Leviticus 9:6 – “Then Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.'”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 9:6 captures a crucial moment where Moses speaks to the Israelites, instructing them to follow God’s commands precisely so that they might witness His glory. This verse is significant because it emphasizes the connection between obedience to God’s instructions and the manifestation of His presence. The people had been given detailed instructions on how to prepare the sacrifices and offerings, and now Moses is making it clear that their obedience is tied to a promised encounter with God’s glory.
The phrase “the glory of the Lord” refers to a visible, tangible expression of God’s presence among His people. In the Old Testament, God’s glory often appeared as a cloud or fire, symbolizing His holiness, power, and majesty. By following the Lord’s commands, the Israelites were positioning themselves to experience this divine revelation. This verse reminds us that God’s presence is not something we can take lightly; it comes when His people live in obedience to His word.
Historical Context
Leviticus was written during the time the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. At this point, the Israelites had received the Law from God at Mount Sinai, and the tabernacle had been constructed as the central place of worship where God would dwell among them. Leviticus 9 records the first time Aaron and his sons performed their duties as priests after being consecrated.
The context of Leviticus 9:6 is a moment of high anticipation. The people had seen God’s power in the past, particularly in their deliverance from Egypt, but now they were about to experience His presence in a new way. Moses, as God’s appointed leader, was reinforcing the importance of following God’s specific instructions to ensure that this holy encounter could take place.
Theological Implications
This verse has deep theological implications, particularly concerning the relationship between obedience and divine revelation. It underscores the principle that God’s presence and blessings are often contingent upon our obedience to His commands. The Israelites were instructed to follow a specific set of actions so that God’s glory would appear to them, which highlights that experiencing God’s presence is tied to living according to His will.
Moreover, this verse speaks to the holiness of God. The glory of the Lord is not something to be approached casually; it requires preparation, consecration, and obedience. This reverence for God’s holiness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture and is essential for understanding the nature of true worship.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 9:6 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative. Moses’ declaration, “This is what the Lord has commanded you to do,” functions as a direct and authoritative statement that links the people’s actions with the forthcoming appearance of God’s glory. The verse is structured to build anticipation and emphasize the cause-and-effect relationship between obedience and divine manifestation.
The phrase “so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you” is purposefully placed at the end of the verse, highlighting the ultimate goal of the people’s obedience: an encounter with God Himself. This structure reinforces the central message of the passage—obedience leads to divine revelation.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 16:10: The Israelites saw the glory of the Lord in the cloud during their time in the wilderness, demonstrating God’s presence among them.
- Exodus 24:16-17: Describes how the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, highlighting the awe and reverence associated with God’s presence.
- John 14:21: Jesus teaches that those who love Him will obey His commands, and He will reveal Himself to them, echoing the principle seen in Leviticus 9:6.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 9:6 serves as a powerful reminder that obedience to God is not just about following rules but about preparing ourselves to experience His presence. In our lives, we are often eager to see God’s work and feel His presence, but this verse challenges us to examine whether we are living in alignment with His will.
This verse encourages us to take God’s commands seriously and to recognize that our obedience is connected to the depth of our relationship with Him. Just as the Israelites had to follow specific instructions to see God’s glory, we too are called to live in a way that honors God’s holiness and prepares us for His presence in our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 9:6 reflects God’s love in His desire to reveal His glory to His people. God does not hide Himself from those who seek Him; instead, He invites them to draw near through obedience. The fact that God’s glory was promised to appear to the Israelites shows His longing to be known and experienced by His people. This verse reveals that God’s commands are not burdensome but are meant to lead us into a deeper encounter with His love and presence.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 9:6 connects to Jesus Christ in the way that obedience to God’s commands leads to the revelation of His glory. Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father’s will, and through His life, death, and resurrection, the fullness of God’s glory was revealed to humanity. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Furthermore, Jesus taught that those who obey His commands would experience His presence (John 14:21). This reinforces the idea that obedience is key to knowing and experiencing the fullness of God’s glory, just as it was for the Israelites in Leviticus 9:6.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to think about the importance of obedience in your relationship with God?
- In what areas of your life do you need to align more closely with God’s commands to experience His presence more fully?
- How does understanding the connection between obedience and God’s glory change the way you approach your faith?
- How can the example of Jesus’ perfect obedience inspire you to live a life that honors God’s holiness?
This verse invites us to reflect on the importance of obedience as a pathway to experiencing God’s presence, the significance of God’s holiness, and the ultimate revelation of His glory in Jesus Christ.