Tzav - Reading #2

Tzav צַו - Command!

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Reading #2 -  Leviticus 6:12–7:10

My Thoughts:

Hashem is laying out His instructions for the different types of offerings. In the website -- “The Jewish Virtual Library”  -- you can read the most amazing article on sacrifices. They are suggesting 3 reasons why people gave offerings. First, because people need to give to Hashem. They are bringing the offering to the one Holy Elohim. Secondly, it is a sacrifice for them to give and a kind of retribution for their sin. Like we have discussed before, when you have to give up something important because you did something wrong, you will learn a great lesson. And lastly, because the offering brings one closer to Hashem. In fact, that is the whole reason for the offering  -- to draw close. To read the entire article go to: Sacrifices and Offerings - Karbanot

Challenge:

“Karbanot” (offering) means to draw near. Today’s challenge is to think about how YOU are drawing near to Hashem. What brings you closer to Him? Is it when you do a “mitzvah” or a good deed? Is it when you worship, pray or talk to Hashem in your special time? For me, I know when I worship or listen to songs that extol Hashem that it seems to move my spirit to be close to Him. Or sometimes when I see an answered prayer or small miracle, it makes me super aware that He is close. The whole point is, find something that draws you closer to Him. When Hashem is involved in our daily lives, we have better lives. We need to be shining “lights” of His love to share with others. We can only do that by “karbanot”.

Reading #2 -  Leviticus 6:12–7:10

2 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out; and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning. He shall lay the burnt offering in order upon it, and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. 13 Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.

14 “‘This is the law of the meal offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before Hashem, before the altar. 15 He shall take from there his handful of the fine flour of the meal offering, and of its oil, and all the frankincense which is on the meal offering, and shall burn it on the altar for a pleasant aroma, as its memorial portion, to Hashem. 16 That which is left of it Aaron and his sons shall eat. It shall be eaten without yeast in a holy place. They shall eat it in the court of the Tent of Meeting. 17 It shall not be baked with yeast. I have given it as their portion of my offerings made by fire. It is most holy, as are the sin offering and the trespass offering. 18 Every male among the children of Aaron shall eat of it, as their portion forever throughout your generations, from the offerings of Hashem made by fire. Whoever touches them shall be holy.’”

19 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 20 “This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer to Hashem in the day when he is anointed: one tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering perpetually, half of it in the morning, and half of it in the evening. 21 It shall be made with oil in a griddle. When it is soaked, you shall bring it in. You shall offer the meal offering in baked pieces for a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 22 The anointed priest that will be in his place from among his sons shall offer it. By a statute forever, it shall be wholly burned to Hashem. 23 Every meal offering of a priest shall be wholly burned. It shall not be eaten.”

24 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 25 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is killed, the sin offering shall be killed before Hashem. It is most holy. 26 The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place, in the court of the Tent of Meeting. 27 Whatever shall touch its flesh shall be holy. When there is any of its blood sprinkled on a garment, you shall wash that on which it was sprinkled in a holy place. 28 But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken; and if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, it shall be scoured, and rinsed in water. 29 Every male among the priests shall eat of it. It is most holy. 30 No sin offering, of which any of the blood is brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be eaten. It shall be burned with fire.

7 “‘This is the law of the trespass offering: It is most holy. 2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering, he shall kill the trespass offering; and its blood he shall sprinkle around on the altar. 3 He shall offer all of its fat: the fat tail, and the fat that covers the innards, 4 and he shall take away the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys; 5 and the priest shall burn them on the altar for an offering made by fire to Hashem: it is a trespass offering. 6 Every male among the priests may eat of it. It shall be eaten in a holy place. It is most holy.

7 “‘As is the sin offering, so is the trespass offering; there is one law for them. The priest who makes atonement with them shall have it. 8 The priest who offers any man’s burnt offering shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering which he has offered. 9 Every meal offering that is baked in the oven, and all that is prepared in the pan and on the griddle, shall be the priest’s who offers it. 10 Every meal offering, mixed with oil or dry, belongs to all the sons of Aaron, one as well as another.

Tzav - Reading #1

Tzav צַו - Command!

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Reading #1 - Leviticus 6:1–11

My Thoughts:

When we are dishonest with others we are to restore what was taken and add a fifth. It's all about restoration and making things right (verses 4-5). This is what repairs the world we live in -- restoration. Examine your life and see if you owe anyone anything, or if you have “oppressed” anyone. Then take care of it and restore what was taken, plus extra. Imagine if we all did this what a changed world we would live in!

