Leviticus 17:8-9
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This verse explicitly states that any Israelite or any stranger living among them who offers a sacrifice is subject to this command. It highlights that this wasn't just a law for the "religious elite," but for every single person dwelling in the community, whether by birth or by adoption.
“And you shall say to them, Any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it to the LORD, that man shall be cut off from his people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is instructing Moses to relay a crucial new command to the people: all sacrifices, whether burnt offerings or other types, must now be brought to the Tabernacle's entrance. This directive applies equally to Israelites and any foreigners living among them, aiming to centralize worship and prevent the corrupt practices of idolatry that were common when people offered sacrifices anywhere. Failure to comply with this law would result in severe consequences, being cut off from the community.
Ever feel like God is everywhere, so it doesn't matter where you worship? Leviticus lays out a starkly different picture.
The Central Sanctuary
This passage in Leviticus marks a significant shift. Before this, families might have offered sacrifices in various places. But now, God is establishing a singular focal point for worship: the Tabernacle, specifically the altar at its entrance. This wasn't about limiting God; it was about His people learning to approach Him in a unified, prescribed way.
Why One Place?
God's laws aren't just for 'insiders.' This verse makes it clear who is included and what the consequences are for disobedience.
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Beyond Bloodlines
This command isn't just for those born into the Israelite nation. It explicitly includes 'the strangers which sojourn among you.' This means anyone living within the community, who has in some way committed to living under God's covenant, is held to the same standards of worship. It shows God's desire for inclusion, but also His expectation of obedience from everyone within His sphere of influence.
The Weight of Obedience
The consequence for not bringing sacrifices to the appointed place is severe: 'that man shall be cut off from among his people.' This implies excommunication, a separation from the covenant community. It underscores that proper worship isn't optional; it's fundamental to belonging and maintaining a right relationship with God and His people. This wasn't a minor rule; it was essential for the spiritual and national health of Israel.
Understand the original words
ger · Hebrew Noun
A foreigner or temporary resident who dwells within the community of God's people and is consequently subject to the laws and covenantal obligations of the nation.
karath · Hebrew Verb
A serious act of divine judgment signifying the removal of an individual from the covenant community, often implying spiritual death or exclusion from the blessings of God's people.
This passage sets the stage for Leviticus by establishing the principle of a central, divinely appointed place for worship and sacrifice.
Deuteronomy 12:5-7This passage reiterates and reinforces the command from Leviticus, emphasizing that all offerings must be brought to the 'place the LORD your God will choose'.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17This New Testament passage draws a parallel between the ancient sacrificial system and Christian fellowship, highlighting the concept of participation in a shared, holy offering.
Hebrews 13:10-11This passage connects the Old Testament sacrificial system to Jesus Christ, explaining that while ancient sacrifices had their place, believers now have a different kind of altar and sacrifice in Him.
gillLeviticus 17:8: "And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,"
And thou shalt say unto them,.... To Aaron and his sons, and to the children of Israel, as in Leviticus 17:2 , whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel: belonging to that nation, and to any of its tribes and families, of whatever age; as a young man or an old man, as the Targum of Jonathan; or of whatsoeve…
calvinLeviticus 17:1-9: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:
Et ad ostium tabernaculi conventionis non adduxerit eum, ut offerat oblationem Jehovae coram tabernaculo Jehovae: sanguis imputabitur viro illi: ipse sanguinem fudit, excideturque…
This verse explicitly states that any Israelite or any stranger living among them who offers a sacrifice is subject to this command. It highlights that this wasn't just a law for the "religious elite," but for every single person dwelling in the community, whether by birth or by adoption.
God is instructing Moses to relay a crucial new command to the people: all sacrifices, whether burnt offerings or other types, must now be brought to the Tabernacle's entrance. This directive applies equally to Israelites and any foreigners living among them, aiming to centralize worship and prevent the corrupt practices of idolatry that were common when people offered sacrifices anywhere. Failure to comply with this law would result in severe consequences, being cut off from the community.
God is instructing Moses to relay a crucial new command to the people: all sacrifices, whether burnt offerings or other types, must now be brought to the Tabernacle's entrance. This directive applies equally to Israelites and any foreigners living among them, aiming to centralize worship and prevent the corrupt practices of idolatry that were common when people offered sacrifices anywhere. Failure to comply with this law would result in severe consequences, being cut off from the community.
"“And you shall say to them, Any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it to the LORD, that man…" — This verse explicitly states that any Israelite or any stranger living among them who offers a sacrifice is subject to this command. It highlights that this wasn't just a law for the "religious e…
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Last reviewed October 2026
