31-Torah-Week - Emor - אֱמוֹר
Portion Summary
The thirty-first reading from the Torah is titled Emor, meaning "say." It derives from the opening verse, in which YHVH instructs Moses: "Speak (emor) to the priests, the sons of Aaron ..." (Leviticus 21:1).
Emor covers laws of sanctity, propriety, and purity specifically for the priesthood, establishing standards for those who serve in the Tabernacle. (Leviticus 23) outlines the lunisolar calendar, listing YHVH's appointed times, or moedim, which include the Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Shavuot, Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.
TORAH:
Leviticus 20:1-27 — Laws regarding holiness and separation from defilement.
Leviticus 21:1-24 — Priestly laws emphasizing the purity and conduct required for the sons of Aaron.
Leviticus 22:1-32 — Rules for eating and offering sacrifices, emphasizing respect and reverence.
Leviticus 23:1-44 — A detailed listing of YHVH's appointed times and festivals.
Leviticus 24:1-23 — Instructions for the lampstand, bread, and handling blasphemy.
Numbers 6:1-8 — The Nazarite vow, setting apart individuals for special service to YHVH.
Genesis 38:24 — Judah's confrontation with Tamar regarding standards of morality.
SEPTUAGINT:
Leviticus 23:32 — Clarification of the Day of Atonement as a Sabbath of solemn rest.
WRITINGS:
2 Chronicles 36:14-15 — Warning of unfaithfulness and the need for repentance.
1 Samuel 15-17 — The account of Saul and David highlights the theme of obedience to YHVH's commands.
NEVI'EM:
Ezekiel 44:15-31 — Regulations for the Levitical priests and their call to purity.
Jeremiah 7:1-32 — YHVH condemns false worship and calls for obedience.
Micah 3:11 — Condemnation of corrupt leaders.
Isaiah 48:1 — A call to listen and remain faithful to YHVH.
Isaiah 8:9-20; 19:1-3; 30:1-3; 31:1-3 — Warnings against alliances with foreign nations rather than trusting YHVH.
Ezekiel 13:1-16; 22 — Warnings against false prophets who lead people astray.
Jeremiah 2:11-23 — Israel's unfaithfulness and call to repentance.
GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
Matthew 26:59-66 — Y'shua before the Sanhedrin, facing accusations.
Matthew 7:24-27 — Parable of building on the rock, emphasizing firm foundation.
Romans 12:1-2 — A call to live as holy, set-apart sacrifices.
James 1:25-27 — Being doers of the Word, reflecting genuine faith.
Matthew 22:35-40 — Y'shua summarizes the commandments as love for YHVH and neighbor.
Matthew 5:38-41 — Instructions on humility and mercy.
Hebrews 12:14 — Pursue peace and holiness to see YHVH.
APOCRYPHA:
Jasher 45:43 — Illustrates the call to holiness and purity in relationships.
Gad 8:7-17 (Twelve Patriarchs) — Instructions on righteous living from the patriarch Gad.
Jubilees 1-3 — The holy laws given to Israel, emphasizing covenant obedience.
Sirach 43:6-8 — Reflection on the cycles of time and the appointed seasons set by YHVH.
Key Themes in Emor:
Sanctity in Service:
The priesthood's responsibility is to uphold holiness, ensuring reverence in worship.
Appointed Times: The moedim, or appointed times, establish a sacred rhythm of worship, commemorating YHVH's provision, mercy, and guidance.
Purity in Daily Life: The Torah calls for both priests and people to remain spiritually and physically pure, striving for holiness.
Love and Obedience: Echoed in the New Testament, true service to YHVH requires love for Him and others, expressed through obedience and humility.
Study Questions:
How does Emor connect with the Haftarah and New Testament portions?
Which aspects of the readings stood out to you the most, and why?
Can you identify reflections of Y'shua in this week's portions?
What is the general theme of Emor, and how does it apply to our lives today?
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