Challenge:

Along with making things right with those you have offended, you are to bring an offering to Hashem. That offering in today’s time could be praise, worship, repentance and a gift to support Israel. Again, take a look at your life and see what Hashem shows you. Take care of it soon, no matter how hard or difficult it may seem. Let’s change the world together. 

Reading #1 - Leviticus 6:1–11

6:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “If anyone sins, and commits a trespass against Hashem, and deals falsely with his neighbor in a matter of deposit, or of bargain, or of robbery, or has oppressed his neighbor, 3 or has found that which was lost, and lied about it, and swearing to a lie—in any of these things that a man sins in his actions— 4 then it shall be, if he has sinned, and is guilty, he shall restore that which he took by robbery, or the thing which he has gotten by oppression, or the deposit which was committed to him, or the lost thing which he found, 5 or any thing about which he has sworn falsely: he shall restore it in full, and shall add a fifth part more to it. He shall return it to him to whom it belongs in the day of his being found guilty. 6 He shall bring his trespass offering to Hashem: a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest. 7 The priest shall make atonement for him before Hashem, and he will be forgiven concerning whatever he does to become guilty.”

8 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 9 “Command Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the burnt offering: the burnt offering shall be on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning; and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it. 10 The priest shall put on his linen garment, and he shall put on his linen trousers upon his body; and he shall remove the ashes from where the fire has consumed the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. 11 He shall take off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean place.

Tzav - Week #2

Tzav צַו - Command!

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23

Matthew 9:10-17

1.1 First reading — Leviticus 6:1–11

1.2 Second reading — Leviticus 6:12–7:10

1.3 Third reading — Leviticus 7:11–38

1.4 Fourth reading — Leviticus 8:1–13

1.5 Fifth reading — Leviticus 8:14–21

1.6 Sixth reading — Leviticus 8:22–29

1.7 Seventh reading — Leviticus 8:30–36

Vayikra - Reading #7

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

Apostolic Scriptures: Matthew 5:23-30

Reading #7 -  Leviticus 5:11–26

My Thoughts:

The offerings are not only for those who can afford it, but for those who cannot (verse 11). What a compassionate Elohim we serve that he cares equally for the poor. We see that over and over in Torah. If He cares for the poor then so should we. If you are not already supporting people in your community that need help, then I suggest you begin to do so today. There are always food banks, local overnight shelters and places that need volunteers and financial help. Let us not overlook those who need us.

Challenge:

Can we sin without knowing it? Absolutely! In verse 17 we are told of an offering that takes care of this. Even the sins we are unaware of Hashem forgives. Today I challenge you to take an inventory of your life. Sit and reflect on your daily routine and people who are in your life. Examine the things you do and say. If nothing is obvious that you have sinned, still take a moment to go before Hashem and ask for His forgiveness for the sins in your life that you are unaware of. Seek His forgiveness and repent. It may change your life today!

Reading #7 -  Leviticus 5:11–26

5:11 “‘But if he can’t afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for that in which he has sinned, one tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, and he shall not put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering. 12 He shall bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it as the memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, on the offerings of Hashem made by fire. It is a sin offering. 13 The priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin that he has sinned in any of these things, and he will be forgiven; and the rest shall be the priest’s, as the meal offering.’”

14 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 15 “If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly regarding Hashem’s holy things, then he shall bring his trespass offering to Hashem: a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering. 16 He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong regarding the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and he will be forgiven.

17 “If anyone sins, doing any of the things which Hashem has commanded not to be done, though he didn’t know it, he is still guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. 18 He shall bring a ram without defect from of the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing in which he sinned and didn’t know it, and he will be forgiven. 19 It is a trespass offering. He is certainly guilty before Hashem.”

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In verses 21 and 22 we see that Hashem has not forgotten His people and He has forgotten their transgressions and redeemed them! Hallelujah! What an awesome and incredible Elohim we serve! After centuries and multitudes of people looking after other gods, He is so willing to forgive and redeem. And that is what is happening right now. He knows we have been dispersed among the nations. We have been “mixed” in with the gentiles that do not know Him. Yet, if we go to Him and repent, and seek His face, and follow His Commandments He will forgive us and set us free! It’s true. Read Isaiah’s reading and be blessed today!

