Leviticus 17:2

KJV

Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto Aaron {H175}, and unto his sons {H1121}, and unto all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them; This is the thing {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} hath commanded {H6680}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Speak to Aharon and his sons and to all the people of Isra'el. Tell them that this is what ADONAI has ordered:

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to Aaron, his sons, and all the Israelites and tell them this is what the LORD has commanded:

American Standard Version

Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them: This is the thing which Jehovah hath commanded, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 17:2 serves as a pivotal introductory declaration, establishing the divine origin and universal scope of the critical regulations that immediately follow concerning the proper place of sacrifice, the sanctity of blood, and the exclusive means of atonement. This verse emphatically asserts that the subsequent laws are not human traditions or priestly innovations, but direct, authoritative commands from the LORD Himself, binding upon every member of the Israelite community, from the high priest to the common Israelite.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 17:2 acts as a foundational preamble to the "Holiness Code," which spans chapters 17 through 26. Following the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"), which emphasized the necessity of blood for cleansing the tabernacle and the people, Chapter 17 shifts focus from *how* sacrifices are performed to *where* they must be performed and the absolute prohibition against consuming blood. This transition underscores God's insistence on proper worship and the sanctity of life, linking ritual purity directly to ethical and moral conduct. The verse’s authoritative tone sets the stage for the profound theological principles that underpin the Israelite sacrificial system, particularly the concept that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" and its role in atonement, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time these commands were given, the Israelites were encamped in the wilderness, with the [Tabernacle](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed and Filled with God's Glory") serving as the central dwelling place of God among His people. This period was marked by the constant temptation to adopt the idolatrous and pagan practices of surrounding nations, which often involved sacrificing animals in open fields, on high places, or to various deities, and frequently included the consumption of blood. God’s command in Leviticus 17:2, therefore, was a direct counter-measure, establishing a strict centralized worship system at the Tabernacle. This ensured that all sacrifices were offered to the one true God, preventing syncretism and maintaining the distinct holiness of the Israelite community. It also reinforced the unique theological understanding of blood as sacred, belonging to God alone, and reserved for atonement, distinguishing Israelite practice from the superstitious and often gruesome blood rituals of their neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 17:2 powerfully introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it establishes **Divine Authority**, emphasizing that the ensuing laws are not human constructs but direct, non-negotiable commands from the LORD, the covenant God of Israel. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His right to dictate the terms of worship and conduct for His people. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Holiness**, as the commands aim to set Israel apart as a holy nation, distinct from the pagan practices of their neighbors. The strict regulations regarding sacrifice and blood are designed to maintain the purity necessary for God's presence to dwell among them. Finally, the verse implicitly points to **Covenant Fidelity**, as obedience to these divine mandates is a tangible expression of Israel's faithfulness to the covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"). The universal address to "Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel" reinforces that covenant obedience and holiness are a communal responsibility, binding upon every member of the nation, from the priestly leadership to the common Israelite, ensuring a unified and consecrated people before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This word (H1696) is an imperative verb, signifying a direct and authoritative command from God to Moses, who is then to relay it to the people. It is not a suggestion or an invitation for discussion, but a divine pronouncement requiring immediate and complete obedience. The use of "speak" here emphasizes the directness of God's communication and the non-negotiable nature of the instructions that follow.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), often transliterated as "Yahweh." Its inclusion here is highly significant, emphasizing that the commands originate from the personal, relational God who entered into a covenant with Israel. It underscores His unique authority and His intimate involvement in the lives and worship practices of His people, distinguishing Him from the impersonal deities of other nations.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680) denotes a strong, authoritative decree or appointment. It conveys the idea of a binding order from a superior. When used in relation to God, "commanded" signifies a divine mandate that is absolute, unchangeable, and requires strict adherence. It highlights the divine prerogative and the absolute necessity of obedience to the laws that follow, leaving no room for human discretion or alteration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them;":** This clause meticulously outlines the recipients of God's command. It begins with "Aaron, and unto his sons," indicating that the priests, as the spiritual leaders and mediators, are the primary recipients and are responsible for administering and upholding these laws. However, the command immediately broadens to include "all the children of Israel," emphasizing the universal applicability of these laws to every individual within the covenant community. This inclusive address underscores that holiness and obedience are not merely priestly concerns but a communal responsibility, binding upon leaders and laypeople alike, ensuring the unity and purity of the entire nation before God.
* **"This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying,":** This powerful declaration serves as a solemn and emphatic preamble to the subsequent regulations. The phrase "This [is] the thing" (Hebrew: _haddavar_, H1697) refers to the entire body of instructions that will be detailed in the following verses, presenting them as a singular, unified divine decree. The explicit attribution "which the LORD hath commanded" leaves no ambiguity about the source of these laws; they are not human inventions, traditions, or arbitrary rules, but direct mandates from the sovereign God of Israel. This statement establishes the absolute authority and non-negotiable nature of the forthcoming commands, demanding reverent attention and strict obedience from all who hear.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 17:2 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, where God directly instructs Moses to "Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel." This direct, personal communication from the divine to the human underscores the immediacy and importance of the message, establishing a clear chain of command and emphasizing God's active involvement in the lives of His people. Furthermore, the phrase "This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded" functions as a **Divine Declaration** or **Divine Fiat**. This emphatic statement leaves no room for doubt regarding the origin or authority of the ensuing laws, asserting their absolute, non-negotiable nature as divine mandates rather than human suggestions. Finally, the meticulous listing of recipients—"Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel"—demonstrates **Inclusivity**. This device highlights the universal scope and communal responsibility for adherence to these laws, ensuring that no one in the covenant community is exempt from the divine requirements for holiness and proper worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 17:2 profoundly establishes the theme of divine authority as the bedrock of Israelite worship and life. By unequivocally stating that the subsequent laws are "the thing which the LORD hath commanded," the verse asserts that true holiness and acceptable worship are not matters of human preference or cultural adaptation, but direct responses to God's revealed will. This emphasis on divine command underscores God's sovereignty, His right to dictate the terms of His relationship with humanity, and the absolute necessity of obedience for covenant faithfulness. The laws that follow, particularly those concerning the sanctity of blood and the proper place of sacrifice, derive their immense theological weight from this divine mandate, foreshadowing the ultimate divine provision for atonement.

* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word")
* [Numbers 9:23](/numbers/9-23 "Numbers 9:23 - Obedience to the LORD's Command")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 17:2, with its clear declaration of divine command and universal application, serves as a powerful reminder for believers today regarding the authority of God's Word. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to meticulous obedience to commands that shaped their worship and identity, so too are Christians called to submit to the revealed will of God in Scripture. This verse challenges us to consider whether our faith is truly founded upon God's explicit instructions or if we are subtly allowing human traditions, cultural norms, or personal preferences to dilute or redefine our understanding of holiness and worship. It prompts us to ask if we approach the Bible as a collection of suggestions or as the authoritative, living Word of God, binding upon every aspect of our lives. Recognizing that God's commands are always for our good and His glory should cultivate a spirit of joyful submission and diligent study, ensuring that our lives reflect His divine design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of biblical commands impact our willingness to obey them today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to prioritize human preferences or traditions over God's explicit instructions?**
* **How does the universal application of these laws to "all the children of Israel" challenge us to consider our communal responsibility for holiness in the church?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that these commands come directly from "the LORD"?**

Answer: It is critically important that these commands come directly from "the LORD" (YHWH) for several reasons. First, it establishes the absolute **divine authority** behind the laws, making them non-negotiable and immutable. Unlike human laws, which can be debated or changed, God's commands reflect His perfect character and eternal wisdom. Second, it underscores the **covenant relationship** between God and Israel; these are not arbitrary rules but instructions from the God who chose them and entered into a sacred bond with them. This divine origin prevents human modification or selective obedience, as seen in warnings against adding to or subtracting from God's word (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word")). Finally, it ensures the **purity and distinctiveness** of Israel's worship, setting them apart from pagan nations whose religious practices were often based on human invention or demonic influence.

**What is the significance of the command being given to "Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel"?**

Answer: The specific address to "Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel" highlights the **comprehensive scope and universal application** of the laws. By first addressing Aaron and his sons, the priests, it emphasizes their primary responsibility as spiritual leaders to uphold, teach, and administer these divine mandates. They are the custodians of the sacred. However, by immediately extending the command to "all the children of Israel," the text makes it clear that these laws are not exclusive to the priestly class but are binding upon every individual within the covenant community. This signifies that holiness is a **communal responsibility** and a pervasive requirement for the entire nation, which God intended to be a "[kingdom of priests and a holy nation](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")". It ensures that all members, regardless of their role, participate in maintaining the purity and integrity of their relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 17:2, by asserting the divine origin and universal authority of God's commands regarding sacrifice and the sanctity of blood, lays foundational principles that find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "thing which the LORD hath commanded" in the Old Covenant, particularly the necessity of blood for atonement ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")), pointed forward to the singular, decisive act of God in Christ. Jesus is revealed as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose shed blood on the cross was the once-for-all sacrifice that perfectly satisfied God's righteous demands. The elaborate system of commands and rituals given to Aaron, his sons, and all Israel served as a shadow, preparing humanity for the substance found in Christ ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")). Through His perfect obedience to the Father's command, even unto death, Jesus established a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Blood for Remission of Sins"), fulfilling every jot and tittle of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Thus, the divine authority proclaimed in Leviticus 17:2 culminates in the person and work of Christ, who is not only the commanded sacrifice but also the commanding Lord, now calling all humanity to obedience through faith in His finished work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.