Leviticus 9:6

KJV

And Moses said, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, This is the thing {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} that ye should do {H6213}: and the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} shall appear {H7200} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said, "This is what ADONAI has ordered you to do, so that the glory of ADONAI will appear to you."

Berean Standard Bible

And Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.”

American Standard Version

And Moses said, This is the thing which Jehovah commanded that ye should do: and the glory of Jehovah shall appear unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 9:6 marks a pivotal moment in the inauguration of Israel's priestly system, where Moses articulates a divine mandate and a profound promise. He declares that the specific acts of worship and sacrifice they are about to perform are not human innovations but direct, authoritative commands from the Lord. This precise obedience, a demonstration of their faithfulness and adherence to God's revealed will, is explicitly linked to the tangible, visible manifestation of God's majestic glory, serving as divine confirmation of His acceptance of their worship and His abiding presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 9:6 is situated on the "eighth day" following the elaborate seven-day consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, meticulously detailed in [Leviticus chapter 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Ordination of Aaron and His Sons"). The preceding chapter describes the intricate rituals of their ordination, including anointing, purification, and sin offerings, all designed to set them apart for holy service. This "eighth day" signifies not merely the conclusion of the consecration period but the true inauguration of their active priestly ministry and the commencement of public sacrifices for the entire congregation of Israel. Moses' declaration in verse 6 serves as a crucial instruction and divine assurance to the assembled people, setting the stage for the climactic, awe-inspiring display of God's approval in [Leviticus 9:23-24](/leviticus/9-23-24 "Leviticus 9:23-24 - Fire from the LORD Consumes the Offering"), where fire consumes the offerings, confirming divine acceptance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are gathered at the Tabernacle, the newly constructed portable sanctuary, which was built according to God's precise instructions given in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). This period marks a foundational stage in Israel's identity as a covenant people, transitioning from their liberation from Egypt to establishing a structured system of worship and governance under God's direct rule. The entire nation is present, eagerly anticipating the confirmation of God's acceptance of their worship and the newly established priestly order. The concept of God's "glory" appearing was not entirely new; it had been seen at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/24-16 "Exodus 24:16 - The Glory of the LORD on Mount Sinai") and had led them through the wilderness in a cloud by day and fire by night ([Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21-22 "Exodus 13:21-22 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). The promise of its appearance now, in the context of the Tabernacle and the priests' inaugural service, underscored God's commitment to dwelling among His people and validating their prescribed means of approach to Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation**, emphasizing that true worship is not a human construct but divinely initiated and prescribed. The phrase "the thing which the LORD commanded" underscores God's absolute authority over how He is to be approached and worshipped. Closely related is the theme of **Obedience as the Prerequisite for Blessing and Presence**. The promise that "the glory of the LORD shall appear" is directly contingent upon the people's faithful execution of God's commands, demonstrating that divine manifestation and acceptance flow from human obedience. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Desire for Dwelling and Manifestation**, revealing His intention to be tangibly present among His people and to validate their worship through a visible display of His majestic presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This word is highly significant, often translated as "word," "matter," or "command." Here, it emphasizes that what Moses is about to instruct them to do is not a human invention or a mere suggestion, but a direct, authoritative decree from the Lord. It underscores the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of the worship rituals, highlighting that the entire system is founded upon God's explicit verbal instruction.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative directive, an imperative from a superior to a subordinate. It highlights God's sovereignty and Israel's absolute obligation to precise obedience in matters of worship. The use of this word reinforces that the efficacy and acceptance of their actions are directly tied to their faithful adherence to God's specific instructions, not to their own ingenuity, religious zeal, or cultural practices.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "heavy" or "weighty," _kâbôwd_ in a theological context refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of God's majestic presence, power, and holiness. It denotes the "weight" or "substance" of His divine being. When the "glory of the LORD" appears, it is not merely a symbolic representation but a real, often overwhelming, display of God's inherent majesty, frequently associated with light, fire, or a cloud, signifying His tangible presence and approval.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said,"**: This opening clause establishes Moses as the authoritative mediator of God's word to the people. As the covenant mediator, his pronouncements carry divine weight and are understood as direct communication from the Lord to the assembled congregation, underscoring the divine origin of the instructions that follow.
* **"This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do:"**: Moses explicitly states that the upcoming actions—the sacrifices and priestly service—are not arbitrary rituals but divinely ordained commands. The phrase "the thing which the LORD commanded" stresses the absolute necessity of precise obedience to God's revealed will as the prerequisite for acceptable worship and divine favor. It sets the stage for the specific instructions that follow regarding the offerings, emphasizing that their efficacy relies entirely on adherence to God's blueprint.
* **"and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you."**: This is the profound promise contingent upon their obedience. The appearance of God's glory signifies His acceptance, validation, and tangible presence among His people. It is the ultimate divine confirmation that their worship is pleasing and that the newly consecrated Tabernacle and priesthood are legitimate in His sight. This visible manifestation would serve to solidify their faith and assure them of God's dwelling in their midst, affirming His covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 9:6 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Speech** is evident as Moses speaks directly, relaying a message from the Lord, emphasizing the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of the commands. This is reinforced by the phrase "the thing which the LORD commanded," highlighting the **Covenantal Language** that underpins the relationship between God and Israel, where obedience is met with divine blessing and presence. The verse also masterfully builds **Anticipation** and **Suspense**, as the promise of God's glory appearing creates a profound sense of expectation for a climactic theophany. This anticipated **Theophany**—the visible manifestation of God's presence—serves as the ultimate validation of the priestly system and the people's worship, transforming abstract commands into a tangible, awe-inspiring experience of the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 9:6 powerfully encapsulates the core theological principle that access to God's presence and the experience of His glory are predicated on obedient adherence to His revealed will. The "thing which the LORD commanded" underscores that true worship is not self-initiated or culturally devised but divinely prescribed, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over how He is to be approached. The promise of "the glory of the LORD shall appear" signifies God's profound desire to dwell among His people and to validate their worship, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This verse establishes a fundamental pattern that echoes throughout salvation history: divine initiative and command, human obedience, and subsequent divine manifestation and blessing. It reveals a God who desires to be known and encountered, but only on His terms.