Challenge:

Once again I challenge you to look around for the false “gods” that you serve. Whether it be money, job, relationships, material things, boats, cars, houses -- reconsider following with a pure heart -- the one true Elohim. Examine your life today. Look around at what is so important to you. And discover what is really important. Whom do you serve?

Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

43:21 The people which I formed for Myself,

    that they might declare My praise.

22 Yet you have not called on Me, Jacob;

    but you have been weary of Me, Israel.

23 You have not brought Me any of your sheep for burnt offerings,

    neither have you honored Me with your sacrifices.

I have not burdened you with offerings,

    nor wearied you with frankincense.

24 You have bought Me no sweet cane with money,

    nor have you filled Me with the fat of your sacrifices,

but you have burdened Me with your sins.

    You have wearied Me with your iniquities.

25 I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;

    and I will not remember your sins.

26 Put Me in remembrance.

    Let us plead together.

Declare your case,

    that you may be justified.

27 Your first father sinned,

    and your teachers have transgressed against Me.

28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary;

    and I will make Jacob a curse,

    and Israel an insult.”

44 Yet listen now, Jacob My servant,

    and Israel, whom I have chosen.

2 This is what Hashem who made you,

    and formed you from the womb,

    who will help you says:

“Don’t be afraid, Jacob my servant;

    and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,

    and streams on the dry ground.

I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,

    and My blessing on your offspring:

4 and they will spring up among the grass,

    as willows by the watercourses.

5 One will say, ‘I am Hashem’s;’

    and another will be called by the name of Jacob;

    and another will write with his hand ‘to Hashem,’

    and honor the name of Israel.”

6 This is what Hashem, the King of Israel,

    and his Redeemer, Hashem of Armies, says:

“I am the first, and I am the last;

    and besides Me there is no Elohim.

7 Who is like Me?

    Who will call,

    and will declare it,

    and set it in order for Me,

    since I established the ancient people?

Let them declare the things that are coming,

    and that will happen.

8 Don’t fear,

    neither be afraid.

Haven’t I declared it to you long ago,

    and shown it?

You are My witnesses.

    Is there an Elohim besides Me?

Indeed, there is not.

    I don’t know any other Rock.”

9 Everyone who makes a carved image is vain.

    The things that they delight in will not profit.

    Their own witnesses don’t see, nor know, that they may be disappointed.

10 Who has fashioned a god,

    or molds an image that is profitable for nothing?

11 Behold, all his fellows will be disappointed;

    and the workmen are mere men.

Let them all be gathered together.

    Let them stand up.

    They will fear.

    They will be put to shame together.

12 The blacksmith takes an ax,

    works in the coals,

    fashions it with hammers,

    and works it with his strong arm.

He is hungry,

    and his strength fails;

he drinks no water,

    and is faint.

13 The carpenter stretches out a line.

    He marks it out with a pencil.

    He shapes it with planes.

    He marks it out with compasses,

    and shapes it like the figure of a man,

    with the beauty of a man,

    to reside in a house.

14 He cuts down cedars for himself,

    and takes the cypress and the oak,

    and strengthens for himself one among the trees of the forest.

He plants a cypress tree,

    and the rain nourishes it.

15 Then it will be for a man to burn;

    and he takes some of it, and warms himself.

    Yes, he burns it, and bakes bread.

Yes, he makes a god, and worships it;

    he makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.

16 He burns part of it in the fire.

    With part of it, he eats meat.

    He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.

Yes, he warms himself,

    and says, “Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire.”

17 The rest of it he makes into a god,

    even his engraved image.

He bows down to it and worships,

    and prays to it, and says, “Deliver me; for you are my god!”

18 They don’t know, neither do they consider:

    for he has shut their eyes, that they can’t see;

    and their hearts, that they can’t understand.

19 No one thinks,

    neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say,

    “I have burned part of it in the fire.

    Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals.

    I have roasted meat and eaten it.

    Shall I make the rest of it into an abomination?

    Shall I bow down to a tree trunk?”

20 He feeds on ashes.

    A deceived heart has turned him aside;

    and he can’t deliver his soul,

    nor say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?”

21 Remember these things, Jacob and Israel;

    for you are My servant.

    I have formed you.

    You are My servant.

    Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me.

22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions,

    and, as a cloud, your sins.

    Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.

23 Sing, you heavens, for Hashem has done it!

    Shout, you lower parts of the earth!

