The book of Leviticus is clearly a guidebook for the nation of Israel to maintain proper worship of the one, true God who had delivered them from Egyptian bondage and would soon give them residence in the land of Canaan. God wanted to ensure that the Israelites would not be influenced or involved in worshiping other gods like many of the nations that surrounded them so the words written in Leviticus revealed what was expected from them. Issues significant to Israel’s worship were contained in this book and included matters such as offerings/sacrifices (Leviticus 1:1-7:38), priestly duties (Leviticus 8:1-10:20), uncleanness in worship (Leviticus 11:1-16:34), and individual holiness (Leviticus 17:1-27:34). Since Leviticus 17 Moses had been writing concerning how a person could maintain holiness and purity before God. The topics he addressed with the nation of Israel regarding their holiness were sacrifice and food (Leviticus 17), sexual behavior (Leviticus 18), relationships to friends and family (Leviticus 19), capital punishment (Leviticus 20), behavior of priests (Leviticus 21-22), religious festivals (Leviticus 23), ceremonial/moral regulations (Leviticus 24), and laws regarding special years (Leviticus 25).
The first nine verses of Leviticus 24 discuss ceremonial regulations relating to the care of items in the tabernacle such as the golden lampstand (24:1-4) and the bread (24:5-9). Moses had already detailed the design (Exodus 25:31-39), construction (Exodus 37:17-24), and location of the golden lampstand in the tabernacle (Exodus 40:24-25) and these verses were a reminder that the golden lampstand was to be fueled continually by pure oil of pressed olives. This was important since this golden lampstand provided light in the holy place. Instructions were also given concerning the bread which was placed on the table of shewbread in the tabernacle. Although the table of shewbread is discussed in Exodus 25:23-30, Leviticus 24:5-9 reveals that there were to be twelve loaves of bread divided into two piles of six (24:6). In front of each pile, incense was to be burned as a memorial offering (24:7). The bread was to be replaced each Sabbath and given to the priests for them to eat in the holy place (24:8-9).
Leviticus 24:10-23 provides some additional moral regulations for the people of Israel as well as some reminders concerning issues which have already been mentioned. In order to warn against the sin of blasphemy, a historical example is given involving an Israelite, whose mother was an Israelite and father was an Egyptian, who blasphemes the name of the Lord and curses (24:10-11a). In this situation, the blasphemous act was either wishing a curse on someone else in the name of the Lord or simply cursing God. The punishment in this case was a little confusing since the blaspheming man was of mixed descent. Instead of punishing the man immediately, he was brought before Moses and they took him into custody until the mind of the Lord regarding this matter was shown to them (24:11b-12). When the mind of the Lord was revealed in this circumstance the man was taken outside the camp and those who heard his blasphemy laid their hands on his head, probably as witnesses against his crime, and he was stoned (24:14, 23). This example of blasphemy was to serve as a stern reminder that speaking against the name of the Lord or using His name flippantly would not be tolerated in Israel (24:15-16). Leviticus 24:17-22 reminded the people of Israel that the punishment should fit the crime. If a man takes the life of another, his life should be taken from him (24:17). The rest of the crimes mentioned in verses 18-21 were to be repaid according to what was taken from the innocent party. These laws would be the same for a stranger living in Israel as well as a citizen of Israel (24:22). The nation of Israel would exist by God’s ceremonial and moral code of conduct. These commandments were not meant to be restricting but freeing. When the people obeyed, they would experience the blessings of God.
Dear God, may my obedience lead to Your blessings in my life.
