BLESS THE LAND
PARSHA COMMENTARY
Parsha Commentary Study
Tsav "Command"
Bless the Land
Written by Hutch Church
March, 2010
Torah: Leviticus 6:8-8:36
Haftorah: Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-24
Sugg. N.T.: Hebrews 8:1-6
Gospels/Acts: Luke 4-6
Welcome "But while he [the prodigal son] was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). The younger son desired to return to his father's house, his home. The father waited daily for his son, and was eager for the day of his home-coming. When he saw his son returning, he welcomed him with a full and lavish demonstration of love. So it is with those today who are returning to the Father's house. We give Him praise for the readiness, eagerness, the love, the wonderful welcome with which He, the Father of spirits, receives all Believers who are turning from traditional Christianity and mixture and returning to their Father's ancient pathways.
Introduction to Tsav "Command"
Last week: "Then the Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting" (Lev. 1:1).
In the parsha Va Yikra , the five offerings were described, with the "burnt offering" being first on the list. This is because it was (1) the oldest offering and (2) the daily morning and evening offering (Nu. 29:6), and therefore (3) the best expression of complete consecration to Yeshua as being expected and normal for His covenant people. Consecration to Yehsua: (a) It is necessary for all classes of believers, from common to leadership. (b) It begins with repentance and confession of sin. (c) It demands complete surrender to the leading and functioning of the Holy Spirit, which produces faith, hope, love, and joy. Maturing as a follower of the Master requires determination. [Word Help: Sanctification. n. The act or process of setting something or someone aside for a sacred purpose, or religious use. Growth in divine grace is a result of commitment. Consecration. n. The act of consecrating. Dedication to a sacred, holy purpose. Commitment to that for which one has been sanctified. Also, to induct into a permanent office. Irrevocable devotion to the service and worship of God.]
This week: "The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law for the burnt offering..." (Lev. 6:8-9).
Parsha Tzav continues from last week with presenting YHVH's instructions concerning the laws of korbanot, the offerings that were central in the service of the Sanctuary. Tzav means "command". It also means "connect", and implies that obedience to YHVH's commands "connects" a person to YHVH, and positions the saint to grow in the knowledge of Him. In Tzav, the regulations of the offerings are recounted. By way of review, they are: the "ascending" or burnt offering (olah), the meal offering (minchah), the sin offering (chatat), the guilt offering
(asham), and the peace offering (shelamim).
Last week's parsha Va Yikra addressed the people bringing the "korban" (offerings). This week, Tsav reveals the laws and procedures that were given to the kohen, the priests, who prepared and offered up the sacrifices. They were given (we read) the specifications of portioning the animals, with other sundry duties. One of these important duties was the responsibility of keeping the fire going on the Brazen Altar, on which the sacrifices were offered. Every morning the kohen would remove the ashes that had accumulated during the previous day and night from the altar, build up the fire, and then carry the old ashes outside the camp. It was the first Tabernacle service of the day, and was called terumat hadeshen. [Note: Regarding the fire, the Torah ordered that, "...it shall never go out"--not even when the Cloud was moving and the Tabernacle was being carried through the Wilderness by the Levites. How did they manage this? We are told that a purple cloth covered the Altar, and a copper bowl was placed over the fire. The cloth never burned and the copper never melted.] What does terumat hadeshen--the removal of the old ashes each day--teach Believers? Paul informs us: "...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Messiah Yeshua" (Phil. 3:13-14). Each day represents a new beginning for the Believer, as does each Sabbath and each New Moon. We are thereby enjoined to consecrate each new beginning with repentance (when necessary), unburdening ourselves from the past, offering up the sacrifice of morning praise, and moving forward with Yeshua to new levels of faith, hope, love, and victory.
A meal offering was given by the (regular) priest on the day he began his service in the Sanctuary, but the High Priest was required to bring a meal offering daily. It was the offering of the poor man. Abarbanel states that this was done for two reasons: First, that the poorer people would notice and not be ashamed of bringing their offerings to the Tabernacle. [Note: Giving the best of whatever you do have is what's important. "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all...(Mk. 43:22).] Secondly, that the offering would awaken humility in the High Priest, who would thereby be reminded that in YHVH's sight, he is as spiritually impoverished as the least of his brethren. Humility is a character virtue that is necessary for intimate fellowship with the Most High, as evidenced in the life of the meekest of men, Moses. With regards to the sin offerings and the guilt offerings, parts of them were to be eaten by the priests, but only after the fat and the blood veins therein had been removed.