    Break out into singing, you mountains, O forest, all of your trees,

    for Hashem has redeemed Jacob,

    and will glorify Himself in Israel.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

In verse 23 Yeshua is teaching about not forgiving others and not dealing with it. In fact, He stresses that forgiveness is so important that He will not accept our gifts at the altar -- until we make things right! How else will there be shalom peace in this world if it doesn’t start with you (me)? We must strive to make things right with others and be an example to the world. If we expect Hashem to forgive us, how much more must we forgive others? Do it today! Do not wait!

Challenge:

Sin is so serious that Yeshua says it would be better to “pluck out” our eye than to sin. Whether you agree or not, every sin you commit has a serious effect on others and thus affects the world! Whatever is causing you to sin -- get rid of it! You will be convicted as you read this, so you will know what it is. Take care of it now, do not delay. We must prepare for the Kingdom to come. We must get ready!

Apostolic Scriptures: Matthew 5:23-30

5:23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

Vayikra - Reading #6

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Reading #6 - Leviticus 4:27–5:10

My Thoughts:

Hashem makes a way for atonement for sin. A person who sins has to bring an animal for sacrifice, or animals are sacrificed for the nation. Animals were valuable to people, like money is to us today. Think if every time you sinned you had to pay some money, a lot of money. Would that deter you? Sin has consequences and we aren’t necessarily used to that. But, there is a natural consequence. There are people that are affected, and history can be changed by mistakes. Something to think about.

Challenge:

In thinking about sin and atonement, I challenge you today to spend a little time thinking about how the mistakes you have made affect others. If you are in a recurring sin, make a change. You may be in the middle of suffering from an addiction -- but realize how that affects those around you. I believe that with Hashem’s help we can stop sin in our lives. And we can make a special atonement. Make a gift or service for someone else. And be sure to ask for Hashem’s forgiveness. We may not have a Temple right now, but someday we will. We will be impacted by the physical consequence and cost of sinning. So, let’s practice being obedient now. Let’s get ready for His return.

Reading #6 - Leviticus 4:27–5:10

4:27 “‘If anyone of the common people sins unwittingly, in doing any of the things which Hashem has commanded not to be done, and is guilty, 28 if his sin which he has sinned is made known to him, then he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without defect, for his sin which he has sinned. 29 He shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill the sin offering in the place of burnt offering. 30 The priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar. 31 All its fat he shall take away, like the fat is taken away from the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it on the altar for a pleasant aroma to Hashem; and the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.

32 “‘If he brings a lamb as his offering for a sin offering, he shall bring a female without defect. 33 He shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering. 34 The priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and all the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar. 35 He shall remove all its fat, like the fat of the lamb is removed from the sacrifice of peace offerings. The priest shall burn them on the altar, on the offerings of Hashem made by fire. The priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin that he has sinned, and he will be forgiven.

5 “‘If anyone sins, in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, he being a witness, whether he has seen or known, if he doesn’t report it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

2 “‘Or if anyone touches any unclean thing, whether it is the carcass of an unclean animal, or the carcass of unclean livestock, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and it is hidden from him, and he is unclean, then he shall be guilty.

3 “‘Or if he touches the uncleanness of man, whatever his uncleanness is with which he is unclean, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty.

4 “‘Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil or to do good—whatever it is that a man might utter rashly with an oath, and it is hidden from him—when he knows of it, then he will be guilty of one of these. 5 It shall be, when he is guilty of one of these, he shall confess that in which he has sinned; 6 and he shall bring his trespass offering to Hashem for his sin which he has sinned: a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin.

7 “‘If he can’t afford a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtle doves, or two young pigeons, to Hashem; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. 8 He shall bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one which is for the sin offering. He shall wring off its head from its neck, but shall not sever it completely. 9 He shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. 10 He shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the ordinance; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin which he has sinned, and he shall be forgiven.

Vayikra - Reading #5

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Reading #5 - Leviticus 4:1–26

My Thoughts:

When the priest makes these offerings for the unintentional sin of the people, they are forgiven. What is interesting is that Scripture does not say this is for intentional sin. What about that? We learn in later instructions and commandments that people who intentionally sin are either stoned (after being judged and providing witnesses) or they are cast outside the camp. Almost like there is no forgiveness for intentionally sinning. But, we know when we look at all the Torah, that He does forgive those who sin on purpose. He is a forgiving and just Elohim. And we are grateful that He is. 

