PB Hebrew

Chaos of Christ or the Simplicity of the MessiYAH

Passover

Shabat Shalom Aleykem

And

חג פסח שמח

Happy Passover Everyone

Yesterday was the night of the Betrothal Supper a.k.a “Last supper”, mistakenly many think it to be the same as the passover, but it was not the passover, but the evening of the day of preparation for the passover and unleavened bread feasts.

In the day that קדם (Qadam) precedes מצת Matsah("Unleavened-Bread"), the Tha·lmiyd·iym("disciples") drew near to Yeshuwa and said to him, "Where do you desire us to כינ prepare to eat the פּסח Pecsach("Passover") ? " - Mattiyahuw 26:17

The Towrah of Yehovah Says:

_"And the Yehovah-God spoke to Mosheh and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month(of passover / Abiyb) shall be to you the beginning of months: it shall be THE FIRST MONTH of the YEAR to you."_~ Exodus 12:1

"...IN THE 14th DAY of the 1st month (Abiyb) SHALL BE THE PASSOVER..."~Lev 23:5

"...on the 15th to the 21st day of the 1st month (Abiyb) shall unleavened bread be eaten..." ~ Lev 23:6

"...wave the First fruits from the morrow after the shabat..." ~ Lev 23:10,11

The most Ancient of ancient calenders, that predates all other calenders by over 1500 yrs, is non other than, the biblical Calender designed and established by Yehovah-God Himself. 

It begins at the onset of the earths celestial cycle around the sun, at the very Dawn of the year, when all life "Wakes up" and comes alive, when the animals arouse out of their hibernation, and the plant's seeds sprout out of dormancy, as all nature stirs, and springs back to life, hence the name of the season.

A few days later(sometimes earlier), to the spring equinox, on the eve of the new moon, when the moon synchronises and begins its cycle around the earth, the biblical new moonth and year commences. 

But

The ancient pagan calendars say:

The year begins in the Dead of winter, when life is asleep ("hibernation"), i.e the "Night of the Year", and at the "Midnight of the Year" aka "Winter solstice" (Dec 25th), the longest and Darkest night of the Year, they begun the count to the new year.

In the pagan roman Julian Calendar, (named after Julius Caesar) later adopted by the Roman catholic church and renamed Gregorian calender (after pope Gregory), the new year was celebrated a few days after winter solstice, on the first day of the month of the Roman God Janus.

Throughout the Tanak(scriptures) men who knew their God, the one true God Yehovah _(Adam, Noach, Mosheh, Yeshuwa, etc)_ observed Yehovah’s calender and missed not one of its appointments(Moediym).

As for the Non Jew, what does Yehovah say:

"if a נֵכָר NeKaR Foreigner (non-jew/ *gentile*) dwells among you, and *wants to keep the passover* of  YeHuWaH God; then he shall do it  according to the Appointments(appointed times) of the passover, and according to the ordinances(laws), so shall he do: 

you shall have *one law(Towrah)*, *one appointed time*,  for the נֵכָר NeKaR Foreigner (non-jew/*gentile*), and for him that was born in the land( *Jew*).

In the English translation Genesis 1:14 YeHoVaH says: "the sun and the moon are for signs and for seasons", 

In the original Hebrew TaNaK, YeHoVaH says: "the sun and the moon are AoToT("indicators") signaling the MuWAD•DiYM("Appointed Times") i.e the days of the events of the seven feasts.

Go outside tonight and , lookup and witness the annual fullfilent of YeHoVaH's words in Gen 1:14.

Every year for the last 5991yrs, every PacSaK("passover") and  every cSuKoTh("Tabernacles") the *moon* shines -as this night- at its *full* illumination, in the sky for all the world to see.

HaLeL YeHoVaH !!!.

חג פסח שמח

Happy Passover Everyone

Matzah

16th Aviv 5781

Shalom,

Today is the day after the high Shabbat of Matzah on the 15th Aviv. John 19:31 said, " for that Shabbat was a high one". That is, that shabbat was the annual shabbat and not the weekly Shabbat.