Moses initiated Aaron and his sons into the priesthood service during the "seven days of inauguration." On each of the seven days, Moses assembled (raised up and dismantled) the Tabernacle, anointed it with holy oil, along with Aaron and his sons while they were dressed in their priestly garments. It was Moses who temporarily officiated as a priest and offered the daily sacrifices during this period of the dedication of the Sanctuary and the Priesthood. The daily sacrifices were a bullock and two rams. The "seven days of inauguration" for the Tabernacle and the priests consecration are prophetic. They speak of the preparation of man during seven thousand years of earthly time that prepares him for eternity, the eighth day [Age of Ages] that follows the Millennium, in the unabridged company of YHVH. We surmise that life is, indeed, seedtime for eternity. On the eighth day, after the "seven days of inauguration", when everyone had been sanctified, the Tabernacle had been reassembled, and all its items were in their proper places, the shechinah glory of Elohim descended on the Sanctuary [See Chapter 9].
All of the offerings described in Va Yikra and Tsav were dedicated on the Brazen Altar, which was placed before the entrance to the Tabernacle in front of the Laver. When Solomon's Temple was built, the commonly held belief was that David and Solomon built the Altar on what had been the threshing floor of Arona. Tradition tells us that this was also the place where Abraham built the altar upon which he laid his son Isaac. Further, sages inform us that Noah built his altar on this spot after he came out of the Ark, that Cain and Abel brought their offerings here, that Adam was created from the earth of this very place, and here also offered his korban. Conclusion: Man was created and atoned for in the same place, the geographical center of the earth, Israel. Apparently, this has always been YHVH's favorite place. With this in mind, let us be sure to bless the land with regular prayer and support for its restoration and prosperity.
Before this time, the "command" of YHVH had been directed by Moses "to the children of Israel." In Tsav, the "command" was directed to Aaron, his sons, and by way of them to the future generations of priests. Now, precise rules and regulations were given to the priests; nothing was left to their imaginations. Failure or abuse in following the divine instructions was a serious matter, for they would invalidate the sacrifice ceremony.
Tsav, or "command," teaches us to "let all things be done for edification" (1 Cor. 14:26). First, Elohim is not displeased with order, liturgy, or tradition. They are intended to serve a valuable service by teaching and reminding people of holy history and sacred truths, and by strengthening identity and unity among Believers. As long as they continually and effectually inspire true worship, and are employed to lead them into closer fellowship with the living Elohim of Israel, motivate obedience to His Word, and encourage the saints to experience His presence and love, they are edifying and serve their purpose. However, when order, liturgy, and tradition preempt the Holy Spirit and His functioning, the predictable result is institutional religion. Secondly, the Torah regulations concerning the priests' responsibilities infer a primary New Covenant command: "Quench not the Spirit [Holy Fire]." The Spirit acts as a fire in the Believer's nature, energizing, inspiring, purifying, enlightening, and refining the inner man. The fire of the Spirit is quenched, or repressed, by believers' neglect and indifference. Sin also grieves and quenches the Spirit (Gal. 5:17). We are exhorted therefore to "stir up" the fire (2 Tim. 1:6), and "earnestly covet the best gifts" (1 Cor. 12:31; 14:39), and "despise not prophesying" (1 Thess. 5:20). Thirdly, "command" shows us that obedience is as holy as atonement. [Note: The priests were given strict directions concerning the meat offering, and were to burn the proper portion of it on the fire, and then consume the remainder themselves. They were to consider this activity as holy as the sin and the trespass offerings. It spoke of a consecrated life-work, and embodied the concept that "obedience" should be regarded by Believers as being as holy as "atonement." If more Believers had a revelation of this concept, there would be many more people being careful to hear and obey the voice/leading of the Spirit today.] The virtue of consecration to YHVH by common people was set forth in Va Yikra, In Tsav, the priests-leaders were called to complete consecration by the demanding standards of service in the sacrificial system.
The Living Torah: "Then Moses had Aaron and his sons come near and washed them with water. He put the tunic...the sash...the robe...ephod on him...placed the breastplate on him, and in the breastplate he put the Urim and Thummim...placed the turban on his head...the golden plate, the holy crown, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses then took the anointing and...he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, and anointed him, to consecrate him" (Lev. 8:6-12).
There were two types of anointing rituals. One was for a king to be invested with a spirit of power, the other was for a Kohen Gadol. The Kohen Gadol (High Priest) was anointed to a station of holiness, sanctification, and great responsibility. Aaron was not sprinkled with oil during his ordaining, as was the furniture of the Tabernacle. The precious ointment was poured generously upon his head, so that it "ran down unto the beard, and went down to the skirts of his garments" (Ps. 133:2). This represented more than sanctification by grace and dedication to a particular ministry. It spoke of the precious Holy Spirit coming and spreading Himself upon Aaron and covering his life and ministry as the High Priest. It is also a picture of His coming to cover, indwell, anoint, and assist, New Testament Believers (Joel 2:28-29). The covering of Aaron, from head to foot, as Kohen Gadol, signified entire dedication. While Tsav describes the washing, clothing, and anointing of Aaron and his sons, Israel's priesthood in the Wilderness, for preparation and consecration to their important office, the Scripture passage naturally directs our thoughts to Messiah Yeshua. "But when Messiah appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption" (Heb. 9:11-12)
.
