TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 20 TETZAVEH

20 - Torah Portion: Tetzaveh ("You Shall Command") תְּצַוֶּה

Portion Summary:
Tetzaveh is the twentieth reading from the Torah. The title means "You shall command," referring to the opening verse in which YHVH instructs Moses to "command the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually" (Exodus 27:20).

This portion continues the instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, focusing on the priesthood that will serve within it. The Israelites are commanded to create special garments for Aaron and his sons to wear while ministering as priests. It concludes with instructions for the consecration and inauguration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood.

Torah:
Exodus 27:20-21: YHVH commands the Israelites to bring clear oil of beaten olives for the menorah, symbolizing a continual light in the Tabernacle.
Exodus 28: Detailed instructions for creating the priestly garments, particularly those for the High Priest, Aaron, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash.
Exodus 29: Instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons, involving sacrifices and anointing, to sanctify them for service in the Tabernacle.
Exodus 30:1-10: The Altar of Incense is described, signifying the importance of prayer and intercession in the sanctuary.
Genesis 4:10: Reference to the blood of Abel crying out, symbolizing accountability and the seriousness of one's actions before YHVH.
Deuteronomy 1:30-31; 6:6-9; 7:6-15; 33:8-10: Themes of obedience, faithfulness, and Israel's chosen status, which reflects the priesthood's unique role.
Leviticus 17:14: A reminder that life is in the blood, emphasizing the sanctity of sacrifices.
Numbers 27:21: YHVH's guidance through the priestly Urim and Thummim for decision-making.

Targum:
Exodus 29:41: Additional cultural context surrounding the evening sacrifice, emphasizing the role of consistent worship and dedication.

Writings:
1 Samuel 15:1-34: Samuel's rebuke of Saul for disobedience, underscoring the importance of complete obedience in leadership roles, relevant to the priests' duty.
Proverbs 6:23; 15:8; 23:23: Wisdom on living righteously, aligning with the priests' call to a pure, dedicated life.
Song of Solomon 1:3: A poetic reminder of the fragrance of YHVH's name, reflecting the anointing oils and incense in the Tabernacle.
Psalms 50–68:19: Psalms celebrating YHVH's majesty, worship, and provision, echoing the theme of holiness in the priestly service.

Nevi'im:
Isaiah 46:1-7: Critique of idols, contrasting true worship in the Tabernacle with idolatry.Isaiah 53:1-5: Messianic prophecy of a suffering servant, highlighting the priestly role of intercession and atonement.
Isaiah 63:1-9: YHVH's compassion and redemption for Israel, emphasizing His active role in delivering His people.
Jeremiah 17:10; 31:3: YHVH's knowledge of the heart and His everlasting love, relating to the sincerity required of priests.
1 Samuel 28:6: Inquiry of YHVH through the Urim, reflecting the priest's role in guiding Israel.Ezra 2:62-63: The importance of priestly lineage and purity in serving YHVH.

Gospels and Epistles:
Matthew 5:13-20: Y'shua's teaching on being "salt and light" and upholding the Law, mirroring the priestly role of representing YHVH to the people.
Matthew 25:1-13: Parable of the wise and foolish virgins, emphasizing preparedness, much like the priests' readiness for service.
John 6:44; 15:1-15: Y'shua's teachings on being drawn to YHVH and the vine and branches analogy, reinforcing dependence on YHVH in priestly service.
1 Peter 2:5; 5:6-7: Believers as a spiritual house and a royal priesthood, aligning with the priestly duties outlined in Tetzaveh.
Ephesians 6:10-22: The "Armor of YHVH," symbolizing spiritual preparedness similar to the priests' garments.
Romans 12:1: Presenting oneself as a living sacrifice, a concept integral to the priesthood.
Revelation 14:1; 21:1: The holy priesthood and the vision of a new Jerusalem, aligning with the idea of a purified, set-apart people.

Apocrypha:
Enoch 55: Reference to the righteous interceding, similar to the role of the High Priest.
2 Esdras 2:38-47: The vision of a holy assembly, resonating with the priesthood's sanctified role.
Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-23: Righteousness as protection, connecting to the spiritual "armor" and sanctity of the priestly garments.
Testament of Reuben 1:26; Testament of Naphtali 1:20; Testament of Gad 1:9-36: Themes of righteousness, purity, and the consequences of sin, all significant to the priestly role in maintaining holiness.

Symbolism of the Priestly Garments:
The Ephod: A sleeveless garment adorned with the onyx stones, each engraved with the names of six tribes, symbolizing the High Priest carrying Israel on his shoulders.
Breastplate of Judgment (Choshen): A square breastplate with twelve gemstones, representing each tribe. It held the Urim and Thummim for divine decision-making.
Blue Robe (Robe of the Ephod): Hemmed with pomegranates and bells, symbolizing life and the priest's presence in holy service.
Linen Tunic (Ketonet): A long white undergarment representing purity and sanctity.
The Turban (Mitznefet) and Gold Plate (Tzitz): The turban bore a gold plate inscribed with "Holy to YHVH," symbolizing dedication.
Sash (Avnet): A woven belt, representing commitment to priestly service.
White Linen Breeches: Worn by priests to ensure modesty in their service.

Colors and Their Meanings:
Blue: Divinity and obedience.
Purple: Royalty and authority.
Scarlet: Atonement and sacrifice.
White: Purity and righteousness.
Gemstones: Representing the tribes, symbolizing the priest as an intercessor.

Each garment component underscores YHVH's holiness and the priests' responsibility to serve with purity, humility, and dedication.

Study Questions:
How does this portion's emphasis on the priesthood connect to the Haftarah and New Testament readings?Which part of the priestly garments resonates with you, and why?
How can we see Y'shua's fulfillment of these priestly roles in the New Testament?
What is the theme of consecration in Tetzaveh, and how can it apply to our lives?

This portion of Tetzaveh reflects themes of consecration, sanctity, and the importance of serving YHVH with purity and devotion. The priesthood garments serve as a symbol of the people's connection to YHVH and highlight the need for humility, obedience, and steadfast dedication to His commandments.