This verse is a pivotal reminder that true spiritual direction begins and ends with God’s voice.
“When quoting the text below, it will appear in italics with the verse reference following immediately afterward.”
In this verse, we see Scripture declare, Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (v.16). This short but significant statement introduces a new section of instructions from God. It underscores that these directives do not originate from human reasoning, but from the LORD Himself, highlighting divine authority and intentional design for the Israelite community. Leviticus often employs this pattern—where God speaks and Moses conveys His message—revealing that Moses served as the mediator between the heavenly and earthly realms.
Here, Moses is shown serving in the pivotal role he carried from roughly 1526 BC to 1406 BC. He led the Israelites out of Egypt (circa 1446 BC) and guided them toward the Promised Land. Though the location for these instructions is not explicitly mentioned in verse 16 itself, the book of Leviticus is widely understood to take place around Mount Sinai in the wilderness, after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. This wilderness setting separates God’s chosen people from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, allowing them to receive instruction directly from the LORD.
By saying, Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (v.16), the text reminds readers that the priestly guidelines and rituals about to be outlined come with God’s full weight and authority. Priests in Israel were held to rigorous standards that would set them apart for holy service. Through Moses’ leadership, the LORD provides the next portion of instruction that illustrates His covenantal expectations, preparing Israel to dwell in holiness and reflect God’s character to the world (1 Peter 2:9).
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Leviticus 21:16 meaning
“When quoting the text below, it will appear in italics with the verse reference following immediately afterward.”
In this verse, we see Scripture declare, Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (v.16). This short but significant statement introduces a new section of instructions from God. It underscores that these directives do not originate from human reasoning, but from the LORD Himself, highlighting divine authority and intentional design for the Israelite community. Leviticus often employs this pattern—where God speaks and Moses conveys His message—revealing that Moses served as the mediator between the heavenly and earthly realms.
Here, Moses is shown serving in the pivotal role he carried from roughly 1526 BC to 1406 BC. He led the Israelites out of Egypt (circa 1446 BC) and guided them toward the Promised Land. Though the location for these instructions is not explicitly mentioned in verse 16 itself, the book of Leviticus is widely understood to take place around Mount Sinai in the wilderness, after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. This wilderness setting separates God’s chosen people from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, allowing them to receive instruction directly from the LORD.
By saying, Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (v.16), the text reminds readers that the priestly guidelines and rituals about to be outlined come with God’s full weight and authority. Priests in Israel were held to rigorous standards that would set them apart for holy service. Through Moses’ leadership, the LORD provides the next portion of instruction that illustrates His covenantal expectations, preparing Israel to dwell in holiness and reflect God’s character to the world (1 Peter 2:9).