◄ Leviticus 24 ►
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The Oil for the Lamps (Exodus 27:20–21) 1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. 3Outside the veil of the Testimonya in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come. 4He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually. The Showbread (Exodus 25:23–30; Exodus 37:10–16) 5You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf,b 6and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. 7And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. 8Every Sabbath day the bread is to be set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a permanent covenant. 9It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place; for it is to him a most holy part of the food offerings to the LORD—his portion forever.” Punishment for Blasphemy 10Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. 11The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse. So they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) 12They placed him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them. 13Then the LORD said to Moses, 14“Take the blasphemerc outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him. 15And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘If anyone curses his God, he shall bear the consequences of his sin. 16Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death. An Eye for an Eye (Matthew 5:38–48) 17And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. 18Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. 19If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: 20fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.d Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him. 21Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. 22You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’” 23Then Moses spoke to the Israelites, and they took the blasphemer outside the camp and stoned him. So the Israelites did as the LORD had commanded Moses. Footnotes: 3 a The Testimony refers to the stone tablets in the ark of the covenant inscribed with the Ten Commandments. 5 b Two-tenths of an ephah is approximately 4 dry quarts or 4.4 liters (probably about 5.1 pounds or 2.3 kilograms of flour). 14 c Literally the one who cursed; also in verse 23 20 d Cited in Matthew 5:38 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Leviticus 24 Summary The Oil for the Lamps Verses 1–4 – Continual Light Yahweh commands Moses to tell Israel to supply “pure oil from pressed olives” so that the lamps in the Tent of Meeting burn without interruption. Aaron is responsible to tend the golden lampstand every evening and morning. This statute is “permanent … for the generations to come,” emphasizing nonstop divine presence and priestly vigilance. Verses 5–9 – Bread of the Presence Twelve loaves, each made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, are baked every week and arranged in two rows on the golden table. Pure frankincense is placed with the loaves as a memorial portion. The bread is set out each Sabbath as “a perpetual covenant,” then eaten by Aaron and his sons in a holy place. It is declared “most holy.” Verses 10–12 – A Blasphemer Detained A man of mixed parentage—Israelite mother, Egyptian father—quarrels with an Israelite and utters a curse, “blaspheming the Name.” He is held in custody while they await the Lord’s ruling. His mother is identified as Shelomith of Dan, underscoring the personal nature of covenant violation. Verses 13–16 – Judgment for Blasphemy The Lord decrees that the blasphemer be taken outside the camp and stoned. Those who heard the curse lay hands on his head, transferring guilt. Anyone who “blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death … whether foreigner or native-born,” showing the gravity of dishonoring God. Verses 17–22 – Retributive Justice The law broadens to homicide, animal loss, and bodily injury. Life for life, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth—measured retaliation limits vengeance and upholds equal justice. Restitution is required for killed animals; intentional homicide is capital. One standard applies to all people groups. Verse 23 – Execution and Obedience Moses relays the command; the congregation stones the blasphemer outside the camp. Israel obeys exactly “as the LORD had commanded Moses,” closing the section with corporate fidelity. This chapter unfolds as the LORD imparts more commandments to Moses concerning the spiritual and legal practices of the Israelites. These instructions are designed to guide the Israelites in their daily life, worship, and interactions with each other, underpinning the importance of respecting God's law and each other. Perpetual Light and the Golden Lampstand • Exodus 27:20-21 parallels this command, pointing to a seven-branched menorah beaten from one piece of gold (Exodus 25:31-40). • In Second-Temple times, contemporary writers describe large menorot illuminating the priestly courtyard—Josephus notes their magnificence. • Oil derived from first-press olives burned cleaner, preventing soot and symbolizing purity (Psalm 