And Moses said, “This is the thing that the LORD commanded you to do, that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about following instructions; it’s about a divine appointment. Moses declares that performing these specific sacrifices is the key, not just for ritual, but for God’s glorious presence to manifest among His people. The emphasis is on how obedience opens the door for God Himself to show up.
And Moses said, “This is the thing that the LORD commanded you to do, that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After seven days of Aaron and his sons being consecrated as priests, Moses gathers the people and Aaron to begin the public worship and sacrifices at the newly erected Tabernacle. Moses instructs Aaron on the specific offerings required, emphasizing that these actions, as commanded by the Lord, are the means by which God’s visible glory will manifest among them and validate their priesthood.
Ever wondered what 'God's glory' actually looks like? In Leviticus, it's not just an abstract idea – it's a tangible, awe-inspiring sign.
Moses tells Aaron and the people that performing the commanded rituals isn't just about following rules. It's about opening the door for God's tangible presence to be revealed.
The Purpose of Sacrifice
Before the people could truly experience God's presence, their leader had to be right with God. What does this mean for ministry and leadership today?
Moses directs Aaron to first offer sacrifices for himself before doing so for the people. This highlights the critical, foundational role of the priest as a mediator.
The Priest First
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Why did God send fire down from heaven? It wasn't just a dazzling display; it was a powerful confirmation.
The appearance of God's glory, especially marked by the fire consuming the sacrifice, served as a dramatic sign of divine acceptance and validation.
The Fire of Approval
Understand the original words
kabod · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the manifested presence, majesty, or splendor of God. It signifies His divine weight, authority, and holiness revealed among His people.
This passage describes the glory of the Lord appearing on Mount Sinai, similar to how it's expected to appear here, as a tangible manifestation of God's presence and power.
Exodus 16:7This verse speaks of the glory of the Lord appearing in the wilderness, showing God's faithfulness to reveal Himself to His people even in challenging circumstances, mirroring the promise in Leviticus.
1 Kings 18:38Here, fire from the Lord consumes Elijah's sacrifice, a dramatic display of God's acceptance and presence, echoing the miraculous sign that would confirm Aaron's ministry as promised.
John 1:14This New Testament passage speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth, representing the ultimate manifestation of God's glory, which the appearance in Leviticus foreshadowed.
Luke 9:29The Transfiguration, where Jesus' appearance was transformed and God's voice was heard, is a powerful instance of divine glory being revealed, offering a parallel to the spectacular manifestation promised in Leviticus.
bensonLeviticus 9:6: "And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you."
Leviticus 9:6-7 . The glory of the Lord — The glorious manifestation of God’s powerful and gracious presence. Go and offer — Moses had hitherto sacrificed, but now he resigns his work to Aaron, and actually gives him that commission which from God he had received for him. For thyself and for the people — The order is very observable; first for thyself,…
clarkeLeviticus 9:6: "And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you."
And the glory of the Lord shall appear - God shall give the most sensible signs of his presence among you; this he did in general by the cloud on the tabernacle, but in this case the particular proof was the fire that came out from before the Lord, and consumed the burnt-offering; see Leviticus 9:23 , Leviticus 9:24 .
This verse isn't just about following instructions; it’s about a divine appointment. Moses declares that performing these specific sacrifices is the key, not just for ritual, but for God’s glorious presence to manifest among His people. The emphasis is on how obedience opens the door for God Himself to show up.
After seven days of Aaron and his sons being consecrated as priests, Moses gathers the people and Aaron to begin the public worship and sacrifices at the newly erected Tabernacle. Moses instructs Aaron on the specific offerings required, emphasizing that these actions, as commanded by the Lord, are the means by which God’s visible glory will manifest among them and validate their priesthood.
After seven days of Aaron and his sons being consecrated as priests, Moses gathers the people and Aaron to begin the public worship and sacrifices at the newly erected Tabernacle. Moses instructs Aaron on the specific offerings required, emphasizing that these actions, as commanded by the Lord, are the means by which God’s visible glory will manifest among them and validate their priesthood.
"And Moses said, “This is the thing that the LORD commanded you to do, that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.”" — This verse isn't just about following instructions; it’s about a divine appointment. Moses declares that performing these specific sacrifices is the key, not just for ritual, but for God’s glorious p…
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Last reviewed October 2026