|
Return
to D'var Torah Menu
VAYIKRA “And He Called”
12 MAR 2011
Leviticus 1:1-5:19
Isaiah 43:21-44:23
Hebrews 10:1-18
Leviticus may be divided as follows:
The Offerings, chapters 1-7
Consecration of Aaron and His Sons, chapters 8-10
Laws of Cleanliness and Holiness, chapters 11-15; 17-22
The Day of Atonement, chapter 16
Laws Regulating the Personal Relationships of the
Redeemed People, chapters 18-20
Laws Regulating the Priesthood and the Seven Great Feasts
of the Hebrew Calendar, chapters 21-23
Additional Laws, Promises and Warnings, chapters 24-27
VAYIKRA El Moshe-He called to Moshe and HaShem spoke to
him from the Tent of Meeting.
We have left the book of SHEMOT/EXODUS, and now are at
the beginning of VAYIKRA /LEVITICUS. Moshe is giving us a review of the
Covenant of GOD. The highlights include laws to live by, offerings and
sacrifices. We are commanded to be a holy people; separated and set
apart.
VAYIKRA gives details about the Levites who were the
priests and worship leaders. In this portion we are given instructions
about the burnt offering from a bull or male sheep or goat. For those
who could not afford these expensive animals, they were to offer a
dove. There are many other offerings discussed here, such as grain
offerings, peace offerings and thanksgiving offerings. Sin offerings
for the High Priest, the king and the entire nation are listed here.
Finally, the guilt offering is mentioned.
All these were to symbolize commitment to GOD. They show
us that we need to make sure we recognize that sin separates us from
GOD. HaShem provided a way for us to be made clean so we can approach
GOD to express our thanks and gratefulness for His redemption and loving
kindness toward us. All who are humble before Him shall be exalted
(Matt 23:12).
For us, to have a happy prosperous spirit, with joy in
our lives as well as satisfaction in our relationship with HaShem, we
have to approach Him humbly. Yeshua, Himself, said, “Blessed are the
poor in spirit (humble) for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 5:3).
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z
Return
to D'var Torah Menu |