The day after the high Shabbat of Matzah is "Reshit katzirchem" or First Reaping. This has been commonly translated as Firstfruits. But Firstfruits, which is from the Hebrew word "habbikkurim" is only mentioned in relation to Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. For that was the time of the major harvest of wheat.

On the day after the high Shabbat of Matzah, the "omer resit qesirakem" or the sheaf of the first reaping was given to the priest to be waved before Yahweh Elohim for their acceptance. And in 1 Corinthians 15: 20 it is written, " But now Messiah has been raised from the dead, and has become the first-fruit of those having fallen asleep." For Yeshua HaMashiach had to die to defeat death by the resurrection to life . For the penalty of sin is death (Genesis 2:16). So now, all who died in Yeshua the Messiah can have the hope of resurrection to eternal life. For Yeshua HaMashiach ascended to the heavens and appeared before Yahweh Elohim to intercede or to plead for us, as our Great High Priest.

Beside bringing the sheaf of the first reaping to the priest, they have to bring the burnt offering, the grain offering and the brink offering. But since there is no temple in Yerushalayim, no korbanot or offering can be offered. However, one day the temple will be rebuilt. For Yeshua HaMashiach is coming back to reign as the King and as the Kohen HaGadol. And there cannot be a High Priest without a temple. Once the temple is rebuilt, the korbanot will be reinstated. 

The burnt offering speaks of our total obedience or complete dedication to Yahweh our Elohim. Just as our Master Yeshua HaMashiach obeyed Yahweh Elohim totally and completely, even unto death. The grain offering is to acknowledge that Yahweh our Elohim is the source of our total supply. And the drink offering speaks of joy, of rejoicing in the presence of Yahweh Elohim. For the joy of Yahweh is our strength. 

From the day after the high Shabbat of Matzah, we are to count 7 weeks and the fiftieth day will be Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. Also commonly called Pentecost, which means fifty in Greek.

So Yeshua HaMashiach died at Pesach on Aviv 14th and not on Friday. He was buried before sundown as after sundown was the beginning of the 7 days Feast of Unleavened Bread, from Aviv 15th to the 21st. And the day after the high Shabbat of Matzah is Reshit Katzirchem or First Reaping. They are three different Moedim.

Happy Feast of First Reaping.

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN:TAKE NOTES WHO BEARS THE TRUTH SET APART SPIRIT/ RUAKH HA QODESH OF OBEDIENCE AND NOT LAWLESSNESS...AS MANY NAMES HAVE COME AND MISLED FOLKS IN IGNORANCE...

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN:TAKE NOTES WHO BEARS THE TRUTH SET APART SPIRIT/ RUAKH HA QODESH OF OBEDIENCE AND NOT LAWLESSNESS...AS MANY NAMES HAVE COME AND MISLED FOLKS IN IGNORANCE...

Luke 21 

²⁵ And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

²⁶ Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

²⁷ And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

²⁸ And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Note:(The Sun☉,Moon🌙 And Star✡..Represents RELIGIONS) been faced headon with the reality of truth of salvation which judges the globe as we review ourselves of all we been taught and believed...In this season of PASSOVER as written,some realities from scriptures to digest::

John 8 

³¹ Then said Yahusha to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8 

³⁹ They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Yahusha saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

⁴⁰ But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of YHUH : this did not Abraham.

⁴² Yahusha said unto them, If YHUH where your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from YHUH ; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

⁴³ Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

⁴⁴ Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

⁴⁵ And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

“Then spake Yahusha again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

  — John 8:12 

As it's PASSOVER season...The complete opposite/deception called "goodfriday" to "easter sunday/palm sunday" as RELIGION has taught,can't be referenced from scriptures in details..who authorized these then and taught followers to uphold??? can any observing that throw some light???? Isn't that what the most high YHUH refers to as vain traditions of men????(Mark 7:7-8)

“And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Yashar'al went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.”

  — Numbers 33:3 

“And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that YHUH  commanded Moses, so did the children of Yashar'al.”

  — Numbers 9:5 

“And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Hebrew Yashar'alites , Behold your King!”

  — John 19:14 

 “Now before the feast of the passover, when Yahusha knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”

  — John 13:1 

“Observe the month of Abib(mid-march to mid april), and keep the PASSOVER unto YHUH thy ALUAHYM: for in the month of Abib YAHUAH  thy ALUAHYM  brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.”