92:10). • Revelation 1:12-13 pictures the risen Christ among seven lampstands, echoing perpetual divine light now realized in His church (Matthew 5:14-16). Twelve Loaves and Covenant Fellowship • Twelve loaves mirror the twelve tribes, signifying that all Israel lives before God’s face. • Replaced every Sabbath, the bread underscores weekly renewal—a rhythm echoed in the Lord’s Day gatherings (Acts 20:7). • Frankincense, a costly resin, produces fragrant smoke when burned (Song of Songs 3:6). Its placement “near each row” marked the bread as an offering of worship. • Jesus, in John 6:35, declares, “I am the bread of life,” fulfilling the picture of divine provision. Blasphemy: Guarding the Name • “The Name” (Hebrew ha-Shem) stands for God’s very person (Exodus 3:15). Misuse equals assault against His honor. • Witnesses laying hands (v. 14) resembles the scapegoat ritual (Leviticus 16:21), highlighting corporate responsibility. • New-Testament echo: believers pray, “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). • Acts 7:58 records Stephen’s stoning outside the city, a sober parallel showing continuity of sacred space. Lex Talionis: Eye for Eye • Genesis 9:6 grounds capital punishment in the image of God. • Deuteronomy 19:15-21 repeats the principle, adding judicial safeguards—two or three witnesses are required. • Jesus cites the law in Matthew 5:38-42, teaching personal non-retaliation while not overturning civil justice. • Romans 13:4 affirms the governing authority “does not bear the sword in vain.” Equal Law for Foreigner and Native • Verse 22 anticipates Numbers 15:15-16, stressing one ordinance for all residents. • Isaiah 56:6-7 foresees foreigners joining themselves to the Lord. • The early church enforces equality in Acts 15:19-21, welcoming Gentile believers without a second-tier status. • Galatians 3:28 cements the gospel’s leveling effect—“you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Camp Geography and Corporate Holiness • Archaeology reveals tribal encampments in square formation (Numbers 2), with the tabernacle at the center. Offenses are addressed “outside the camp,” preserving purity inside (Hebrews 13:11-13). • Stoning pits discovered at ancient sites show standardized execution areas, keeping defilement away from dwelling zones. Christ Foreshadowed • Continuous lamp: Jesus the “true light” (John 1:9). • Showbread: Christ our sustenance and mediator (Hebrews 7:25). • Blasphemer’s fate: the sinless Christ was taken outside the camp and slain (Hebrews 13:12) so that blasphemers could be forgiven. • Lex talionis paid at the cross—life for life—yet mercy triumphed through substitution (1 Peter 3:18). Practical Takeaways • Keep the light burning—maintain regular devotion and witness. • Remember weekly renewal—gather with God’s people and feed on His provision. • Guard your speech—honor God’s name in conversation and media use. • Exercise fair dealing—embrace equal justice and restitution where wrongs occur. • Cherish Jesus’ fulfillment—He embodies every symbol, offering both holiness and mercy for daily living. Connections to Additional Scriptures John 8:12 Jesus declares, I am the light of the world. This connects to the perpetual light in the Tabernacle, symbolizing His eternal presence. Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread, echoes the provision symbolized by the bread of the Presence. James 3:9-10 Discusses the power of the tongue, reinforcing the importance of honoring God's name. Matthew 5:38-39 Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek offers a deeper understanding of justice and mercy beyond the eye for eye principle. Teaching Points The Perpetual Light Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually (Leviticus 24:2). The continuous burning of the lampstand in the Tabernacle symbolizes God's eternal presence and guidance. The Bread of the Presence You are to set the bread before the LORD regularly, every Sabbath day. This is a perpetual covenant obligation on the part of the Israelites (Leviticus 24:8). The bread signifies God's provision and the covenant relationship with His people. Blasphemy and Justice The account of the blasphemer (Leviticus 24:10-16) illustrates the gravity of misusing God's name and the community's role in upholding divine justice. Principle of Retribution Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him (Leviticus 24:20). This principle emphasizes fairness and justice, ensuring that punishment fits the crime. Practical Applications Maintain Spiritual Vigilance Just as the lamps were to burn continually, we are called to keep our spiritual lives vibrant and attentive to God's presence. Honor God's Name Be mindful of how we speak about God, ensuring our words reflect reverence and respect. Seek Justice and Fairness In our interactions, strive to uphold justice and fairness, reflecting God's character in our dealings with others. Regular Worship and Remembrance Like the bread of the Presence, incorporate regular times of worship and remembrance of God's provision in your life. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in Leviticus, the LORD gives Moses the laws and instructions for the Israelites. The Hebrew name used is יהוה (YHWH), often rendered as Yahweh, which is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Moses The prophet and leader of the Israelites, Moses is the one who receives the laws and instructions from the LORD to convey to the people. His role is pivotal as the mediator between God and the Israelites. 3. The Israelites The collective group of people to whom the laws and instructions are given. They are the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, and are the chosen people of God in the Old Testament. 4. The Son of the Israelite Woman and Egyptian Father This individual is involved in a specific incident where he blasphemes the Name of the LORD. His mixed heritage is noted, highlighting the cultural and legal tensions present in the narrative. 5. The Israelite Woman (Shelomith, daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan) The mother of the blasphemer, she is identified by her lineage, which is significant in the context of Israelite society where tribal affiliation is important. Places 1. The Tent of Meeting The Tent of Meeting is a central location in the Israelite camp where God would meet with Moses and where the Israelites would come to worship and offer sacrifices. In Leviticus 24:3, it is mentioned as the place where Aaron is to keep the lamps burning continually before the LORD. The Hebrew term for the Tent of Meeting is "Ohel Mo'ed," which signifies a designated place for divine-human encounters. 2. The Holy Place This is the inner part of the Tabernacle where the priests perform their duties, including tending to the lamps and the bread of the Presence. In Leviticus 24:5-9, the instructions for the bread of the Presence are given, which is to be set on the table in the Holy Place. The Hebrew word "Qodesh" refers to this sacred area, emphasizing its sanctity and separation from the common. 3. Outside the Camp In Leviticus 24:14, the instruction is given to bring the blasphemer outside the camp for execution. This reflects the practice of removing impurity and sin from the community. The Hebrew term "Machaneh" refers to the camp of the Israelites, symbolizing the community of God's people and the need to maintain its holiness. Events 1. The Command for the Lampstand God instructs Moses regarding the maintenance of the lampstand in the Tabernacle. The Israelites are commanded to bring clear olive oil for the lamps to keep them burning continually. This is a perpetual statute for the generations to come. The Hebrew word for "continually" is "תָּמִיד" (tamid), emphasizing the ongoing nature of this command. ^Leviticus 24:2-4 :^ "Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually." 2. The Presentation of the Bread of the Presence Instructions are given for the preparation and presentation of the Bread of the Presence. Twelve loaves are to be baked and set in two rows on the pure gold table before the LORD every Sabbath. This symbolizes the covenant between God and Israel. ^Leviticus 24:5-8 :^ "Take fine flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. Arrange them in two rows, six per row, on the table of pure gold before the LORD." 3. The Case of Blasphemy A man of mixed Israelite and Egyptian descent blasphemes the Name of the LORD during a fight. He is brought to Moses, and the community is instructed to stone him. This event underscores the seriousness of blasphemy and the sanctity of God's name. The Hebrew term for "blaspheme" is "נָקַב" (naqab), meaning to pierce or curse. ^Leviticus 24:10-14 :^ "Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses." 4. The Law of Retribution God provides laws concerning retribution, emphasizing the principle of "an eye for an eye." This law is meant to ensure justice and prevent excessive punishment. The Hebrew phrase "עַיִן תַּחַת עַיִן" (ayin tachat ayin) is used, meaning "eye for eye." ^Leviticus 24:17-21 :^ "If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must surely be put to death. Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life." 5. Execution of the Blasphemer The community carries out the execution of the blasphemer as commanded by God. This act serves as a warning to uphold the holiness of God's name and the seriousness of His laws. ^Leviticus 24:23 :^ "Then Moses spoke to the Israelites, and they took the blasphemer outside the camp and stoned him. So the Israelites did as the LORD had commanded Moses." Lessons from Leviticus 24 1. The Sanctity of the Divine Name In Leviticus 24, we are reminded of the profound holiness of God's name. The chapter recounts the story of a man who blasphemed the name of the Lord and faced severe consequences. This teaches us the importance of revering God's name in our daily lives. As it is written, "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God" (Exodus 20:7). Let us honor His name in our words and actions, reflecting His holiness in all we do. 2. The Light of the Lampstand The chapter begins with instructions for keeping the lampstand burning continually in the Tabernacle. This symbolizes the perpetual presence of God among His people. "Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light, so that the lamps may be kept burning continually" (Leviticus 24:2). Just as the lamp was never to go out, we are called to let our light shine before others, illuminating the world with the love and truth of Christ. 