“Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying,”
Context: The book of Leviticus is a part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Law of Moses. It contains instructions and regulations given by God to the Israelites regarding various aspects of their worship, daily life, and ethical conduct. Leviticus 17 specifically focuses on laws related to sacrifices and the proper handling of blood.
Exegesis: In Leviticus 17:2, God instructs Moses to convey a message to Aaron, his sons (the priests), and all the children of Israel. The passage emphasizes that the commandment being delivered is from the Lord Himself.
Understanding the verse:
- Audience: The instruction is given to Aaron, the high priest, his sons (who are also priests), and all the children of Israel. This indicates that the message is relevant for the entire community, especially those involved in the sacrificial system.
- Divine authority: The phrase “the LORD hath commanded” highlights the divine origin of the instruction. It signifies that the Israelites should pay careful attention to what is about to be communicated, recognizing it as a commandment from God.
- Importance of obedience: By prefacing the message with the divine source, God underscores the significance of obedience. The people are expected to comply with the forthcoming commandment.
Application: While Leviticus contains specific laws that were given to the Israelites as part of their covenant with God, it is important to consider the broader principles and lessons that can be derived from this verse. Here are some key takeaways:
- Recognition of divine authority: As believers today, we should acknowledge that God’s commands hold authority over our lives. The Bible serves as our guide, and we should approach it with reverence, understanding that it contains God’s instructions for righteous living.
- Obedience and response: The Israelites were called to obey the commandments given to them, and as Christians, we are also called to live in obedience to God’s Word. Our response should be one of willingness and submission to His will.
- The significance of blood: The regulation regarding blood in Leviticus 17 relates to the understanding that life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). While the specific instructions on blood sacrifice no longer apply in the same manner for Christians, we can still recognize the importance of blood in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for our redemption (Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
- A holistic approach to studying Scripture: When studying the Bible, it is helpful to consider the context, audience, and overall message of a passage. By understanding the historical and cultural background, we can gain deeper insights into the intended meaning and purpose of God’s instructions.
In conclusion, Leviticus 17:2 reminds us of the authority of God’s commandments and the call to obediently respond to His Word. While the specific regulations in Leviticus may not directly apply to Christians today, the principles of reverence, obedience, and a holistic approach to studying Scripture remain relevant for our spiritual growth and relationship with God.
