“Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering.”
Context:The book of Leviticus is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, and it primarily deals with the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 22 focuses on the holiness and sanctity of offerings and the regulations for priests and the people when it comes to approaching God through sacrifices.
Significance of the verse:Leviticus 22:18 addresses the requirements for those offering oblations, vows, and freewill offerings to the Lord as burnt offerings. The verse emphasizes that the instruction is not limited to the native Israelites but also includes the foreigners or strangers residing among them who desire to present their offerings to the Lord.
Observations:All individuals from the house of Israel, including strangers or foreigners residing among them, were allowed to offer their oblations, vows, and freewill offerings to the Lord. The offerings mentioned in the verse were specifically for burnt offerings, which were completely consumed by fire as a means of worship and atonement.
Principles and lessons:Inclusion:The verse highlights the inclusivity of God’s worship. It demonstrates that God’s invitation to approach Him in worship and offer sacrifices was extended not only to the native Israelites but also to foreigners or strangers living among them. This reflects God’s desire for all people, regardless of their nationality or background, to have the opportunity to worship Him and draw near to Him. The value of vows and freewill offerings:The verse acknowledges that individuals may make vows or voluntary offerings to God as an act of devotion and commitment. This emphasizes the importance of personal dedication and the desire to express gratitude or seek reconciliation with God through offerings. The significance of burnt offerings:Burnt offerings were a central element of Israelite worship, symbolizing the complete surrender and dedication of oneself to God. The offerings were consumed by fire, representing the acceptance of the offering by God and the purification or atonement it provided.
Application:Inclusive worship: Just as God extended His invitation to worship to the strangers or foreigners in Israel, we should also strive to foster inclusivity in our worship. We should welcome and embrace people from diverse backgrounds and make them feel valued and included in our worshiping communities. Devotion and commitment: We can learn from the concept of vows and freewill offerings mentioned in the verse. As believers, we can offer our lives and resources to God as acts of devotion and commitment. Our offerings can include our time, talents, and possessions, given willingly and with a grateful heart. Surrender and dedication: The idea behind burnt offerings can inspire us to surrender our lives completely to God. We can strive to dedicate ourselves fully to His service, offering our whole being as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Remember, while Leviticus 22:18 is part of God’s instructions to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, we should interpret it in light of the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and established a new covenant through His death and resurrection.
