Purpose of the Sacrifices/2
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
This topic has not yet undergone editorial review
Purpose of the Sacrifices
Exegetical Approaches
Atonement Over Sins
Purpose of the Mishkan
Sacrifices before the Mishkan
"אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ לַי"י"
Details:
- Sacrificing only from cattle –
- Prohibition of blood and chelev –
- "עַל כׇּל קׇרְבָּנְךָ תַּקְרִיב מֶלַח" –
- Prohibition of honey –
Purpose of the Olah
Attitude of the Neviim towards sacrifices
Anti Idolatry
There was no innate purpose in bringing sacrifices, rather it was just so the nation will not worship idolatry.
Sources:Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, Vayikra Rabbah, R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, Rambam Moreh Nevukhim
Purpose of the Mishkan
Sacrifices before the Mishkan – The existence of sacrifices before the Mishkan constitutes a difficulty for this approach.
"אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ לַי"י"
Details:
- Sacrificing only from cattle –
- Prohibition of blood and chelev –
- "עַל כׇּל קׇרְבָּנְךָ תַּקְרִיב מֶלַח" –
- Prohibition of honey –
"וְלֹא יִזְבְּחוּ עוֹד אֶת זִבְחֵיהֶם לַשְּׂעִירִם" – These verses support this read, that the nation will sacrifice to Hashem so they won't feel that need to give sacrifices to the "שְּׂעִירִם".
Korban Pesach – See the Rambam's approach in Purpose of the Pesach, that it was commanded to cleanse the Israelites and as a demonstrative act against idolatry, and specifically the Egyptian god.
Inviting the Divine Presence
According to this approach, the sacrifices were intended to either prepare every individual to receive the Divine presence, or to continue the inspiration from the revelation at Mt. Sinai.
Purpose of the Mishkan
Sacrifices before the Mishkan
"אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ לַי"י"
Details:
- Sacrificing only from cattle –
- Prohibition of blood and chelev –
- "עַל כׇּל קׇרְבָּנְךָ תַּקְרִיב מֶלַח" –
- Prohibition of honey –
Gratitude and Honor
Through bringing sacrifices we show our gratitude to Hashem who owns all of our possessions, and we are honoring him in front of the whole nation.
Purpose of the Mishkan – Shadal says the Mishkan was to be a national center where the whole nation comes together around one goal of honoring Hashem. They were prohibited on sacrificing on high alters rather on one alter in the Mishkan, so all of Israel join together and feel responsible for one another to help when they can. He emphasizes the need for a luxurious house with servants to amplify the fear of the nation from Hashem.
Sacrifices before the Mishkan – The sacrifices brought to Hashem before the Mishkan was built, served the same purpose of the people, to show their gratitude to Hashem. R. Saadia says there were only sacrifices of עולות before Matan Torah.
Types of sacrifices – Shadal differentiates between Olot and Shelamim, Olot being brought to increase Hashem's honor, and Shelamim to enhance the love and friendship between the people. He notes that also the sacrifices brought by individuals were so each person remembers that everything is from Hashem, whether it be forgiveness and help.
Sacrifices in the Mishkan
- Fundamental purpose – R. Saadia Gaon.
- Need of the people – Shadal. Similarly to the Rambam, Shadal says the sacrifices even started with the people's desire to give something to Hashem, as they didn't want to feel inferior to the other nations who served their gods through sacrifices. Therefore Hashem permit it, so the people will feel their God is big and important as well; even though one can equally show one's thanks to Hashem by prayer and singing.
