Leviticus 17:5

To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them [for] peace offerings unto the LORD.

To the end that the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} may bring {H935} their sacrifices {H2077}, which they offer {H2076} in the open {H6440} field {H7704}, even that they may bring {H935} them unto the LORD {H3068}, unto the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, unto the priest {H3548}, and offer {H2076} them for peace {H8002} offerings {H2077} unto the LORD {H3068}.

The reason for this is so that the people of Isra'el will bring their sacrifices that they sacrifice out in the field -so that they will bring them to ADONAI, to the entrance of the tent of meeting, to the cohen, and sacrifice them as peace offerings to ADONAI.

For this reason the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they have been offering in the open fields. They are to bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and offer them as sacrifices of peace to the LORD.

to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, even that they may bring them unto Jehovah, unto the door of the tent of meeting, unto the priest, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace-offerings unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Leviticus 17:5 is a pivotal verse in the Old Testament's sacrificial system, establishing the mandatory location for Israelite sacrifices and reinforcing the sanctity of proper worship.

Context

This verse immediately follows a prohibition (Leviticus 17:3-4) against offering sacrifices "in the open field" or to "devils," which was a common pagan practice. The command here is to centralize all legitimate animal sacrifices at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. This strict regulation was crucial for several reasons: to prevent idolatry, ensure ritual purity, and maintain the unique relationship between God and His people, the children of Israel. It underscored that worship was to be conducted according to God's specific instructions, not human discretion. This entire chapter, Leviticus 17, focuses on the sanctity of blood and the proper place for offering sacrifices, laying foundational laws for Israel's worship system.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Centralization of Worship: The primary message is the absolute necessity of bringing all sacrifices to the designated place—the Tabernacle (later the Temple). This established a single, holy site for atonement and communion, preventing syncretism with pagan rituals and ensuring the integrity of Israel's faith.
  • Proper Authority: Sacrifices were to be brought "unto the priest," emphasizing the exclusive role of the Levitical priesthood in mediating between God and His people regarding sacrificial rites. This prevented unauthorized individuals from performing sacred duties.
  • Holiness and Purity: By confining sacrifices to the Tabernacle, God ensured that worship was conducted in a holy and pure manner, protecting the Israelites from defilement and false worship practices. This was integral to maintaining the nation's covenant relationship with God.
  • Peace Offerings: The specific mention of "peace offerings" (Hebrew: shelamim) highlights their importance. These were voluntary offerings typically associated with fellowship, thanksgiving, or the fulfillment of a vow, allowing the worshiper and priest to partake of the meat, symbolizing communion with God and one another.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "tabernacle of the congregation" translates the Hebrew Ohel Mo'ed, literally "tent of meeting" or "tent of assembly." This emphasizes its function as the specific place where God met with His people and where Israel gathered for worship. The "peace offerings," or shelamim, derive from the root word shalom, meaning "peace," "wholeness," or "completeness." This connection underscores the intent of these sacrifices to restore or maintain a state of peace and fellowship between God and the worshiper, and among the community.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of Leviticus 17:5 hold profound spiritual lessons. We no longer offer animal sacrifices, for Jesus Christ offered Himself as the one perfect and sufficient sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 9:12). Therefore, our "centralized worship" is now directed through Him. We approach God not through a physical tabernacle or a human priest, but through our Great High Priest, Jesus. The emphasis on proper authority reminds us of the importance of sound doctrine and orderly worship in the church today. Furthermore, the concept of peace offerings encourages us to live in fellowship with God and one another, expressing gratitude and seeking reconciliation, understanding that true peace comes through Christ.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 17:10 (2 votes)

    And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:

  • Ezekiel 20:28 (2 votes)

    [For] when I had brought them into the land, [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.

  • Genesis 22:2 (2 votes)

    And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

  • Exodus 24:5 (2 votes)

    And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 7:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And this [is] the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 7:21 (2 votes)

    Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean [thing, as] the uncleanness of man, or [any] unclean beast, or any abominable unclean [thing], and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which [pertain] unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:4 (2 votes)

    He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.