Leviticus 17:8

Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice

Study Bible

Tell them
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of communication and obedience. The Hebrew root word for "tell" is "dabar," which means to speak or declare. This highlights the role of Moses as a mediator between God and the people, underscoring the necessity of clear and authoritative instruction in maintaining the covenant relationship.

if anyone
This phrase is inclusive, indicating that the command applies universally to all individuals within the community. The Hebrew word "ish" is used here, which can mean man or person, emphasizing that the law is not limited by gender or status. This universality reflects the comprehensive nature of God's law, which governs all aspects of life for His people.

from the house of Israel
This phrase identifies the primary audience of the command: the Israelites, God's chosen people. The "house of Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, and signifies their collective identity as a covenant community. This highlights the special relationship between God and Israel, rooted in the promises made to the patriarchs.

or any foreigner living among them
This inclusion of foreigners, or "ger" in Hebrew, living among the Israelites, demonstrates the openness of God's covenant to those outside the ethnic boundaries of Israel. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for all nations and His desire for inclusivity within His covenant community, provided they adhere to His laws.

offers a burnt offering or sacrifice
The act of offering a burnt offering or sacrifice is central to the worship practices of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "burnt offering" is "olah," which means "that which goes up," referring to the smoke rising to God. Sacrifices were a means of atonement and worship, symbolizing the offerer's devotion and submission to God. This phrase underscores the importance of proper worship and the need for sacrifices to be made in accordance with God's instructions, reflecting His holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. House of Israel
Refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who are the chosen people of God. They are the primary audience of the Levitical laws.

2. Foreigners Living Among Them
Non-Israelites who resided with the Israelites. They were expected to adhere to certain laws and practices while living in the community.

3. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire offering is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender to God.

4. Sacrifice
A broader term that includes various offerings made to God, often involving the shedding of blood for atonement.

5. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites, including the instructions in Leviticus.

Teaching Points

Inclusivity in Worship
The inclusion of foreigners in the sacrificial system demonstrates God's desire for all people to come to Him. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching that salvation is available to all through Christ.

Holiness and Obedience
The requirement for both Israelites and foreigners to follow God's laws emphasizes the importance of holiness and obedience in the community of believers.

Sacrifice and Atonement
The sacrificial system points to the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin. It prepares the way for understanding Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Community Standards
The laws given to Israel were not just for individual benefit but for the health and holiness of the entire community. This principle applies to the church today.

God's Sovereignty
The specific instructions for worship highlight God's sovereignty and the need for His people to approach Him on His terms, not theirs.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the inclusion of foreigners in the sacrificial system reflect God's plan for all nations?

2. In what ways does the concept of sacrifice in Leviticus 17:8 point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can the principles of holiness and obedience in Leviticus 17:8 be applied to the modern Christian community?

4. What are some ways the church today can reflect the inclusivity seen in the Old Testament laws regarding foreigners?

5. How does understanding the original context of Leviticus 17:8 enhance our appreciation for the New Testament teachings on sacrifice and atonement?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Discusses the Passover and the inclusion of foreigners in the observance, highlighting the integration of non-Israelites into the community under certain conditions.

Hebrews 10
Explores the concept of sacrifice and how the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus fulfills the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Acts 15
The Jerusalem Council addresses the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian church, echoing the theme of foreigners living among the Israelites.