Bible Commentary

The Peace Offering: A Voluntary Act of Fellowship Leviticus chapter 3 introduces the Peace Offering (zevach shelamim in Hebrew), a unique sacrifice distinct from the burnt offering (Leviticus 1) for atonement and the grain offering (Leviticus 2) for dedication. The term shelamim is related to shalom, meaning “peace,” “wholeness,” “completeness,” or “well-being.” This offering primarily […]

The Grain Offering: A Voluntary Act of Dedication Leviticus chapter 2 introduces the Grain Offering (minchah in Hebrew), also known as the Meal Offering or Cereal Offering. Unlike the burnt offering (Leviticus 1), which primarily focused on atonement and complete devotion through the shedding of blood, the grain offering was a bloodless sacrifice that primarily

The Call to Moses and the Purpose of Offerings Leviticus chapter 1 opens with a direct address from God to Moses, signaling a new phase in the divine revelation, now from within the newly erected and consecrated Tabernacle. “Now the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him from the tabernacle of meeting, saying, ‘Speak

The Command to Erect the Tabernacle Exodus chapter 40, the final chapter of the book, marks the culmination of God’s detailed instructions for the tabernacle and the people’s diligent obedience in its construction. After chapters of divine commands and human craftsmanship, the moment arrives for God’s dwelling place to be assembled and consecrated. The chapter

Making the Priestly Garments: An Overview Exodus chapter 39 details the meticulous craftsmanship of the sacred garments for the priests, particularly for Aaron, the High Priest. These garments were not merely ceremonial attire; they were divinely designed vestments, rich in symbolism, intended to reflect the holiness of God and the sacred nature of the priestly

Construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering Exodus chapter 38 continues the detailed account of the tabernacle’s construction, beginning with the Altar of Burnt Offering, located in the outer court. “He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood; five cubits was its length and five cubits its width—it was square—and three cubits was

Construction of the Ark of the Covenant Exodus chapter 37 details the actual construction of the sacred furnishings for the tabernacle, beginning with the most holy object: the Ark of the Covenant. “Then Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits was its length, a cubit and a half its width,

The Reiteration of the Sabbath Command Exodus chapter 35 opens with Moses assembling the entire congregation of the children of Israel, delivering to them the commands of the Lord concerning the building of the tabernacle, but beginning with a crucial reiteration of the Sabbath. “And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel

The Command for New Tablets Exodus chapter 34 begins with God’s command to Moses, signaling a path towards the renewal of the broken covenant. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first ones, and I will write on these tablets the words that were on the first

God’s Command to Depart and the Absence of His Direct Presence Exodus chapter 33 opens immediately after the devastating golden calf incident and God’s relenting from destroying the entire nation due to Moses’ intercession. The Lord speaks to Moses, giving a direct command to continue the journey: “Depart and go up from here, you and