SHEMIYNIY שְּׁמִינִ֔י (Eighth) LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47

PROPHETS : EZEKIEL 36:16-38| GOSPEL : MATTHEW 3:11-17

TORAH:

Chapter 9 is basically the beginning of the priesthood representation for Yisrael. This occurred on the Eighth day and was the institution of the sacrificial requirements. After Aharon had performed all of the sacrifices required, a fire from YaHVaH came down and consumed the burnt offering and the fats. This caused the people to bow in reverence.

Chapter 10 begins with the death of Nadab and Abihu because they offered fire sacrifices that had not been commanded of them. YaHVaH sent down a fire and consumed those men. Interestingly, it appears that their clothing may not have been consumed because two men carried their bodies away on their tunics. Whether this was the tunics of the two who had sinned or the tunics of the two men called up to take them away it is unclear. Next, we see a command for the priests to not leave their heads uncovered and not to rend their garments. This is where Jewish thoughts and decrees state that a man should always wear a head covering, hence the Kippah/Yarmulke they wear. However, this was a commandment only for the priests, not the general public. Yet, I do not see a problem with all men wearing head coverings and I believe a hat of any kind would meet this requirement. Remember also that the priest’s head covering was that which is similar to a turban. Next, we see a requirement for the priests to not drink intoxicating wine when they entered the temple area to perform service. In other words, don’t get drunk before doing God’s work.

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