TZAV צַ֤ו (Command) LEVITICUS 6:1-8:36

 PROPHETS : JEREMIAH 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23 GOSPEL : MATTHEW 9:10-17

TORAH:

Chapter 6 of this reading begins a long series of commands on the responsibilities of the priests on maintaining the altar and preparing sacrifices being placed on the altar. The fire on the altar must be kept burning continually. A curious thought here, the altar fire is kept burning with the placing of new wood continually. Also, the ashes must be removed wearing priestly garments continually, but the priest must change clothes to carry the ashes outside the camp (city) to a pure place. Both of these duties are work performed every day; even on the Sabbath. Is it then allowable to place wood on an existing fire and maintain the ashes from the fire on the Sabbath by the priests (today rabbis and ministers) for worship services; or is it okay for anyone to perform these duties on the Sabbath in locations where a fire is necessary for heating and health purposes? Additionally, in this age of electricity are we supposed to keep the lights on continually in places of worship instead of turning them off when everyone leaves?

Starting at verse 7 is the requirements for the meal offering. A meal offering is one of flour, oil, and frankincense. It may be eaten by any of the priests. Verse 12 lays out the requirements for the anointing of Aharon and his sons (priests) at their inauguration. It is to be a meal offering, but the different here is the offering MUST be totally consumed in the fire. None may remain to be eaten by the priests or anyone else. Verse 17 begins the requirements for the sin offering. The sin offering is most holy and only the priest who performs the service may eat of it. Whatever touches the sin offering becomes holy. Earthenware items that cook it shall be broken and metal ones purged and washed in water. However, as in the meal offering, a sin offering offered with blood for atonement shall not be eaten and MUST be totally consumed by fire.

Chapter 7 begins with the requirements for the guilt offering. It is to be offered where the burnt offerings are offered up. All fat and internal organs must be consumed by fire. Just like the sin offering, the guilt offering is Most Holy as well and follow all of the commands for the sin offering. The hide of animals offered for burnt offerings shall belong to the priest who offers it. Any meal offering baked in the oven or made in a pan shall only belong to the priest who offers it. However, if oil is used or it is completely dry, the meal offering may be eaten by all the priests.

Chapter 7, verse 22 steps away from the priests and concerns ALL of Israel. NO fat may be eaten from animals. However, the fat from animals not acceptable for offering (dead or torn to death) may be used for other purposes. NO blood may be consumed from either animals or fowl. This is why ALL Jewish people do no eat the fat or bloody meats. It is NOT Kosher for us.

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