Leviticus 23:33

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

And the LORD said to Moses,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:33 functions as a foundational introductory statement, a classic divine speech formula prevalent throughout the Pentateuch, precisely signaling the commencement of God's detailed instructions to Moses regarding the significant Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Though concise, this verse profoundly underscores the divine origin, absolute authority, and binding nature of the commands that immediately follow, firmly establishing that the subsequent regulations for this vital annual festival are not human inventions but direct, authoritative revelations from the sovereign LORD Himself, faithfully mediated through Moses to the people of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 is a comprehensive and meticulously structured chapter that systematically details the LORD's appointed times and festivals for Israel, often referred to as "the LORD's feasts" or "holy convocations." The chapter sequentially outlines the weekly Sabbath, the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the solemn Day of Atonement, and, finally, the joyous Feast of Tabernacles. Leviticus 23:33 specifically follows the elaborate and somber instructions for the Day of Atonement, described in [Leviticus 23:26-32](/leviticus/23-26-32 "Leviticus 23:26-32 - The Day of Atonement"). The strategic repetition of the divine speech formula, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," in verse 33, immediately after its use in verse 26 to introduce the Day of Atonement, serves as a crucial textual marker. This structural device highlights the distinct nature and importance of the Feast of Tabernacles, setting it apart as the next major divine directive in Israel's liturgical calendar, orchestrating a thematic shift from the solemnity of repentance and atonement to the joyous celebration of God's faithful provision and dwelling among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The recurring phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" is a foundational formula that unequivocally authenticates the divine origin of the Mosaic Law. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, laws and decrees typically derived their ultimate authority from a reigning king or a revered deity. For the Israelites, this formula explicitly declared that their entire legal, ethical, and cultic system was not merely human legislation or cultural evolution but direct divine revelation, communicated personally from Yahweh, the covenant God, to His chosen mediator, Moses. This particular verse introduces the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Weeks) where all Israelite males were required to appear before the LORD in Jerusalem, as mandated in passages like [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts"). Historically, Sukkot served as a profound commemoration of God's unwavering faithfulness, provision, and protection during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, a period when the Israelites resided in temporary shelters or "booths" (sukkot). Culturally, it also functioned as a joyous harvest festival, a time of exuberant thanksgiving for the ingathering of the year's agricultural produce, symbolizing God's ongoing sustenance and abundant blessing, as further detailed in [Leviticus 23:39-43](/leviticus/23-39-43 "Leviticus 23:39-43 - Instructions for Sukkot").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:33, though an introductory formula, significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**. The consistent use of this formula underscores that God is not silent or distant but actively communicates His will to humanity, establishing the absolute authority of His word as the foundation for Israel's existence and worship. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Mediation**, particularly Moses' unique and indispensable role as God's chosen conduit for divine instruction. This emphasizes the structured nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where divine truth is faithfully transmitted through an appointed leader. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Relationship and Obedience**, framing the subsequent laws and festivals not as arbitrary rules but as integral components of Israel's covenant obligations and expressions of their devotion to the LORD. Finally, within the context of Leviticus 23, this verse contributes to the theme of **Sacred Time and Worship**, marking the divine institution of specific times and seasons for Israel to gather, remember God's acts, and worship Him collectively, thereby shaping their communal identity and spiritual rhythm.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. Its use here emphasizes that it is the self-existent and eternal God, the very One who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - I AM WHO I AM") and delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage, who is speaking. This personal name highlights the intimate and relational aspect of God's communication, portraying Him not as a distant or generic deity but as the specific God who intimately relates to His covenant people.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb signifies a direct, authoritative, and intentional utterance. It implies not merely a casual conversation but a formal declaration or command from a position of ultimate authority. When used of God, as it is here, _dâbar_ emphasizes His active involvement in revealing His sovereign will and establishing His covenant with humanity. The consistent use of _dâbar_ in these introductory formulae throughout the Pentateuch profoundly underscores the revelatory and commanding nature of the entire Mosaic Law, indicating that these are not suggestions but divine decrees.
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "drawing out" (of the water), Moses is consistently presented as God's uniquely chosen mediator, the singular figure through whom divine instruction is communicated to the entire nation of Israel. His role is absolutely crucial, as he is the direct recipient of God's speech and the one entrusted with relaying these sacred commands accurately and authoritatively to the people. This highlights the importance of divine appointment and the structured, orderly nature of revelation in the Old Covenant, ensuring that God's word reaches His people through a divinely sanctioned channel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"**: This entire phrase functions as a standardized divine speech formula, serving as a powerful literary and theological marker that is ubiquitous throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Exodus 6:10](/exodus/6-10 "Exodus 6:10 - God Speaks to Moses Again"), [Numbers 1:1](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1 - Census Instructions")). The initial conjunction "And" seamlessly connects this new divine instruction to the preceding narrative, indicating a continuation of God's active engagement with His people and His ongoing revelation of His will, thereby signaling a significant transition within the broader discourse of Leviticus 23. "the LORD" unequivocally identifies the speaker as Yahweh, the personal, covenant God of Israel, immediately establishing the ultimate source and absolute authority of the forthcoming commands, grounding them firmly in the divine character and His established relationship with His people. "spake unto Moses" precisely specifies the recipient of this divine message; Moses is not merely an observer or a passive listener but the divinely appointed conduit through whom God communicates His will directly to the Israelites, thereby underscoring Moses' unique and indispensable role as mediator and prophet. The concluding participle "saying," serves as a direct indicator that what immediately follows is the precise content of God's speech, preparing the reader for the exact words, laws, and instructions that Yahweh is about to impart, emphasizing the directness, intentionality, and binding nature of this divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in Leviticus 23:33 is **Formulaic Repetition**, specifically the **Divine Speech Formula**. This precise phrase, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," appears hundreds of times throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Leviticus 1:1](/leviticus/1-1 "Leviticus 1:1 - God Speaks from the Tent of Meeting")). Its consistent and pervasive repetition serves several crucial functions: it unequivocally authenticates the divine origin of the laws, instructions, and narratives that follow, reinforcing the theological truth that they are not human inventions or cultural developments but direct commands and revelations from God Himself. Furthermore, it provides clear **Structural Demarcation**, signaling the beginning of a new section of divine revelation or a distinct set of instructions within the larger legal corpus. This repetitive formula also profoundly underscores the **Authority** and binding nature of the text for the Israelite community, establishing a clear chain of authority: God speaks directly to Moses, who then faithfully relays the message to Israel, ensuring that the people understand the ultimate, unchallengeable source of the laws they are commanded to obey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:33, despite its brevity and seemingly formulaic nature, is profoundly theological. It asserts the fundamental truth that God is a speaking God, actively engaged in revealing His character, His will, and His redemptive plan to humanity. This divine communication is not arbitrary but purposeful, meticulously designed to shape the life, worship, and distinct identity of His covenant people. The repeated formula emphasizes the absolute authority of God's word; His commands are not mere suggestions but divine decrees that demand reverent attention, faithful obedience, and unwavering trust. This consistent act of speaking also highlights God's gracious initiative in establishing and maintaining His relationship with Israel, providing the essential framework for their communal and individual walk with Him. It underscores that true worship, righteous living, and a flourishing relationship with the Creator are inextricably rooted in hearing, understanding, and responding obediently to divine revelation.

