Leviticus 17:5 – “This is so the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that is, to the LORD, at the entrance to the tent of meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 17:5 explains the purpose behind God’s command that all sacrifices be brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, or the Tabernacle. The Israelites had been making sacrifices in the open fields, away from the central place of worship established by God. This practice was not in line with the instructions God had given them. By bringing the sacrifices to the priest at the Tabernacle, the Israelites were ensuring that their offerings were properly handled and offered as fellowship offerings to the Lord.
This verse reinforces the idea that all worship and sacrifices must be conducted in accordance with God’s instructions. The act of bringing the sacrifice to the Tabernacle symbolized submission to God’s authority and acknowledgment that He alone is the rightful recipient of their worship. It prevented unauthorized, idolatrous practices from creeping into the community and ensured that all sacrifices were done in a manner that honored God’s holiness.
Historical Context
In the time when Leviticus was written, the Israelites were transitioning from a life of slavery in Egypt to becoming a covenant community under God’s rule. They were moving through the wilderness toward the Promised Land, and God was giving them laws to establish their identity as His chosen people.
Before these laws were given, it was common for people in the ancient Near East, including the Israelites, to offer sacrifices wherever they pleased, such as in open fields or at local altars. These practices often involved rituals that were inconsistent with God’s commands or were even outright pagan in nature. God’s instruction in Leviticus 17 was meant to centralize worship and prevent the Israelites from falling into these idolatrous practices. By directing them to bring all sacrifices to the Tabernacle, God was reinforcing the need for pure and holy worship according to His standards.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 17:5 underscores God’s desire for His people to worship Him in a way that is pure and set apart from the practices of the surrounding nations. The requirement that sacrifices be brought to the Tabernacle emphasizes that worship is not a matter of convenience but of obedience to God’s specific instructions. Worship that pleases God is worship that aligns with His commands.
This verse also highlights the importance of fellowship offerings, which were offerings given to express peace and communion with God. By bringing these offerings to the Tabernacle, the Israelites were not only obeying God’s commands but also participating in a deeper relationship with Him. The proper handling of these sacrifices by the priests ensured that they were acceptable to God, showing that worship requires both the right heart and the right method.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 17:5 uses clear, directive language to convey God’s expectations for worship. The verse provides a direct explanation: “This is so the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields.” This introduction establishes the problem—sacrifices being made improperly—and presents the solution—bringing them to the Tabernacle.
The use of the phrase “to the LORD” emphasizes the focus of the worship. It clarifies that sacrifices are not just religious rituals but are offerings made to God Himself. The repetition of “at the entrance to the tent of meeting” throughout Leviticus 17 reinforces the centrality of the Tabernacle as the appropriate place for worship. This repetition is a literary tool that stresses the importance of following God’s specific instructions regarding where and how worship should occur.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in Scripture echo the principles found in Leviticus 17:5:
- Deuteronomy 12:13-14 – These verses reiterate the command that sacrifices should only be offered at the place the LORD chooses, showing consistency in God’s desire for centralized worship.
- 1 Kings 3:2 – Early in Israel’s history, it notes that people still sacrificed at high places because the temple had not yet been built. This shows the tension between proper worship and local customs.
- Hebrews 10:1-4 – The writer of Hebrews discusses the limitations of the old sacrificial system and points to Christ as the fulfillment of the law, reflecting the transition from the old way of worship to the new.
- Psalm 51:16-17 – David emphasizes that God desires a broken and contrite heart over mere ritualistic sacrifices, aligning with the principle that God seeks true worship from a sincere heart.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 17:5 serves as a reminder that worship is not about personal preference or convenience but about honoring God in the way He has commanded. While Christians are not bound by the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, the principle remains that God desires worship that is sincere, obedient, and focused on Him.
This verse challenges Christians to examine their own worship practices. Are they worshiping God according to His Word, or are they influenced by convenience, tradition, or culture? It encourages believers to bring their “sacrifices” of praise, prayer, and service to God in a manner that reflects His holiness and righteousness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 17:5 shows God’s love in providing clear guidelines to protect His people from straying into idolatry and false worship. By directing the Israelites to bring their sacrifices to the Tabernacle, God was safeguarding them from the spiritual dangers of adopting pagan practices. His commands were not arbitrary but were designed to help His people maintain a close and holy relationship with Him.
God’s love is seen in His desire for His people to approach Him correctly and experience true fellowship with Him. He knows that when His people worship Him as He commands, they are blessed with His presence, peace, and favor. God’s instructions are always for the good of His people, leading them toward a deeper understanding of His love and holiness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 17:5 points to the greater reality fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The requirement to bring sacrifices to a central location at the Tabernacle foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. The sacrificial system, with all its regulations, highlighted humanity’s need for a perfect and lasting sacrifice to atone for sin.
Hebrews 9:11-14 explains that Jesus entered the greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, and offered His own blood for eternal redemption. His sacrifice fulfilled all that the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to but could not achieve. Jesus’ death and resurrection established a new covenant, where believers no longer need to bring animal sacrifices but come to God through faith in Christ’s finished work.
By understanding Leviticus 17:5 in light of Jesus, Christians see the incredible lengths God went to in order to make a way for them to have a relationship with Him. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love and desire for true fellowship with His people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 17:5 challenge us to think about the way we approach worship today?
- What can we learn from the command to centralize worship at the Tabernacle that applies to our spiritual lives now?
- How does this verse help us understand the seriousness of worshiping God according to His Word?
- In what ways does understanding the sacrificial system in Leviticus deepen our appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?
- How can we ensure that our worship remains focused on God and not on personal preferences or cultural norms?
Leviticus 17:5 reminds us that worship is more than a ritual; it is about approaching God with a heart of obedience, reverence, and love. It challenges us to honor God in all that we do, reflecting His holiness in our worship and our lives.