  — Deuteronomy 16:1

 “And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month(Abib:mid-march to mid-april ), the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.”

  — Genesis 8:13 

Reality from as far as the days of Noah which marked new beginnings/crossover.. the shabbaths and rest of commands and instructions were been observed at appointed times/seasons by covenant children Yashar'al...yet folks still overlooking as trumpets continue to sound...when are we to note we must be corrected?? TRUTH HAS/WAS NEVER DONE AWAY WITH OR NAILED TO ANY SO CALLED CROSS..

Matthew 16 

¹ The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

² He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

³ And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

⁴ A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.  And he left them, and departed.

⁶ Then Yahusha said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Time To Awake To The Reality,We Been Through Punishment For Disobedience By Religion As The Many Errors/Deceptions Of Religion Implies...Focus On The Lampstand Now,Where Truth Is Embedded...

“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;”

  — Revelation 1:12

Kata 'YAHU'

Names Ending in 'YAHU'- יהו without vowel points, and even the modern Hebrew confirms 'YAHU' in the names. 

Concordance ref.:

H29 אביה AbYah "YAHUAH is (my) Father"

H30 אביהוא AbYahua "YAHUAH is (my) Father"

H138 אדניהו AdanYahu "my Master is YAHUAH"

H223 אוריהו AurYahu "YAHUAH is my light (flame)"

H274 אחזיהו AchazYahu "YAHUAH holds, possesses"

H281 אחיהו AchYahu "brother in YAHUAH"

H452 אליהו AlYahu "YAHUAH is Aluahym (Elohiym)"

H558 אמציהו AmatsYahu  "YAHUAH is mighty"

H568 אמריהו AmarYahu "YAHUAH speaks" or "YAHUAH has promised"

H683 אצליהו AtsalYahu "YAHUAH has reserved"

H1141 בניהו BarYahu "YAHUAH has built" or "YAHUAH has built up"

H1296 ברכיהו BarakYahu "YAHUAH blesses"

H1436 גדליהו GadalYahu "YAHUAH is great"

H1587 גמריהו GamarYahu "YAHUAH has accomplished"

H1735 דודויהו DuduYahu "beloved of YAHUAH"

H1806 דלייהו DalaYahu "YAHUAH has drawn"

H2069 זבדיהו ZabadYahu  "endowment of YAHUAH"

H2148 זכריהו ZakarYahu "YAHUAH remembers"

H2396 חזקיהו ChazaqYahu "YAHUAH is my strength"

H2518 חלקיהו ChalaqYahu "my portion is YAHUAH"

H2608 חנניהו ChananYahu "YAHUAH has favoured"

H2811 חשביהו ChashabYahu "YAHUAH has considered"

H2882 טבליהו TabalYahu "purified by YAHUAH"

H2899 טוב  אדניהו Tub AdanYahu "my Master YAHUAH is good"

H2900 טוביהו TubYahu "YAHUAH is good"

H2970 יאזניהו YazanYahu "YAHUAH hears"

H2977 יאשיהו YashYahu "whom YAHUAH heals"

H3000 יברכיהו YabarakYahu "YAHUAH blesses"

H3012 יגדליהו YagdalYahu "YAHUAH is great"

H3153 יזניהו YazanYahu "YAHUAH has listened"

H3165 יחדיהו YachadYahu "YAHUAH is unity"

H3169 יחזקיהו YachazaqYahu "YAHUAH has made strong"

H3203 יכליהו YakalYahu "YAHUAH is able"

H3204 יכניהו YakanYahu "YAHUAH will establish"

H3269 יעזיהו YazYahu "made bold by YAHUAH"

H3404 יריהו YaraYahu " taught by YAHUAH"

H3414 ירמיהו YaramYahu "whom YAHUAH has appointed"

H3449 ישיהו YashYahu "YAHUAH will lend"

H3460 ישמעיהו YashamaYahu "YAHUAH will hear"

H3470 ישעיהו YashaYahu "YAHUAH has saved"

