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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes the detailed regulations concerning the Sabbatical Year (`Shemittah`) in [Leviticus 25:2-7](/leviticus/25-2 "Leviticus 25:2-7 - The Sabbatical Year") and the Year of Jubilee (`Yovel`) from [Leviticus 25:8-55](/leviticus/25-8 "Leviticus 25:8-55 - The Year of Jubilee"). It functions as a formal introduction, signaling a new section of divine instruction within the larger legal framework of Leviticus. The preceding chapters ([Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord") and [Leviticus 24](/leviticus/24 "Leviticus 24 - Laws for Priests and Blasphemy")) deal with the appointed feasts of the Lord and various cultic and civil laws, respectively. Leviticus 25 then shifts focus 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 rooted in God's ownership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of "Mount Sinai" is paramount. This is the same holy mountain where God had previously delivered the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and the foundational covenant laws to the newly liberated Israelites, as recorded in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"). The phrase "the LORD spake unto Moses" reiterates the divine origin of these laws, distinguishing them from human decrees and emphasizing Moses' unique role as God's chosen mediator for His people, a role highlighted in [Deuteronomy 5:5](/deuteronomy/5-5 "Deuteronomy 5:5 - Moses as Mediator"). These commands were given to Israel while they were still encamped at Sinai, before their entry into the Promised Land, indicating that these principles of land stewardship, social justice, and economic equity were foundational for their future life as a nation under God's direct rule. The laws of the Sabbath and Jubilee were designed to prevent perpetual poverty, ensure equitable land distribution, and remind the Israelites of God's ultimate sovereignty over their lives and their land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), God's personal covenant name, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "the LORD" in English translations. Its use here emphasizes the relational, faithful, and sovereign 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 relationship with His people.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dabar'_):** The verb "dabar" signifies a direct, intentional, and authoritative communication. It is not merely a suggestion or a general revelation but a precise, verbal utterance from God. This highlights the clarity and directness of God's interaction with Moses, affirming the absolute authority and divine origin of the laws that follow.
* **Mount Sinai (Hebrew, _Har Sinai'_):** This geographical reference is a potent symbol of divine revelation and covenant. It is the locus where God descended in fire and cloud, where the covenant was ratified, and where the Law was given. Its mention here anchors the subsequent laws in the sacred, foundational events of Israel's history, reinforcing their holiness, solemnity, and binding nature as 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 initiator, emphasizing His sovereign authority and active engagement with His covenant people. Moses is identified as the chosen mediator, the one through whom God communicates His will to Israel. This formulation is a common introductory phrase in Leviticus, underscoring the theocratic nature of Israel's law.
* **"in mount Sinai":** This phrase specifies the precise geographical and theological context for these laws. Mount Sinai is not just a physical location but a sacred space, the very place where God had previously manifested His glory and delivered the core of the Law. This detail links the Sabbath and Jubilee laws directly to the foundational covenant established at Sinai, imbuing them with the same weight and sanctity as the Ten Commandments.
* **"saying,":** This simple word indicates that what follows is the direct content of God's speech. It transitions from the authoritative introduction to the specific divine commands, signaling that the subsequent verses are the very words of God, to be received and obeyed by Israel.

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

### 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 design for justice and rest within His covenant community. It underscores that true societal order and well-being are rooted in obedience to God's revealed will, not human ingenuity. The principles of Sabbath rest and Jubilee redemption, introduced by this verse, reflect God's character of generosity, equity, and compassion, reminding Israel that they are stewards, not ultimate owners, of all that they possess. This foundational truth about divine authority and stewardship resonates throughout scripture.

* [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - God's Ownership of Israel")
* [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")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 25:1 is more than just a historical marker; it is a profound declaration of God's enduring sovereignty and the divine origin of all true wisdom and order. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our lives, our resources, and our very existence are under the benevolent authority of the Creator. It calls us to approach all of Scripture, and indeed all of life, with a posture of humility and reverence, recognizing that God's commands are not arbitrary burdens but pathways to flourishing, justice, and right relationship with Him and our neighbor. Understanding that God "spake" these words to Moses at Sinai should instill in us a deep trust in His perfect plan and a desire to align our lives with His revealed will, knowing that His instructions are always for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of God's commands (as seen in "the LORD spake") impact your approach to Scripture and obedience?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's ultimate ownership (implied by laws given for the land) challenge your view of personal possessions and resources?**
* **How can the principles of rest, justice, and redemption, introduced by this verse, be applied in your life and 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 mention of "Mount Sinai" is crucial because it anchors the laws of the Sabbath year and Jubilee to the foundational covenant established there. Sinai is where God revealed His glory, delivered the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), and formally entered into a covenant relationship with Israel. By stating that these new 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 reinforces that these are not merely human regulations but direct divine mandates for Israel's life in the Promised Land, stemming from the very heart of their covenant with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:1, by emphasizing God's direct communication of law from Mount Sinai, foreshadows the ultimate divine Word who would come not merely to speak, but to embody and fulfill the Law. While Moses served as the mediator of the Old Covenant, [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") is the Mediator of a New and 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 "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). The principles of rest, redemption, and release from bondage inherent in the Sabbath and Jubilee laws find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. He is our true Sabbath rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), and through His atoning work, He proclaims "release to the captives" and "recovery of sight to the blind" ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims the Year of the Lord's Favor"), quoting [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1 "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 work of Christ, who brings true freedom and restoration 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.