with "Truly, I say to you," emphasizing the truth and authority of His message.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law.

3. Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle)
A sacred place where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites, serving as the central place of worship and communication with God.

Teaching Points

God's Initiative in Communication
God takes the initiative to communicate with His people, demonstrating His desire for a relationship with them. This reminds us to be attentive to God's voice in our lives today.

The Role of Mediators
Moses serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites, foreshadowing Christ as our ultimate mediator. We are encouraged to rely on Christ for our relationship with God.

The Importance of Sacred Spaces
The Tent of Meeting was a designated place for encountering God. We should create and honor spaces in our lives dedicated to worship and communion with God.

Obedience to Divine Instructions
The instructions given to Moses were to be followed precisely. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word in our daily lives.

God's Presence Among His People
The presence of God in the Tent of Meeting signifies His desire to dwell among His people. We are reminded of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in believers today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the setting of the Tent of Meeting in Leviticus 1:1 enhance our understanding of God's desire to communicate with His people?

2. In what ways does Moses' role as a mediator in Leviticus 1:1 point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we create "sacred spaces" in our own lives to foster a deeper relationship with God?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate obedience to God's instructions in our daily lives, as seen in the context of Leviticus 1:1?

5. How does the concept of God's presence in the Tent of Meeting encourage us in our understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 40
Describes the setting up of the Tabernacle, which is the Tent of Meeting mentioned in Leviticus 1:1. This connection highlights the continuity of God's instructions and presence with His people.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and the sacrificial system, pointing to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of these Old Testament practices.

Numbers 7
Provides additional context on the role of the Tent of Meeting as a place where God communicated with Moses, emphasizing the importance of divine revelation.