* [Exodus 19:3](/exodus/19-3 "Exodus 19:3 - God Calls Moses on Sinai")
* [Leviticus 1:1](/leviticus/1-1 "Leviticus 1:1 - God Speaks from the Tent of Meeting")
* [Deuteronomy 16:13-15](/deuteronomy/16-13-15 "Deuteronomy 16:13-15 - Feast of Booths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The simple yet profound declaration, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," carries immense implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our God is not silent, distant, or indifferent, but is a God who actively communicates, who graciously reveals His character, His will, and His eternal plan for humanity. Just as the Israelites were called to listen attentively to Moses as the divinely appointed mediator of God's word, we are called to listen with reverence and humility to the Scriptures, recognizing them as God's inspired, infallible, and authoritative revelation to us. This profound understanding should cultivate a deep reverence for the Bible, prompting us to approach it with a posture of humility, diligently seeking to understand its divine directives and faithfully obey its timeless truths. It also encourages us to remember God's unwavering faithfulness throughout salvation history and in our personal lives, just as the feasts introduced by such verses served as vital reminders for Israel's journey. Ultimately, this verse sets the crucial theological stage for understanding that our lives of worship, obedience, and joyful service are a direct and grateful response to God's gracious and ongoing initiative in speaking to us through His written Word and His living Word, Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin and absolute authority of Scripture impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible daily?**
* **In what diverse ways does God "speak" to us today, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate a greater attentiveness and responsiveness to His voice in our lives?**
* **What is the profound significance of God choosing a mediator (Moses in the Old Covenant, and supremely, Christ in the New Covenant) to communicate His divine will, and what does this teach us about His character and His desire for relationship?**
* **How can we more effectively remember, celebrate, and apply God's past faithfulness in our own lives, echoing the historical and spiritual purposes of ancient feasts like Sukkot?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse so brief, and what is its primary purpose?**