3. The Bread of Presence Leviticus 24 also describes the preparation of the Bread of Presence, which was to be set before the Lord regularly. This bread signifies God's provision and His desire for fellowship with His people. "Put the bread on the table before the LORD regularly" (Leviticus 24:8). In our lives, we are invited to partake in the spiritual nourishment that comes from a relationship with God, trusting in His provision and seeking His presence daily. 4. Justice and Fairness The chapter outlines the principle of justice, emphasizing that punishment should fit the crime. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (Leviticus 24:20) is a call for fairness and equity, not vengeance. This principle reminds us to seek justice in our interactions, treating others with fairness and integrity, as we are all created in the image of God. 5. Community Responsibility The story of the blasphemer highlights the role of the community in upholding God's standards. The entire assembly was involved in carrying out justice, demonstrating that we are accountable to one another. "The entire assembly must stone him" (Leviticus 24:14). As believers, we are called to support and encourage each other in living out God's commands, fostering a community that reflects His love and righteousness. 6. The Value of Human Life Leviticus 24 underscores the sanctity of human life, with clear instructions on how to handle cases of injury or death. "Whoever takes a human life must surely be put to death" (Leviticus 24:17). This teaches us to respect and value every life, recognizing each person as a unique creation of God, deserving of dignity and care. 7. The Role of Leadership The priests were given specific duties in maintaining the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of leadership in guiding the community. "Aaron shall tend the lamps from evening until morning before the LORD continually" (Leviticus 24:3). Leaders are called to serve faithfully, setting an example of devotion and obedience to God, guiding others in their spiritual journey. 8. The Power of God's Word The instructions in Leviticus 24 demonstrate the authority and power of God's Word. His commands are to be followed diligently, reflecting His perfect wisdom and justice. "You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born" (Leviticus 24:22). As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are equipped to live according to His will, empowered by His truth. 9. The Call to Holiness Throughout Leviticus, the theme of holiness is prevalent, calling God's people to be set apart for His purposes. "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). In Leviticus 24, we see this call to holiness in action, reminding us to live lives that reflect God's character, striving for purity and righteousness in all we do. 10. The Assurance of God's Presence Finally, Leviticus 24 assures us of God's continual presence with His people. The lampstand and the Bread of Presence are tangible reminders that God is with us, guiding and sustaining us. "I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people" (Leviticus 26:12). As we journey through life, we can rest in the assurance that God is always with us, leading us with His light and providing for our every need. Topics 1. The Lampstand and Olive Oil (Leviticus 24:1-4) This section instructs the Israelites to bring pure, pressed olive oil for the lampstand so that it may burn continually. The lampstand, or menorah, symbolizes God's eternal presence and light. The Hebrew word for "pure" (זַךְ, ^zakh^) emphasizes the need for unblemished offerings. 2. The Bread of the Presence (Leviticus 24:5-9) Instructions are given for preparing and arranging the Bread of the Presence on the table before the LORD. This bread, known as "showbread," is a perpetual offering, symbolizing God's provision. The Hebrew term for "presence" (פָּנִים, ^panim^) indicates the bread's placement before God's face. 3. The Punishment for Blasphemy (Leviticus 24:10-16) This passage recounts an incident where a man blasphemes the Name of the LORD and is subsequently stoned to death. The Hebrew word for "blaspheme" (נָקַב, ^naqab^) implies piercing or cursing, highlighting the severity of the offense against God's holiness. 4. An Eye for an Eye (Leviticus 24:17-22) The principle of lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye," is outlined here, emphasizing justice and proportional retribution. This law underscores the importance of fairness and equity in the community, reflecting God's just nature. 