H3562 כונניהו KunanYahu "YAHUAH has established"

H3659 כניהו KanYahu "YAHUAH will establish"

H3663 כנניהו KananYahu "YAHUAH establishes"

H4321 מיכיהו MykYahu "who is like YAHUAH"

H4441 מלכיהו MalakYahu "my king is YAHUAH"

H4590 מעזיהו MaazYahu "consolation of YAHUAH"

H4641 מעשיהו MashYahu "work of YAHUAH"

H4737 מקניהו MaqanYahu "possession of YAHUAH"

H4920 משלמיהו MashalamYahu "whom YAHUAH repays"

H4983 מתניהו MathanYahu "gift of YAHUAH"

H4993 מתתיהו MathathYahu "gift of YAHUAH"

H5374 נריהו NarYahu "lamp of YAHUAH"

H5418 נתניהו NathanYahu "given of YAHUAH"

H5565 סמכיהו SamakYahu "YAHUAH has sustained"

H5662 עבדיהו AbadYahu "servant of YAHUAH"

H5718 עדיהו AdYahu "YAHUAH has adorned Himself"

H5812 עזזיהו AzazYahu "YAHUAH is mighty"

H5818 עזיהו AzYahu "my strength is YAHUAH"

H5838 עזריהו AzarYahu "YAHUAH has helped"

H6271 עתליהו AthalYahu "afflicted of the YAHUAH"

H6305 פדיהו PadaYahu "YAHUAH has ransomed"

H6410 פלטיהו PalatYahu "YAHUAH delivers"

H6667 צדקיהו TsadaqYahu "YAHUAH is righteous"

H6846 צפַניהו TsaphanYahu "YAHUAH has treasured"

H6984 קושיהו QushaYahu "bow of YAHUAH"

H7345 רהביהו RachabYahu "YAHUAH has enlarged"

H7425 רמליהו RamalYahu "protected by YAHUAH"

H7645 שבניהו ShabanYahu "increased by YAHUAH"

H7935 שכניהו ShakanYahu "dweller with YAHUAH"

H8018 שלמיהו ShalamYahu "repaid by YAHUAH"

H8098 שמעיהו ShamaYahu "heard by YAHUAH"

H8114 שמריהו ShamarYahu "kept by YAHUAH"

H8203 שפַטיהו ShaphatYahu "YAHUAH has judged"

H8304 שריהו SharYahu "YAHUAH is ruler"

Names Begin with "YAHU יהו" 

H3057 יהודיה YahudYah "Jewess"

H3058 יהוא Yahua "YAHUAH is He"

H3059 יהואחז Yahuachaz "YAHUAH has seized"

H3060 יהואש Yuhuash "given by YAHUAH"

H3061 יהוד Yahud "the territory of the tribe of Judah (Yahudah)"

H3062 יהודי Yahudy "Jew, and person in covenant with YAHUAH"

H3063 יהודית Yahudah (Judah)  "YAHUAH is praised"

H3064 יהודי Yahudy "Jew, and person in covenant with YAHUAH"

H3065 יהודי Yahudy "Jew, and person in covenant with YAHUAH"

H3066 יהודית Yahudyth "in the Jewish language, in Abryth"

H3067 יהודית Yahudyth "in the Jewish language, in Abryth"

H3068 יהוה YAHUAH "Father Almighty's name"

H3069 יהוה YAHUAH "Father Almighty's name"

H3070 יהוה YAHUAH יראה Yarah "YAHUAH sees"

H3071 יהוה YAHUAH נסי Nasy "YAHUAH is my banner"

H3072 יהוה YAHUAH צדקנו Tsadaqanu "YAHUAH is our righteousness"

H3073 יהוה YAHUAH שלום Shalum "YAHUAH is peace"

H3074 יהוה YAHUAH שםה Shamah "YAHUAH is there"

H3075 יהוזבד Yahuzabad "YAHUAH endowed; Yahuzabad, the name of three Israelites"

H3076 יהוחנן Yahuchanan "YAHUAH has given mercy"

H3077 יהוידע Yahuyada "YAHUAH knows"

H3078 יהויכין Yahuyakyn "YAHUAH establishes"

