TORAH: Exodus 27:20-30:10
HAFTARAH: Ezekiel 43:10-27
GOSPEL: Matthew 5:13-20
Portion Summary
Tetzaveh is the twentieth reading from the Torah. Tetzaveh (תצוה) means “You shall command,” as in the first verse of the reading, which says, “You shall [command] the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually” (Exodus 27:20). This Torah portion continues to narrate the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, focusing particularly on the priesthood that was to serve in that sanctuary. The Israelites are commanded to make special garments for Aaron and his sons to wear while ministering as priests. After describing the priestly garments, the portion concludes with instructions for the ritual inauguration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood.
Portion Outline:
Torah
Exodus 27:20 | The Oil for the Lamp
Exodus 28:1 | Vestments for the Priesthood
Exodus 28:6 | The Ephod
Exodus 28:15 | The Breastplate
Exodus 28:31 | Other Priestly Vestments
Exodus 29:1 | The Ordination of the Priests
Exodus 29:38 | The Daily Offerings
Exodus 30:1 | The Altar of Incense
Prophets
Eze 43:13 | The Altar
Portion Commentary:
The Messiah Priest
In the name and authority of His Father, Yeshua acts as the high priest on our behalf, removing our iniquity from before God.
Aaron, the high priest, received a special anointing, as Torah says, “Then you shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him” (Exodus 29:7). The Torah refers to the high priest as haKohen haMashiach, (הכהן המשיח), that is, “the anointed priest,” or to put it a different way, “the messiah priest.” Messiah means “anointed one.”
The Bible makes reference to three offices that received a symbolic anointing with oil: the priests, the prophets, and the kings. Yeshua functions in all three. He is the prophet, the priest, and the king. In His first coming, He ministered as a prophet. After His resurrection, He ascended to His priesthood of the order of Melchizedek. When He returns, He will rule from Jerusalem as King.
A golden plate on the high priest’s turban said, “Holy to the LORD.” The high priest, therefore, carried the name of God and acted in the authority of that name. The words “Holy to the LORD” indicated God’s exclusive proprietorship over him. As the Messiah entered into His spiritual role of priesthood after His resurrection, He received the name above every name, as Scripture says, “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
Read complete commentary at First Fruits of Zion.
