Focus Passage: 7:28-38
Peace Offering And A Summary
The peace offering was foundational for a series of other sacrifices, among which were the sin/guilt offerings and the consecration offering on the occasion of thanksgiving, vows, or freewill offerings. The unique addition provided by verses 28-36 is the stipulation providing the priest his portion of the sacrificed animal. This was consistent with the principle that those who ministered at the altar should receive some compensation.
As we review G-d's word for dedicating life through sacrifice (1:1 to 7:38), we are impressed with the tedious manner in which even the finest of details of sacrifice were specified. Yet two considerations should remain clearly in focus. First, Leviticus is a book of practice, less of theory. It structured the worship of G-d according to the culture of the day. In doing so it utilized practices no longer possible upon contemporary worshipers. But in the process Leviticus embodied foundational understanding of the nature and character of G-d which every generation should contemplate.
Although the theological substructure beneath the stipulations on sacrifice is not isolated, and explanations for sacrifices are not always given, the interpreter of the book should probe for those foundations in seeking to experience the Torah of G-d in a contemporary setting.
Second, we should remember that sacrifices were accompanied in worship by psalms. Frequently, the psalm indicated why the sacrifice was offered, while at the same time affirming the spirit which accompanied the sacrifice. So, in reading Leviticus we have but one part of the worship experience, however valued that experience was at the time. As there are many parts in a symphony, so in the stipulations of Leviticus are but one part of the worship experience. Thus in Tzav we see a single score, not the full symphony.
By the power of G-d we can: "Press on". Obstacles are seldom the same size tomorrow as they are today.
Shalom U'Bracha,
Thomas
