The portion for this week is, again, the combination of two readings:Acharei Mot ("After the Death") and Kedoshim ("Holy Ones"). It’s kind of funny how when one kid gets into trouble, everyone shapes up real quick like. There is very little like the death of someone prominent in our lives to cause us to consider holiness and our relationship with the Holy One.
There are two ways to look at this relationship and understand what it will mean to one day stand before the Most High. Either we will choose to walk in holiness and fail or we will choose to walk in rebellion and succeed. Which do you suppose will have the better standing before the Judgment Seat of God?
The answer in our portion is obvious: to choose to walk as close in our relationship with Him, as far and futile as that may seem, instead of walking our own way, which inevitably leads to destruction and disappointment.
We don’t like to play games that we have no chance of winning- such is the perspective of those who confuse their conduct with saving grace of Adonai.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
Yet, we don’t like to put any effort into games that are "in the bag." If we know that we are going to win, why break a sweat?
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV)
The problem that is often understated is that what our faith is selling is not salvation from damnation in Hell (though such is the result of such a rejection of God). The focus of our pursuit is an intimate relationship with our Lord, Father and King. Those who "just want in" have no concept of the God nor of the salvation that is being offered. Those who want in according to their own merit have no consideration of the kind of salvation that is required. Neither consider that our God defines Himself according to His holiness and draws us to Himself according to His own will. These things cannot be reconciled in our human understanding; but must be learned through His Spirit as we walk ever closer to Him according to His Word.
And the LORD spoke unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died; (Leviticus 16:1 KJV)
When an idea is reiterated in the same passage, the significance is elevated. Adonai is contrasting between proper worship and the unaccepted offering of Nadab and Abihu. This is difficult for us to understand and increasingly a frustration as we do not know exactly what Nadab and Abihu did that was so wrong… but maybe that’s a point worth considering.
Sometimes the Bible doesn’t tell us something because it is to our advantage not to know. We are so inclined to focus on error in our attempts to avoid it. As a result, we miss obedience.
The phrase "when they offered before the Lord" is a bit misleading. In Hebrew it simply speaks of their "approaching" Adonai.
In Hebrews 4:16, we are invited to "come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy…" How unfortunate that this is so misconstrued as entering into the Presence of Adonai contemptuously or without reverence. Paul warns the Corinthians, "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you…" 1st Corinthians 11:30.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. (Leviticus 16:2 KJV)
Why does Adonai tell Moses to "Speak to Aaron, thy brother…"? Why does He not address Aaron directly? One suggestion is that if the admonition were to come directly from Adonai, it would seem threatening as opposed to encouragement.
Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. (Leviticus 16:3 KJV)
He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen miter shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on. (Leviticus 16:4 KJV)
The manner in which the garments are specified may bear significance in it’s own. They are not presented in the order of appearance nor in the order they should be put on or arranged but with this idea: covered upper and lower, around and from above. Such should be our understanding of the basic premise of atonement: that which defiles us is utterly separated from the God of holiness. The colors represented are also specific in their order: blue then white, then blue then gold. Peace leads to purity which leads to peace, which leads to God. It is not a direct course that we must follow, from where we are into His presence.
On that day, the Kohen Gadol immersed (in a mikvah) five times, and washed his hands and feet from the kiyyor ("basin") that stood before the Sanctuary ten times: each time he changed his clothes, he was required to immerse once, and wash twice (once before removing the first set of clothes, and again after dressing in the second set).
For there were five sets of services performed by him on that day: 1) The regular morning services, performed in the "golden garments" (worn by the Kohen Gadol throughout the year). 2) The special services of the day (reciting the confession over the Yom Kippur offerings, casting the lots, entering the Holy of Holies to offer the ketoret and to sprinkle the blood of the Yom Kippur offerings)--performed in the linen garments. 3) The two rams brought as "ascending offerings" and the day's musaf offerings—in the golden garments. 4) returning to the Holy of Holies to remove the pan of burning incense--in linen garments. 5) the regular afternoon services—in the golden garments. (Talmud, tractate Yoma)
And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. (Leviticus 16:5 KJV)
And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house. (Leviticus 16:6 KJV)
Aaron, and each succeeding High Priest, must distinguish himself from the Messiah- that he is but a mere man and must do business with Adonai, first for his own sinful condition before he can represent the people.