Yeshua was anointed for His work. "...and behold, the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him..." (Mt. 3:16). After His baptism, the Spirit first led Yeshua into the wilderness to be tempted and confront Satan. Afterwards Messiah was led to Galilee to begin His ministry [preaching, teaching, healing] and to call disciples. From there He journeyed to Nazareth, where He attended a Shabbat service in the local synagogue. After seven other readers had finished their portions, the chazan (congregational leader) invited Yeshua to come up as the last reader, the position of honor, to read the haftorah portion for that week. He was handed the Scroll of the prophet Isaiah and read, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor..." (Luke 4:18). Afterwards, He sat down (in the "seat of Moses") to teach on the passage. Naturally, we hearken back to Moses, who had said of Messiah, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like unto me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to Him" (Deut. 18:15).
As Aaron was before Him, Yeshua was washed in water and anointed with the Spirit [not "some" of the Spirit, but "without measure" (John 3:34)] at the Jordan River as He entered into His preaching, teaching, and healing ministry. In the ceremony of the washing, clothing, and anointing of Aaron we see some symbols of the character of our great High Priest.
First, by the washing of the priest from head to foot we observe and appreciate the purity of Yeshua. He was without blemish and absolutely sinless, entirely free from flaw and the taint of corruption. Thus He could bridge the gulf that exists between sinful man and the Eternal Father, in Whom there is no mixture. "Who will ascend to the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart" (Ps. 24:3-4). As the Mediator of the New Covenant, Yeshua has "...loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Rev. 1:5).
Secondly, in the holy garments that were made for Aaron "for glory and for beauty," we observe the symbols of the divine endowments of Yehsua. The holy garments [the High Priest's ministry attire; a sort of uniform] was in all parts made of the finest, most choice materials. There were precious stones of every sort, unalloyed (pure) gold, the finest cloth and linen, simply the best of everything. This signals the fact that the very best of everything admirable and worthy of esteem in human nature is found in its purest and most noble form in Yeshua. In Him is every gift, power, beauty, intellect, loveliness, emotion, will and motive in perfection, and thus He was without weakness and victorious over every temptation and trial. The garments of Aaron, in part and in whole, declare His virtues. According to Isaiah 61:1-3, the Messiah is anointed to appoint unto us the "garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."
Thirdly, by the pouring (not sprinkling or dabbing) of the precious anointing oil over the head of Aaron we plainly see symbolized the entire dedication of Yeshua the Son to His Father's service. The sacred anointing set the High Priest apart for his holy work. Further, it was an emblem of the vitalizing, sustaining, empowering presence of the Holy Spirit of Elohim upon His servant. [Question: How do you want Yeshua--the Apostle of our faith, the Prophet to come of whom Moses spoke, our Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, ha Mashiach--to apply the Holy Spirit unto thee--by a dabbing, or a pouring?] "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Mt. 3:11).
Thus, the picture of Aaron's consecration brings into greater clarity the mission and qualifications (purity and anointing) of Messiah, which we have glimpsed in Isaiah 61:13. His mission: To preach good news, heal the broken hearted, give liberty to the captives, impart sight to the blind, proclaim a time of acceptance [the time between hearing and rejecting, hardening], declare the day of vengeance, comfort mourners, crown the saints with bliss, anointthem with the oil of joy, clothe them with the garment of praise, and establish them is righteousness.
Knowing the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh
"This is the law of meat offering...it shall not be baked with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, and is the sin offering, and is the trespass offering" (Lev. 6:14-17).
The offerings were most holy! Consider the definition of the word, holy. Holy adj. 1. Set apart to the service of God: sacred. 2. Characterized by perfection and transcendence: commanding absolute adoration and reverence. 3. Spiritually pure. 4. Evoking or meriting veneration or awe. 5. Being awesome and beyond belief. 6. Filled with superhuman and potentially fatal power. "...why has Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost, and great fear came on them all..." (Acts 5:3-5).
The Holy Spirit is HOLY. His activities in the early chapters of the Gospels, as we have already mentioned, are noteworthy. There we hear for the first time that the Holy Spirit actually filled a person (Luke 1:41, 67). He also visited a few people, including two women, Elizabeth and Miriam. But He had not been "poured out" on all people. The promises that YHVH made through the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Joel had not yet been fulfilled. But, that the Holy Spirit maintained His ministry can be seen clearly in the life and teaching of Messiah Yeshua. Yeshua was filled with the Spirit (Luke 4:1, 4:14, 10:21) without limit (John 3:34). As we have read, He proclaimed that the Spirit was upon Him (Luke 4:18), and explained to Nicodemus that all must be born of the Spirit (John 3:50-8) in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Further, Yeshua also proclaimed that demons are driven out of people by the power of the Spirit (Mt. 12:28).
