Leviticus 23:26

KJV

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe,

Berean Standard Bible

Again the LORD said to Moses,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:26 functions as a pivotal divine declaration, introducing the most solemn and significant observance within Israel's annual calendar: the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This concise verse, employing a recurring and authoritative formula, underscores the direct divine origin and non-negotiable nature of the subsequent commands, signaling a profound shift from celebratory harvest festivals to a period of national introspection, repentance, and propitiation for sin, all communicated directly from the LORD to Moses.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the annual feasts of the LORD, presenting them as a divinely ordained rhythm for Israel's spiritual life. Prior to verse 26, the chapter details various joyous festivals such as the Passover and Unleavened Bread, found in [Leviticus 23:4-8](/leviticus/23-4-8 "Leviticus 23:4-8 - Passover and Unleavened Bread"), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) in [Leviticus 23:15-22](/leviticus/23-15-22 "Leviticus 23:15-22 - Feast of Weeks"), and the Feast of Trumpets in [Leviticus 23:23-25](/leviticus/23-23-25 "Leviticus 23:23-25 - Feast of Trumpets"). Verse 26, with its formal introductory phrase, marks a distinct pivot towards the profound solemnity of the Day of Atonement, detailed immediately in [Leviticus 23:27-32](/leviticus/23-27-32 "Leviticus 23:27-32 - Instructions for the Day of Atonement"), followed by the joyous Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) in [Leviticus 23:33-44](/leviticus/23-33-44 "Leviticus 23:33-44 - Feast of Booths"). This precise placement highlights the unique gravity and centrality of Yom Kippur within the annual cycle of worship, establishing it as the theological core around which the other festivals revolve.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, shortly after their exodus from Egypt, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It establishes the laws, rituals, and moral codes necessary for a holy people to dwell in the presence of a holy God. The recurring phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" is a foundational literary device throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing that the instructions are not human traditions or legislative decrees, but direct, authoritative revelations from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. Moses, as God's chosen mediator, as seen in [Exodus 19:3-7](/exodus/19-3-7 "Exodus 19:3-7 - God's Covenant with Israel"), received these divine decrees to transmit them faithfully to the entire community. The establishment of a precise liturgical calendar, including the Day of Atonement, was crucial for shaping Israel's national identity and ensuring their ritual purity and spiritual well-being in anticipation of God's continued presence among them in the Tabernacle.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Revelation**, asserting that God is the ultimate source of all law and instruction for His people. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Mediation**, with Moses serving as the indispensable channel through whom God's holy will is communicated to a sinful people. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the overarching theme of **Holiness and Atonement**, introducing the most critical ritual for national purification and reconciliation with God, which is the Day of Atonement. This theme is central to the entire book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus"), which repeatedly emphasizes the necessity of purity for dwelling in God's presence, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the personal, covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its use here emphasizes that the commands are not from a generic deity but from the specific, self-existent God who entered into a covenant relationship with Israel, delivered them from slavery, and continually reveals His will to them. It underscores the personal and relational nature of the divine authority behind the law.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The verb "dâbar" signifies more than mere utterance; it implies a forceful, authoritative, and effective communication. When God "speaks" using this verb, His words carry inherent power, often bringing about what they declare. In this context, it highlights the direct, intentional, and binding nature of the divine revelation, leaving no room for human interpretation or alteration of the commands that follow.
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** Moses is consistently presented as the unique mediator between God and Israel, drawing out (of the water) and rescued by God for a divine purpose. The phrase "unto Moses" reaffirms his unparalleled role as the recipient of divine law and the authoritative channel through whom God's will is conveyed to His people. His position as the one to whom God "spoke" directly lends undeniable authority to the entire Mosaic Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the ultimate and sole source of the ensuing commands. It is not a human decree, a tribal custom, or a legislative act, but a direct mandate from Yahweh, the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. This sets the tone for absolute divine authority and underscores the sacredness of the instructions that follow.
* **"spake unto Moses":** This clause specifies the chosen human agent through whom God's revelation is delivered. It highlights Moses's unique and privileged position as God's prophet and mediator, emphasizing that the following instructions are not merely Moses's ideas or interpretations but faithfully transmitted divine words, ensuring their accuracy and divine backing.
* **"saying":** This common introductory particle signals that what follows is a direct quotation or summary of God's exact words. It indicates that the subsequent instructions regarding the Day of Atonement are precise, explicit, and carry the full weight of divine command, requiring strict and unwavering adherence from the Israelite community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:26 prominently features **Formulaic Language**, specifically the recurring phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying." This repetitive structure, found hundreds of times throughout the Pentateuch, serves several crucial functions. It acts as a powerful marker of **Divine Authority**, consistently reminding the reader that the subsequent text is direct, unadulterated revelation from God Himself, not human invention. This repetition imbues the text with an undeniable sense of gravitas and immutability. Furthermore, the verse functions as a literary device of **Anticipation**, building solemn expectation for the profound and unique instructions concerning the Day of Atonement that immediately follow. By formally introducing such a critical section, it signals a distinct shift in the narrative's focus and emotional tone, from the preceding joyful feasts to a period of intense spiritual solemnity and national cleansing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:26, though brief, powerfully encapsulates the foundational theological principle of divine revelation and authority. It underscores that God is not a distant, uninvolved deity but actively communicates His will to humanity, establishing the very framework for their worship, morality, and relationship with Him. This direct communication through a chosen mediator, Moses, highlights the orderly and intentional nature of God's interaction with His covenant people, preparing them for a life of holiness and atonement. The verse sets the stage for the most significant day in Israel's calendar, emphasizing that true reconciliation with God is predicated on His initiative and His prescribed means, revealing His character as both holy and merciful.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses")
* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Speaking from the Mercy Seat")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The simple declaration "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" carries profound implications for believers today. It serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring importance and authority of God's revealed Word. Just as ancient Israel was called to heed the direct instructions given through Moses, so too are we called to pay diligent attention to the Scriptures, recognizing them as God's authoritative, living, and active communication to us. This verse encourages a posture of humility and obedience, acknowledging that true spiritual growth and a right relationship with God begin with listening to His voice and submitting to His divine will. It challenges us to actively seek out and internalize God's truth, allowing His Word to shape our understanding, guide our actions, and transform our lives, just as it did for Israel in preparing them for sacred observances like the Day of Atonement. Our spiritual health is directly tied to our reverence for and responsiveness to God's spoken word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible, fostering a deeper sense of reverence and urgency?**
* **In what ways do you intentionally set aside time to "listen" to the LORD's voice through His Word and prayer, similar to how Israel prepared for solemn observances?**
* **What specific areas of your life need to be brought into greater alignment with God's direct commands, as revealed in Scripture, and what steps will you take to obey?**

### FAQ

**Why is the phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" repeated so frequently in the Pentateuch?**

Answer: This recurring formula serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **divine origin** of the laws and instructions that follow, ensuring the audience understands that these are not human inventions but direct revelations from God Himself. Secondly, it highlights the **authority** of the commands, making it clear that they are binding and non-negotiable for the covenant people. Thirdly, it consistently reaffirms Moses's unique and central role as God's chosen **mediator** and prophet, the one through whom God communicates His will to the entire nation of Israel. This repetition builds trust in the message and reinforces the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout books like [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") and [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus"), establishing a pattern of divine communication.

**What is the significance of God speaking directly to Moses, rather than to the whole community?**

Answer: While God did speak to the entire community at Mount Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 19:9](/exodus/19-9 "Exodus 19:9 - God Speaks from the Cloud"), the overwhelming power and holiness of God's direct presence were too much for the people. They were terrified and requested that Moses mediate for them, as recounted in [Deuteronomy 5:23-27](/deuteronomy/5-23-27 "Deuteronomy 5:23-27 - Israel's Request for Moses to Mediate"). Thus, God's direct communication to Moses established him as the authoritative and trustworthy channel for all subsequent divine instructions. This arrangement ensured clarity, consistency, and a structured delivery of God's complex laws to a vast nation, emphasizing the importance of a divinely appointed leader and the sacred nature of the revelation. It also foreshadowed the need for a perfect mediator between God and humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:26, with its emphasis on God speaking directly to Moses to convey His will, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Moses was the faithful mediator of the Old Covenant, Jesus is the very **Word of God incarnate**, as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), the supreme and final revelation of God to humanity. As [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through His Son") profoundly states, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus is the "greater Moses," as highlighted in [Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Hebrews 3:1-6 - Jesus Greater Than Moses"), not merely conveying God's words, but embodying them perfectly and fulfilling the Law. Furthermore, just as Leviticus 23:26 introduces the Day of Atonement, a day of national cleansing through sacrifice, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross fully atoned for sin, rendering the annual rituals of Yom Kippur obsolete and establishing a new covenant of grace, as detailed in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). Thus, the divine voice that spoke to Moses now speaks to us most profoundly through the person and redemptive work of Jesus, inviting us into a perfect and eternal reconciliation with God.

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.