Leviticus 22:26-27
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While it looks like just a transition, this phrase signals a distinct, yet related, set of instructions. It tells us God is introducing a new aspect to the rules about sacrifices, focusing specifically on the age and purity of the animals offered. This wasn't just a continuation, but a specific refinement for what constituted an acceptable offering.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “When an ox or sheep or goat is born, it shall remain seven days with its mother, and from the eighth day on it shall be acceptable as a food offering to the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks a shift, introducing specific regulations about the age of sacrificial animals. It follows previous instructions about sacrifices needing to be unblemished and comes before rules concerning not slaughtering a mother and her young on the same day. The focus here is on the readiness of the animal for offering, with a particular guideline regarding its first week of life.
Imagine receiving direct instructions from the Creator of the universe. That's precisely what Moses experienced.
In Leviticus 22:26, we read, 'And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying.' This isn't just a formula; it signifies God's intentional, personal engagement with humanity.
A Continual Conversation
This verse is part of a larger discourse, showing that God's communication wasn't a one-off event but a developing conversation. He was giving detailed instructions about sacrifices, a practice central to Israel's relationship with Him.
Intended for Us Too
While Moses was the immediate recipient, the message passed through him to the entire community. This highlights a fundamental truth: God desires to communicate with His people, guiding them and revealing His will.
Why such specific rules about when an animal could be offered? It wasn't just about arbitrary regulations.
The seemingly simple phrase 'And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,' introduces a series of commands that touch on the age and condition of sacrificial animals.
Perfection for the Altar
Commentators note that animals had to be at least eight days old before being accepted for sacrifice (Leviticus 22:27). This wasn't about making things difficult; it was about offering God the very best – something that had reached a stage of individual life and wholeness, free from the immaturity that could be seen as a defect.
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Reverence and Respect
These detailed instructions underscore the importance of reverence in approaching God. Every aspect, from the animal's age to not sacrificing a mother and its young on the same day (Leviticus 22:28), spoke to a deeper respect for life and for God's sacred standards. It’s a powerful reminder that how we approach God matters.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and holiness. It is the name by which He revealed Himself to Israel.
ishsheh · Hebrew Noun
A sacrificial gift brought to God, often involving the slaughter of an animal, meant to express devotion, atonement, or thanksgiving, and to maintain communion between God and His people.
ratsah · Hebrew Verb
To be received with favor or approval by God; implies that the worshiper or the offering satisfies the requirements of holiness, often resulting in covenantal blessing or atonement.
This verse mirrors Leviticus 22:26 by also marking a pivotal moment where God directly speaks to Moses, initiating crucial instructions for the people of Israel.
Numbers 7:1Similar to Leviticus 22:26, this passage begins with 'And it came to pass on the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle...' signaling a new phase of divine instruction related to worship and offerings.
Deuteronomy 5:1This verse echoes the structure of Leviticus 22:26 by showing Moses gathering Israel to reiterate the Lord's commands, emphasizing the ongoing importance of God's spoken word.
1 Kings 18:1This passage also begins with 'After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah,' highlighting a recurring biblical pattern of God speaking directly to His prophets to convey His will.
pooleLeviticus 22:26: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
No text from Poole on this verse.
gillLeviticus 22:26: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... At the same time, as before, in a continued discourse, the subject being of the same kind, relating to sacrifices: saying, as follows.
While it looks like just a transition, this phrase signals a distinct, yet related, set of instructions. It tells us God is introducing a new aspect to the rules about sacrifices, focusing specifically on the age and purity of the animals offered. This wasn't just a continuation, but a specific refinement for what constituted an acceptable offering.
This verse marks a shift, introducing specific regulations about the age of sacrificial animals. It follows previous instructions about sacrifices needing to be unblemished and comes before rules concerning not slaughtering a mother and her young on the same day. The focus here is on the readiness of the animal for offering, with a particular guideline regarding its first week of life.
This verse marks a shift, introducing specific regulations about the age of sacrificial animals. It follows previous instructions about sacrifices needing to be unblemished and comes before rules concerning not slaughtering a mother and her young on the same day. The focus here is on the readiness of the animal for offering, with a particular guideline regarding its first week of life.
"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “When an ox or sheep or goat is born, it shall remain seven days with its mother, and from the eighth day on it shall be acceptable as a food offering to the LORD." — While it looks like just a transition, this phrase signals a distinct, yet related, set of instructions. It tells us God is introducing a new aspect to the rules about sacrifices, focusing specifical…
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Last reviewed October 2026