The disciples of Yeshua were not under the direct power and anointing of the Spirit, but were yielded to the guidance and presence of Messiah Yeshua, and in that way grew into a group of devoted servants. They were dependent upon Him, and therefore, when He was not present with them, they tended to weakness, unbelief, and fear. See: Matt. 8:23-27; 14:25-26; 15:15-16; 16:12; 26:40, 43, 69-74; Luke 24:11; John 20:29. The twelve disciples relied on Yeshua for everything and had no personal knowledge of or curiosity about the Holy Spirit. They did not even fully understand Yeshua's mission, neither could they imagine what life would like without Him around. Thus, when Yeshua said, "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage [it is expedient: suitable for achieving a particular end] that I go away; for if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you," they were dumbfounded (John 16:7).
During the Last Supper the Master clearly addressed the Person and role of the Holy Spirit, and His importance in the future lives and ministries of the disciples and all believers. "These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper [Paraclete, Advocate, Comforter, Counselor], the Holy Spirit [the Spirit of truth is clearly defined here], whom the Father will send in My name, He [emphatic pronoun; personality and dignity ascribed to the Holy Spirit] will teach you all things [that are necessary for you to know, and impart deeper revelation of what I have said], and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you [which is far more than has been recorded]" (John 14:25-26). John goes on at the end of His Gospel to say of Yeshua's many works (and that would include their associated words), "...if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25).
The disciples would learn about the important relationship and office of the Holy Spirit. Just as the purpose of the Son was to reveal the Father, so the purpose of the Holy Spirit was/is to reveal the Son. Thus, He has a double office: (1) He teaches new truth; (2) He brings old truth to remembrance. The teachings of Yeshua are the foundation of the Holy Spirit's operations.
The passage concludes with the promise of abiding peace for the disciples (verse 27), which is the fruit of greater revelation. Peace [shalom] suggests serenity and prosperity of soul. It is a superior gift that protects the heart from worry, and strengthens it for service and for standing in the face of hostility.
The Holy Spirit is holy. He has been designated and sent by the Father and is honored by the Son, Yeshua. He has been the Messiah's divine Substitute for Believers through the centuries. We should honor, revere, adore, respect, love, and obey the Holy Spirit even as the original disciples did Yeshua when He was on earth.
Hearing His Voice/Being Led by the Spirit
"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, take Aaron and his sons with him, and garments and anointing oil, and the bull of the sin offering..." (Lev. 8:1-2).
According to the "command," Aaron and his sons were to be publically consecrated to their service to YHVH and the nation. But in the beginning, before the Mosaic Covenant was enforced, the head of each human family was the priest to his house, and offered up animal sacrifices to pay homage to and have communion with Elohim. The Mosaic Covenant brought a change to the Hebrew people. It designated the Tribe of Levi to serve the Tabernacle, and from the Levites, the house of Aaron was chosen to function as the nation's priests. They were appointed by YHVH, not by a pastor search committee, and conducted all the offering rituals for the people.
Once Aaron and his sons were ordained, succeeding priests would descend from the line of Aaron. All active Priests were required to have good health, physical integrity, and thoroughly respectable marriages. Their functions included providing an example of godliness, offering sacrifices for sins, giving counsel and teaching, making judgments, and bestowing benedictions. When circumstances deemed it necessary, the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) had the responsibility to inquire of and hear directly from YHVH. He would not hear as Moses had, but by means of the Urim and Thummim. These articles associated with the Kohen Gadol garments have remained shrouded in mystery to this day, although various books, articles, essays, and papers have been written about them. Opinions vary. About all we can safely say is that the Urim (flame, light) and Thummim (completion, integrity) were unidentified sacred objects/elements carried in the breastplate of the High Priest and used as oracles to divine the will of YHVH concerning various matters.
As we have mentioned, the Royal Priesthood of the New Covenant (1 Peter 2:9) have a better, personal way to be led by YHVH than did the Aaronic priests and ancient Israel. We have, by the goodness of Abba, the gift of the Holy Spirit sent to regenerate and indwell us who trust Yeshua. The Spirit leads us directly and personally through Scripture, His still small voice within the spirit of the believer, dreams, visions, prophecy, and more. Paul knew the voice of the Spirit. He wrote, "The Spirit Himself bears witness [testifies] with our spirit that we are God's children" (Rom. 8:16). His voice is an inward assurance, an inspired thought, an inner knowing, a quickened insight, supernatural wisdom, a distinguishing (discernment), a word of knowledge that come forth within like a loving Father's strong and gentle voice, that is steady, producing faith and peace within the hearer.
