TORAH: Leviticus 16:1-20:27
HAFTARAH: Ezekiel 22:1-19
GOSPEL: Matthew 15:10-20;
Portion Summary
Acharei Mot
The twenty-ninth reading from the Torah and sixth reading from Leviticus is named Acharei Mot (אחרי מות), two words that mean “after the death.” The title comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which say, “Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron” (Leviticus 16:1). Leviticus 16 describes the Tabernacle ceremony for the holy festival of the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 17 establishes general rules for sacrifice and sanctuary. Leviticus 18 lays down specific laws about permitted and forbidden sexual relationships.
Kedoshim
The thirtieth reading from the Torah and seventh reading from Leviticus is named Kedoshim (קדושים), which mean “holy.” The title comes from the words in Leviticus 19:2, which says, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Leviticus 19 describes the holy community through a series of specific commandments. Leviticus 20 warns against the snares of sexual immorality and idolatry, mandating a death penalty for certain sins. Except in biblical leap years, Kedoshim is read on the same Sabbath as the previous reading, Acharei Mot.
Portion Outline:
Torah
Leviticus 16:1 | The Day of Atonement
Leviticus 17:1 | The Slaughtering of Animals
Leviticus 17:10 | Eating Blood Prohibited
Leviticus 18:1 | Sexual Relations
Leviticus 19:1 | Ritual and Moral Holiness
Leviticus 20:1 | Penalties for Violations of Holiness
Prophets
Eze 22:1 | The Bloody City
Portion Commentary:
The Holy One of God
All of the commandments of Torah, in some aspect or another, reveal the holiness of Messiah.
The commandment “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2) has no upper limit, but the holiness of the Messiah exceeds that of any person. The holiness of the Messiah exceeds even that of Moses. In this way, the words “you shall be holy” apply uniquely to the Messiah. He directly shares in the holiness of God. This explains why the New Testament refers to the Messiah as “the Holy One of God.” The disciples applied that title to Yeshua. Even the demons recognized Him as the Holy One of God.
In regard to His concealed, divine person, Yeshua is called the Holy One of God because His holiness originates with God. He is holy by virtue of His divine nature as the eternal Word of God. In regard to His physical person, the holiness of Yeshua results from His conception and birth. No other man has been born of a virgin. In regard to His spiritual power, His holiness flows from the anointing of the Holy Spirit that rests upon Him without measure. In regard to His ethical conduct, the Master derived His holiness from His imitation of the Father and obedience to the commandments. Inasmuch as the commandments are the definitions of holiness, Messiah is likewise defined by the commandments because He kept them. Therefore, He is uniquely able to fulfill the commandment “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).
Read complete commentary at First Fruits of Zion.
