Then the LORDThis phrase emphasizes the direct communication from God, highlighting His authority and the divine origin of the instructions that follow. In the context of Leviticus, God is establishing a covenantal relationship with Israel, providing laws and guidelines for worship and community living. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of His eternal presence and faithfulness.
said to Moses
Moses serves as the mediator between God and the Israelites, a role that foreshadows the mediatory work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Moses' leadership and prophetic role are central to the narrative of the Pentateuch, as he receives and communicates God's laws to the people. This phrase underscores the importance of divine revelation and the transmission of God's will through chosen leaders. Moses' encounters with God often occur in significant locations such as Mount Sinai, which is a pivotal site for divine-human interaction in the biblical narrative.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, who is giving instructions to Moses. This name emphasizes God's eternal presence and faithfulness.
2.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and the people. He receives God's laws and instructions to communicate to the Israelites.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are receiving the laws and instructions for worship and daily living.
4.
The TabernacleThe central place of worship for the Israelites, where sacrifices and offerings are made.
5.
The Priests (Aaron and his sons)The appointed leaders responsible for carrying out the sacrificial system and maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle.
Teaching Points
God's CommunicationGod speaks directly to Moses, emphasizing the importance of divine revelation. We should value and seek God's guidance through His Word and prayer.
Role of LeadershipMoses' role as a mediator highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders in the church should faithfully communicate God's truth and lead by example.
Holiness and ObedienceThe instructions given to Moses underscore the need for holiness and obedience in worship. We are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness.
Priestly Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe priests' responsibilities remind us of our own spiritual duties as believers. We are called to offer spiritual sacrifices and serve God faithfully.
Continuity of God's PlanThe sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this continuity helps us appreciate the depth of God's redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 6:8?
2.How does Leviticus 6:8 emphasize the importance of following God's commandments precisely?
3.What role does the priest play in maintaining the burnt offering in Leviticus 6:8?
4.How does Leviticus 6:8 connect to Jesus as our ultimate High Priest?
5.In what ways can we apply the principles of obedience from Leviticus 6:8 today?
6.How does Leviticus 6:8 illustrate the need for continual dedication in our faith?
7.What is the significance of Leviticus 6:8 in the context of Old Testament sacrifices?
8.How does Leviticus 6:8 reflect God's instructions to Moses and Aaron?
9.Why is the burnt offering emphasized in Leviticus 6:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 6?
11.Who is the author of Leviticus?
12.What are the main themes of the Bible's books?
13.How does Samuel’s leadership in 1 Samuel 7 compare with conflicting narratives about priestly authority in other Old Testament books?
14.How credible is the 1 Chronicles 16 account of continuous musical and priestly service, given scant historical records?What Does Leviticus 6:8 Mean
Then• This single word sets the scene in real time, linking what follows to the instructions just given about the burnt offering (Leviticus 6:1–7).
• Scripture often uses “then” to mark a pivotal moment of revelation—as in “Then God said” at creation (Genesis 1:3)— reminding us that God’s words always come at the right moment (Psalm 18:30).
• The flow of Leviticus shows a seamless narrative: sin is addressed, restitution made, and then fresh instruction comes. God’s timing teaches that obedience today prepares us for guidance tomorrow (John 14:21).
the LORD• The verse names the covenant God—“the LORD” (YHWH), the same Redeemer who freed Israel from Egypt (Exodus 20:2).
• His unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6) guarantees that every command is trustworthy, echoing Jesus’ affirmation that “Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
• Because He is holy (Isaiah 6:3), His instructions carry moral weight; they are not suggestions but divine mandates (James 1:17).
said• God speaks; He does not leave His people guessing. From “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) to “This is My beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17), revelation is verbal and clear.
• His spoken word creates, directs, and sustains (Hebrews 1:3). Here He “said” so priests would know exactly how to handle the continual fire on the altar (Leviticus 6:9–13).
• Obedience begins with listening (Deuteronomy 6:4–5). When God speaks, faith is born (Romans 10:17).
to Moses• Moses, the mediator of the old covenant (Exodus 3:10), receives these words to relay them accurately to the priests and people (Numbers 12:7).
• His role prefigures Christ, the greater Mediator who perfectly conveys the Father’s will (Hebrews 3:1–6;John 1:17).
• The personal address “to Moses” underscores that God’s guidance comes through chosen servants, yet the authority remains God’s alone (2 Peter 1:21).
summaryLeviticus 6:8—“Then the LORD said to Moses”—is a brief yet weighty hinge. “Then” anchors the moment in God’s unfolding plan; “the LORD” asserts the holy, covenant-keeping Author; “said” highlights the power and clarity of divine speech; “to Moses” affirms God’s use of faithful mediators. Together they remind us that at every stage of redemption, God speaks timely, authoritative words that call His people to listen, trust, and obey.
(8)
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying.--This is the fourth instance in which this formula is used (see
Leviticus 4:1;
Leviticus 5:14;
Leviticus 6:1) in Leviticus, and, as in the former passages, introduces a further communication to the Lawgiver. Hitherto the law pointed out to the people under what circumstances and how they are to bring their sacred oblations, now directions are given to the priests how to conduct the sacrificial service of the people.
Verses 8-13. - (See note on Leviticus 1:3.) The further ritual of the burnt offering is exhibited in the particular instance of the lamb sacrificed every evening (
Exodus 29:33). In other cases the ritual was to be the same. Instead of
It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, the reading should be,
It, the burnt offering (viz. the evening sacrifice),
shall burn upon the hearth upon the altar all night unto the morning. The priest is to wear his priestly dress already appointed (
Exodus 28:40) - which was a white linen garment, covering the whole person like a close-fitting English surplice, fastened by a sash - while he is actually officiating at the altar; and thus vested, he is to remove from the altar
the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering, or rather, as it would be better translated,
the ashes to which the fire hath reduced the burnt offering, and put them beside the altar, that is, on the ash-heap to the east of the altar. On leaving the court of the tabernacle, he is to change his dress, and to carry the ashes of the sacrifice
without the camp unto a clean place. The priest is also instructed to lay fresh wood on the altar fire every morning, in preparation for the morning sacrifice of the lamb (
Exodus 29:38). The fat of the peace offerings, that is, the parts of the peace offerings that were burnt on the altar, were laid on the burnt offering. The altar fire was never to go out, because the daily sacrifices constantly burning on the altar symbolized the unceasing worship of God by Israel, and the gracious acceptance of Israel by God. The ever-burning sacrifice was the token of the people being in communion with God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Again the LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsaidוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר(way·ḏab·bêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduetoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toMoses,מֹשֶׁ֥ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 6:8 Yahweh spoke to Moses saying (Le Lv Lev.)