The High Priests in Israel were expected to discern the communications of the Most High Elohim. We also have the responsibility to hear from Him, by the Holy Spirit, and to be prepared to discern His voice in whatever manner He chooses to speak, or communicate. Prayer, study, and worship are well-known ways of developing discernment, increasing spiritual sensitivity, and deepening the intimacy of our communion with the Spirit. [Note: For "Communion of the Spirit" segments see Hearing His Voice in parashats VaYigash, VaYechi, Shemot, Va'era and Bo.] Another, sometimes overlooked means of developing (a) consciousness to the presence and call of the Spirit, and (b) discernment of the mind of Messiah, is by speaking and singing in tongues (one's personal prayer language). Paul was no stranger to this truth. He said, "I thank my God I speak in tongues more than you all" (1 Cor. 14:18). Say what one might, Paul obviously thought this was an important exercise. He lived and ministered wholly under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and extolled the personal and evidential value of the gift. Can it be misused? Yes. Should we become fearful, discourage spiritual utterances, and cease from benefiting from such a blessing because of errors or misunderstandings? Emphatically NO! Using our prayer languages daily is edifying and productive to the strengthening of our inner man. It can develop spiritual discernment and advance to a full operation of the gifts of the Spirit. It must be noted that every gift and endowment of the Spirit, including speaking in tongues, is given to (bestowed upon, quickened within) believers for their edification, but ultimately for equipping and empowering them/us to be effective witnesses of Messiah Yeshua, His crucifixion, burial, bodily resurrection, ascension, baptism and love. Therefore, in the weeks ahead, we are going to discuss the purpose and power of speaking in tongues, and how this can sensitize our spiritual hearing and effectiveness as witnesses.
"... they will speak with new tongues..." (Mark 16:15-18).
Parsha Commentary Study: Tsav "Command"
Prayer: "Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from your law"(Psalm 119:18).
Note: The study's scheduled Scriptures and the following eight questions are (1) the heart of our commentary study from which the readers can be most enriched, for by them the student learns on his/her own, with the assistance of the Spirit of Truth. Thus, they comprise (2) the intended primary system of practice (exercise) for listening to the voice/word of Elohim, and as such are (3) the expected method by which the Holy Spirit will directly communicate personal edification, exhortation, and instructions to the reader/student. we recommend that you read the questions and keep them in mind as you study the texts.
Tsav includes:
Leviticus 6:8 (1)-8:36 [Torah]: Priests' part in the offering/Holiness/Instructions/Consecration of Aaron and his sons/Priesthood dress/Anointing/Sacrifices/Seven day period of ordination.
Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23 [Haftorah]: Unholy religion. [Note: The outward act of worship, if sincere and performed in true faith and reverence, renews our consecration, revives intimacy with the Almighty, and stirs up a fresh desire for righteousness within the Believer.]
Hebrews 8:1-6 [New Testament]: Yeshua, the Apostle of our faith and our new High Priest, has obtained a more excellent ministry.
Luke 4-6 [Gospels]: Yeshua's public ministry/He chooses disciples/ Yeshua is Lord of the Sabbath/The Twelve/Beatitudes/His life a consecrated offering to the Father. In Luke, Yeshua is seen as: the perfect Son of Man, the anointed Preacher, and the Savior (Luke 4:18-19; 19:10).
Study Questions: Listen to the Spirit/Ruach.
1. In your opinion what is the major teaching or theme of the Torah reading?
2. What is the supporting, complementary truth you found in the Haftorah?
3. What similar, corresponding idea is revealed in the New Testament reading?
4. Summarize the central teaching (common truth) that unites the entire parsha, as you see it?
5. Relate the main teaching from the three parsha readings with the assigned Gospel chapter(s). Where or how does Yeshua model/demonstrate your central truth?
6. What does this week's parsha teach you about your Hebraic: identity, birthright, heritage, destiny, duty, and understanding of the Torah?
7. In what way did the Spirit of Truth (John 14:15-18) anoint and minister to you this week?
8. What are the name, definition, and Torah references of this week's parsha?
Israel
"Thus Aaron and his sons did all the things that the Lord [YHVH] had commanded through Moses" (Lev. 8:36).
Aaron and his sons obeyed the "command" even though the job descriptions and exacting requirements seemed foreboding at first. Once they started, however, what appeared formidable became manageable. YHVH assisted them by His Holy Spirit as they went about their demanding business with good attitudes and willing hearts. There are blessings and pleasures in His holy service. As we serve, we discover His yoke is light after all [we benefit from it], and His commandments are not grievous. Thus we sing like the psalmist of old, "Your statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage" (Ps. 199:54). The lot of the Levites was the best of all the Tribes, as it turned out. YHVH Himself was their daily partner and portion.
"Only to the tribe of Levi he did not give an inheritance; the offerings made by fire to the Lord, the God of Israel, are their inheritance...the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as He had promised them" (Joshua 13:14,33).