Challenge:

Sin causes consequences. It hurts us, others and Hashem. Only a sacrifice and repentance can bring forgiveness. And because He loves us, He allows this. Today is a good day to check your heart in the areas where you know sin resides. Confess and repent. Bring a “sacrifice” before Hashem. It can be worship, prayer, praise and giving back to those we have sinned against. Look for reconciliation with Him and with others. Don’t wait. Sin is without cost. The sooner you take care of it, the sooner you will find freedom. Examine your heart today and change.

Reading #5 - Leviticus 4:1–26

4 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which Hashem has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them, 3 if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin which he has sinned a young bull without defect to Hashem for a sin offering. 4 He shall bring the bull to the door of the Tent of Meeting before Hashem; and he shall lay his hand on the head of the bull, and kill the bull before Hashem. 5 The anointed priest shall take some of the blood of the bull, and bring it to the Tent of Meeting. 6 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before Hashem, before the veil of the sanctuary. 7 The priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before Hashem, which is in the Tent of Meeting; and he shall pour out the rest of the blood of the bull at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 8 He shall take all the fat of the bull of the sin offering from it: the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 9 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall remove, 10 as it is removed from the bull of the sacrifice of peace offerings. The priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering. 11 He shall carry the bull’s skin, all its meat, with its head, and with its legs, its innards, and its dung 12 —all the rest of the bull—outside of the camp to a clean place where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire. It shall be burned where the ashes are poured out.

13 “‘If the whole congregation of Israel sins, and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done any of the things which Hashem has commanded not to be done, and are guilty; 14 when the sin in which they have sinned is known, then the assembly shall offer a young bull for a sin offering, and bring it before the Tent of Meeting. 15 The elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bull before Hashem; and the bull shall be killed before Hashem. 16 The anointed priest shall bring some of the blood of the bull to the Tent of Meeting. 17 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before Hashem, before the veil. 18 He shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar which is before Hashem, that is in the Tent of Meeting; and the rest of the blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 19 All its fat he shall take from it, and burn it on the altar. 20 He shall do this with the bull; as he did with the bull of the sin offering, so he shall do with this; and the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven. 21 He shall carry the bull outside the camp, and burn it as he burned the first bull. It is the sin offering for the assembly.

22 “‘When a ruler sins, and unwittingly does any one of all the things which Hashem his Elohim has commanded not to be done, and is guilty, 23 if his sin in which he has sinned is made known to him, he shall bring as his offering a goat, a male without defect. 24 He shall lay his hand on the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before Hashem. It is a sin offering. 25 The priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering. He shall pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering. 26 All its fat he shall burn on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin, and he will be forgiven.

Vayikra - Reading #4

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Reading #4 - Leviticus 3:1–17

My Thoughts:

Right away in this paragraph we learn that Hashem wants sacrifices that are the best -- without defect. And He still does. He wants our praise, prayer and repentance to be pure, honest and forthright. He doesn’t want distraction or second hand praise. He doesn’t want us to come before Him with sin on our heart. Examine your heart today and repent. Make things right with others and make things right with Hashem. 

Challenge:

Sometimes I have been in church or at a conference praising Hashem, but not with a pure heart. I may be distracted looking around, or caring what others think of how I am praising. I challenge you today, whether you are at home or in a group, a synagogue or a church -- that you devote your praise fully to Him. Go to Him with a repentant heart, washed with forgiveness. Picture yourself only with Him, praising Him with your whole heart. That’s what He is looking for. He wants all of us, not a part of us. Praise with sincerity and cleanliness. Remember He is the Elohim of the Universe. Praise Him!

Reading #4 - Leviticus 3:1–17

3 “‘If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before Hashem. 2 He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar. 3 He shall offer of the sacrifice of peace offerings, an offering made by fire to Hashem. The fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 4 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 5 Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem.

6 “‘If his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Hashem is from the flock, either male or female, he shall offer it without defect. 7 If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before Hashem; 8 and he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 9 He shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Hashem; its fat, the entire tail fat, he shall take away close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails, 10 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 11 The priest shall burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to Hashem.

12 “‘If his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before Hashem. 13 He shall lay his hand on its head, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting; and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 14 He shall offer from it as his offering, an offering made by fire to Hashem; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 15 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 16 The priest shall burn them on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma; all the fat is Hashem’s.

17 “‘It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings, that you shall eat neither fat nor blood.’”