Leviticus 23:9

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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

ADONAI said to Moshe,

And the LORD said to Moses,

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

Commentary

Leviticus 23:9 serves as a foundational introductory statement, setting the stage for one of the most significant agricultural and spiritual commands given to ancient Israel: the Feast of Firstfruits. This verse emphasizes the divine origin of the instructions that follow, highlighting God's direct communication with Moses.

Context

This verse is part of Leviticus chapter 23, which meticulously outlines the "appointed feasts of the LORD" (mo'adim Adonai), the sacred calendar of annual festivals and holy days that God commanded Israel to observe. These feasts were not merely cultural traditions but were divinely ordained appointments, each with specific rituals and profound symbolic meaning. Leviticus 23:9 specifically transitions from the general instructions about the Sabbath and Passover to the commands concerning the offering of the firstfruits, which was to be presented when the Israelites entered the Promised Land and began harvesting its produce.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Revelation: The opening phrase, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," is a recurring formula in the Pentateuch, underscoring that the laws and ordinances given to Israel were not human inventions but direct commands from God Himself. This phrase establishes the absolute authority behind the instructions. Similar declarations of divine communication are found throughout the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.
  • Moses as Intermediary: Moses' central role as God's chosen prophet and messenger to the people of Israel is reinforced. He was the conduit through whom God's will and law were revealed to the nation.
  • Preparation for Feasts: This verse acts as a direct preamble to the detailed instructions for the Feast of Firstfruits, emphasizing the importance of this specific offering as part of Israel's covenant relationship with God and their acknowledgment of His provision.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" (ื•ึทื™ึฐื“ึทื‘ึตึผืจ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” ืึถืœึพืžึนืฉึถืื” ืœึตึผืืžึนืจ - vaydabber Yahweh el-Moshe lemor), is a common and significant literary device in the Torah. It serves to introduce divine speech, lending immense weight and authority to the subsequent commands or declarations. The name "LORD" here represents the divine covenant name, Yahweh (YHWH), signifying God's personal and relational aspect with His people.

Practical Application

While the specific rituals of the Old Testament law are no longer binding for New Testament believers, the principle of divine revelation remains timeless. Leviticus 23:9 reminds us that God speaks to His people and that His instructions are to be received with reverence and obedience. For Christians, this echoes the importance of engaging with God's inspired Word, the Bible, as the primary source of truth and guidance for life. It also highlights God's meticulous care in providing for His people, not just physically but also spiritually, through His established ordinances and principles.

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Cross-References

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