Leviticus 17:8

And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,

And thou shalt say {H559} unto them, Whatsoever man {H376} there be of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, or of the strangers {H1616} which sojourn {H1481} among {H8432} you, that offereth {H5927} a burnt offering {H5930} or sacrifice {H2077},

"Also tell them, 'When someone from the community of Isra'el or one of the foreigners living with you offers a burnt offering or sacrifice

Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice

And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, that offereth a burnt-offering or sacrifice,

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 17:8 (KJV)

Leviticus 17:8 is part of a crucial chapter detailing the sanctity of blood and the proper procedures for offering sacrifices in ancient Israel. This verse specifically addresses the requirement for both Israelites and resident foreigners to bring their offerings to the designated place of worship.

Context

Chapter 17 of Leviticus establishes strict rules concerning the slaughter of animals and the consumption of blood. The preceding verses (Leviticus 17:3-7) forbid sacrificing animals in the open field, mandating that all sacrifices be brought to the tabernacle door. This command was designed to prevent idolatry and ensure that all offerings were made according to God's prescribed method, under the supervision of the priests. Verse 8 extends this prohibition to include not only native Israelites but also "strangers which sojourn among you," underscoring the universality of God's law within the covenant community.

Key Themes

  • Centralization of Worship: This verse, along with the entire chapter, emphasizes the importance of bringing all burnt offerings and sacrifices to the tabernacle (and later, the Temple). This centralization was vital to prevent the Israelites from engaging in pagan sacrificial practices or worshipping false gods. It ensured accountability and adherence to divine law. You can read more about this in Deuteronomy 12:5-7.
  • Inclusivity within God's Law: The phrase "of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you" highlights that God's covenant laws applied not only to those born into the Israelite nation but also to Gentiles who chose to live among them and observe their customs. These "strangers" (Hebrew: ger, meaning 'resident alien') were expected to abide by the same fundamental religious and moral statutes, demonstrating God's welcoming nature to those who sought to join His people. Similar provisions for strangers are found in Numbers 15:15-16.
  • Purity of Worship: By stipulating where and how sacrifices must be offered, God ensured the purity and integrity of Israel's worship. This prevented syncretism, where Israelite practices might blend with the idolatrous rituals of surrounding nations, particularly those involving "devils" or goat-demons mentioned in Leviticus 17:7.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "strangers which sojourn among you" translates from the Hebrew ger (Χ’Χ¨), referring to a resident alien. These individuals were not merely visitors but had settled in Israel and were subject to many of its laws, especially those pertaining to public worship and morality. They were distinct from casual travelers.
  • "Burnt offering or sacrifice" covers the two main categories of animal offerings. A "burnt offering" (Hebrew: olah, Χ’ΦΉΧœΦΈΧ”) was entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God. "Sacrifice" (Hebrew: zevach, Χ–ΦΆΧ‘Φ·Χ—) is a broader term, often referring to peace offerings or other types where only a portion was burned, and the rest was eaten by the priests or worshippers.

Practical Application

While the literal act of offering animal sacrifices no longer applies to believers today (as Christ's perfect sacrifice fulfilled the need for them), the principles embedded in Leviticus 17:8 remain relevant:

  • Worship God on His Terms: We are called to worship God according to His revealed will, not our own preferences or cultural trends. This means approaching Him through Christ and His Word.
  • Unity in Worship: The inclusion of "strangers" reminds us that God's family is open to all who believe, regardless of background. There is a unity in Christ that transcends ethnic or social distinctions, as highlighted in Galatians 3:28.
  • Avoiding Idolatry: The command to bring sacrifices to a central, holy place was to prevent Israel from lapsing into idolatry. For us, this means guarding against anything that takes the place of God in our lives, whether material possessions, achievements, or even good causes that overshadow our devotion to Him.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 1:2

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, [even] of the herd, and of the flock.

  • Leviticus 1:3

    ΒΆ If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

  • Malachi 1:11

    For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Leviticus 17:4

    And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

  • 2 Samuel 24:25

    And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

  • 1 Samuel 16:2

    And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear [it], he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 7:9

    And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered [it for] a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.
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