LEVITICUS
Through the study of Leviticus, we can learn the true worship demanded by God from the people of Israel. Some theologians say that it derives from the cults of the neighbors because of some points of resemblance. But this is not the case. The general declaration of 18: 3,4 "You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt." is followed by many examples of pagan practices which the Israelites must absolutely distance themselves because they are the" abominations". The religion of Sinai is monotheistic, spiritual; It has a moral character, while the neighboring cults are polytheistic, idolatrous, and often extremely immoral. Leviticus emphasizes the difference between these two systems. The religion of Israel is unique and distinct from all others. The resemblances are secondary, but they can be misleading, if we do not keep in mind the fundamental differences, for example the bread of proposition. Through this study - we pray - we can come to reform our worship. So the purpose of this book is to lay down the laws and principles that will govern Israel's conduct as God's people. His God is a holy God: therefore the people must also be holy. "Be holy, for I the LORD your God are holy" (19: 2). "They stand before the Lord" comes about 60 times, which means that they must separate themselves from impurity, from sin, and since the people are sinners, they must necessarily have the atonement and the purification of sin and of all impurity. This is why the law of sacrifice appears at the beginning of the book.
Friday April 7th 2017
Through the study of Leviticus, we can learn the true worship demanded by God from the people of Israel. Some theologians say that it derives from the cults of the neighbors because of some points of resemblance. But this is not the case. The general declaration of 18: 3,4 "You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt." is followed by many examples of pagan practices which the Israelites must absolutely distance themselves because they are the" abominations". The religion of Sinai is monotheistic, spiritual; It has a moral character, while the neighboring cults are polytheistic, idolatrous, and often extremely immoral. Leviticus emphasizes the difference between these two systems. The religion of Israel is unique and distinct from all others. The resemblances are secondary, but they can be misleading, if we do not keep in mind the fundamental differences, for example the bread of proposition. Through this study - we pray - we can come to reform our worship. So the purpose of this book is to lay down the laws and principles that will govern Israel's conduct as God's people. His God is a holy God: therefore the people must also be holy. "Be holy, for I the LORD your God are holy" (19: 2). "They stand before the Lord" comes about 60 times, which means that they must separate themselves from impurity, from sin, and since the people are sinners, they must necessarily have the atonement and the purification of sin and of all impurity. This is why the law of sacrifice appears at the beginning of the book.
Friday April 7th 2017
key verse: 2
THE HOLOCAUSTS
THE HOLOCAUSTS
The author of this third book of the Pentateuch, Moses, speaks about the priesthood and offering systems.
1. An oblation (1-2)
God calls Moses to give a directive concerning the holocausts. If an Israelite wants to make a oblation, he must bring ether livestock or small livestock according to his social status. It's an expression of thanks toward their God and a vow of consecration for God. Even if the relationship between the offerer and the offerings isn't writen, it seems evident that if the offerer is rich he brings livestock but if he is poor he brings the small livestock, and he is allowed to bring birds like pigeons, as the case of Jesus' family when Mary offers the holocaust of purification. The place is in front of the Encounter's tent, and we offer on the altar. The meaning of holocaust is "completely burnt".
2. The directive of the holocausts (3-17)
There are three categories of animals that we can bring. First, the livestock brought by the offerer must be invested by the hand of the offerer. It's for the expiation. This aspect of the offering also applies for the officers of small livestock and birds: it's to expiate their sins. The offering has this important meaning before God: the aspiration for the divine purety. The head and the grease are offered on the fire, but the entrails must be washed. The offerings must be the males without defect. The consumption of this offering on the altar's fire is a pleasant smell for the Eternal God. When we offer an offering with all our heart driven by God's love, it's a very pleasant perfume for God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for having given the lamb of God without blemish to save and purify. Help me to bring my offering with a heart worthy of You. Bottom line: my heart fully devoted, a pleasant offering for God
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