Leviticus 7:38

KJV

Which the LORD commanded Moses in mount Sinai, in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblations unto the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872} in mount {H2022} Sinai {H5514}, in the day {H3117} that he commanded {H6680} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} to offer {H7126} their oblations {H7133} unto the LORD {H3068}, in the wilderness {H4057} of Sinai {H5514}.

Complete Jewish Bible

which ADONAI ordered Moshe on Mount Sinai on the day he ordered the people of Isra'el to present their offerings to ADONAI, in the Sinai Desert.

Berean Standard Bible

which the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai on the day He commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai.

American Standard Version

which Jehovah commanded Moses in mount Sinai, in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblations unto Jehovah, in the wilderness of Sinai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:38 serves as a profound and authoritative concluding statement for the comprehensive sacrificial laws detailed in the preceding chapters (Leviticus 1-7). It powerfully emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of these commands, affirming that the LORD Himself delivered these meticulous instructions to Moses at Mount Sinai. These instructions were specifically for the children of Israel, governing their worship and the presentation of their oblations in the wilderness. This verse encapsulates the theological weight of the entire section, underscoring that the elaborate system of offerings was not a human invention but a divinely ordained framework for maintaining covenant relationship and providing a means for a sinful people to approach a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:38 functions as a formal colophon, bringing the detailed legislation of the five primary offerings to a definitive close. Chapters [Leviticus 1-5](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-5 - Laws for Offerings") meticulously describe the burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering, sin offering, and guilt offering, outlining their procedures and purposes for the Israelite worshiper. Subsequently, [Leviticus 6:8-7:36](/leviticus/6-8 "Leviticus 6:8-7:36 - Priestly Instructions for Offerings") provides specific instructions for the priests regarding their roles, portions, and responsibilities concerning these same offerings. Thus, [Leviticus 7:38](/leviticus/7-38 "Leviticus 7:38 - Concluding Summary of Sacrificial Laws") acts as a divine signature, stamping ultimate authority on this entire corpus of sacrificial legislation. Its placement strategically transitions the reader from the intricate details of the offerings to the subsequent narrative of priestly ordination and the inauguration of the tabernacle worship in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), ensuring that the foundation of worship is firmly rooted in divine command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for these divine commands is the wilderness of Sinai, a pivotal location in Israel's formative history. Following their miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai where God established His covenant with them, famously delivering the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")) and a vast body of civil and ceremonial laws. The period in the wilderness was one of profound national formation, where God taught the nascent nation how to live as His holy people, distinct from the pagan cultures around them. The elaborate system of sacrifices, commanded during this time, was not merely ritualistic but served as the divinely appointed means for a sinful people to approach a holy God, confess sin, seek atonement, express gratitude, and maintain fellowship within the covenant. These laws provided the essential framework for their worship, communal life, and ethical conduct, setting them apart from surrounding nations whose worship practices often involved idolatry, divination, and even human sacrifice. The emphasis on "the day that he commanded" highlights the specific, authoritative moment of revelation, underscoring its foundational significance.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:38 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that all true worship and covenant relationship must be initiated and defined by God Himself. The repeated phrase "the LORD commanded" underscores that these laws are not human inventions but divine imperatives, binding upon Israel. This ties into the theme of **Holiness**, as God, being perfectly holy, prescribes the means by which an unholy people can approach Him without being consumed. The meticulous nature of the laws reflects God's own perfect order and His demand for purity in worship. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Covenant Fidelity and Obedience**, reminding Israel that their relationship with Yahweh is predicated on their adherence to His revealed will. The sacrificial system itself is a primary expression of this fidelity, providing the means for atonement and fellowship, thus maintaining the covenant bond established at Sinai (compare [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Priestly Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This word, transliterated from H3068, refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. Its use here emphasizes that the commands originate from the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who is sovereign and unchanging. This is not a command from a lesser deity or human authority, but from the supreme God who brought Israel out of Egypt and established His covenant with them. It underscores the ultimate source of the sacrificial system's authority.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** Transliterated from H6680, this primitive root means (intensively) to constitute or enjoin. It signifies a divine imperative, a direct and authoritative instruction, rather than a mere suggestion or a humanly devised tradition. The repetition of this verb in the verse ("the LORD commanded Moses... he commanded the children of Israel") powerfully reinforces the non-negotiable, divinely ordained nature of the sacrificial laws, establishing their binding authority and highlighting God's initiative in setting the terms for His people's worship.
* **oblations (Hebrew, _qorbân'_):** Transliterated from H7133, this term is derived from the root _qârab_ (H7126), meaning "to approach" or "to bring near." A _qorban_ is literally "something brought near the altar," a sacrificial present or offering. This comprehensive term encompasses all types of offerings and gifts brought to God. Its inclusion here underscores the very purpose of the sacrificial system: to enable sinful humanity to approach a holy God, whether for atonement, thanksgiving, or fellowship. It signifies the active role of the worshiper in presenting themselves and their gifts to the LORD as a means of drawing near to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which the LORD commanded Moses in mount Sinai":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine provenance and authority of all the preceding sacrificial laws. It unequivocally states that the entire system was not a human invention or a cultural evolution, but a direct, authoritative revelation from Yahweh Himself, communicated through His chosen mediator, Moses, at the sacred mountain where the covenant was ratified. This grounds the validity, necessity, and eternal significance of the laws in God's own sovereign will and character.
* **"in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblations unto the LORD":** This phrase further specifies the timing and the recipients of the command. It points to a particular, foundational moment in Israel's history when God formally instituted these practices for the entire community. The act of "offering their oblations" (qorban) highlights the active participation required of the Israelites, emphasizing that these were not passive rituals but intentional acts of worship and submission. The phrase "unto the LORD" signifies the ultimate recipient and purpose of all sacrifices, underscoring that all worship is ultimately directed towards God.
* **"in the wilderness of Sinai":** This concluding geographical marker reinforces the precise historical context of the giving of the Law. It reminds the reader that these commands were given to Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness, a period of national formation, divine provision, and testing. The wilderness setting underscores the immediate relevance and necessity of these laws for their daily lives and worship as a people set apart by God, even before they entered the Promised Land, establishing the foundation for their future life in Canaan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 7:38 is **Repetition**, particularly of the verb "commanded" and the geographical reference to "Sinai." The phrase "the LORD commanded Moses in mount Sinai" is powerfully echoed by "he commanded the children of Israel... in the wilderness of Sinai." This repetition serves to emphatically underscore the divine origin, absolute authority, and historical veracity of the sacrificial laws. It creates a strong sense of **Emphasis**, ensuring that the reader grasps the non-negotiable nature of these divine decrees. Furthermore, this repetition, along with the precise and repeated geographical and temporal markers ("mount Sinai," "wilderness of Sinai," "in the day that he commanded"), contributes to an **Inclusio** for the entire section of sacrificial legislation (Leviticus 1-7). By framing the detailed laws with such a powerful statement of divine command, the verse acts as a formal colophon, sealing the preceding instructions with an authoritative stamp and lending an air of solemnity to the divine decree. This reinforces the idea that these are not mere suggestions but foundational, covenantal stipulations for Israel's relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:38 profoundly emphasizes the themes of divine authority, covenant fidelity, and the necessity of a divinely prescribed means of approach to God. It underscores that true worship is not self-invented but must conform to God's revealed will. The meticulous detail of the sacrificial laws, culminating in this summary, reveals God's holiness and His desire for an ordered, intentional relationship with His people. It highlights that sin creates a barrier that only God's provision can overcome, and that obedience to His commands is integral to maintaining the covenant. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the initiator and definer of the terms of worship, and His commands are given for the good of His people and the glory of His name.