And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. (Leviticus 16:7 KJV)
And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. (Leviticus 16:8 KJV)
"Scapegoat" literally means "the goat of departure." "Azal" means to go away or to disappear. The two goats may be representative of the whole of a man- that which is holy is given to Adonai and that which is carnal ceases to be (relevant). The lot is a demonstration of God’s will- that man is unable to determine which is which (the holy versus the carnal) and so it is left wholly up to the Lord. What appears in the eyes of the unbeliever as random chance, is the decision purely governed by the Most High (Proverbs 16:33).
And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. (Leviticus 16:9 KJV)
But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:10 KJV)
Both goats die, by the way. The traditional understanding is that the scapegoat is led far away from the camp and thrown off a cliff (as opposed to being allowed to wander and starve or be victim to predators).
And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself: (Leviticus 16:11 KJV)
And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil: (Leviticus 16:12 KJV)
And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: (Leviticus 16:13 KJV)
And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. (Leviticus 16:14 KJV)
Significant to those who hold Messiah as represented by the Mercyseat (the barrier between God’s Law or judgment and His Presence) that it is the focal point of the description. Typically we see the Ark, itself, as the primary object; but here, the Kiporet (the covering) is that to which our attention is drawn. So, there is relevance to the notion that Messiah is the object of our worship and attention when we consider our atonement.
Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: (Leviticus 16:15 KJV)
And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. (Leviticus 16:16 KJV)
And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel. (Leviticus 16:17 KJV)
Since around the 12th Century, it was traditionally suggested that the High Priest, when entering the Holy of Holies had a rope tied around his leg so that if for some reason he was struck dead, his body could be removed. This would be a logistical impossibility since no one could be present in the Tabernacle courtyard. The corpse would need to be dragged around the Altar of Incense, the brazen laver and the Altar of Sacrifice. If the tabernacle structure were not brought down in the process, it likely would have been burned down.
And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about. (Leviticus 16:18 KJV)
And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel. (Leviticus 16:19 KJV)
And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: (Leviticus 16:20 KJV)
And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: (Leviticus 16:21 KJV)
The following is from the Messianic Macsur by Jeremiah Greenburg for Yom Kippur:
For the sin we have committed against You willingly or under compulsion,
and for the sin we have committed against You by hardening our hearts.
For the sin we have committed against You by acting without thinking,
and for the sin we have committed against You by speaking perversely.
For the sin we have committed against You through sexual impurity,
and for the sin we have committed against You secretly and openly.
For the sin we have committed against You knowingly and deceitfully,
and for the sin we have committed against You by offensive speech.
For the sin we have committed against You by wronging our neighbor,
and for the sin we have committed against You by sinful meditation of the heart.
For the sin we have committed against You by lewd association,
and for the sin we have committed against You by insincere confession.
For the sin we have committed against You by spurning parents and teachers,
and for the sin we have committed against You in presumption or in error.
For the sin we have committed against You by violence,
and for the sin we have committed against You by profaning Your name.
For the sin we have committed against You by unclean speech,
and for the sin we have committed against You by foolish talk.
For the sin we have committed against You through the evil inclination,
and for the sin we have committed against You knowingly and unknowingly.
For all these sins, O God of forgiveness, forgive us and pardon us,
in Yeshua's Name.
For the sin we have committed against You by denying and lying,
and for the sin we have committed against You by bribery.
For the sin we have committed against You by scoffing,
and for the sin we have committed against You by slander.
For the sin we have committed against You in our business dealings,
and for the sin we have committed against You in eating and drinking.
For the sin we have committed against You by demanding usurious interest,
and for the sin we have committed against You by arrogance and pride.
For the sin we have committed against You by speaking gossip,
and for the sin we have committed against You by wanton glances.
For the sin we have committed against You with haughty eyes,
And for the sin we have committed against You by insolence.
For all these sins, O God of forgiveness,
forgive us and pardonus, in Yeshua's Name.
For the sin we have committed against You by rejecting responsibility,
and for the sin we have committed against You by contentiousness.
For the sin we have committed against You by ensnaring our neighbor,
and for the sin we have committed against You by envy.
For the sin we have committed against You by levity,
and for the sin we have committed against You by being stiffnecked.
For the sin we have committed against You by running to do evil,
and for the sin we have committed against You by tale bearing.
For the sin we have committed against You by vain oaths,
and for the sin we have committed against You by hatred without a cause.
For the sin we have committed against You by breach of trust,
and for the sin we have committed against You with confusion of mind
For all these sins, O God of forgiveness,
forgive us and pardon us, in Yeshua's Name.
We have trespassed, we have dealt deceitfully, we have stolen, and we have slandered. We have acted perversely, we have done wrong, we have acted presumptuously, and we have been violent. We have spoken lies, we have counseled evil, we have spoken falsely and we have blasphemed. We have scoffed, we have rebelled, we have provoked, and we have oppressed. We have been stiff-necked, we have corrupted, we have gone astray,
and we have led others astray.
