Leviticus 22:17

Context

Leviticus 22:17 serves as a standard introductory formula found throughout the books of the Law (Pentateuch), particularly prominent in Leviticus. This phrase, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," signals a direct divine revelation. It emphasizes that the instructions, laws, and ordinances that follow are not human inventions or traditions, but originate directly from God Himself. In this specific instance, it introduces a new set of regulations concerning the priests and their families regarding the eating of holy things and the requirements for acceptable sacrifices. The preceding verses in Leviticus 22:1-16 dealt with the purity required of priests when handling sacred offerings, and this verse transitions to further details on the sanctity of sacrifices themselves.

Key Themes

• Divine Authority: The phrase unequivocally establishes that the subsequent commands come directly from God, underscoring their absolute authority and importance for Israel's worship and daily life. This highlights God's active involvement in guiding His people.
• Moses' Mediation: It reaffirms Moses' unique role as the chosen mediator between God and the Israelites. He is the one through whom God communicates His will, making him essential to the covenant relationship. This role is seen repeatedly, as in Exodus 19:9.
• The Sanctity of God's Word: Every command introduced in this manner is presented as sacred and binding, requiring careful attention and obedience from the people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" often uses the verb dabar (דָּבַר), which means "to speak" or "to declare." This is not merely a suggestion but a direct, authoritative utterance from Yahweh (the LORD). The repetition of this formula throughout the Law reinforces the divine origin and unchangeable nature of the commandments given.

Practical Application

While this verse is an introduction to ancient priestly laws, its foundational message remains relevant today. It reminds us that:

1. God Communicates: Just as God spoke directly to Moses, He continues to communicate His will to humanity, primarily through His written Word, the Bible. This underscores the Bible's authority as God's inspired revelation.
2. Divine Authority Matters: Recognizing that God's commands originate from Him instills a sense of reverence and seriousness towards His instructions, whether found in the Old Testament laws or New Testament teachings.
3. Preparation for Understanding: This introductory phrase encourages us to approach God's Word with an attitude of listening and readiness to receive His truth, knowing that profound and life-altering instructions often follow such declarations. The specific instructions that follow this verse in Leviticus 22:18 onwards detail the importance of offering only the best to God, a principle that transcends the Old Covenant and speaks to the quality of our worship and service today.