H3079 יהויקים Yahuyaqym  "YAHUAH raises up"

H3080 יהויריב Yahuyaryb "YAHUAH contends"

H3081 יהוכל Yahukal "YAHUAH is able"

H3082 יהונדב Yahunadab "YAHUAH is willing"

H3083 יהונתן Yahunathan "YAHUAH has given"

H3084 יהוסף Yahusaph "YAHUAH has added"

H3085 יהועדה Yahuadah "YAHUAH has adorned"

H3086 יהועדין Yahuadyn "YAHUAH delights"

H3087 יהוצדק Yahutsadaq "YAHUAH is righteous"

H3088 יהורם Yahuram "YAHUAH is exalted"

H3089 יהוש

-------------

JERUSALEM is INCORRECT:

The is CALLED by The SET-APART Name of YAHU'ah: (DANY'AL 9); which is YAHU'shalum/YAHU'SHALAM/

YAHU'Rushalum:

And you, CHILD "YAHUcanan", shall be CALLED the PROPHET of THE MOST HIGH: 

For you SHALL Go Before the FACE of YAHU'ah to PREPARE HIS WAYS: 

(LUKE 1:76):

-----      -------

Then said they unto HIM, "WHO ARE YOU? 

And YAHUSHA said unto them, Even the SAME that I said unto you from the BEGINNING.  (YAHUCHANAN-

JOHN 8:25):

-------  -----

YAHUSHA said unto Them, I say unto you, Before ABRAHAM was, AHAYAH "I AM".  YAHUCHANAN -JOHN) 8:58):

-----   ------

YAHUSHA = YAHU Saves & Delivers & Salvation:

Yadah YAHU'ah ALuah Through His Beloved Son YAHUSHA Ha'Masyakh:

Parashat Vayikra

VAYIKRA (And He Called) Leviticus 1:1–5:26(6:7); Isaiah 43:21 - 44:23; Hebrews 9:1–28 “The L-rd called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting.” (Lev 1:1) וַיִּקְרָא אֶל־מֹשֶׁה וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֵלָיו מֵאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד

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Last week, Parasha Pekudei was the final Torah portion in the book of Exodus. This Shabbat, we begin studying the Book of Leviticus.  In Hebrew, Leviticus is called Vayikra after its opening word וַיִּקְרָא, which means and He called.

It can be stated with confidence that the book of Vayikra/Leviticus is one of the most important books in the entire Bible! From a Jewish perspective, the book of Leviticus is among the first books studied by a Jewish child. The significance of this book is found within these highly detailed directives where we discover the holiness, the separateness, the distinction, and the utter “otherness” of G-d. We also learn how sin devastates humanity’s relationship with their Creator. We also learn of G-d’s great mercy providing a way to draw near to Him in the sacrifice of atonement. In the opening chapters of the book of Vayikra/Leviticus, it is important to understand to whom this book was written!

This book was written to a covenant people, to those who have joined themselves to the L-rd G-d of Israel, and who by faith have entered into a covenant agreement with G-d. The important point is that salvation was a matter of entering into the covenant of G-d and the khatat korban (קָרְבַּן חַטָּאת, sin offering) was not meant to earn a man’s way into the covenant of G-d or to earn one’s salvation. The covenant of G-d was entered into by faith. Our being in a covenant relationship with G-d and being a covenant people, we are told how we are to live our lives and how we are to approach the L-rd G-d Almighty.

The overall message of Leviticus is sanctification. This book communicates a message of receiving G-d’s forgiveness and acceptance to the one who comes before Him seeking these things according to His Word. One goes before G-d in Teshuvah (Repentance) and what follows is holy living and spiritual growth. Because Israel has been delivered from bondage, brought to the mountain of G-d, enter into a covenant relationship with G-d by faith, they are then purified into a people worthy of their G-d. This is how Moshe describes G-d’s people according to Vayikra 19:2 “You shall be holy, for I the L-rd your G-d am holy.” 

This fantastic book on the grace [חסד chesed H2617] and love אהבה ahavah H157] of G-d details for us how the L-rd G-d יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים of Israel wants to be approached, but we must do so on His terms. 

What we are being provided here in the opening chapters of the Torah is related to the theme of the holiness of G-d’s people. When we study the Apostolic Writings, we see these themes of holiness being extended to G-d’s people today. The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:15-16 cites Vayikra 19:2 when he states “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” דַּבֵּר אֶל־כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם

Notice how this is consistent with the Torah in the sense that those who are redeemed by the grace of G-d offer sacrifices unto G-d. Sha’ul wrote one example may be that we offer our bodies as living sacrifices unto G-d. (Romans 12:1) According to the Apostolic Writings, Yeshua offered himself as the perfect sacrifice on our behalf, taking the punishment we deserved, just as we see in the animal sacrifices according to the book of Leviticus. The people of the day placed their trust in G-d and their faith in the sacrifice of atonement. Today we place our trust in G-d and our faith in the sacrifice of atonement, Yeshua the Messiah.

Placing our faith [אמונה emunah] in G-d’s Messiah we enter into a covenant relationship and become G-d’s children. As His children He wants us to reflect His character. He sanctifies us much like he did the nation of Israel as is being described here in the text. In a sense, the sacrifices were a foreshadow of Yeshua the Messiah. They direct us to what was to come, a future expectation of G-d’s chosen one. 

The Relevance of Offerings                                                                                                     “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When any man of you brings an offering to the L-RD, you shall bring your offering of animals from the herd or the flock.  דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם אָדָם כִּֽי־יַקְרִיב מִכֶּם קָרְבָּן לַֽיהוָה מִן־הַבְּהֵמָה מִן־הַבָּקָר וּמִן־הַצֹּאן תַּקְרִיבוּ אֶת־קָרְבַּנְכֶֽם (Leviticus 1:2)

"If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the L-RD.”  אִם־עֹלָה קָרְבָּנוֹ מִן־הַבָּקָר זָכָר תָּמִים יַקְרִיבֶנּוּ אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד יַקְרִיב אֹתוֹ לִרְצֹנוֹ לִפְנֵי יְהוָֽה  (Leviticus 1:3)

The Torah portion, Vayikra, presents the laws of korbanot (קָרְבָּנוֹת offerings), including the korban olah (קָרְבַּן עוֹלָה) or burnt offerings. The Hebrew noun olah means goes up because the priest would burn the offerings on the wood of the altar, the aroma would go up to be accepted by the Lord. The Hebrew word korbanot comes from the root word k-r-v (קרב), which means to be close (karov).  The sacrifices, once accepted by G-d, restore closeness and intimacy between Him and His people.

It is our iniquities and sins that separate us from G-d and prevent us from establishing or maintaining a close relationship with Him. “But your iniquities have separated you from your G-d; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)                                                                                 כִּי אִם־עֲוֺנֹֽתֵיכֶם הָיוּ מַבְדִּלִים בֵּינֵכֶם לְבֵין אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם וְחַטֹּֽאותֵיכֶם הִסְתִּירוּ פָנִים מִכֶּם מִשְּׁמֽוֹעַ

Although some New Covenant Believers consider the laws in Leviticus irrelevant and obsolete, they remain relevant and are indeed extremely important. For instance, without them we cannot grasp the concept of blood sacrifice to atone for sin. That core concept in G-d’s plan for redemption helps us rightly understand the sacrificial death of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah. Attempting to understand Yeshua’s death on the Roman execution stake without comprehending the blood sacrifices is like trying to build a house without a foundation.  The home may last for a time but will not withstand the fierce storms without that solid base. Likewise, we must have a solid foundation in the Word of G-d to rightly understand the Word of G-d, as well as successfully navigate through the storms of life.