And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:22 KJV)
And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there: (Leviticus 16:23 KJV)
And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people. (Leviticus 16:24 KJV)
And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar. (Leviticus 16:25 KJV)
And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp. (Leviticus 16:26 KJV)
And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung. (Leviticus 16:27 KJV)
And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp. (Leviticus 16:28 KJV)
And this shall be a statute forever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: (Leviticus 16:29 KJV)
For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. (Leviticus 16:30 KJV)
It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute forever. (Leviticus 16:31 KJV)
Traditionally, this means to fast; but in understanding the significance of this procedure, such under emphasizes the nature of the worship. We do not fast in order to afflict our souls. We fast because our souls are afflicted. Who could eat, knowing that our conduct has required the King of Righteousness to offer Himself and die in our place? Who could eat, knowing the nature of depravity and sinfulness that we have dishonored our Lord and Savior by our participation? On the Day of Atonement, we are exposed to who we really are and recognize that He accepts us anyway, knowing full well what He has purchased with His own blood.
And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments: (Leviticus 16:32 KJV)
And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation. (Leviticus 16:33 KJV)
And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses. (Leviticus 16:34 KJV)
And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, (Leviticus 17:1 KJV)
Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying, (Leviticus 17:2 KJV)
What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp, (Leviticus 17:3 KJV)
Typical of pagan ritual is attributing every common act or process to a specific deity. It’s unfortunate that many new to the Messianic faith do not understand this and many have fallen prey to hyped up accusations that the "L" word (Lord), or the "B" word (Bible), and so on, refer to specific pagan deities of ancient culture. This is true; but so did every physical act or tangible item in the given cultures, to include bathing, sewing, planting, harvest, cooking, milk, pottery, sleep, fingernails and each individual article of clothing. You can’t avoid something that mankind is inclined to deify, or give glory to other than Adonai Elohim.
The problem here is that the ritual procedures for slaughtering livestock had become a practice of idolatry. They likely didn’t know how to do so otherwise- for this reason, all domestic livestock was to be slaughtered as a sacrifice to Adonai.
The thinking that they had to get away from was the idea that it is okay to sacrifice unto Adonai under some conditions; but also okay to offer to lesser deities in a different environment. This is the same theology that Paul was responding to when he declared:
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
(Colossians 3:17 KJV)
And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people: (Leviticus 17:4 KJV)
To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them for peace offerings unto the LORD. (Leviticus 17:5 KJV)
And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savor unto the LORD. (Leviticus 17:6 KJV)
And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute forever unto them throughout their generations. (Leviticus 17:7 KJV)
And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice, (Leviticus 17:8 KJV)
And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall be cut off from among his people. (Leviticus 17:9 KJV)
And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. (Leviticus 17:10 KJV)
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11 KJV)
Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. (Leviticus 17:12 KJV)
And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. (Leviticus 17:13 KJV)
For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off. (Leviticus 17:14 KJV)
And every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean. (Leviticus 17:15 KJV)
But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity. (Leviticus 17:16 KJV)
And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, (Leviticus 18:1 KJV)
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 18:2 KJV)
After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. (Leviticus 18:3 KJV)
Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 18:4 KJV)
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 18:5 KJV)
The two Hebrew terms here are mishpatim (judgments) and khokote (ordinances and statutes). They may be understood as God’s enactments and appointments. They are repeated because there are two instructions concerning them: first we are to "do" them (a-saw) which is to make practice of or actively participate. The second is to "keep" them: (sha-mar) to hedge about for protection. Attached to each of these words is the idea of you, yourself, personally: that this responsibility can’t be applied by association: belonging to the right congregation or living in the right community. It is between you (me) and God.
None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 18:6 KJV)
The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. (Leviticus 18:7 KJV)
The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness. (Leviticus 18:8 KJV)
The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. (Leviticus 18:9 KJV)
The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. (Leviticus 18:10 KJV)
The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. (Leviticus 18:11 KJV)
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman. (Leviticus 18:12 KJV)
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman. (Leviticus 18:13 KJV)
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. (Leviticus 18:14 KJV)
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter-in-law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. (Leviticus 18:15 KJV)
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness. (Leviticus 18:16 KJV)
Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness. (Leviticus 18:17 KJV)
Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. (Leviticus 18:18 KJV)
Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. (Leviticus 18:19 KJV)
Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbor's wife, to defile thyself with her. (Leviticus 18:20 KJV)
The difference in phrasing is troublesome; but causes us to wonder which is the greater offense in the sight of God. The near of kin is not to be exposed at all. Yet, the neighbor’s wife must not be engaged with in sexual relations. One may wonder if this may mean that it is, then, okay to just expose her nakedness?
