Leviticus 25:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872} in mount {H2022} Sinai {H5514}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI spoke to Moshe on Mount Sinai; he said,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:1 serves as the authoritative divine preamble to the profound socio-economic and spiritual legislation of the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee. It meticulously establishes that these laws, crucial for Israel's life in the Promised Land, are not human constructs but direct commandments from Yahweh, spoken to Moses on the sacred summit of Mount Sinai, thereby imbuing them with ultimate divine authority and covenantal significance for the nascent nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a formal, divinely-sourced introduction to the comprehensive legislation concerning the Sabbatical Year (`Shemittah`) in [Leviticus 25:2-7](/leviticus/25-2-7 "Leviticus 25:2-7 - The Sabbatical Year Legislation") and the climactic Year of Jubilee (`Yovel`) from [Leviticus 25:8-55](/leviticus/25-8-55 "Leviticus 25:8-55 - The Year of Jubilee Legislation"). Following chapters that detail the appointed feasts of the Lord in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord") and various cultic and civil laws in [Leviticus 24](/leviticus/24 "Leviticus 24 - Laws for Priests and Blasphemy"), Leviticus 25 marks a significant thematic shift. It moves from the sanctuary and its rituals to the land itself and the people's relationship to it, emphasizing principles of rest, redemption, and equitable distribution, all fundamentally rooted in God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The explicit setting of "Mount Sinai" is of paramount importance. This is the very holy mountain where God had previously descended in fire and cloud to deliver the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and the foundational covenant laws to the newly liberated Israelites, as vividly recorded in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19-24 - The Sinai Covenant"). The recurring phrase "the LORD spake unto Moses" reiterates the divine origin of these specific laws, unequivocally distinguishing them from human decrees and underscoring Moses' unique and indispensable role as God's chosen mediator for His people, a role powerfully affirmed in [Deuteronomy 5:5](/deuteronomy/5-5 "Deuteronomy 5:5 - Moses as Mediator"). These commands were imparted to Israel while they were still encamped at Sinai, before their entry into the Promised Land, signifying that these principles of land stewardship, social justice, and economic equity were not afterthoughts but foundational pillars for their future life as a nation under God's direct, theocratic rule. The laws of the Sabbath and Jubilee were divinely designed to prevent perpetual poverty, ensure equitable land distribution, and perpetually remind the Israelites of God's ultimate sovereignty over their lives, their labor, and their land.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 25:1 introduces and reinforces several key theological and narrative themes central to the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Authority and Revelation**, as the verse explicitly states that the laws originate directly from "the LORD" and were "spake unto Moses." This underscores the binding nature of the subsequent legislation. Another crucial theme is **God's Sovereignty over the Land**, foreshadowing the detailed laws that establish God's ultimate ownership of the land of Israel, which He merely leases to His people ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land is Mine")). This theme is intrinsically linked to **Stewardship and Dependence**, reminding Israel that their prosperity and security depend entirely on their obedience to God's commands, not their own might or wisdom, a principle echoed in [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth"). Finally, the setting at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai") powerfully evokes the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, emphasizing that these laws are integral to the covenant God established with Israel, designed to shape them into a holy nation reflecting His character of justice and mercy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred Tetragrammaton (YHWH), God's personal covenant name, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "the LORD" in English translations. Its use here emphasizes the self-Existent, Eternal, and relational character of the God who is entering into covenant with Israel. It underscores that these are not generic divine commands but specific instructions from the God who has revealed Himself in saving power and who maintains an ongoing, intimate, and faithful relationship with His people, demanding their exclusive allegiance.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The verb "dabar" signifies a direct, intentional, and authoritative communication. It implies not merely a suggestion or a general revelation but a precise, verbal utterance from God, often with the nuance of arranging or ordering. This highlights the clarity, directness, and binding nature of God's interaction with Moses, affirming the absolute authority and divine origin of the laws that follow, which are presented as clear commands to be obeyed.
* **Sinai (Hebrew, _Çîynay'_):** This geographical reference, "Mount Sinai," is more than just a location; it is a potent symbol of divine revelation, covenant, and the giving of the Law. It is the locus where God descended in fire and cloud, where the covenant was ratified, and where the foundational Law was given to Israel. Its explicit mention here anchors the subsequent laws in the sacred, foundational events of Israel's history, reinforcing their holiness, solemnity, and binding nature as an integral part of the Sinai covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source and the human recipient of the forthcoming revelation. The "LORD" (Yahweh) is the sovereign initiator, emphasizing His ultimate authority and active engagement with His covenant people. Moses is identified as the chosen and unique mediator, the one through whom God communicates His precise will to Israel. This formulation is a common introductory phrase throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch, underscoring the theocratic nature of Israel's law and the direct pipeline of divine authority.
* **"in mount Sinai":** This phrase specifies the precise geographical and, more importantly, theological context for these laws. Mount Sinai is not simply a physical location but a sacred space, the very place where God had previously manifested His glory, delivered the core of the Law, and formally established His covenant with Israel. This detail links the Sabbath and Jubilee laws directly to the foundational covenant established at Sinai, imbuing them with the same weight, sanctity, and non-negotiable character as the Ten Commandments themselves.
* **"saying,":** This simple yet crucial word acts as a direct transition, indicating that what follows is the verbatim content of God's speech. It signals the shift from the authoritative introduction to the specific divine commands, ensuring that the subsequent verses are understood as the very words of God, to be received with reverence and obeyed without question by the nation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 25:1 primarily functions as a **Framing Device** and an **Authoritative Declaration**. As a framing device, it meticulously sets the stage for the entire chapter, signaling a new and distinct block of legislation concerning the land and its management. The repetition of the phrase "the LORD spake unto Moses in Mount Sinai" (or similar variations) throughout the Pentateuch serves as a powerful **Formulaic Introduction**, emphasizing the consistent and unchanging divine origin of the laws, lending them an undeniable aura of authority. The mention of "Mount Sinai" itself acts as a profound **Symbol** of divine presence, covenant, and law-giving, immediately imbuing the subsequent instructions with immense weight, holiness, and binding sacredness. The verse's concise, direct, and declarative language contributes significantly to its **Didactic** purpose, clearly stating the ultimate source and solemn setting of the commands to ensure they are understood as non-negotiable divine mandates rather than mere human suggestions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:1 establishes the absolute divine authority of God's word, particularly concerning His ownership of the land and His benevolent design for justice, equity, and rest within His covenant community. It underscores the profound truth that true societal order, lasting well-being, and genuine freedom are rooted not in human ingenuity or economic systems, but in humble obedience to God's revealed will. The principles of Sabbath rest and Jubilee redemption, introduced by this verse, are direct reflections of God's character of generosity, equity, compassion, and His ultimate sovereignty, reminding Israel that they are merely stewards, not ultimate owners, of all that they possess. This foundational truth about divine authority, stewardship, and God's ownership of all creation resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative.