The tribe of Levi received no land to actually own once Israel had conquered Canaan, though they were provided with large tracts of land on which they could live and farm. This was because they were not called to be preoccupied or overly concerned with making a living, but were to be focused upon and devoted to the service of the priests and the Tabernacle. The Levites were provided for by the tithes and offerings of the Hebrews, with ten percent of what they received going to the priests. When the Israelites gave to the Levites, in essence they were giving to YHVH. As long as the people honored YHVH's servants and supported the work of the Tabernacle, the land was blessed with good leaders and abundant rain. By the days of Malachi, the last of the writing prophets, the people had fallen once again into neglect of their duties, profanity, and religious formalism. He was sent by the Spirit of Elohim to rebuke and reprove them, and did so with a "question and answer" methodology, asking 23 questions of Judah in his writing. "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings" (Mal. 3:8). Even the Levites and the Priests had become faithless, uninterested in YHVH as their portion. But large-scale repentance and revival coming as a result of Malachi's ministry are not recorded. After the passing of Malachi from Israel's stage, four-hundred "silent years" would pass before the land would hear the Spirit-inspired voice of a divinely anointed and sent prophet again.
At the advent of the Messiah, the Spirit began to pointedly move in Israel again. When he was thirty years old, John the Baptist started preaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt. 3:2). This was after Herod's corrupt reign had ended. [See last week's Israel.] He died in 4 B.C. and his three surviving sons, Herod Antipas, Archelaus, and Philip, divided and ruled his deteriorating kingdom. All three sons faced discontent and hostility from the populace/citizenry. However, just before the death of Herod the Great, Yeshua was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling the word of the prophet recorded in Micah 5:2, but Joseph and Miriam took Him to Egypt to escape the paranoia-driven wrath of the mad ruler of Judea who feared the ascent of another king. Later, when Herod died, the family of Yeshua returned to Israel and settled in Nazareth, not far from Galilee. At thirty years of age, Yeshua was baptized in the River Jordan and started His ministry. About forty years later, Rome would overrun Jerusalem, and the surviving Jews--priests, Levites, aristocrats, and common people--would be sent into exile.
The Roman Empire's hegemony lasted for five hundred years and changed the many cultures/countries it dominated. Judea was always in conflict with Roman imperialism and culture, yet the Jewish people managed through it all to retain their identity, faith, and Torah customs.
The repression of the Roman occupation in Israel was resisted though, by a rebellion movement formed by patriotic, religious resistors call Zealots. One of the twelve disciples/apostles of Yeshua, Simon the Cananean, had been a Zealot before becoming a follower of the Master. In the years after the crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension into glory of Messiah Yeshua, their political movement became an openly armed insurrection.
Latter Days
"The guilt offering is like the sin offering, there is one law for them; the priest who makes atonement with it shall have it. Also, the priest who presents any man's burnt offering, that priest shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering which he has presented" (Lev. 7:7-8).
Chapter seven continues with additional regulations given to the priests with regard to the administration of sacrifices. Verses 7-10 speak about the priests' right or entitlement to a portion of every sin, trespass, and meat (meal) offering. These were parts of the sacrifices that the officiating priests were to receive, individually and corporately, by the "command" (Tsav) of Moses. The allocation was part of the support base of the ministers of the Tabernacle. The passage contains relevant insights for us living in the latter days.
First of all, the offerings belonged to YHVH. In order to effect [produce, cause, make effective] atonement, He appropriated for His own use the blood of all the sacrifices. The blood was never to be eaten. To do so would profane something most holy, and absolutely sacred (verses 26-27). The fat of the animals was also reserved for sacred use only, and was not allowed to be eaten or used for any profane purpose. The fat, or suet, was used to keep the Brazen Altar's fire going. Other portions of the animal, such as the tail, kidneys and caul above the liver were burned on the Altar as YHVH's portion. The principle is clear: always give Elohim His portion (due) first.
Second of all, in the Tabernacle system, once all of Elohim's portions had been dedicated on the Altar, the best of the remains of the sacrifices belonged to the priests. In some instances the priest received the whole of the offering, in other cases he shared it with the one who presented the offering, but in every case he got the best of the remains. For instance, the wave breast and the heave leg, which today we would call the "choice cuts" of an animal, were given to the priests. Paul wrote, "...know them that labor among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake" (1 Thess. 5:12-13). When the Believers properly regard the elders that are sent to the body of Messiah [teachers, pastors, evangelists, prophets, and apostles], and truly esteem their work, they will better understand and more readily accept their duty to provide the best support they can. YHVH expects and honors the generous discharge of personal resources by His set-apart stewards for His purposes and for the welfare of others.
The matter of proper ministerial support is an important and relevant precept for us in this hour, because it relates to the consecration and sanctity requirements needed for Messianic servants . When eldership is un-esteemed and degraded in the minds of the saints as merely a religious profession, at least three things will result: (1) financial support will decrease, (2) the peoples' respect for reproof, rebuke, and exhortation will diminish, and (3) the true gifts sent to strengthen the Body of Messiah will be less appreciated and less room will be made for their gift and anointing. Probable end result: Form will displace power in the Ecclesia, and religion will preempt divine fellowship [which is primary] with the individual believer. "Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you" (Pr.9:8). Wise believers welcome the gifts He sends to His people.