Messiah responds to this question directly:
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
(Matthew 5:27-28 KJV)
In
it may be more understandable to realize that not all cultures which would pass through Israel would share the same standards of modesty. It was common, particularly for Eastern slave girls, to be recognizable because of their bare-chestedness.
It is important, in any case, to recognize the burden of responsibility to be ours personally: that it is not a sin for a woman to be naked in our presence. It is rather sinful for us to take undue notice of that nakedness. The responsibility to abstain from sin rests squarely upon us and us alone.
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 18:21 KJV)
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV)
Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. (Leviticus 18:23 KJV)
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: (Leviticus 18:24 KJV)
And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. (Leviticus 18:25 KJV)
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (Leviticus 18:26 KJV)
(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) (Leviticus 18:27 KJV)
…and we think the problems and issues we deal with in life are so new!
That the land spew not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spewed out the nations that were before you. (Leviticus 18:28 KJV)
For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. (Leviticus 18:29 KJV)
Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 18:30 KJV)
And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, (Leviticus 19:1 KJV)
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. (Leviticus 19:2 KJV)
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:3 KJV)
Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:4 KJV)
And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will. (Leviticus 19:5 KJV)
It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if aught remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire. (Leviticus 19:6 KJV)
And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted. (Leviticus 19:7 KJV)
Therefore every one that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. (Leviticus 19:8 KJV)
And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. (Leviticus 19:9 KJV)
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:10 KJV)
Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. (Leviticus 19:11 KJV)
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:12 KJV)
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. (Leviticus 19:13 KJV)
Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:14 KJV)
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor. (Leviticus 19:15 KJV)
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:16 KJV)
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him. (Leviticus 19:17 KJV)
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:18 KJV)
The distinction between "brother" and "neighbor" is the difference between those of Jewish pedigree and the goyim or the non-native peoples who will join themselves with Israel. Notice that the stronger obligation is toward the neighbor. Even though it is natural that we should not bear a grudge against those who are most like us, we are to go beyond our natural inclinations and love those who are different from us.
All of these first eighteen verses contain a distinctive theme: that our valuation of things be not based upon a self-centered perspective on life. From the Peace Offering that must not be eaten the third day (Who’d want to eat something that’s been sitting around for three days in the sun?) to the conversation we engage in regarding those around us, our conduct is to reflect our relationship with Adonai, in consideration for all of His created beings.
Leviticus 19 is possibly my favorite text in the Bible. While the Ten Commandments are not listed verbatim in the entire book of Leviticus, here they are articulated plainly in the "shoe-leather" responses we are to have to the circumstances in life we encounter.
Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle engender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woolen come upon thee. (Leviticus 19:19 KJV)
And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to a husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. (Leviticus 19:20 KJV)
And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering. (Leviticus 19:21 KJV)
And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him. (Leviticus 19:22 KJV)
And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of. (Leviticus 19:23 KJV)
But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the LORD withal. (Leviticus 19:24 KJV)
And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:25 KJV)
Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. (Leviticus 19:26 KJV)
Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. (Leviticus 19:27 KJV)
This is likely referring to a specific idolatrous custom of cutting away one’s own skin in patches from his beard and offering it as human sacrifice to pagan deities.
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:28 KJV)
Is this specifically condemning tattoos? What about make-up or piercing one’s ears? It’s easy to condemn what the other guy is doing while justifying the practices to which we are familiar.
It may be that the reference is specifically to the ritual of self-mutilation or branding that some cultures do as a memorial for those who have died. It may be a broader application. This is the sort of thing that we rely upon the Spirit of Adonai in order to lead us into all truth. At the same time, the conclusion that we are comfortable with today may not be the perfect understanding. It is very possible that this (or any other issue) is lower on the list of things that He is working and perfecting in your life.
Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a sleeper; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness. (Leviticus 19:29 KJV)
Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:30 KJV)
First, notice that sabbaths is plural and that it is not capitalized. It is describing many events in the year and not specifically the one in seven cycle. Other sabbaths include Rosh Hashanah (Day of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Passover, the eighth day of Unleavened Bread, Shavaot (Pentecost), and the First and eighth days of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles).
