Definition: Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 17:2. It’s a really important section that sets the stage for rules about holiness and worship in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simple terms: “Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying…” Basically, this verse is a direct instruction from God to Moses. It’s like a rule or law that he gives to the Israelites – the people he chose to follow. Here's what it says: “This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying…” The Lord has commanded: This means God gave this instruction to him. It’s a command: God isn't just telling them something; he’s telling them what to do. …that is [the] thing: He’s specifically stating that this instruction is about something important. What does it mean in practical terms? This verse establishes a standard of holiness for the Israelites. It means they need to treat God and each other with respect and reverence. It’s about being aware of how important God is, and how much he values our relationship with him. Why is this important? This instruction was crucial because it set the foundation for worship. It meant that when people prayed or offered sacrifices (temple rituals), they needed to be mindful of God's presence and holiness. It’s about recognizing that God is above us and deserves our respect. In short, this verse tells us that God has given a rule about how we should behave – to show reverence and honor him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Leviticus? Give you some context on what this passage was written for (when and why)? Discuss the significance of holiness in the Old Testament?