25-Torah-Week-Tzav (Command) צַו
Portion Summary:
The twenty-fifth reading from the Torah and the second reading from the book of Leviticus is called Tzav, meaning "Command." It begins with YHVH instructing Moses to "Command Aaron and his sons..." (Leviticus 6:9). This portion reiterates the five types of sacrifices introduced in the previous portion but focuses on the priestly instructions regarding these offerings. It also details the seven-day ordination of Aaron and his sons as they prepare to enter the holy priesthood.
Summary of Key Themes:
Priestly Duties and Regulations:
The focus shifts from general offerings to the specific role and regulations for priests, emphasizing their unique responsibilities and dedication.
Seven-Day Ordination:
The ordination of Aaron and his sons symbolizes a consecrated life set apart for serving YHVH and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle.
Spiritual Significance of Offerings:
The different types of offerings—burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings—illustrate aspects of worship, gratitude, repentance, and devotion.
Sanctification and Purity:
The emphasis on purity and sanctification for both priests and offerings demonstrates a commitment to holiness in service to YHVH.
Connection to Messiah:
The New Testament draws on themes from Leviticus, with Y'shua portrayed as the ultimate sacrifice and High Priest, fulfilling the sacrificial requirements once and for all.
TORAH:
Leviticus 6:8-7:11: Instructions on the types of offerings—burnt, sin, guilt, peace—and the role of the priests in overseeing these sacrifices.
Leviticus 8:1-36: Description of the seven-day ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons, including sacrifices for atonement and sanctification.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7: Emphasis on teaching and keeping YHVH's commandments.Leviticus 17:11: Importance of the blood in atonement for sin, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice.TARGUMS:
Leviticus 7 & 8: Expanded commentary on the role of sacrifices and the ordination of Aaron, emphasizing their covenantal significance.
WRITINGS:
1 Samuel 16:13: Samuel anoints David, symbolizing the setting apart and sanctification akin to the priestly ordination.
Psalms 50:14: Offering thanksgiving as a form of true worship.
Psalm 69:30-31: Praise and thankfulness as sacrifices pleasing to YHVH.
Psalm 119:108: A prayer that offerings of the heart and words be acceptable to YHVH.
NEVI'EM:
Jeremiah 7:16: A warning against empty sacrifices without true repentance.
Isaiah 26: Prophetic vision of YHVH's deliverance and judgment, often symbolized by the purification and dedication seen in the priestly service.
Hosea 14:1-2: Call to repentance, showing YHVH's mercy and the restoration of relationship through repentance.
Jonah 2:9: Jonah's thanksgiving and vow of sacrifice while in the belly of the fish, showing the heart's alignment with YHVH.
GOSPELS AND EPISTLES:
Matthew 9:10-17: Y'shua's teachings on new wineskins, symbolizing the shift in worship and covenant.
Matthew 22:14: "Many are called, few are chosen," emphasizing the calling of the priestly role.
James 4:7-10: A call for humility, repentance, and drawing close to YHVH.
John 15: Y'shua as the true vine, showing the necessity of abiding in Him.
Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4: Prayers of the saints as incense before YHVH, paralleling the offerings.
1 Peter 1:18-25: The precious blood of Messiah as the ultimate sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:1-14: The temporary nature of earthly sacrifices contrasted with the eternal cleansing by Y'shua's blood.
Hebrews 13:15: A call to offer continual praise, as a spiritual sacrifice.
APOCRYPHA:
First Book of Adam and Eve 31:2: Insights on sacrifice and worship.
Jasher 23:69-75: Narrative on early practices of offerings and sacrifices, setting the foundation for worship.
Study Questions:
How does this week's Torah portion relate to the Haftarah and New Testament portions?
Which readings did you find most interesting?
Why?
Can you identify Y'shua in this week's portions?What is the general theme of this reading, and how does it apply to our lives today?
This study on Tzav emphasizes the importance of sanctity in worship, the roles of priesthood, and a life dedicated to holiness and obedience. In the New Testament, Y'shua's ultimate sacrifice fulfills the requirements outlined here, allowing believers to worship in spirit and truth. This portion calls us to live lives of integrity, gratitude, and devotion.
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