5. Execution of the Blasphemer (Leviticus 24:23) The chapter concludes with the community carrying out the prescribed punishment for the blasphemer, demonstrating obedience to God's commands. This act serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of upholding God's holiness and law. Themes 1. The Lampstand and the Bread of the Presence Leviticus 24:1-9 describes the maintenance of the lampstand and the arrangement of the Bread of the Presence. The lampstand is to be kept burning continually, symbolizing God's eternal presence and guidance. The Hebrew word for "continually" (תָּמִיד, tamid) emphasizes the perpetual nature of this practice. The Bread of the Presence, set before the LORD, signifies God's provision and covenant with Israel. 2. Blasphemy and Its Consequences In Leviticus 24:10-16, the narrative shifts to an incident involving blasphemy. The Hebrew term for blasphemy (נָקַב, naqav) implies a piercing or cursing of God's name. The passage underscores the sanctity of God's name and the severe consequences of blasphemy, which include the community's responsibility to uphold God's holiness. 3. Principle of Retribution Leviticus 24:17-22 outlines the principle of retribution, often summarized as "an eye for an eye." This theme emphasizes justice and the equitable treatment of offenses. The Hebrew phrase "עַיִן תַּחַת עַיִן" (ayin tachat ayin) reflects the idea of proportional justice, ensuring that punishment corresponds to the crime. 4. Community Responsibility and Justice The chapter concludes with the community's role in executing justice (Leviticus 24:23). The collective action in carrying out the sentence for blasphemy highlights the communal responsibility to maintain holiness and order according to God's laws. This theme reinforces the idea that the community is accountable for upholding divine justice. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that remains vigilant and attentive to God's presence in your life. Ask for the Holy Spirit's help in honoring God's name in all your words and actions. Seek God's guidance in promoting justice and fairness in your community. Thank God for His continual provision and faithfulness, and ask for a deeper appreciation of His covenant with you. Answering Tough Questions 1. How historically feasible was it for the Israelites to keep the lamps burning continually (Leviticus 24:2) given their technological limitations? 2. Is there any archaeological evidence that showbread was baked and replaced exactly as commanded (Leviticus 24:5–9)? 3. Does the prescribed stoning for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:14) contradict the Sixth Commandment against killing (Exodus 20:13)? 4. How can the “eye for an eye” principle (Leviticus 24:19–20) be reconciled with New Testament teachings like “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38–39)? 5. If God is portrayed as merciful, why does Leviticus 24:10–23 prescribe such severe physical punishments for transgressors? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What is the significance of the command to keep the lamps burning continually? How does this apply to our lives today? 2. How does the ritual of showbread represent our relationship with God? How can this be related to the modern Christian practice of communion? 3. How did the Israelites initially respond when the man blasphemed the Name? What does this teach about seeking God's will before acting? 4. What does the punishment for the blasphemer reveal about how seriously God takes His Name? How does this shape your understanding of using God's name respectfully? 5. How do the laws of recompense reflect on the value of life, property, and personal integrity in God's eyes? 6. How do these laws encourage responsibility and accountability in society? 7. The same laws were applied to both foreigners and natives. How does this reflect God's perspective on justice and equality? 8. In today's context, how can we apply the principle of 'eye for an eye' without resorting to physical retribution? 9. How do the instructions to Moses about the lampstand and showbread relate to the concept of continuous worship? 10. How does the serious punishment for blasphemy in the Old Testament correlate with New Testament teachings about the Holy Spirit? 11. How does the story of the blasphemer challenge us to think about our words and actions? 12. How might the principle of making restitution when harm is done inform modern legal or social practices? 13. Can you see parallels between the laws given by God here and current legal systems? What are they? 14. How can we reconcile the harsh punishments outlined in this chapter with God's nature as a God of love and forgiveness? 15. What role does repentance play in crimes against God or other people, according to the Bible? 16. In what ways can believers today ensure they are respecting the Name of the LORD? 17. How can we apply the principles of these laws to disagreements or conflicts in our own lives? 18. How can we demonstrate respect for life and property in today's society? 19. What are some ways in which believers can make restitution or seek forgiveness when they have wronged someone? 20. How can we use the teaching of this chapter to examine our own hearts and actions, particularly in terms of how we treat others and respect God's commands? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions