Leviticus 22:29-33 - Keep the commands and follow them

22:29,30

Thank offerings had to be eaten on the same day as the offering, and it had to be offered in an acceptable manner, i.e. a manner acceptable to the Lord. Note that often the giver shared in eating the offering. The offering was part of a communion with the Lord, hence the time restriction.

22:31-33

This section concludes the matter, summarising the key principles. First, keeping God’s commands and following them is central. Is there any difference between “keeping” and “following”? It could just be an example of Hebrew parallelism, or it could be that “keeping” could simply be compliance, whereas “following” entails a more dedicated commitment.

Then they are to keep God’s name as holy. This is something we all need to pay heed to. God was to be acknowledged as holy before the people. Note that this is where Moses failed badly, as we will see in Numbers (Num 20:12).

Finally God is the one who brought them out of Egypt. He was their salvation.

All these lessons apply to us today and we do well to dwell upon them.