The LORD called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just starting a new book; it’s a direct continuation from the end of Exodus. After the tabernacle was built and God’s glory filled it, this verse tells us God immediately called Moses from within that sacred dwelling, signifying that His presence was now intended to be intimately connected with Israel’s worship and daily life.
The LORD called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
With the tabernacle now built and filled with God's glory, the Lord speaks directly to Moses from within this sacred dwelling. This marks a transition from the laws given at Sinai to the specific instructions for Israel's worship and daily life, all flowing from God's presence among His people. The book of Leviticus, beginning here, will detail the sacrificial system and holiness code that Moses will relay.
Ever wondered where God's presence truly resided after Israel left Mount Sinai? This verse marks a significant shift.
Before the tabernacle was built, God spoke to Moses from Mount Sinai, a majestic and awe-inspiring location, but one that kept the people at a distance. Exodus 40 tells us the tabernacle was completed, and God's glory filled it. Leviticus 1:1 immediately picks up from this point.
A New Place for Divine Communication
When God speaks, it's not accidental. This verse highlights His intentional action in calling Moses.
The very first words of Leviticus, 'And the LORD called unto Moses,' emphasize God's active role. This wasn't Moses seeking God out in a general sense; it was a specific, divine summons.
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The Nature of God's Call
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His covenantal faithfulness and eternal existence.
ohel mo'ed · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A sacred structure in the Old Testament, first the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where God manifested His presence and where His people communed with Him and offered sacrifices.
This passage highlights another pivotal moment where God 'called' Moses, initiating a divine dialogue that would change the course of history, much like the call in Leviticus 1:1 sets the stage for the sacrificial system.
Exodus 19:3Similar to Leviticus 1:1, God called Moses from a specific location (Mount Sinai) to speak His laws, emphasizing God's direct communication with His chosen leader.
Numbers 12:8This verse describes God speaking 'mouth to mouth' with Moses, underscoring the unique and intimate nature of God's communication with Moses, which is the foundation for the instructions given in Leviticus.
Exodus 40:35This passage describes Moses being unable to enter the Tent of Meeting due to the cloud and glory of the Lord, setting the scene for how God spoke to Moses from within the Tabernacle, as stated in Leviticus 1:1.
clarkeLeviticus 1:1: "And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,"
And the Lord called unto Moses - From the manner in which this book commences, it appears plainly to be a continuation or the preceding; and indeed the whole is but one law, though divided into five portions, and why thus divided is not easy to be conjectured. Previously to the erection of the tabernacle God had given no particular directions concerning the manner of offering t…
jfbLeviticus 1:1: "And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,"
THE THIRD BOOK OF MOSES, CALLED LEVITICUS. Commentary by Robert Jamieson CHAPTER 1Le 1:1-17. Burnt Offerings of the Herd.1. the Lord … spake … out of the tabernacle—The laws that are contained in the previous record were delivered either to the people publicly from Sinai, or to Moses privately, on the summit of that mountain; but on the completion of the tabernacle, the remai…
This verse isn't just starting a new book; it’s a direct continuation from the end of Exodus. After the tabernacle was built and God’s glory filled it, this verse tells us God immediately called Moses from within that sacred dwelling, signifying that His presence was now intended to be intimately connected with Israel’s worship and daily life.
With the tabernacle now built and filled with God's glory, the Lord speaks directly to Moses from within this sacred dwelling. This marks a transition from the laws given at Sinai to the specific instructions for Israel's worship and daily life, all flowing from God's presence among His people. The book of Leviticus, beginning here, will detail the sacrificial system and holiness code that Moses will relay.
With the tabernacle now built and filled with God's glory, the Lord speaks directly to Moses from within this sacred dwelling. This marks a transition from the laws given at Sinai to the specific instructions for Israel's worship and daily life, all flowing from God's presence among His people. The book of Leviticus, beginning here, will detail the sacrificial system and holiness code that Moses will relay.
"The LORD called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying," — This verse isn't just starting a new book; it’s a direct continuation from the end of Exodus. After the tabernacle was built and God’s glory filled it, this verse tells us God immediately called Mose…
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Last reviewed October 2026