"The elders who rule [oversee, judge, exhort, rebuke, serve] well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching" (1 Tim.5:17). The restoration of respect for the eldership offices [Eph. 4:11-12] pretty much rests with those called to the posts. First, Believers must recognize and accept the fact that there are people who are actually called to be leaders in the Body of Messiah. They are anointed to lead. If these people are not recognized and appreciated, but are instead resisted, the congregation will be weakened and not reach it's spiritual potential. So, those leaders who are called must be blameless, earn the respect of those they serve, and lead by example in Word and Spirit. "An [The] overseer, then, must be above reproach..." (1 Tim. 3:2). The effectiveness, fruit, and power of the whole House of Israel will in large measure be determined by the spiritual and character quality of its servant-leaders.
The issue of respecting leaders pertains to you and me, because at some level, we are all leaders. Therefore, we all have the responsibility and interest in improving and strengthening the Body of Messiah in our given calling, and the passage in Tsav teaches: First, give YHVH His due portion. Next, support the priesthood. Most importantly, love the brethren. Minister always with an eye to their uplifting, edification and intimacy with Yeshua.
Bless the Land
"This is the law of the grain offering...one of them shall lift up from it a handful of the fine flour of the grain offering, with its oil and all its incense that is on the grain offering, and he shall offer it up in smoke on the altar, a soothing aroma, as its memorial offering to the Lord" (Leviticus 6:14-15). Note: The ascending smoke is a type of worship and prayer.
1. Pray for Israel and Jerusalem.
"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice" (Psalm 55:17). Pray for wisdom for Israel's leaders, protection from enemies, freedom to build.
2. Pray for America/Pray for your Nation.
"But know that the Lord has set apart him that is godly for himself: THE LORD WILL HEAR WHEN I CALL UNTO HIM" (Psalm 4:3). Pray for righteousness to be exalted in the land.
3. Sing the Song of the Lord to the people and land of Israel. Prophetic Praise and Worship
"Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers...the name of the third river is Hiddekel; it flows east of Assyria..." (Gen. 2:10-14).
The meaning of Hiddekel is "riddle of the palm." It is a river that flows from east toward Assyria. It is mentioned only twice in Scripture, in Genesis two, and also in Daniel. "...while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris [Hiddekel], I lifted up my eyes and looked..." (Dan. 10:40-5). Daniel had been situated, like a palm tree by the river Hiddekel, fasting and praying for three weeks when he finally received an encouraging, instructive angelic visitation in response to his prayers. He presents a picture of determination and persistence that is reinforced and conveyed to us by the meaning of the river's name. The palm tree has strong, persistent roots. When there is a drought, or lack of water, its roots descend deep into the ground, even breaking through stony soil, to get through to underground springs and pools of water. The image of the tree and the example of Daniel encourage the reader to seek the Lord until he finds Him. "The righteous [faith-filled, determined] man will flourish [sprout] like the palm tree... (Psalm 92:12). Daniel by the Hiddekel is a picture of one who is as determined to hear from YHVH when there is a need of His prophetic word in the land as a palm tree is to send downs its roots to draw up water from soil that's in a drought. It presents to us an exhortation and also suggests a promise. Determined and persistent worshipers will connect with the prophetic flow of the Spirit, and rise up with a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Yeshua. "They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green" (Psalm 92:13-14). Sing in the Spirit this week, all week.
Conclusion
"And he brought the bullock for the sin offering...and he brought the ram for the burnt offering...and he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. And he slew it..." (Lev. 8:14-23). In Tsav, as we have seen, Moses was directed to pass on to Aaron and his sons detailed instructions concerning the regulation of the various sacrifices. The priests were to follow them precisely.
Today there are two levels of priesthood. They are (1) the true High Priest, Yeshua, and (2) the royal priesthood, which consists of His people who offer up the spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. The offerings cited in the referenced passage above, that effected sanctification and consecration for Aaron, reveal essentials truths about our responsibilities as priests of Yeshua. What's more, they remind us of the superiority of Yeshua over Aaron.
First, the three offering required of Aaron and his sons are required of us. (1) The sin offering: This sacrifice symbolizes confession of sin and the renunciation of personal merit and pride. It represents self-denial and surrender to the Savior, and it is the place priesthood begins. Without this offering, there is no basis for a life that will please YHVH. (2) The burnt offering: This offering, when its parts were consumed in the flames on the altar, gave forth a sweet aroma to the Almighty. It signifies complete devotion to the Almighty, to Whom we have already been set-apart. The person who has confessed his sin, unworthiness, and need of salvation to the Redeemer, dedicates himself to the One Who died and made atonement for him. This person has been purchased, does not at all own himself, and therefore should respond as did Paul, "Lord, what will you have me to do?" Such humility, surrender, and acuteness are very pleasing to our Elohim! (3) The consecration offering: This sacrifice is the result of the others going before it, and brings a "fullness" of intention to the sanctification process. The consecration offering typifies total dedication and, following as a result (consequent), ongoing, soul-enriching communion with Elohim.
