“And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the Lord; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.”
Leviticus 17 is a chapter that deals with various regulations concerning the proper offering of sacrifices and the prohibition of consuming blood. In verse 9, the focus is on the requirement of bringing an animal for sacrifice to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
During the time of the Old Testament, the tabernacle was the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. This verse emphasizes the importance of presenting sacrifices at the designated place of worship, rather than offering them elsewhere. By bringing the offering to the tabernacle, it was an act of reverence and acknowledgment that God is the ultimate recipient of the sacrifice.
The consequence mentioned in the verse, being “cut off from among his people,” implies that if someone failed to bring their offering to the tabernacle, they would be excluded from the community of Israel. This severe punishment indicates the seriousness of this requirement and serves as a deterrent for disobedience.
The underlying principle in this verse is obedience to God’s instructions regarding worship. By requiring sacrifices to be brought to the tabernacle, God established order, centralized worship, and prevented the Israelites from engaging in unauthorized religious practices. It also fostered a sense of unity and community among the people, as they gathered at the central place of worship to present their offerings.
It is important to note that the regulations and practices described in Leviticus are specific to the Old Testament covenant and the Mosaic Law. The coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament fulfilled and superseded these requirements, as He became the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Therefore, Christians today are not bound by the same regulations concerning sacrifices and the tabernacle.
Nevertheless, Leviticus 17:9 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. It teaches us the value of approaching God with a sincere heart and following His instructions. While the specific regulations may not apply to us today, the principles of worship, obedience, and reverence can still be relevant in our relationship with God.