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:31 KJV)
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:32 KJV)
How many of us stand silently, stop whatever we are doing, and give honor to an older person when he or she walks into the room. It is a practice that I recommend we each practice. Such teaches us to remember that there are those who are more venerable than ourselves and it is important for us to learn to give respect. A couple of practices that have grown to be important to me. When an older person or a person of honor enters the room I am in, I stand and greet them respectfully. I never shake anyone’s hand while sitting down. I always rise in respect. I never continue speaking when approached by an older person, but always yield them the opportunity to interject, and continue only with their permission. These are practiced and have come over time; but have yielded an important distinction of dignity and honor in our community. They have particularly reminded me that I am not to be the center of my world.
And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. (Leviticus 19:33 KJV)
But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:34 KJV)
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. (Leviticus 19:35 KJV)
Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. (Leviticus 19:36 KJV)
Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:37 KJV)
And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, (Leviticus 20:1 KJV)
Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. (Leviticus 20:2 KJV)
And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name. (Leviticus 20:3 KJV)
And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not: (Leviticus 20:4 KJV)
Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people. (Leviticus 20:5 KJV)
And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. (Leviticus 20:6 KJV)
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 20:7 KJV)
And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you. (Leviticus 20:8 KJV)
For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him. (Leviticus 20:9 KJV)
And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. (Leviticus 20:10 KJV)
And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:11 KJV)
And if a man lie with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:12 KJV)
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13 KJV)
And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you. (Leviticus 20:14 KJV)
And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast. (Leviticus 20:15 KJV)
And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:16 KJV)
And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity. (Leviticus 20:17 KJV)
And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath discovered her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people. (Leviticus 20:18 KJV)
And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity. (Leviticus 20:19 KJV)
And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless. (Leviticus 20:20 KJV)
And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. (Leviticus 20:21 KJV)
Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spew you not out. (Leviticus 20:22 KJV)
And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. (Leviticus 20:23 KJV)
But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people. (Leviticus 20:24 KJV)
Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. (Leviticus 20:25 KJV)
And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. (Leviticus 20:26 KJV)
The meaning of this is that since the
has warned against forbidden sexual relations and forbidden foods, while permitting relations with one's wife and eating meat and wine, the lustful person can find a place to wallow in fornication with his wife or wives and be of "the guzzlers of wine and the gluttons of meat", and converse at will of all licentious things (since no prohibition against this is specified in the
). He can be a hedonist
with the
's permission. Therefore, after enumerating the things which it forbids entirely, the
says: "Be holy." Constrain yourself also in thatwhich is permitted. (Nachmanides)
A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:27 KJV)
I was lying awake in bed last night, thinking of the
and God’s love for me. It struck me that I haven’t an inkling of what righteousness really is, nor of how utterly consumed I am with the depravity of my soul. It is though we are wowed by the kindergarten bean sprout that sits in a Styrofoam cup in the windowsill; but the garden of life is in ruins and overrun with briars and thistles. We hold up our little bean-cups to God and say, "See what I’ve done?" There’s is nothing so profound and loving as a Father’s encouraging smile.
Yet, we want so much to hang onto that simplicity as we are encouraged to develop and grow and understand. We want more than anything to reproduce that feeling of acceptance and appreciation for the Holy One. We find ourselves in high school and in college and beyond, filling the windowsill with Styrofoam cups, and are confused that the Father is less and less appreciative of our efforts.
The garden outside is too much work. The fruit that it may yield is poor and random, the pests and insects are offensive. The weeds are overwhelming. It simply is not a fun place to be. The sterile and quiet academics where we can nurture our seed is much more desirable. We are happy with the success that we see and can reproduce time and again. We are wasting our time.
The difference between the religious experience of the world and the life that Adonai has called us to is that the world’s understanding of faith and relationship is in the classroom (or in the chapel). The faith that God has called us to is in the garden. The focus of the Church is on each individual bean that grows on the windowsill. The desire of our Father is to bend down with us, and work together, under the hot sun, getting our hands dirty and cutting our fingers on the thorns. The purpose of the religiosity of the world is to understand and appreciate the magnificence of God’s Creation. The life of faith that Abba Adonai calls us to is to feed the world.
If our religious experience is t o understand more about how fascinating and miraculous is the bean, we will never run out of material. The intellectual depth and insights that are contained in that Styrofoam cup have baffled scientists and theologians for thousands of years. Most of us are too simple to even grasp the most academic relevance.
But is you want to spend time with the Father, getting to know Him and learning about the way He feels about things, getting to understand what He finds important and beautiful and precious, eventually you’re going to have to wander out into the garden, as ugly and overwhelming as it has become.
May our lives, someday, become the beautiful place where people can come and taste the fruits of His labors within us.
for this week! On the 