Secondly, Yeshua and His Priesthood are infinitely stronger, more effectual, and superior to Aaron and the Aaronic order. (1) Yeshua's consecration was total, but Aaron's was only partial, incomplete. The entire life and ministry of the Messiah was originated and executed as an offering for the welfare of others and to bring glory to Elohim. Yeshua came "not to do His own will." He was without infirmity, now has an everlasting position as our High Priest, and is making unceasing, uninterrupted intercessions for the saints. On the other hand, Aaron had his own wants, needs, and domestic affairs to look after, and could only minister/serve as occasion demanded. Further, he also required regular sacrifices to atone for his infirmities. (2) Aaron's cleanness and holiness were only ceremonial and symbolic. Yeshua's holiness and purity are real and actual. On earth, Yeshua demonstrated holiness, and was without fault or flaw. Aaron was far from perfection (like us all). For instance, because of his rebellion at Meribah (Num. 22:24) he was not allowed to enter the promised land with the Israelites. (3) The Atonement of Messiah Yeshua was real and effectual. The atonement of Aaron was only typical, annual, and temporary, and its efficacy depended upon Yeshua. In Israel, only after consecration rites were the priests qualified to present the offerings and sacrifices of Israel to YHVH. Generation after generation of priests had to be ritually purified for service. But there was no inherent power in those sacrifices to remove sin or guilt, which were only covered. The Blood of Yeshua was needed to actually wash away our sins, cleanse our consciences from dead works, and establish Believers with His righteousness. (4) The Priesthood of Yeshua is everlasting, perpetual. The Aaronic Priesthood only survived from generation to generation through successors. Israel's high priests would eventually die, be buried, and have to be replaced by others in the Aaronic lineage. "The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Yeshua, on the other hand, because he continues forever, holds his priesthood permanently" (Heb. 7:23-24). He is eternal. We exalt Him because He alone is worthy.
Living the Whole Word
"Fire is to be kept burning continually on the altar; it is not to go out" (Lev. 6:13).
The fire of the burnt offering that was on the Brazen (brass) Altar was to be carefully attended to by the priests so it kept burning, and never went out. Every morning the remaining ashes of the previous day's sacrifices (symbolic of human corruption, baseness, depravity, et al) were removed so they could not ascend in and contaminate the smoke of the fresh sacrifice, or hinder the rekindled, refreshed fire from fully burning.
In the Old Testament we find rules, rituals, and regulations regarding the performance of religious duties and obligations. The people were led by the Letter of the Law and the regulations had to be followed precisely. However, in the New Testament we do not find minute details ordering the conducting of our worship, as are found in Leviticus. We do have principles, order, and uniformity to assist the administration of our service, but no lengthy details or directions are given for the management of our meetings. Why? Because we have Yeshua as our High Priest ever making intercession for us, and the Spirit of the Law dwelling within us, to direct, teach, comfort, befriend, and empower us to be Yeshua's worshipers and witnesses.
The holy fire that was kept alive on the Brazen Altar was symbolic of the Holy Spirit Who would one day dwell within the regenerated spirit of the born-gain Believer. The thrice-repeated Torah regulation concerning the removal of ashes and upkeep of the fire observed in parsha Tsav is instructive. The parsha Tsav ("command") teaches us: (1) To set ourselves apart, as holy offerings to the Most High, and (2) To resist and reject, daily if necessary, everything that would restrict, grieve, or quench the full ministry activity (fire) of the Spirit in or through believers. (3) To "be filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Eph. 5:18) morning and night. Power is for witnessing. We have learned that the priests of YHVH are to be entirely consecrated and sanctified in their service to Him and His people, Israel. Rituals, tradition, and liturgy have their place, and are profitable as long as they glorify Yeshua and direct "... a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" into His manifest presence, and toward spiritual intimacy with Him (1 Peter 2:9).
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord" (Psalm 4:5).
Next week: Passover and Leavened Bread will be the focus of our next commentary. The week after that, parsha Sh'mini will be our study. The word sh'mini means "eighth". In Sh'mini we will notice that the earlier commands had been fulfilled. Further, we will read about Aaron standing on an elevated platform beside the Altar with his hands lifted up giving a benediction to Israel, and the glory of YHVH coming on the Tabernacle, and His holy fire falling and consuming the sacrifice. What does that means for us?
Barry Hutch Church, BTL scribe; D. Min. / blesstheland@live.com/ www.blesstheland.net
