You are to keep My commandmentsThis phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws, which were given to the Israelites through Moses. The commandments refer to the entire body of laws and instructions found in the Torah, particularly those in Leviticus, which focus on holiness and purity. The call to keep the commandments is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and His people. In
Deuteronomy 6:17, the Israelites are similarly instructed to diligently keep the commandments. This obedience is not merely external but involves a heart commitment, as seen in
Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.
and practice them.
The phrase "practice them" underscores the necessity of not just knowing God's commandments but actively living them out. This involves a daily commitment to align one's actions with God's will. The Hebrew concept of "practice" implies a continuous, habitual action, suggesting that obedience is a lifestyle rather than a one-time event.James 1:22 in the New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to be doers of the word and not hearers only. The practice of God's commandments was meant to set Israel apart from other nations, serving as a witness to God's holiness and righteousness.
I am the LORD.
This declaration serves as a divine signature, affirming God's authority and the reason for obedience. The use of "LORD" in all capitals indicates the translation of the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God. This phrase is a reminder of God's identity and His relationship with Israel, as seen inExodus 3:14-15, where God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM." The statement "I am the LORD" is frequently used in Leviticus to reinforce the divine origin of the laws and to remind the Israelites of their unique relationship with God. It also points to God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises, which is a foundation for trust and obedience.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who commands His people to live according to His statutes.
2.
MosesThe prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are called to live in holiness and obedience to God's commandments.
4.
The TabernacleThe place of worship where the Israelites were to bring their offerings and where the priests served.
5.
PriestsThe descendants of Aaron, responsible for maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle and the proper conduct of worship.
Teaching Points
Obedience as WorshipObedience to God's commandments is an act of worship. Just as the Israelites were called to keep and practice God's laws, Christians today are called to live out their faith through obedience to God's Word.
Holiness in Daily LifeThe call to holiness is not limited to religious rituals but extends to every aspect of life. Believers are to reflect God's holiness in their actions, decisions, and interactions with others.
The Authority of GodRecognizing God as the LORD emphasizes His authority over our lives. Our obedience is a response to His sovereignty and lordship.
Consistency in FaithPracticing God's commandments requires consistency and intentionality. It is not enough to know God's laws; we must actively live them out.
The Role of CommunityJust as the Israelites were a community called to uphold God's laws together, the church today is a community that supports and encourages one another in obedience and holiness.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 22
How should we live according to God's commandments?
Did God command human sacrifice? (Genesis 22:2 vs. Deuteronomy 12:31)
How does Genesis 22 align with later scriptures condemning human sacrifice (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:31)?
What is loving your neighbor as yourself?(31)
Therefore shall ye keep my commandments.--Better,
and ye shall keep my commandments.The law about the priests and sacrifices now concludes with an appeal to both the priests and the people to faithfully observe these commandments.
Neither shall ye profane my holy name.--Better,and ye shall not profane.The rendering of the conjunctives, both in the former verse and in this, by "therefore" and "neither," as is done in the Authorised version, is not only unnecessary, but mars the simple and dignified style of the original. For the manner in which God's name is profaned when His commandments are violated, seeLeviticus 18:21.Verses 31-33. - These verses form the conclusion of the Section and of the Part, enjoining obedience to God's commandments, reverence forhis Name, and consequent holiness.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You are to keep
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙(ū·šə·mar·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to
My commandments
מִצְוֺתַ֔י(miṣ·wō·ṯay)
Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4687:Commandment
and practice
וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם(wa·‘ă·śî·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, make
them.
אֹתָ֑ם(’ō·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case
I
אֲנִ֖י(’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:I
am the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
Leviticus 22:31 NIV
Leviticus 22:31 NLT
Leviticus 22:31 ESV
Leviticus 22:31 NASB
Leviticus 22:31 KJV
Leviticus 22:31 BibleApps.com
Leviticus 22:31 Biblia Paralela
Leviticus 22:31 Chinese Bible
Leviticus 22:31 French Bible
Leviticus 22:31 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Leviticus 22:31 Therefore you shall keep my commandments (Le Lv Lev.)