* [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - God's Ownership of Israel, a Treasured Possession")
* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")
* [Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's and Everything in It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:1 is far more than a mere historical marker; it is a profound declaration of God's enduring sovereignty, His active engagement with humanity, and the divine origin of all true wisdom, order, and justice. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that our lives, our resources, our time, and indeed our very existence are ultimately under the benevolent authority of the Creator. It calls us to approach all of Scripture, and by extension, all of life, with a posture of humility, reverence, and profound trust, recognizing that God's commands are never arbitrary burdens but rather pathways to flourishing, justice, and a right relationship with Him and our neighbor. Understanding that God "spake" these words directly to Moses at the sacred site of Sinai should instill in us a deep and abiding trust in His perfect plan and an earnest desire to align our lives with His revealed will, knowing with certainty that His instructions are always for our ultimate good and His supreme glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the direct, divine origin of God's commands (as seen in "the LORD spake") impact your approach to Scripture, obedience, and discerning God's will in your life?**
* **In what specific ways does the concept of God's ultimate ownership (implied by laws given for the land and resources) challenge your personal view of possessions, wealth, and stewardship in your daily life?**
* **How can the timeless principles of rest, justice, and redemption, which are introduced by this verse, be thoughtfully applied in your personal life, your family, and your community today, even if the specific ceremonial laws are not directly applicable?**

### FAQ
**Why is the location "Mount Sinai" so important in this verse?**

Answer: The explicit mention of "Mount Sinai" is profoundly crucial because it anchors the laws of the Sabbath year and Jubilee to the foundational covenant established there. Sinai is not merely a geographical point; it is the sacred mountain where God revealed His glory, delivered the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), and formally entered into a covenant relationship with the newly formed nation of Israel. By stating that these new socio-economic and land laws were also given "in mount Sinai," Leviticus 25:1 imbues them with the same divine authority, sanctity, and binding nature as the core Mosaic Law. It powerfully reinforces that these are not merely human regulations or pragmatic suggestions, but direct divine mandates for Israel's life in the Promised Land, stemming from the very heart of their covenant with God and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:1, by emphasizing God's direct and authoritative communication of law from Mount Sinai, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine Word who would come not merely to speak God's will, but to embody, fulfill, and perfectly reveal it. While Moses served as the faithful mediator of the Old Covenant, [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us") is the supreme and perfect Mediator of a New and far better Covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Just as the LORD "spake" to Moses, God has now definitively "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), who is the very radiance of God's glory. The foundational principles of rest, redemption, and release from bondage inherent in the Sabbath and Jubilee laws find their ultimate and complete fulfillment in Christ. He is our true Sabbath rest, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest for their souls in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through His atoning work on the cross, He proclaims the ultimate "release to the captives" and "recovery of sight to the blind," ushering in the "year of the Lord's favor" ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims the Year of the Lord's Favor"), quoting [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord God is Upon Me")). Thus, the divine authority and redemptive purpose initiated at Sinai in Leviticus 25:1 culminate in the person and saving work of Christ, who brings true freedom, spiritual restoration, and eternal inheritance to all who believe.

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 10:11

¶ And it came to pass on the twentieth [day] of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.

Numbers 10:12

And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.

Exodus 19:1

¶ In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they [into] the wilderness of Sinai.

Galatians 4:24

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

Galatians 4:25

For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

Numbers 1:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first [day] of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,