Leviticus 9:5

So they took what Moses had commanded to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and the whole congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.

Study Bible

So they took
This phrase indicates obedience and action. The Hebrew root for "took" is "laqach," which often implies receiving or accepting something with purpose. In the context of Leviticus, this action signifies the Israelites' willingness to follow divine instructions. It reflects a heart of submission and readiness to engage in worship as prescribed by God through Moses.

what Moses had commanded
Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, represents divine authority. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "tsavah," which conveys a sense of authoritative instruction. This highlights the importance of adhering to God's directives as communicated through His chosen leaders. It underscores the principle that true worship is not based on personal preference but on divine revelation and order.

to the front of the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" is central to Israelite worship, serving as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Hebrew term "ohel moed" signifies a place of appointed meeting, emphasizing the sacredness of this space. Bringing the offerings to the front of the Tent symbolizes approaching God with reverence and the desire for communion. It is a reminder of the holiness required to stand before the Almighty.

and the whole congregation
This phrase underscores the communal aspect of worship. The Hebrew word for "congregation" is "edah," which refers to the assembly of the people of Israel. It highlights the collective responsibility and privilege of the community to participate in worship. This communal gathering reflects the unity and shared faith of God's people, coming together to honor Him.

drew near
The act of drawing near, from the Hebrew "qarab," implies approaching with intention and reverence. It is a physical and spiritual movement towards God, signifying a desire for closeness and relationship. This action is foundational in worship, as it represents the heart's longing to be in the presence of the Creator, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.

and stood before the LORD
Standing before the LORD, or "Yahweh," is an expression of respect and readiness to serve. The Hebrew word "amad" for "stood" conveys a sense of being established or positioned with purpose. This posture reflects the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's authority and their readiness to listen and respond to His will. It is a powerful image of worship, where the congregation positions themselves in humility and expectation before the divine presence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments. In this context, Moses acts as the mediator between God and the people.

2. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, this was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice.

3. The Whole Congregation
Refers to the assembly of the Israelites who were present to witness the sacrificial offerings and the manifestation of God's presence.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in the worship and sacrificial system of Israel.

5. Sacrificial Offerings
The specific offerings commanded by God through Moses, which were to be presented as acts of worship and atonement.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' obedience in bringing what Moses commanded highlights the importance of following God's instructions precisely. In our lives, we should strive to obey God's Word as it is revealed to us.

The Role of Mediation
Moses acted as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing Christ's role as our ultimate mediator. We can approach God with confidence through Jesus.

The Importance of Community Worship
The whole congregation gathered to witness the sacrifices, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship. As believers, we should value and participate in corporate worship.

God's Presence Among His People
The Tent of Meeting was a symbol of God's presence. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, making our bodies His temple.

The Significance of Sacrifice
The sacrificial system pointed to the need for atonement and foreshadowed Christ's ultimate sacrifice. We are called to live sacrificially, offering our lives as living sacrifices to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of the Israelites in Leviticus 9:5 challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways does the role of Moses as a mediator in this passage point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we, as a community of believers, ensure that our worship is pleasing to God and reflects the unity seen in the congregation of Israel?

4. What does the presence of God in the Tent of Meeting teach us about His desire to dwell among His people, and how does this relate to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit today?

5. How can we apply the concept of sacrificial living in our modern context, and what New Testament scriptures support this idea?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the instructions for the consecration of the priests, which is directly related to the events in Leviticus 9, where the priests begin their ministry.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament chapter discusses the limitations of the old sacrificial system and points to Christ as the ultimate High Priest and perfect sacrifice.

1 Peter 2:9
This verse speaks of believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the priestly role in Leviticus to the spiritual role of believers today.