Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Parashah #25: Tzav ( Give an order) Vayikra (Leviticus) 6:1-8:36
Haftarah: Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 7:21-8:3; 9:22(23); 23(4)
B’rit Chadashah: 1 Corinthians 10:14-23
I want to introduce a general comment on the book of Leviticus that we must understand as applicable to all mankind throughout all generations and not just “Jews.” Many clergy persons erroneously teach that the Old Testament laws and rituals are for the Jews only. This could not be further from the truth of the matter that is provided in this parashah and many other narratives in G-d’s Torah. In fact, most people who think a Jew is must be someone from Israel or of biologic Jewish heritage with a “Jewish” name is a true Jew. I would call their attention to the B’rit Chadashah (Refreshed, renewed Covenant) called the “New” Testament that in Romans Chapter 3, we are told who is considered a “true Jew” by G-d’s standards. Understanding the correct designation of those who repent and lovingly observe G-d’s Law/ Torah/Commands also defined in G-d’s Torah, is crucial to our salvation.
Nowhere outside of the book of Leviticus is there a clearer description of the reason for the existence of not only the Israelites during the time when the book s written, but ALL mankind. The reason for our existence is to recognize that G-d entered into a special relationship with those who repent and lovingly follow his Torah. This requirement for inclusion into the “new priesthood” of G-d (1 Pet. 2:9) applies to Jew and Gentile, a truth which is discussed again in Roams 3, John 14, and the seven-fold witness found in the book of Revelation. This seven-fold witness is provided on our website at https://rabdavis.org under the ‘teachings’ link near the bottom of the menu. It is entitled, “The Definition of a True Believer.”
The purpose for our existence is to make G-d’s Name known throughout the nations and to sanctify Him. The continued assimilation of our society into the paradigm of self-gratification, secular humanism, and acceptance of lifestyles that are completely contradictory to G-d’s Torah make it as difficult to “weed out” behaviors that are contrary to G-d’s Word as it was over 2,000 years ago. But G-d provides a way to overcome sinful tendencies and human nature through the “new nature” provided for those who respond to the call of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to repentance and Torah observance out of love for and of G-d( Ephesians 4;22-4; John 3;3; 1 John 5;18; 1 Peter 2:24; Rom. 7:22; Rom. 6;1-23).
The biologic Jews were first chosen by G-d to set the example for all mankind related to how G-d wants us to relate to Him in worship and obedience, and how we are to relate to our fellow man. These commands are written in stone which are just as applicable today as they were when G-d provided them.
As the new priesthood, believers are held to the same moral and ethical standards as were those ordained as priests in our parashah. When we fail to glorify G-d through sin in any form, G-d’s name is profaned and his reputation tarnished. True believers throughout the ages are metaphorically placed into a “fishbowl” and become the target of those who choose to live an antinomian lifestyle and want others to do the same. For if everyone chooses to rebel against G-d’s Word, there is no conviction and any pricking of their conscience by the Holy Spirit is overridden and/or deleted (1 John 3:4; 1 John 2:16;1 John 3:10; 2 John 1:19).
However, when we repent, follow G-d’s Torah through a lifestyle testimony that includes the concepts of total consecration described in Leviticus 8:22-24, we increasingly “standout” from an ever growing secular and pagan society. True believers sanctify G-d’s name and glorify Him as described in Leviticus 22:31-33 “You are to keep my mitzvot (commands) and obey them: I am Adonai. You are not to profane my holy name; on the contrary. I am to be regarded as holy among the people of Israel; I am Adonai, who makes you holy, who brought you out of the land of Egypt (sinful lifestyle paradigm) to be your G-d. I am Adonai.”
In spite of all the disinformation taught by many religious teachers and preachers either intentionally or not, this command remains consistent throughout the entire Bible and remains intact. G-d’s commands/law/ instructions were not abrogated with Yahshua’s sacrifice.
You may be curious about the significance of blood from the ram of consecration being placed on the tip of Aharon’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot with this procedure being repeated on his sons (Lev. 8:22-24). According to R’ Avraham ben HaRambam, who was the son of the Jewish philosopher and physician Maimonides who lived during the 12th century, the ear symbolizes that we should always listen and obey G-d’s commands. Again, this applies to all true believers who are designated as the new priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9) as it applied to Aharon and his sons. The hand is the organ that grasps things and that is active; so the blood on the thumb symbolizes that the Kohanim then and we should carry out His will. The foot is the organ of movement; so the blood on the big toe should always move with joy, eagerness, and willingness to serve G-d.