* [Exodus 24:3](/exodus/24-3 "Exodus 24:3 - Israel's Pledge of Obedience")
* [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Adherence to God's Commands")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Atonement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:38, though concluding a section on ancient sacrificial practices, speaks timeless truths about the nature of God and our relationship with Him. It reminds us that God is sovereign and holy, and His commands are not arbitrary but are given for our good and for His glory. In an age where personal preference often dictates worship and belief, this verse calls us back to the foundational principle that genuine worship is always in response to God's revelation and according to His terms. While the outward forms of worship have changed with the coming of Christ, the underlying principles of obedience, reverence, and the desire to draw near to God remain paramount. We are challenged to consider if our worship and service are truly "commanded" by God's Word, or if they are merely human traditions, preferences, or cultural adaptations. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of humble submission to God's authority in all areas of our lives, recognizing that true spiritual flourishing and intimacy with God come from aligning ourselves with His perfect and revealed will, rather than our own inclinations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on God's command to Moses at Sinai shape our understanding of the authority and sufficiency of Scripture in our lives today?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to approach God on our own terms or invent our own forms of worship, rather than adhering to His revealed will?**
* **What "oblations" or spiritual sacrifices (e.g., praise, service, obedience) does God command of believers today, and how can we ensure they are offered "unto the LORD" with sincerity, reverence, and a spirit of obedience?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Leviticus 7:38 being placed at the end of the sacrificial laws?**

Answer: Leviticus 7:38 serves as a powerful concluding statement, a formal colophon, to the detailed instructions regarding the various offerings in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of the Offerings"). Its strategic placement underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of these laws. By explicitly stating that "the LORD commanded Moses in mount Sinai," the verse solidifies the theological foundation of the entire sacrificial system, emphasizing that these intricate regulations were not human inventions but divinely revealed stipulations for Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. It acts as a stamp of authenticity and finality, validating the preceding chapters and preparing the reader for the subsequent narrative of priestly consecration and the inauguration of Tabernacle worship in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:38, with its emphatic declaration of God's command for Israel's oblations, powerfully points forward to the ultimate and perfect offering found in Jesus Christ. The entire system of sacrifices, meticulously commanded at Sinai, served as a temporary and typological means for humanity to "draw near" to a holy God. These repeated offerings, though divinely ordained, could never fully atone for sin or perfect the worshipper, as the author of Hebrews profoundly explains (compare [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow of Good Things to Come")). The "commanded" oblations of the Old Covenant find their complete and final fulfillment in the singular, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. He is the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who by His own precious blood, entered the holy places not made with hands, securing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His perfect obedience and self-offering, Christ became the ultimate "oblation" (qorban), enabling all who believe to truly draw near to God with boldness and confidence, not through the blood of animals, but through His finished work ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") and [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Full Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the divine command at Sinai, while foundational for Israel, ultimately foreshadowed the greater, divinely commanded sacrifice of God's own Son, through whom we now offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise")).

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

Leviticus 1:1

¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

Leviticus 1:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, [even] of the herd, and of the flock.