Shemini | שמיני | “Eighth”
Part 4
John 4:34Torah: Leviticus 9:1 - 11:4
Haftarah: II Samuel 6:1 - 7:17(A); II Samuel 6:1 - 6:19 (S)
Suggested: John 4:34; Hosea 9:4; Psalm 103:11-14; 2 Cor 5:1-21
In each day of this study we will focus on a theme or themes from the corresponding reading or aliyah. Here is the full list of aliyot for this portion:
In each day of this study we will focus on a theme or themes from the corresponding reading or aliyah. Here is the full list of aliyot for this portion:
Daily Readings
Introduction
This is Part Four in our continuing study of the third portion of Leviticus: Shemini which in Hebrew means “Eighth.” In Part One we learned that the eighth day is the day for new beginnings and it foreshadows the greatest of 'new beginnings, 'resurrection - life after death. Part Two revealed that Aaron's blessing over the people foreshadowed Messiah's dual role as both High Priest and atoning sacrifice. In Part Three we learned the deadly serious nature of serving in the sanctuary and the crucial need to always bring glory to God and avoid tarnishing His reputation among the people. This necessarily means that when we are serving in some capacity of worship or using our apostolic gifts, use of alcohol should be prohibited.
In today's study we will examine the fourth and fifth aliyot, or readings from our portion. It seems best to combine them in this study , because they are so closely related. In it we will see that Moses is very jumpy after the loss of Aaron's older sons and in his diligence in making sure that the offerings are carried out with precision, discovers more violations. Although he is understandably angry, we will examine why Aaron's response appeases him.
In today's study we will examine the fourth and fifth aliyot, or readings from our portion. It seems best to combine them in this study , because they are so closely related. In it we will see that Moses is very jumpy after the loss of Aaron's older sons and in his diligence in making sure that the offerings are carried out with precision, discovers more violations. Although he is understandably angry, we will examine why Aaron's response appeases him.
Summary of the fourth and fifth aliyah
Day 4: Lev. 10:12-15 The priests' portion
In the fourth reading, Moses directed Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar to eat the remaining grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah) beside the altar, designating it to be especially holy and the priests' due. And Moses told them that their families could eat the breast of the wave offering (תְּנוּפָ֖ה, tenufah) and the thigh of the heave offering (תְרוּמָ֖ה, terumah) in any ritually clean place.
In the fourth reading, Moses directed Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar to eat the remaining grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah) beside the altar, designating it to be especially holy and the priests' due. And Moses told them that their families could eat the breast of the wave offering (תְּנוּפָ֖ה, tenufah) and the thigh of the heave offering (תְרוּמָ֖ה, terumah) in any ritually clean place.
Day 5: Lev. 10:16-20 Aaron's reason is accepted
In the fifth reading, Moses inquired about the goat of the sin offering, and was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar when he learned that it had already been burned and not eaten in the sacred area. Aaron answered Moses: "See, this day they brought their sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatat) and their burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) before the Lord, and such things have befallen me! Had I eaten sin offering today, would the Lord have approved?" And when Moses heard this, he accepted his answer.
In the fifth reading, Moses inquired about the goat of the sin offering, and was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar when he learned that it had already been burned and not eaten in the sacred area. Aaron answered Moses: "See, this day they brought their sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatat) and their burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) before the Lord, and such things have befallen me! Had I eaten sin offering today, would the Lord have approved?" And when Moses heard this, he accepted his answer.
Themes for study in part 4
In reading four we are reminded that after the specified portions of the offerings brought by fire to the Lord are consumed, what remains is the priestly portion. We first learned about this in chapters 6-7. However, here we also learn that there are specific time and place requirements for the consumption thereof. After the tragic loss of Aaron's oldest sons, Moses was understandably concerned that everything should be done exactly as commanded because he did not want any more tragic losses of life. You might even guess that Moses had taken the death of Nadab and Abihu as a personal affront. After all as the leader orchestrating these services, He is responsible for all training and quality control. In verse 10:15 we are told, "Now Moses diligently inquired about the goat of the sin offering…" (ESV version) Moses' diligence turns to anger when he learns that the breast of the wave offering (תְּנוּפָ֖ה, tenufah) and the thigh of the heave offering (תְרוּמָ֖ה, terumah) were not eaten by Aaron and his sons as prescribed. We can almost detect emotion and fear in his voice when he asks:
Lev. 10:17 'Why have you not eaten the sin offering in a holy place, since it is most holy, and God has given it to you to bear the guilt of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?
We learn that again proper procedures were not followed in the offering of the Sin offering. The priestly portion had not been consumed in a holy place but had been left on the altar and it's blood was not brought inside the holy place. Moses was upset and he probably feared that a fate similar to that of Nadab and Abihu would befall Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Aaron’s response to Moses is drenched in pathos:
Lev. 10:19 “Today my sons presented both their sin offering and their burnt offering to the LORD. And yet this tragedy has happened to me. If I had eaten the people's sin offering on such a tragic day as this, would the LORD have been pleased?”
Moses accepts his answer, but the reasons why he did so are not clear. Is it because he understands that in the loss of his two sons, his grief was unavoidable and how could one expect him to eat a fellowship meal when he clearly had no appetite? The truth may be a little more complicated. In the prophet Hosea we find a possible explanation.
Hos. 9:4 They will not pour out their wine offerings to the LORD,
and their sacrifices will not please Him.
Their food will be like the bread of mourners;
all who eat it become defiled.
For their bread will be for their appetites alone;
it will not enter the house of the LORD.
Had Aaron and his sons eaten the sin offering in their state of grief, it is likely that the offering would have been unacceptable and by eating it they would have been defiled. Aaron is stating that he had believed it would be better to abstain from eating rather than risk contaminating the offering and calling down wrath once again. This explanation apparently made sense to Moses so he was content and did not press the matter.
It is also important to note that this failure to precisely follow the prescribed methods did not result in tragic consequence as had the actions of Nadab and Abihu. Their misteps were decidedly different and more egregious. But we must always approach Him with humility and the proper respect. As the Psalmist says:
Psalm 103:13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
And of course we must ask the question – what is the significance of this to believers in Yeshua the Messiah? The offerings were required to atone for the sins of the people so that they could approach God in good standing. But now under the New Covenant, Messiah became the perfect sacrifice so that in Him God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, but entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."(2Cor 5:19) Furthermore the author of Hebrews makes clear the limitations of these offerings prescribed in Leviticus.
Heb. 10:3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.
4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Heb. 10:5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body have you prepared for me;
6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
(See Lev 6:24-30; 7:1-11, 18; Psalm 103:11-14; Hosea 9:4; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Heb 10:3-6)
Tomorrow we will examine the major theme from the 6th aliyah, the dietary laws of kashrut (כַּשְׁרוּת). You won't want to miss this! But if you would prefer to download the study notes and study on your own here is the link:
Go to Shmini Part Five
Download Parashat Shmini Study Guide
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