Leviticus 9:5

KJV

And they brought [that] which Moses commanded before the tabernacle of the congregation: and all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought {H3947} that which Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680} before {H6440} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}: and all the congregation {H5712} drew near {H7126} and stood {H5975} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They brought what Moshe had ordered before the tent of meeting, and the whole community approached and stood before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So they took what Moses had commanded to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and the whole congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.

American Standard Version

And they brought that which Moses commanded before the tent of meeting: and all the congregation drew near and stood before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 9:5 chronicles a pivotal moment in the inauguration of Israel's priestly ministry and sacrificial system, capturing the congregation's unified and obedient response to divine instruction. It describes the collective act of the entire assembly bringing the commanded offerings to the newly consecrated Tabernacle, signifying their corporate readiness to engage in God's established worship. This communal drawing near and standing before the LORD underscored their anticipation of divine manifestation and the formal commencement of the Old Covenant's liturgical life, affirming their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the narrative of [Leviticus 9](/leviticus/9 "Leviticus 9 - The Eighth Day of Consecration"), which details the climactic "eighth day" of the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons. Following seven days of meticulous anointing, purification, and instruction outlined in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), this day marks the formal commencement of their active priestly service. Moses had previously issued precise instructions for the specific offerings required for this inaugural event, including a sin offering and burnt offering for Aaron and his sons, and a sin offering, burnt offering, peace offering, and grain offering for the congregation, as specified in [Leviticus 9:2-4](/leviticus/9-2-4 "Leviticus 9:2-4 - Moses' Instructions for Inaugural Offerings"). The communal act of bringing these divinely commanded sacrifices, as depicted in [Leviticus 9:5](/leviticus/9-5 "Leviticus 9:5 - The Congregation's Obedience"), was an indispensable prerequisite for the divine acceptance and the subsequent manifestation of the LORD's glory, a promise explicitly stated in [Leviticus 9:6](/leviticus/9-6 "Leviticus 9:6 - The Glory of the LORD Will Appear").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Leviticus 9](/leviticus/9 "Leviticus 9 - The Inauguration of Priestly Ministry") unfold shortly after the completion and erection of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary divinely designed as the central locus for God's dwelling among His people, as described in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected"). This period represented a foundational transition for the nascent nation of Israel, moving from a nomadic people receiving divine law at Sinai to an organized community with a structured system of worship and a designated priesthood. The act of "all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD" was far more than a logistical assembly; it was a profound communal affirmation of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, approaching a deity or a king necessitated strict adherence to established protocols, and the Tabernacle served as the divinely appointed space for such sacred encounters, underscoring the profound holiness of God and the essential need for mediated access.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, demonstrating Israel's immediate and corporate adherence to Moses' instructions, which is foundational for acceptable worship and divine blessing. The communal gathering underscores the theme of **Corporate Identity and Worship**, emphasizing that Israel's relationship with God was not merely individual but deeply communal, requiring collective participation. Furthermore, the setting "before the tabernacle of the congregation" and "before the LORD" reinforces the theme of **God's Presence and Holiness**, establishing the Tabernacle as the sacred space where a holy God condescends to dwell among His people, and where His presence demands reverence and a prescribed approach. This scene also sets the stage for the theme of **Mediation**, as the people's access to God is facilitated through the Tabernacle and the newly consecrated priesthood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** From H168, meaning "a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance); covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent." This term signifies the physical structure of the sanctuary, emphasizing its nature as a portable dwelling place for God, visible and central to the Israelite camp. It was the tangible symbol of God's immanent presence among His people.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** From H4150, meaning "properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting." When combined with "Tabernacle" (`ʼôhel`), "Tabernacle of the congregation" (`ʼôhel môwʻêd`) translates to "Tent of Meeting," emphasizing that this was the divinely appointed place and time where God had promised to meet with His people for specific purposes, particularly worship and revelation.
* **drew near (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** From H7126, meaning "a primitive root; to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose; (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take." In this context, _qârab_ denotes an intentional, purposeful, and reverent movement towards the holy presence of God, signifying a desire for communion and participation in sacred rites.
* **before the LORD (Hebrew, _pânîym Yᵉhôvâh'_):** While "before" is H6440 (_pânîym_), meaning "the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.)," when combined with H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), it signifies being in the direct, awe-inspiring presence of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. To stand "before the LORD" meant to be under His direct gaze, subject to His authority, awaiting His divine action or revelation. This phrase underscores a position of immense privilege, profound reverence, and solemn responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought [that] which Moses commanded":** This opening clause underscores the absolute necessity of obedience to divine revelation. The "they" refers to the entire congregation, acting collectively to bring the required offerings. The phrase "that which Moses commanded" is crucial, emphasizing that the worship was not based on human innovation or preference, but on God's precise, non-negotiable instructions, communicated through His chosen mediator. This highlights that acceptable worship in the Old Covenant was always on God's terms.
* **"before the tabernacle of the congregation":** This specifies the sacred location for the offerings. The "Tabernacle of the congregation" (or "Tent of Meeting") was the divinely appointed place where God promised to meet with His people. Bringing the offerings "before" it meant placing them in the designated sacred space for presentation and sacrifice, acknowledging its unique role as the nexus between the divine and the human, the place where God's presence was localized.
* **"and all the congregation drew near":** This emphasizes the corporate and communal nature of the worship. It was not merely the priests, but the entire assembly of Israel that participated by drawing close. This act signifies their collective desire to approach God, to witness the inauguration of the priestly ministry, and to be present for the promised divine manifestation. It underscores the unity and shared purpose of the community in seeking God's presence and affirming their covenant relationship.
* **"and stood before the LORD":** This final clause describes the posture of reverence, anticipation, and submission. To "stand before the LORD" indicates a position of respectful attention and readiness to receive. It signifies their humble posture in the face of divine holiness, awaiting God's acceptance of their offerings and the promised revelation of His glory, which would validate the newly established priestly system and confirm the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 9:5 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "Tabernacle of the congregation" itself serving as a powerful symbol of God's immanent presence among His people, a physical embodiment of the covenant relationship. The actions of "drawing near" and "standing before the LORD" are symbolic of humanity's approach to the divine, emphasizing the required reverence, humility, and the necessity of proper mediation and adherence to divine protocol. The "commanded" offerings symbolize the divinely prescribed means of atonement and worship, pointing to the essential need for a God-ordained way to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. This entire scene functions as a **Type** or **Foreshadowing**, anticipating the ultimate means of access to God through the perfect sacrifice and mediation of Jesus Christ. The careful, step-by-step description of the actions also creates a sense of **Ritualistic Precision**, reinforcing the solemnity and divine authority behind the inauguration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 9:5 profoundly illustrates the Old Covenant principles of divine initiative, human obedience, and corporate worship. God meticulously commanded the means of approach, Israel responded in precise obedience, and the entire community participated in this foundational act of worship. It highlights that true access to God is always on His terms, through His appointed mediators and rituals. The communal gathering before the Tabernacle underscored the corporate identity of Israel as God's chosen people, united in their desire to seek His presence and receive His blessing. This event was crucial for establishing the pattern of sacrificial atonement and priestly mediation, setting the stage for all future worship practices under the Old Covenant and laying a theological groundwork that would ultimately be fulfilled in the New Covenant.

