Leviticus 23:9

Study note

Setting — The LORD addresses Moses at the structural break between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Firstfruits. This statement initiates the statutory instructions for the next appointed time in the liturgical calendar.

The words — The Hebrew verb וַיְדַבֵּר (va/y.da.Ber) translates as "and he spoke," marking the onset of divine communication. The phrase אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵ/אמֹר (/'el-mo.Sheh le./Mor) literally renders "to Moses, saying," functioning as a formal command introduction.

The thread — This exact formulaic introduction recurs throughout Leviticus to mark new divine directives (Leviticus 1:1; 6:1; 11:1; 13:1). It anchors the covenant communication structure that runs through Exodus and Numbers whenever statutory law is delivered.

Why it lands — A reader must recognize that every subsequent festival command flows directly from divine authority rather than human tradition. The text demands immediate attention to the forthcoming agricultural and ritual requirements without delay or alteration.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.