Leviticus 9:6 - Moses said, “This is the thing which Yahweh commanded that you should do: and Yahweh’s glory shall appear to you.”

Generated Verse: Leviticus 9:6

What does "Leviticus 9:6" mean?


Leviticus 9:6, "Moses said, “This is the thing which Yahweh commanded that you should do: and Yahweh’s glory shall appear to you,”" is a pivotal verse that highlights the obedience required for experiencing God's presence and favor. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"This is the thing which Yahweh commanded that you should do..." This refers to the specific rituals and sacrifices that Moses and Aaron have just completed or are about to complete, as detailed in the preceding chapters of Leviticus. These actions are not arbitrary; they are divinely ordained. Obedience to these commands is crucial. This emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions precisely. It's a statement about the necessity of obedience as a prerequisite for experiencing God's presence.

"...and Yahweh’s glory shall appear to you.” This is the promise contingent on their obedience. "Glory" in this context refers to a visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and splendor. It could be a dazzling light, a palpable sense of awe, or some other tangible sign of God's favor. In this verse, it promises a visible manifestation of God's presence, indicating divine approval and acceptance of their worship and sacrifices. This is not merely a feeling or an abstract concept, but a concrete experience of God's presence.

In essence, the verse signifies that:

Obedience is the key: Following God's commands is the prerequisite for experiencing His glory.
God's presence is promised: When they are obedient, God will manifest His glory to them, demonstrating His approval and power.
It's a communal experience: The glory is promised to "you," meaning the entire Israelite community, not just Moses or Aaron.

Contextual Significance:

This verse comes at a crucial moment in the history of Israel. It's the culmination of the instructions for the priesthood and the sacrificial system. It sets the stage for the formal establishment of the Tabernacle as the center of Israel's worship. The appearance of God's glory would validate the priesthood of Aaron and the legitimacy of the sacrificial system, confirming that God accepts their worship.

Theological Implications:

The verse teaches fundamental principles about the relationship between God and humanity:

God is holy and requires specific worship: The detailed instructions in Leviticus demonstrate the importance of approaching God in the way He prescribes.
Obedience is an expression of faith and love: By obeying God's commands, the Israelites demonstrate their trust in Him and their desire to please Him.
God rewards obedience with His presence and favor: Experiencing God's glory is a tangible sign of His blessing and acceptance.

In summary, Leviticus 9:6 is a foundational verse that emphasizes the importance of obedience in experiencing God's presence and glory. It highlights that by following God's commands, as revealed to them, the people of Israel can expect to see and experience the manifestation of His divine power and favor.