This verse teaches that God’s holiness requires careful obedience when making offerings, yet in His mercy He provides access for all who come in faith.
Aaron was chosen by God to serve as Israel’s first high priest around the 15th century BC, ministering alongside his brother Moses after the exodus from Egypt. In Leviticus 22:18, the LORD instructs Moses to deliver a message, saying: “Speak to Aaron and to his sons and to all the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘Any man of the house of Israel or of the aliens in Israel who presents his offering, whether it is any of their votive or any of their freewill offerings, which they present to the LORD for a burnt offering—” (v.18). These words emphasize that both Israelites and the foreigners (or “aliens”) residing among them were to follow God’s instructions in presenting burnt offerings. The divine call through Moses suggests a worship open to all who sought to honor the LORD, pointing to God’s inclusive nature in receiving sacrifices when brought in faithful obedience.
The phrase “votive or freewill offerings” in this verse draws attention to two specific kinds of gifts. A votive offering was the fulfillment of a vow made to God, while a freewill offering signified a voluntary act of devotion. These, along with burnt offerings, were part of the broader system of sacrifices that cultivated fellowship between the worshiper and God, reflecting faith and thanksgiving (Leviticus 7:16; 22:18-23). In the setting of ancient Israel, such sacrifices were not merely ritualistic obligations; they were outward expressions of hearts desiring atonement, gratitude, and reverence for the Creator.
Additionally, by referencing all “the sons of Israel” and “the aliens,” the verse underscores that outsiders could also draw near to the LORD. It reinforces a powerful theme repeated throughout Scripture: God’s invitation extends beyond ethnic boundaries, foreshadowing the New Testament teaching that salvation in Jesus Christ is available to both Jew and Gentile (Romans 10:12). Through these ancient commands, the LORD was shaping a community that demonstrated respect for His holiness, inviting anyone willing to bring sincere worship.
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Leviticus 22:18 meaning
Aaron was chosen by God to serve as Israel’s first high priest around the 15th century BC, ministering alongside his brother Moses after the exodus from Egypt. In Leviticus 22:18, the LORD instructs Moses to deliver a message, saying: “Speak to Aaron and to his sons and to all the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘Any man of the house of Israel or of the aliens in Israel who presents his offering, whether it is any of their votive or any of their freewill offerings, which they present to the LORD for a burnt offering—” (v.18). These words emphasize that both Israelites and the foreigners (or “aliens”) residing among them were to follow God’s instructions in presenting burnt offerings. The divine call through Moses suggests a worship open to all who sought to honor the LORD, pointing to God’s inclusive nature in receiving sacrifices when brought in faithful obedience.
The phrase “votive or freewill offerings” in this verse draws attention to two specific kinds of gifts. A votive offering was the fulfillment of a vow made to God, while a freewill offering signified a voluntary act of devotion. These, along with burnt offerings, were part of the broader system of sacrifices that cultivated fellowship between the worshiper and God, reflecting faith and thanksgiving (Leviticus 7:16; 22:18-23). In the setting of ancient Israel, such sacrifices were not merely ritualistic obligations; they were outward expressions of hearts desiring atonement, gratitude, and reverence for the Creator.
Additionally, by referencing all “the sons of Israel” and “the aliens,” the verse underscores that outsiders could also draw near to the LORD. It reinforces a powerful theme repeated throughout Scripture: God’s invitation extends beyond ethnic boundaries, foreshadowing the New Testament teaching that salvation in Jesus Christ is available to both Jew and Gentile (Romans 10:12). Through these ancient commands, the LORD was shaping a community that demonstrated respect for His holiness, inviting anyone willing to bring sincere worship.