* [Leviticus 9:23](/leviticus/9-23 "Leviticus 9:23 - The Glory of the LORD Appears"): This verse immediately follows, demonstrating God's validation of the congregation's obedience and the priestly ministry through the manifestation of His glory.
* [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake Assembling"): This New Testament exhortation reminds believers of the ongoing importance of corporate gathering for worship and mutual encouragement, echoing the communal aspect of drawing near to God seen in Leviticus.
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"): While the Old Covenant required specific rituals and a physical Tabernacle, the New Covenant grants believers direct, confident access to God's throne through the finished work of Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 9:5, though deeply rooted in ancient sacrificial practices, offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our approach to God must always be characterized by humble obedience to His revealed will, rather than by human preference, innovation, or convenience. Just as the entire congregation drew near, so too are we called to participate actively and intentionally in corporate worship, recognizing our identity as part of a larger body of believers, the church. This verse invites us to consider the reverence, intentionality, and preparation with which we "draw near" to God, whether individually in prayer and Bible study or corporately in gathered worship. It challenges us to reflect deeply on the nature of God's holiness and the immense privilege we have been granted to approach Him, not through animal sacrifices, but through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our ultimate mediator. Our worship, both private and public, should be marked by a profound sense of awe, gratitude, and a desire to align ourselves with God's commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "that which Moses commanded" challenge our modern tendencies to define worship on our own terms rather than God's revealed will?**
* **What does the corporate act of "all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD" teach us about the indispensable importance of communal worship and fellowship in the Christian faith today?**
* **In what practical ways can we cultivate a deeper sense of reverence, intentionality, and preparation when we "draw near" to God in prayer, worship, or personal devotion?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for "all the congregation" to be present and draw near?**

Answer: The presence of "all the congregation" was crucial for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it underscored the corporate nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The covenant was established with the entire nation, not solely with individuals or the priestly class. Their collective presence signified their unified acceptance of God's commands and their active participation in the establishment of the divinely ordained worship system. Secondly, it served as a public validation of the newly consecrated priesthood and the Tabernacle as the legitimate and divinely appointed means of approaching God. The people were direct witnesses to the divine acceptance of the sacrifices and the subsequent manifestation of God's glory, as recorded in [Leviticus 9:23](/leviticus/9-23 "Leviticus 9:23 - The Glory of the LORD Appears"), which unequivocally confirmed the legitimacy and divine approval of the entire system. Finally, it fostered a profound sense of shared identity, communal responsibility, and solidarity in their collective walk with God, emphasizing that their spiritual well-being and covenant standing were intertwined as a unified people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 9:5, with its vivid depiction of the congregation drawing near to the Tabernacle through commanded sacrifices and priestly mediation, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, the earthly dwelling place of God among His people, was a profound [type](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us") of Christ Himself, in whom God truly "tabernacled" or "dwelt" among humanity in flesh. The "commanded" sacrifices, meticulously brought by the congregation as a means of atonement and worship, powerfully foreshadowed the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of [Jesus, the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who willingly offered Himself as the spotless sacrifice to fulfill all righteousness and provide complete atonement for sin. The act of "drawing near" and "standing before the LORD," which for the Old Covenant worshiper was limited by a physical veil and a temporary system, is now fully and eternally realized for believers in Christ. Through His shed blood on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, Jesus, our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), has torn the veil and opened a [new and living way](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood") into the very presence of God. We no longer stand before a physical tent, but we are invited to [boldly approach the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Boldly Approach the Throne of Grace") through our perfect and eternal mediator, Jesus, who has fulfilled the law and the prophets, granting us direct, confident, and eternal access to the Father.

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

Deuteronomy 31:12

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

Nehemiah 8:1

¶ And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that [was] before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

1 Chronicles 15:3

And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

2 Chronicles 5:2

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which [is] Zion.

2 Chronicles 5:3

Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which [was] in the seventh month.

Exodus 19:17

And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.