◄ Leviticus 25:1 ►
Then the LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai,
Study Bible
Then
The word "Then" serves as a temporal marker, indicating a continuation or sequence in the narrative. It suggests that what follows is a direct consequence or next step in the unfolding revelation of God's law to the Israelites. This word connects the instructions in Leviticus 25 to the preceding chapters, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people. In the broader context of Leviticus, it underscores the progressive revelation of God's will, as He systematically lays out His statutes for holy living.

the LORD
The term "the LORD" is a translation of the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. In the context of Leviticus, it highlights the divine authority behind the laws being given. Yahweh is not a distant deity but a personal God who is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding them towards holiness and righteousness.

said
The verb "said" indicates direct communication from God to Moses. This is not merely a suggestion or a thought but a divine command. The Hebrew root "amar" conveys the idea of speaking with authority and purpose. In the context of Leviticus, it underscores the importance of the instructions that follow, as they are not human inventions but divine mandates. This communication reflects the intimate relationship between God and Moses, where God speaks, and Moses listens and conveys His words to the people.

to Moses
Moses is the central human figure in the Pentateuch, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to receive the Law on their behalf. His role as a mediator is crucial, as he stands between God and the people, receiving divine instructions and teaching them to the Israelites. The mention of Moses here reinforces his authority and responsibility as the leader and prophet of Israel. It also highlights the trust and intimacy in his relationship with God, as he is the one chosen to receive and transmit God's laws.

on Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai is a significant location in the biblical narrative, known as the mountain of God. It is the place where Moses first encountered God in the burning bush and where the Israelites received the Ten Commandments. The mention of Mount Sinai here situates the giving of these laws within the broader context of the Sinai covenant. It is a place of divine revelation and covenantal relationship, where God establishes His laws and expectations for His people. The historical and archaeological significance of Mount Sinai as a sacred site underscores the gravity and holiness of the instructions being given.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who is giving instructions to His people.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments.

3. Mount Sinai
The mountain where God communicated with Moses, a significant place of divine revelation and covenant.
Teaching Points
Divine Revelation
God reveals His will and laws to His people through chosen leaders. This underscores the importance of listening to and respecting spiritual authority.

Covenant Relationship
The setting of Mount Sinai reminds us of the covenant relationship between God and His people. We are called to live in obedience as part of our covenant with God.

Holiness and Obedience
The laws given at Sinai, including those in Leviticus, are meant to set God's people apart. We are called to live holy lives, distinct from the world.

Sabbath and Rest
Leviticus 25 introduces the concept of the Sabbath year, pointing to the importance of rest and trust in God's provision. This principle can be applied to our need for spiritual and physical rest today.

God's Sovereignty
The giving of the law at Sinai is a reminder of God's sovereignty and authority over all creation. We are to submit to His will in all areas of life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the setting of Mount Sinai enhance our understanding of the seriousness and holiness of God's laws?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of Sabbath rest in our modern lives, both spiritually and physically?

3. How does the covenant relationship established at Sinai relate to our relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

4. What role does obedience to spiritual authority play in our walk with God, and how can we discern true spiritual leadership?

5. How can we live out the call to holiness in a world that often opposes God's standards?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 19-20
These chapters describe the initial giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, establishing the context for the laws in Leviticus.

Deuteronomy 5
Reiterates the giving of the Ten Commandments and the covenant at Sinai, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's laws.

Hebrews 12
Discusses Mount Sinai in contrast to Mount Zion, highlighting the new covenant through Christ.
Sermons
Divine DisciplineW. Clarkson Leviticus 25:1-7
The Fallow YearR.M. Edgar Leviticus 25:1-7
The Sabbatical YearR.A. Redford Leviticus 25:1-7
The Sabbatic YearJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 25:1-7, 18-22
People
Israelites, Levites, Moses
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Mount, Saying, Sinai, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 25:1-5

     4534   vine
     8270   holiness, set apart

Leviticus 25:1-7

     4458   grape
     8472   respect, for environment

Leviticus 25:1-13

     4208   land, divine responsibility
     4978   year
     7258   promised land, early history

Library
Sojourners with God
'The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me.' --LEV. xxv. 23. The singular institution of the Jubilee year had more than one purpose. As a social and economical arrangement it tended to prevent the extremes of wealth and poverty. Every fiftieth year the land was to revert to its original owners, the lineal descendants of those who had 'come in with the conqueror,' Joshua. Debts were to be remitted, slaves emancipated, and so the mountains …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

God's Slaves
'For they are My servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as bondmen.' --LEV. xxv. 42. This is the basis of the Mosaic legislation as to slavery. It did not suppress but regulated that accursed system. Certainly Hebrew slavery was a very different thing from that of other nations. In the first place, no Jew was to be a slave. To that broad principle there were exceptions, such as the case of the man who voluntarily gave himself up to his creditor. But even …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Boniface viii Ad 1294-1303.
PART I In Celestine's place was chosen Benedict Gaetani, who, although even older than the worn-out and doting late pope, was still full of strength, both in body and in mind. Benedict (who took the name of Boniface VIII) is said to have been very learned, especially in matters at law; but his pride and ambition led him into attempts which ended in his own ruin, and did serious harm to the papacy. In the year 1300 Boniface set on foot what was called the Jubilee. You will remember the Jubilee which …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

The Kinsman-Redeemer
'Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause.'--JER. l. 34. Among the remarkable provisions of the Mosaic law there were some very peculiar ones affecting the next-of-kin. The nearest living blood relation to a man had certain obligations and offices to discharge, under certain contingencies, in respect of which he received a special name; which is sometimes translated in the Old Testament 'Redeemer,' and sometimes 'Avenger' of blood. What the etymological …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

Sin and Forgiveness Between Brethren.
(Autumn, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XVIII. 15-35. ^a 15 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. [Having warned against giving offense, Jesus now shows how to act when offense is received. The fault is to be pointed out to the offender, but for the purpose of gaining him--not from a desire to humiliate him. The offended is to seek the offender, and the offender is likewise to seek the offended (Matt. xv. 23, 24), …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
Isaiah lix. 20.--"And the Redeemer shall come unto Zion, and unto them that turn," &c. Doctrines, as things, have their seasons and times. Every thing is beautiful in its season. So there is no word of truth, but it hath a season and time in which it is beautiful. And indeed that is a great part of wisdom, to bring forth everything in its season, to discern when and where, and to whom it is pertinent and edifying, to speak such and such truths. But there is one doctrine that is never out of season, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not steal.' Exod 20: 15. AS the holiness of God sets him against uncleanness, in the command Thou shalt not commit adultery;' so the justice of God sets him against rapine and robbery, in the command, Thou shalt not steal.' The thing forbidden in this commandment, is meddling with another man's property. The civil lawyers define furtum, stealth or theft to be the laying hands unjustly on that which is another's;' the invading another's right. I. The causes of theft. [1] The internal causes …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Baptism
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them,' &c. Matt 28: 19. I. The way whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemptions, is, in the use of the sacraments. What are the sacraments in general? They are visible signs of invisible grace. Is not the word of God sufficient to salvation? What need then is there of sacraments? We must not be wise above what is written. It is God's will that his church …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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