Leviticus 17:2

"Speak to Aaron, his sons, and all the Israelites and tell them this is what the LORD has commanded:

Study Bible

Speak to Aaron
The Hebrew word for "speak" is "דַּבֵּר" (daber), which implies a direct and authoritative communication. In the context of Leviticus, God is instructing Moses to convey His divine will to Aaron, the high priest. Aaron's role as the spiritual leader of Israel is underscored here, emphasizing the importance of priestly mediation in the covenant relationship between God and His people. This highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to faithfully communicate God's commands.

his sons
Aaron's sons, the priests, are included in this directive, indicating the hereditary nature of the priesthood in Israel. The Hebrew term "בָּנָיו" (banav) signifies not just biological offspring but also those who are to carry on the priestly duties. This inclusion underscores the continuity of spiritual leadership and the importance of training the next generation in the ways of the Lord.

and all the Israelites
The phrase "all the Israelites" translates from "כָּל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (kol-benei Yisrael), encompassing the entire community of God's chosen people. This command is not limited to the priestly class but extends to every member of the Israelite community, highlighting the communal nature of God's covenant. It reflects the biblical principle that all believers are called to holiness and obedience, not just the leaders.

and tell them
The Hebrew "וְאָמַרְתָּ" (ve'amarta) is a directive to proclaim or declare. This reinforces the idea that God's commands are to be communicated clearly and authoritatively. The act of telling is not merely informational but transformational, intended to guide the Israelites in their covenantal relationship with God.

that this is what the LORD has commanded
The phrase "what the LORD has commanded" is rooted in the Hebrew "אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה" (asher-tzivah YHWH). This underscores the divine origin of the instructions, affirming that they are not human inventions but the sovereign decrees of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. The use of "commanded" (צִוָּה, tzivah) indicates a non-negotiable directive, reflecting God's authority and the expectation of obedience from His people. This serves as a reminder of the holiness and righteousness of God, who desires His people to live according to His statutes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He plays a central role in the priestly functions and the religious life of the Israelites.

2. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron who were appointed as priests to serve in the tabernacle, assisting in the sacrificial system and maintaining the holiness of the worship practices.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were given the Law to guide their covenant relationship with God.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and established a covenant with them at Mount Sinai.

5. The Command
The specific instructions given by God to Moses to relay to Aaron, his sons, and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's laws.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The passage underscores the importance of adhering to God's instructions. Just as Aaron and his sons were to follow God's commands, believers today are called to live in obedience to God's Word.

Role of Leadership in Spiritual Life
Aaron and his sons were leaders in worship and spiritual matters. This highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders today to guide their communities in faithfulness to God's teachings.

Community Accountability
The command was given to all the Israelites, indicating that the community as a whole was responsible for maintaining the covenant relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to hold one another accountable in their walk with Christ.

Holiness and Worship
The instructions in Leviticus emphasize the holiness required in worship. Christians are called to approach God with reverence and purity, recognizing the sacredness of worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron and his sons as priests inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands in our daily lives, similar to the instructions given to the Israelites?

3. How does the concept of community accountability in Leviticus 17:2 apply to the church today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the sacrificial system in Leviticus and the sacrifice of Jesus as described in the New Testament?

5. How can we cultivate a sense of holiness and reverence in our personal and communal worship practices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The Passover instructions highlight the importance of following God's commands precisely, similar to the instructions in Leviticus 17.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of the high priest and the sacrificial system, connecting the Old Testament practices to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, drawing a parallel to the priestly role of Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the call to holiness.