Leviticus 8:5

KJV

And Moses said unto the congregation, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto the congregation {H5712}, This is the thing {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} to be done {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to the community, "This is what ADONAI has ordered to be done."

Berean Standard Bible

And Moses said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded to be done.”

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which Jehovah hath commanded to be done.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:5 serves as a foundational declaration by Moses to the assembled congregation, asserting that the elaborate consecration rituals for Aaron and his sons, which are about to unfold, are not human inventions but direct, authoritative commands from the LORD. This verse critically underscores the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of Israel's worship system, establishing a precedent for all subsequent acts of service and devotion to God. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the priesthood and the meticulous detail of His revealed will for His people, ensuring that the entire nation understood the sacred legitimacy of the proceedings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 8:5 is strategically positioned at the very outset of a pivotal section detailing the ordination of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. The preceding verses, [Leviticus 8:1-4](/leviticus/8-1-4 "Leviticus 8:1-4 - The Divine Command for Consecration"), meticulously describe the LORD's explicit instructions to Moses: to gather the entire congregation at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, along with the specific items required for the consecration. Moses' solemn statement in verse 5 functions as a public affirmation and a profound introduction to the series of sacred rites that immediately follow in [Leviticus 8:6-36](/leviticus/8-6-36 "Leviticus 8:6-36 - The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons"), encompassing washing, anointing, dressing in priestly garments, and offering various sacrifices. This verse thus acts as a crucial transition, validating the upcoming ceremonies as divinely ordained rather than mere human tradition, thereby setting the stage for the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood as God's chosen channel for mediation, worship, and the maintenance of holiness within Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Leviticus 8:5 is the wilderness encampment of the Israelites, specifically at the newly constructed Tabernacle. Following the detailed divine blueprints for its construction and furnishing laid out in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25-40 "Exodus 25-40 - Construction and Erection of the Tabernacle"), the book of Leviticus transitions to outlining the intricate laws and rituals necessary for proper worship and maintaining holiness within this sacred space. The consecration of the priesthood was a monumental event, establishing a divinely appointed system for approaching God, handling sacred objects, and mediating between a holy God and His covenant people. Unlike many ancient Near Eastern cultures where priestly authority often stemmed from royal decree, ancestral lineage, or even self-appointment, Israel's priesthood was uniquely and exclusively established by direct divine command. Moses, functioning as God's chosen mediator—a role he powerfully fulfilled in delivering the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai")—communicates this divine mandate to the entire assembly, ensuring that the people fully grasped the absolute divine authority underpinning these foundational religious institutions.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 8:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is **Divine Authority**: the verse unequivocally declares that the entire priestly system originates from the LORD, not human wisdom, establishing God's absolute sovereignty over worship and spiritual leadership. This ties directly into the theme of **Holiness**, as the meticulous commands for consecration emphasize God's perfect purity and the necessity for those who draw near to Him to be set apart according to His standards. The concept of **Mediation** is also central, as the verse introduces the divinely appointed priests as the intermediaries between God and Israel, a role established by divine command. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Obedience**, asserting that the legitimacy and efficacy of these sacred acts depend entirely on faithful adherence to God's precise instructions. Finally, the verse reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant people by providing them with the necessary means to maintain a relationship with Him, as foreshadowed in passages like [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** From H4872, meaning "drawing out (of the water)," i.e., rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver. The mention of Moses here is crucial, as he is God's chosen prophet and mediator, the one through whom the divine commands are delivered to Israel. His role in this verse underscores the authenticity and authority of the message, as he is not speaking his own words but faithfully relaying the explicit will of the LORD.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, YHWH, which signifies His personal, relational, and unchanging nature. The use of this specific name emphasizes that the command for the priesthood originates not from a generic deity, but from the very God who entered into covenant with Israel, redeemed them from slavery, and is now meticulously ordering their worship and community life. It highlights His absolute sovereignty and faithfulness.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, meaning "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin." This verb denotes a strong, authoritative, and binding directive, an order that demands strict and unquestioning obedience. It is not a suggestion, a request, or a human invention, but a divine decree. The use of _tsâvâh_ here underscores that the entire consecration process is a matter of absolute divine will, imbuing the rituals with ultimate spiritual weight and legitimacy, making them non-negotiable.
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." This versatile Hebrew word refers here to the specific, concrete instruction or matter at hand—the entire process of consecrating Aaron and his sons. By using "this... the thing," Moses emphasizes the particularity, precision, and definitiveness of the divine instruction. It is not a vague concept but a precise set of actions that God has ordained, demanding meticulous execution and reinforcing that every detail of the ritual is purposeful and divinely sanctioned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto the congregation":** This opening clause immediately establishes Moses' central and indispensable role as God's chosen mediator and authoritative spokesperson. His address to "the congregation" (H5712, _ʻêdâh_), meaning the entire assembly of Israel, signifies the public, communal, and nationally significant nature of this divine revelation. The consecration of the priesthood was not a private affair but a foundational event for the entire nation, requiring their witness, understanding, and acceptance of its divine origin. Moses' voice carries the weight and authority of God Himself, ensuring the people grasp the gravity and legitimacy of what is about to transpire.
* **"This [is] the thing":** This phrase functions as an emphatic declaration, pointing directly and unequivocally to the specific, detailed instructions for the consecration ceremony that are about to be performed. The demonstrative "this" underscores the immediate, tangible, and precise nature of the divine command. It is a clear and unambiguous statement that what they are witnessing and about to participate in is not arbitrary, humanly conceived, or open to interpretation, but a precise "thing" or "matter" (H1697, _dâbâr_) that has been meticulously laid out by the highest authority.
* **"which the LORD commanded to be done":** This concluding clause serves as the theological lynchpin of the verse, unequivocally attributing the ultimate authority, origin, and mandate of the entire consecration process to "the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_). The verb "commanded" (H6680, _tsâvâh_) powerfully reinforces the absolute, binding, and non-negotiable nature of the divine directive. It signifies that these rituals are not optional, subject to human alteration, or open to negotiation; rather, they represent God's explicit and unchangeable will for how His people are to approach Him and how their spiritual leaders are to be set apart. This statement fundamentally legitimizes the priesthood and the sacrificial system as divinely instituted, demanding faithful and precise adherence.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 8:5 is **Authoritative Declaration**. Moses, acting as God's direct and faithful representative, issues a clear, concise, and unambiguous statement that the upcoming consecration rituals are not of human design but are divinely mandated. This declaration serves to underscore the absolute **Divine Authority** behind the entire Levitical system, imbuing every subsequent action and detail with profound sacred weight and unquestionable legitimacy. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** conveyed through the direct and succinct phrasing, "This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded to be done," which highlights the non-negotiable and divinely ordained nature of God's instructions. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Preparatory Statement**, setting a solemn, reverent, and obedient tone for the detailed ceremonies that follow, ensuring that the congregation understands the ultimate source and sanctity of the priestly office and the entire system of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 8:5 profoundly establishes the foundational principle that true worship, sacred service, and legitimate spiritual leadership must always be rooted in divine command, never in human innovation, preference, or tradition. This verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the means by which humanity can approach Him, demonstrating His meticulous care and wisdom in providing a precise pathway for fellowship, atonement, and the maintenance of holiness. It underscores the critical importance of obedience as a foundational aspect of faith, where the legitimacy of spiritual authority and the efficacy of sacred rituals derive entirely from God's revealed will. The meticulous details of the consecration, introduced by this declaration, underscore God's perfect holiness and the absolute necessity of proper, divinely sanctioned mediation for sinful humanity to draw near to a holy God.

* [Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - Moses Receives the Tablets of the Law"): Just as Moses received the Law directly from God on Mount Sinai, so too are the instructions for the priesthood directly from the LORD, emphasizing the singular divine origin of all foundational aspects of Israel's covenant life.
* [Deuteronomy 6:25](/deuteronomy/6-25 "Deuteronomy 6:25 - Righteousness Through Obedience"): This verse explicitly connects obedience to God's commands with righteousness, echoing the principle that doing "the thing which the LORD commanded" is not merely ritualistic but essential for a right and blessed relationship with Him.
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern for Earthly Worship"): The New Testament affirms that the Old Testament worship system, including the Tabernacle and the priesthood, was a "copy and shadow of what is in heaven," reinforcing the idea that these earthly commands were not arbitrary but divinely patterned after a heavenly reality, thereby validating their divine origin and purpose.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 8:5 serves as a timeless and potent reminder that our approach to God, our worship practices, and our service in His kingdom must be fundamentally grounded in His revealed will, rather than being shaped by personal preferences, cultural trends, or human wisdom. In an age where individual expression often takes precedence, this verse calls us back to a humble and reverent submission to divine authority. It challenges us to critically examine the foundations of our faith practices: Are they truly commanded by the LORD, or are they merely traditions of men, however well-intentioned? For those called into spiritual leadership, this verse underscores the immense responsibility to faithfully communicate, uphold, and embody God's commands, recognizing that their authority is derived solely from their adherence to His Word, just as Moses' authority was. Ultimately, this verse invites us to trust implicitly in God's perfect wisdom and gracious provision, acknowledging that He alone establishes the means by which we can draw near to Him, and that His ways are always precise, intentional, and designed for our ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my personal life, church involvement, or worship do I tend to prioritize personal preference or cultural norms over God's clear, revealed commands?**
* **How does understanding the divine origin and meticulous nature of the Old Testament priesthood inform my understanding of spiritual authority and leadership in the Church today?**
* **What particular "things" has the LORD commanded in the New Covenant that I need to more faithfully "do" and integrate into my daily walk and service, embracing His wisdom over my own?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important for Moses to declare that the LORD commanded these things?**

Answer: It was absolutely crucial for Moses to declare this because it established the divine authority and unquestionable legitimacy of the entire consecration process for Aaron and his sons. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, religious rituals and priestly offices could often be human inventions, traditions passed down through generations, or even self-appointed. By explicitly stating, "This [is] the thing which the [LORD commanded to be done](/leviticus/8-5 "Leviticus 8:5 - The LORD's Command to Moses")," Moses made it unequivocally clear that these elaborate and detailed ceremonies for the priesthood were not arbitrary human ideas or cultural adaptations, but direct, authoritative directives from God Himself. This declaration was essential for several reasons: it ensured that the people understood the sanctity and non-negotiable nature of the priesthood and the sacrificial system; it fostered deep reverence, obedience, and trust in God's provision for their spiritual life; and it powerfully reinforced Moses' own role as God's faithful mediator, thereby authenticating his leadership and the divine origin of the entire Mosaic Law. Without this divine mandate, the rituals would have lacked ultimate spiritual efficacy and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 8:5, with its profound emphasis on the divine command for the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament priesthood was indeed divinely instituted, it was inherently a temporary provision, a "copy and shadow of what is in heaven" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern for Earthly Worship")), pointing forward to the reality to come. Jesus is the Great High Priest, consecrated not by human hands, elaborate rituals, or animal sacrifices, but by God Himself, "appointed by God as high priest after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 5:10](/hebrews/5-10 "Hebrews 5:10 - Christ, a High Priest According to the Order of Melchizedek")). The "thing which the LORD commanded to be done" in the Old Covenant was a necessary, yet preparatory, means to foreshadow the perfect sacrifice and eternal mediation of Christ. Jesus perfectly fulfilled all that the Levitical system anticipated, offering Himself as the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")) and entering the true, heavenly Tabernacle not made with hands ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entrance into Heaven")). Thus, the divine authority behind the Old Covenant priesthood culminates and is perfectly realized in the person and work of Christ, who is the ultimate "thing" God commanded to be done for humanity's salvation, reconciliation, and eternal access to God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Exodus 29:4

And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

Exodus 29:37

Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.