Tsav (Command!)
Tsav (Command!)
2) Leviticus 6:8 [1 TANACH]–8:36
For newer readers who would like an orientation to this blog, or even seasoned readers who would like a reminder, here’s the original invitation blog and here is the second one where I give an overview and long-term vision.
The Jewish lectionary readings for this week revisit some of the same topics as last week, specifically the five main types of offerings (i.e., burnt, grain, sin, guilt, fellowship). However, this week’s portion highlights the priest’s portion and the instructions for their seven day ordination process. You can catch up on some of the context and overview of the book of Leviticus on the Parashah Project Leviticus overview page or on last week’s blog on vaYikra (Hebrew for Leviticus).
When you go over to a friend’s house and you see the lights on, you can assume that they are home, right? Well, God’ House is no different. The lights are always on in God’s House. In the first day’s reading for this week’s parashah, Leviticus 6:13 says,
The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out. (NIV)
This fire refers to the one burning on the bronze altar where the common worshiper would bring the sacrifice. The fire on the altar was to always be ablaze. But there were other lights continually burning in God’s House as well.
What other lights were part of God’s Tabernacle/Temple furniture? Exodus 27:21 says,
The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the LORD’s presence all night. This is a permanent law for the people of Israel, and it must be observed from generation to generation. (NLT)
Leviticus 24:2 says,
“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually.
When God gave instructions to build Him a house, His purpose was—and is—to restore fellowship with us, His creation. Relational restoration or the re-establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth to again correspond to the culture of Heaven, where God is enthroned. God wants relational depth with you and wants to help you as you pursue relational depth with others. Furthermore, because we are all a holy mess in progress, this is going to involve a lot of messy relational dynamics. But the good news is that God knows our frame and our future. He is a Good Father. Give Him your mess and trust Him to do the heavy lifting of transforming hearts—yours and the other people in your life who drive you nuts and cause you pain. Remember—when we choose love toward our enemies—it tears down walls!
Readings for the Week:
Torah: LEVITICUS 6:8 [1 TANACH]–8:36
Prophets: JEREMIAH 7:21–8:3, 9:23–24
Apostolic Writings: HEBREWS 9:11–28
Click HERE for the online Parashah commentary.
Shalom,
Thomas