Answer: Leviticus 23:33 is brief because it functions as a standardized introductory formula, not a substantive command in itself. Its primary purpose is to serve as a divine "chapter break" or textual marker, signaling the commencement of a new and distinct section of God's direct instruction. It authenticates the divine origin of the commands that follow—in this case, the detailed regulations for the joyous Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which begins in [Leviticus 23:34](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34 - Feast of Tabernacles Introduced"). This formula ensures the reader understands that the subsequent laws are not human inventions but direct, authoritative words from Yahweh, communicated through His chosen servant, Moses.

**What is the significance of the phrase "the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" in the Pentateuch?**

Answer: This phrase is a crucial literary and theological device used hundreds of times throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Exodus 6:10](/exodus/6-10 "Exodus 6:10 - God Speaks to Moses Again"), [Numbers 1:1](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1 - Census Instructions")). Its consistent repetition profoundly emphasizes several key theological points: it establishes the **divine authority** of the laws and narratives that follow, unequivocally demonstrating God as the ultimate, sovereign source of all truth and command; it highlights the **mediatorial role of Moses**, underscoring his unique and divinely appointed position as the one chosen by God to receive and faithfully transmit His sacred word to the nation of Israel; and it affirms the **directness of divine revelation**, emphasizing that God actively and personally communicates with His people. This formula transforms the text from a mere historical record or human legislation into a sacred, divinely inspired collection of commands, narratives, and covenant stipulations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 23:33 itself is an introductory formula, it powerfully sets the stage for understanding God's fundamental nature as a speaking God and His profound desire to dwell intimately among His people, themes that find their ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very concept of "the LORD spake" profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect Word of God, who is Jesus Christ Himself, for in the New Testament, we are taught that "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). The divine word, once mediated through the prophet Moses, became fully incarnate in the person of Jesus, who "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), thereby perfectly fulfilling the symbolism of the Feast of Tabernacles that this verse introduces. Just as Moses was the indispensable mediator of the Old Covenant's laws and stipulations, Christ is revealed as the superior and perfect mediator of a new and better covenant, established on better promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")), through whom God's ultimate revelation, redemptive plan, and eternal grace are perfectly communicated and accomplished. The deep longing for God's dwelling place with humanity, anticipated by the temporary booths of Sukkot, is ultimately realized in Christ's abiding presence with His church and culminates in the breathtaking vision of the new heavens and new earth, where God Himself will truly "dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God" ([Revelation 21:3](/rev/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")).

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.