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to Moses and Aaron
Moses and Aaron are central figures in the Exodus narrative. Moses, as the leader and prophet, and Aaron, as the high priest, represent both the civil and religious leadership of Israel. Their roles are crucial in mediating God's laws to the people. This dual leadership is significant as it reflects the need for both spiritual and practical guidance in the community. Aaron's involvement also points to the priestly duties that will be elaborated upon in the following chapters.

telling them
This indicates that the instructions are meant to be communicated to the people of Israel. The phrase suggests a chain of command where God speaks to His appointed leaders, who then relay His words to the community. This method of communication ensures that the message is authoritative and unaltered. It also reflects the structure of leadership and responsibility within the Israelite community, where leaders are accountable for conveying God's will accurately.

“The LORD spoke again…” (Leviticus 11:1). Notice three simple but powerful truths packed into those words:

• The Speaker is the covenant God, the One who called Abram (Genesis 12:1) and thundered at Sinai (Exodus 20:1). His voice is not myth or metaphor; it is historical and literal (2 Timothy 3:16).

• He “spoke,” not merely impressed feelings. God’s chosen method is clear, verbal revelation, just asHebrews 1:1 affirms that “God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.”

• He “spoke again,” underscoring His ongoing commitment to guide His people. Earlier chapters echo the same refrain (Leviticus 4:1; 6:1), andNumbers 1:1 shows this continuity. God keeps talking because He keeps caring.

“…to Moses and Aaron…” The message comes to both the nation’s lawgiver and its high priest.

• Moses represents prophetic leadership (Numbers 12:6-8), while Aaron embodies priestly mediation (Exodus 28:1). Together they picture the need for both Word and worship.

• By addressing them jointly, the LORD guards unity: the law won’t contradict the priesthood, and worship won’t wander from truth. CompareExodus 4:14-16, where God pairs the brothers for mutual support.

• The pattern foreshadows our perfect Mediator, Jesus Christ, who is both Prophet (Luke 24:19) and High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). God’s people still need authoritative teaching and intercessory care.

“…telling them,” or “saying to them.” The phrase introduces detailed instructions about clean and unclean animals that fill the rest of the chapter.

• God’s speech always has a purpose: He speaks so His people can obey (Deuteronomy 5:1).Leviticus 11 will shape Israel’s daily diet, reminding them constantly of their distinct calling.

• The upcoming commands hinge on holiness: “Be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44-45). Centuries later Peter repeats the line for believers (1 Peter 1:15-16), showing the principle still stands even though food laws themselves have been fulfilled in Christ (Acts 10:13-15).

• “Tell them” also implies transmission. Moses and Aaron must relay God’s word accurately, a pattern echoed when Jesus instructs His disciples to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Faithfulness means passing on exactly what God has said, nothing less.

Leviticus 11:1 is more than a heading; it is a snapshot of divine communication. The covenant LORD keeps talking, chooses trustworthy leaders, and delivers clear commands so His people can walk in holiness. Every word that follows in the chapter rests on that solid foundation: God speaks, His servants listen, and His people obey.

(1)And the Lord spake unto Moses and to Aaron.--Lest the rebuke which Moses publicly administered to the priests (seeLeviticus 10:16) should diminish their influence with the people, whom they had to teach the laws of clean and unclean things (seeLeviticus 10:10-11) laid down in the following chapters, the Lord here honours Aaron, as well as Moses, by making this communication to them conjointly. Besides, Aaron as minister was as much concerned in these laws as Moses the legislator. Hence, when a question of defilement had afterwards to be decided, it was brought for judgment before Moses and Aaron conjointly. (SeeNumbers 9:6.)