TORAH: Leviticus 1:1-5:26
HAFTARAH: Isaiah 43:21-44:23
GOSPEL: Matthew 5:23-30
Portion Summary
The title “Leviticus” is derived from the Greek Septuagint (LXX) version of the Torah. The book of Leviticus is predominantly concerned with Levitical rituals. An older Hebrew name for the book was “The Laws of the Priesthood,” but in Judaism today, it is referred to by the name Vayikra (ויקרא), which means “And He called.” Vayikra is the first Hebrew word of the book, which begins by saying, “And the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from inside the tent of meeting” (Leviticus 1:1).
Leviticus describes the sacrificial service and the duties of the priests. It also introduces ritual purity, the biblical diet, the calendar of appointed times, laws of holiness and laws relating to redemption, vows and tithes. In addition, Leviticus discourses on ethical instruction and holiness. The twenty-fourth reading from the Torah is eponymous with the Hebrew name of the book it introduces: Vayikra. This portion introduces the sacrificial service and describes five different types of sacrifices.
Portion Outline:
Torah
Leviticus 1:1 | The Burnt Offering
Leviticus 2:1 | Grain Offerings
Leviticus 3:1 | Offerings of Well-Being
Leviticus 4:1 | Sin Offerings
Leviticus 5:14 | Offerings with Restitution
Prophets
Isaiah 43:1 | Restoration and Protection Promised
Isaiah 44:1 | God’s Blessing on Israel
Isaiah 44:9 | The Absurdity of Idol Worship
Isaiah 44:21 | Israel Is Not Forgotten
Portion Commentary:
A Soothing Aroma
When the Torah describes the sacrificial service, it says that the smoke of the offerings rises to heaven as a “soothing aroma to the LORD.”
As the Torah describes the sacrificial service, it says that when the smoke of the offering rises to heaven, it will be a “soothing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus 1:9). Rashi interprets the “soothing aroma” as a metaphor for man’s obedience. He explains that the aroma of the sacrifice is pleasing to the LORD because it is a token of His children’s obedience. When God “smells” the sacrifice, He delights in the human being who has gone to such effort to draw close to Him.
Regardless of how we understand it, the Torah is clear that God takes delight in the sacrifices. He graciously accepts the gifts of His people, and the smoke that rises from the altar fires is as a soothing aroma to Him.
This seems difficult to reconcile with many statements in the prophets where God speaks out against the sacrifices. For example, in the book of Isaiah He says, “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle; and I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats … bring your worthless offerings no longer” (Isaiah 1:11-13). Likewise, in the book of Jeremiah He says, “Your burnt offerings are not acceptable and your sacrifices are not pleasing to Me” (Jeremiah 6:20). In the book of Malachi He says, “[If only] you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar … nor will I accept an offering from you” (Malachi 1:10).
Read complete commentary at First Fruits of Zion.
