Leviticus 17:2

Leviticus 17:2 serves as an introductory verse, setting the stage for a series of critical regulations concerning the proper handling of sacrifices, the sanctity of blood, and the place of worship for the ancient Israelites. It underscores the divine origin and universal application of the laws that follow.

Context

The Book of Leviticus primarily details the laws and rituals given by God to the Israelites, instructing them on how to live as a holy nation in His presence. Following detailed instructions on offerings and the consecration of the priesthood, Chapter 17 shifts focus to the proper place of sacrifice and the prohibition against consuming blood. This chapter is vital for understanding the Israelite sacrificial system and its theological underpinnings, particularly the concept of atonement through blood. Verse 2 ensures that the commands in this chapter are understood not as human traditions, but as direct divine mandates given during their wilderness journey, specifically related to the Tabernacle worship.

Key Themes

• Divine Authority: The phrase "This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded" emphatically states that the subsequent instructions are not human inventions but direct decrees from God Himself. This establishes the absolute authority behind the laws concerning blood and sacrifice.
• Universal Application: The command is directed "unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel." This highlights that the laws are binding not only for the priests, who ministered in the Tabernacle, but for every individual within the Israelite community, emphasizing the communal responsibility for holiness and obedience.
• Preparation for Sacred Laws: This verse acts as a solemn preamble to the profound regulations that follow, particularly those in Leviticus 17:11 regarding the life being in the blood and its use for atonement. It sets a serious tone for the crucial instructions about proper worship and the sanctity of life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated as "the LORD hath commanded" is YHWH tzavah (יְהוָה צִוָּה), which carries significant weight. YHWH refers to God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel, while tzavah means "to command" or "to appoint with authority." This combination powerfully conveys that these are not mere suggestions but authoritative, binding instructions from the sovereign God of Israel.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 17:2 reinforces the importance of divine revelation and the authority of God's Word. Just as the Israelites were called to heed God's direct commands for their physical and spiritual well-being, so too are Christians called to recognize and obey the instructions found in Scripture. This verse reminds us that true worship and a holy life are founded upon God's explicit instructions, not human preferences or traditions. It also lays foundational principles that point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood established a new and better covenant, fulfilling the shadows of the Old Testament law.