Treasures in the Hebrew Language George Week 2

Vayikra (וַיִּקְרָא) “And He called”

Leviticus 1:1 – 6:7

Isaiah 43:21 – 44:23

Matthew 5:23 – 30

When looking at this portion, the first portion of the book/ Scroll (Sefir) of Leviticus/Vayikra. I am stumbled by the first word “Vayikra” in the Hebrew “and He called” this book starts with a conjunctive “and”, this isn’t a new subject, it is a continuation of the ongoing instruction in the book of Shemot. The completion of the Mishkan is not the end, but the beginning of a new step in Elohim’s relationship with humanity. This Torah scroll’s first word Vayikra contains a conjunctive in the Vav which suggests a continued conversation. After the Glory of the LORD falls upon the Mishkan Seemingly by surprise, the LORD continues his discourse on the proper function of the tabernacle detailing the proper way to sacrifice the proper animals on his alter. This word Vayikra in the Tanak contains a textual anomaly in that the Aleph in this word is smaller than the other letters. According to Hebrew scholars, this implies that the LORD (represented by the Aleph surprises Moses when HE continues his instruction. Looking at this word and it’s root (קר) we see this same word in Number (Bamidbar) 23:4 where Balam had Balak build seven altars and sacrifice a bullock and a ram on each altar. Where Moses didn’t expect further communication from Elohim after having done what He had been instructed to do, was perhaps surprised by further instruction which he humbly received. Balam had others build alters that the LORD had not instructed and animal sacrificed in a manner he had not desired, for a purpose he had not desired. Balam arrogantly stated that the LORD would meet him. The only reason the LORD met with Balam was to bless Israel where the LORD intended to bless them and to demonstrate His will to bless Israel. What can we today gather from this list of Sacrificial practices, is that we are to worship the LORD in the manner that he teaches us. Not in whatever manner we see fit.

Next week

Leviticus 6:8 – 8:36

Jeremiah 7:21 – 8:3, 0:22 -23

Hebrew 9:11 – 28

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