For some people, a guilty conscience over past sins causes them to be alienated from G-d, despite having received forgiveness. The blood sacrifice of Yeshua, however, was shed to restore us to right relationship with G-d and to completely cleanse us of any trace of a guilty conscience: “How much more will the blood of Messiah who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to G-d, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living G-d?” (Heb 9:14)

Despite this, some followers of Yeshua still struggle with guilt and condemnation, even though the Word of G-d promises that those who are in the Messiah are free: “There is therefore no condemnation to those in Yeshua the Messiah who do not walk in the flesh.”  (Romans 8:1) Just as the blood of the lamb had to be applied to the doorposts of our homes in Egypt, so must the blood of Yeshua be applied to our hearts, by faith, to wash us clean from every trace of guilty conscience and shame over our past sins. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22) 

The pure waters refer to the mikvah, the ritual water immersion, which is symbolic of our new spiritual birth. Only when our hearts have been cleaned (sprinkled with the blood of Yeshua) and our bodies immersed in the mikvah, can we have this full assurance of faith that allows us to draw near to G-d. A guilty conscience over our past will separate us from intimacy with G-d, as well as with other Believers in the Body of Messiah. Once we have drawn near to G-d (Hebrews 10:22), we are to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."  Instead of isolating ourselves, we are exhorted to meet with others where we can encourage others and be encouraged. (Heb 10:24–25) Since each of us has been given the "ministry of reconciliation," (2 Cor 5:18) we should be agents of healing and restoration through Messiah Yeshua. (Gal 6:1-2)

The Blood of Sprinkling                                                                                                                  “He shall slay the young bull before the L-RD; and Aaron’s sons the priests shall offer up the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the doorway of the tent of meeting.”  (Leviticus 1:5) וְשָׁחַט אֶת־בֶּן הַבָּקָר לִפְנֵי יְהוָה וְהִקְרִיבוּ בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן הַֽכֹּֽהֲנִים אֶת־הַדָּם וְזָרְקוּ אֶת־הַדָּם עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ סָבִיב אֲשֶׁר־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵֽד

The Cohen HaGadol not only sprinkled the blood around the altar, he dipped his finger in it and sprinkled it seven times before the Lord, in front of the veil.  (Leviticus 4:17)

Some suggest that, likewise, the blood of Yeshua, who was the Cohen HaGadol of the New Covenant, was also sprinkled before the Lord seven times:                                                                          1. Yeshua perspired drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed to the Father: “And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44)

2. He was struck in the face until it was “marred beyond recognition” (Isaiah 52:14)

3. His back was scourged with a whip (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:26)

4. The soldiers put a crown of thorns on His head (John 19:2)

5. They plucked out His beard (Isaiah 50:6)

6. They pierced His hands and feet (Ps 22:16; Lk 24:39; John 20:27)

7. They pierced His side with a spear and blood and water came out (Psalm 22:14; John 19:34)

Satanic Counterfeit                                                                                                                   Animal rights activists are likely appalled to read of all the sacrifices that the Torah requires. Some people, even Believers, are uncomfortable with the whole idea of blood sacrifices.  One of the reasons is our natural human aversion to blood.  Another reason is because of the association with evil satanic rituals. Satanism observes its own system of blood sacrifices to the powers of darkness. As well, hasatan often attempts to twist and pervert the Word of G-d, using it for his own evil purposes.  Luke 4 gives us an example of how he did this with Yeshua when He was tested in the wilderness where hasatan misleads by substituting wicked counterfeits for the holy things of G-od, such as blood sacrifices. People of various pagan religions have practiced the ritual killing of animals to appease their false gods.  Many cultures used animal sacrifice in purification ceremonies.  Some of these include (in addition to the Hebrews): Greeks, Romans, Ancient Egyptians, Aztecs and Yoruba.

Is animal sacrifice still practiced today?  Not currently in Judaism, as the korbanot cannot be offered without the Temple in Jerusalem.  And there has not been a Temple for nearly 2,000 years. However, outside of Judaism, it is practiced.  Followers of Santeria (a religion of Caribbean origin) to this day offer up some sacrificial animals to cure the sick or give thanks to their god (Orisa) as part of their ritual activities. There are also some Christians in certain Greek villages who, in a practice called kourbània, sacrifice animals to Orthodox saints.

Human Sacrifice                                                                                                                     Another Satanic counterfeit to G-d’s sacrificial system is found in some cultures and religions in which human beings were sacrificed as a way of giving their very best to their god. In times of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, or volcanic eruptions, which have historically been understood as evidence of their deity’s anger or displeasure, other cultures have offered up human sacrifice in the hopes of appeasing the wrath of their gods. Even in the West, worshipers of hasatan and his demonic entities have been performing human blood sacrifice since ancient times, so it is likely that this practice continues to this very day, especially within secret communities just outside of mainstream culture.