Chapters 6 and 7 complete G-d’s instructions for the sacrificial system conveyed to Moshe on the first of Nissan. They encompass five speeches, followed by a summary of the chapters. Each of the five types of sacrifices in chapters 1-5 are reiterated, with additional regulations. Some commentators suggest that chapters 1-5 apply to the laypeople, chapters 6-7 apply to the priests. Indeed in contrast to chapters 1-5 which describes what sort of sacrifice is made and by whom, the primary purpose of chapters 6-7is to delineate exactly how the sacrifice is to be apportioned and disposed of following the process for each (7:35-6).The three passages specifically addressed to the priesthood are a logical subcategory ( Lev. 6:1,12,17). Chapter 8 focuses on the consecration of Aharon and his sons which as I discussed previously provides a template for true believers who are identified as the “new priesthood” in 1 Peter 2:9.
Another question that may arise is the reason the consecration process was to continue for seven days.
The consecration period lasting seven days highlights the holiness and purity required of those who minister before G-d. It stresses the need for atonement and the divine calling of the priesthood. Keep in mind that true believers are the new priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) so we are held to a higher level of accountability before G-d than those who are not called. Also remember that not everyone is called by the Holy Spirit due to many who exercise their freewill given by G-d to choose the path of ungodliness, of HaSatan (Matt.22:14). The detailed instructions and rituals described in our parashah underscore the importance of repentance, loving observance of G-d’s Torah/instructions/Law, and the sacredness of the role true believers are given. The seven-day pattern often described in G-d’s Torah related to dedication and consecration among other specific contexts reflects a pattern of completeness and perfection and is consistent with the overall mission of true believers to glorify G-d with all our hearts, souls, and might/resources, keeping and living the Words of G-d’s Torah before us always.
Haftarah: Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 7:21-8:3; 9:22(23); 23(4)
This narrative is not exactly a love letter from G-d. What’s worse is that society has and is becoming more rebellious to G-d and his Torah on a daily basis. Even an elementary school-age child can understand that if G-d punished his people who are supposed to be set apart for him and set an example for the rest of the world to follow for worshiping and following G-d and relating to man, we cannot possible expect to rely on G-d’s grace to spare people who not only embrace abominations defined in G-d’s Word, but advocate for others to live the same way. Sounds a lot like S’dom and ‘Amora, does it not? (Gen. 19:24-25; 2 Pet. 2:6.
G-d told Jeremiah “ This is the nation that has not listened to the voice of Adonai their G-d. They won’t take correction; faithfulness has perished; it has vanished from their mouths. (7:28).
This verse may be applied to the world’s people today. In America, the people have been blessed beyond imagination. Yet the above verse is true today. G-d is unchanging and he will exact righteous judgment on those who have thrown G-d’s Torah out of site (Prov. 11:21;Rom. 2:6;Rev. 21:8;Gal. 6:7;Prov. 14;12).
Fortunately, G-d also told Jeremiah that “ The wise man should not boast of his wisdom, the powerful should not boast of his power, instead, let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me-that I am Adonai, practicing grace, justice and righteousness in the land; for in these things I take pleasure,” says Adonai.’”
But the good news provides encouragement for those who repent and truly love G-d by their obedience to his Word: “ I myself will gather what remains of my flock from all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their homes, and they will be fruitful and increase their numbers. I will appoint shepherds over them who will shepherd them; then they will no longer be afraid or disgraced; and none will be missing, says Adonai.’” May we be among those in His flock!
B’rit Chadashah: 1 Corinthians 10:14-23
Sha’ul(Paul) begins this section by telling us to run from idolatry. We are not to meander, stroll by, or participate in an idolatrous atmosphere thinking we are strong enough to resist in our own strength. A Biblical example is found in the narrative of Yosef and Potifer’s wife (Gen. 39:11-12). Hasatan is going to tempt us at our weakest point, whether it is a family member, the opposite sex, jewelry, food, money, cars, something we perceive as more “fun” than making our service to G-d our top priority, or anything else that takes priority over serving G-d as he commands.
In today’s Haftarah we read how G-d told Jeremiah about G-d’s punishment for Israel’s rebellion. How arrogant are societies and individuals today to believe antinomian lifestyles in the name of “inclusion” and “freedom” are above such retribution!
True believers are not to associate with those who are anti-Torah or participate in activities that leave room for misinterpretation. Sha’ul used the example of food offered to idols. Although we know that there is no significance to this, we are not to take part. This is what Sha’ul is talking about. We have to be on guard at all times. The Ruach (Holy Spirit) will guide us in all things if we remain in Torah and follow all His ways. One way to do this is to keep in mind the offerings described in our parashah and their spiritual significance. By studying the concepts of each sacrifice and ritual we can use them as an extension of the 10 Commands for living a holy and pure life that will glorify G-d’s name and make it known among the nations.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Tamah Davis -Hart
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