* [Exodus 29:43](/exodus/29-43 "Exodus 29:43 - God's Presence in the Tabernacle")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings of Obedience")
* [John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - Obedience and Manifestation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 9:6 provides a profound and enduring lesson for believers today: God's manifest presence and transformative power are intimately connected to our obedience to His Word. While the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principle remains that our worship and daily walk must be in alignment with God's commands, not our own preferences, cultural trends, or fleeting emotions. Our "sacrifices" are now spiritual—lives of faith, dedication, and service offered to God through Christ. When we prioritize hearing and obeying God's voice, we create the spiritual conditions for Him to manifest His glory in our individual lives, in our families, in our communities, and through the corporate body of the church. This manifestation may not be a visible cloud or fire, but it is no less real: His transformative power, His peace that surpasses understanding, His wisdom guiding our steps, and His empowering presence enabling us for ministry and witness. We are called to live lives that honor Him, trusting that as we do, His glory will be revealed in and through us, drawing others to His saving grace and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I actively seeking to obey God's specific commands, and where might I be relying on my own understanding or cultural norms instead?**
* **How do I define or expect to experience the "glory of the Lord" in my life today, and how might my understanding need to expand beyond physical manifestations to include spiritual transformation and divine empowerment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper posture of humble obedience and eager anticipation for God's manifest presence in my daily walk and corporate worship?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "eighth day" in Leviticus 9:6?**

Answer: The "eighth day" is highly significant because it marks the culmination of the seven-day consecration period for Aaron and his sons, as detailed in [Leviticus chapter 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Ordination of Aaron and His Sons"). In biblical numerology, seven often represents completion or perfection, while eight frequently symbolizes new beginnings, resurrection, or superabundance. Thus, the eighth day signifies the true inauguration of the priests' active ministry, moving beyond preparation into the practical, public service of offering sacrifices on behalf of the people. It is the day when the Tabernacle becomes fully operational as the dwelling place of God and the center of Israelite worship, setting the stage for God's glory to appear and validate the entire system, ushering in a new era of divine-human communion.

**Why was it so crucial for the glory of the LORD to appear at this specific moment?**

Answer: The appearance of the glory of the LORD at this moment was absolutely crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, it served as undeniable divine validation of the newly established priestly system and the Tabernacle itself. After extensive instructions and meticulous construction, God's visible presence confirmed His acceptance of their obedience and His willingness to dwell among His people. Secondly, it affirmed Aaron and his sons as legitimate priests, chosen and consecrated by God, dispelling any doubt among the people regarding their authority. Thirdly, it provided a powerful, tangible assurance to the entire congregation that their sacrifices were acceptable and that God was indeed present to meet with them, fulfilling the very purpose of the sanctuary, as commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary"). This visible manifestation of glory cemented the covenant relationship, instilled awe and reverence for God's holiness, and provided a visible sign of divine approval for the new era of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 9:6, with its emphasis on obedience leading to the manifestation of God's glory, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its Tabernacle, priests, and sacrifices, was a shadow pointing to the greater reality found in Christ ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")). While the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud of fire in the Old Testament, in the New Covenant, God's glory is uniquely and perfectly revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). He is the true and perfect High Priest, consecrated not by human hands or animal blood, but by His own eternal Spirit and His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His perfect obedience, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), Jesus opened a new and living way for humanity to approach God, not through a physical tabernacle, but directly into the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). The promise that "the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you" is fulfilled in Christ, who not only perfectly revealed God's glory to us but also enables us, by His indwelling Spirit, to be transformed into His likeness, reflecting that very glory ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into Christ's Image")). He is the ultimate "thing which the LORD commanded" for our salvation and the full, indwelling manifestation of God's presence among His people.

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 9:23

¶ And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

Ezekiel 43:2

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

Exodus 24:16

And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

2 Chronicles 5:13

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

2 Chronicles 5:14

So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

Exodus 16:10

And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

Exodus 40:34

¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.