Judaism, on the other hand, abhors the concept of human sacrifice, because it is abhorrent to G-d, as it is written: “Never give your children as sacrifices to the god Molech.  If you do, you are dishonoring the name of your G-d.  I am YHVH.”  (Leviticus 18:21) וּמִֽזַּרְעֲךָ לֹא־תִתֵּן לְהַעֲבִיר לַמֹּלֶךְ וְלֹא תְחַלֵּל אֶת־שֵׁם אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲנִי יְהוָֽה

It is for this reason that most Jewish people find it so difficult to believe in Yeshua—human sacrifice has always been associated with paganism and is strictly forbidden. The One True G-d completely forbade His people from pagan worship customs and especially the practice of human sacrifice: “You must not worship the L-RD your G-d in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the L-RD hates.  They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.” (Deuteronomy 12:31)                                          לֹא־תַעֲשֶׂה כֵן לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ כִּי כָּל־תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר שָׂנֵא עָשׂוּ לֵאלֹהֵיהֶם כִּי גַם אֶת־בְּנֵיהֶם וְאֶת־בְּנֹתֵיהֶם יִשְׂרְפוּ בָאֵשׁ לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽם

Knowing that G-d detests human sacrifice, especially of a son or daughter at the hand of a parent, the Jewish people naturally assume that our G-d would never allow someone to die a substitutionary death the way animals do. This is a significant stumbling block to receiving salvation through Yeshua the Messiah for the Jewish People.  However, the ancient prophet Isaiah revealed that long ago  G-d planned to lay all of our sins and iniquities upon the Messiah: But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.  

וְהוּא מְחֹלָל מִפְּשָׁעֵנוּ מְדֻכָּא מֵעֲוֺנֹתֵינוּ מוּסַר שְׁלוֹמֵנוּ עָלָיו וּבַחֲבֻרָתוֹ נִרְפָּא־לָֽנוּ (Isaiah 53:5)

"All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the L-RD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.”  (Isaiah 53:6)                  כֻּלָּנוּ כַּצֹּאן תָּעִינוּ אִישׁ לְדַרְכּוֹ פָּנִינוּ וַֽיהוָה הִפְגִּיעַ בּוֹ אֵת עֲוֺן כֻּלָּֽנוּ

G-d did not intend for His korbanot to be performed by a people who were determined to live lawless lives. They were never a substitution for living in fellowship with Him and being right-hearted. Likewise, Yeshua’s sacrifice was meant to restore fellowship with our Father upon a person seeking to draw near to Him, sincerely repenting of their sins, and accepting the sacrifice as a free gift on their behalf. The blood of the Lamb of G-d (Yeshua) takes away the sins of those who believe in who He is (John 1:29, 3:18), what He did (1 Cor 15:1-8), turn from their sin (Lk 24:47) and follow Him (John 10:27).

G-d does not delight in the sacrifice but in the right heart of the person who offers it. All of the Hebrew prophets warned the people that offering sacrifices without returning to the principles of righteousness our G-d laid out for us in His Word would be in vain. Ultimately, what G-d requires of each one of us is to practice justice, mercy and humility toward G-d and man.  “It has been told to you, O man, what is good, and what the L-RD does require of you: only to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”  (Micah 6:8)  הִגִּיד לְךָ אָדָם מַה־טּוֹב וּמָֽה־יְהוָה דּוֹרֵשׁ מִמְּךָ כִּי אִם־עֲשׂוֹת מִשְׁפָּט וְאַהֲבַת חֶסֶד וְהַצְנֵעַ לֶכֶת עִם־אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ      

                                           

And Yeshua, who has set us free from the evil master of sin through His death and resurrection, has given us the power to be just, love mercy, and walk humbly with our G-d. This is ONLY available through the Ruach Elohim which is in us (Rom 8:4), with us (Deut 31:6, 8) and has sealed us until the day of redemption (Eph 4:30)