Difference between revisions of "Relationship Between Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7/2"
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<point><b>Target of the command</b> – This position is based on the differing opening commands of each unit.  The laws of Vayikra 1-5 open with the command "דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" and are directed at the lay Israelite.<fn>As such, too, the phrases "וְנֶפֶשׁ כִּי" and "אָדָם כִּי" repeat numerous times (see Vayikra 1:2, 2:1, 4:2, and 5:1) in the unit.</fn> In contrast, the laws of Vayikra 6-7 are prefaced by the statement, "צַו אֶת אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו", targeting the priest.</point> | <point><b>Target of the command</b> – This position is based on the differing opening commands of each unit.  The laws of Vayikra 1-5 open with the command "דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" and are directed at the lay Israelite.<fn>As such, too, the phrases "וְנֶפֶשׁ כִּי" and "אָדָם כִּי" repeat numerous times (see Vayikra 1:2, 2:1, 4:2, and 5:1) in the unit.</fn> In contrast, the laws of Vayikra 6-7 are prefaced by the statement, "צַו אֶת אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו", targeting the priest.</point> | ||
<point><b>Order of the sacrifices</b> – The sacrifices in Parashat Vayikra are listed according to the reason which leads one to bring them, moving from voluntary offerings (<i>Olah, Minchah</i> and <i>Shelamim</i>) to obligatory sacrifices brought as atonement for sin (<i>Chatat</i> and <i>Asham</i>).<fn>This subdivision also explains why there is a new heading in Chapter 4:1 (וַיְדַבֵּר י״י אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר.); it serves to divide the obligatory offerings from the voluntary ones. The two sections are further distinguished by different guiding words. Throughout the first section the various offerings are repeatedly described as "אִשֵּׁי י״י" or "אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַי״י", while in the second section, we are repeatedly told: "וְכִפֶּר עֲלֵהֶם הַכֹּהֵן... וְנִסְלַח לוֹ".</fn> This is what is of foremost importance to the lay Israelite. Those in Parashat Tzav, in contrast, are listed according to their level of sanctity, an issue most relevant to the priests.  As such, they open with קדשי קדשים (<i>Olah, Minchah, Chatat</i> and <i>Asham</i>) and move to קדשים קלים (<i>Shelamim</i>).<fn>Here, too, the subunits are separated from one another, with <a href="Vayikra7-8-10" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:8-10</a> containing several summary verses, closing the unit of קדשי קדשים.</fn></point> | <point><b>Order of the sacrifices</b> – The sacrifices in Parashat Vayikra are listed according to the reason which leads one to bring them, moving from voluntary offerings (<i>Olah, Minchah</i> and <i>Shelamim</i>) to obligatory sacrifices brought as atonement for sin (<i>Chatat</i> and <i>Asham</i>).<fn>This subdivision also explains why there is a new heading in Chapter 4:1 (וַיְדַבֵּר י״י אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר.); it serves to divide the obligatory offerings from the voluntary ones. The two sections are further distinguished by different guiding words. Throughout the first section the various offerings are repeatedly described as "אִשֵּׁי י״י" or "אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַי״י", while in the second section, we are repeatedly told: "וְכִפֶּר עֲלֵהֶם הַכֹּהֵן... וְנִסְלַח לוֹ".</fn> This is what is of foremost importance to the lay Israelite. Those in Parashat Tzav, in contrast, are listed according to their level of sanctity, an issue most relevant to the priests.  As such, they open with קדשי קדשים (<i>Olah, Minchah, Chatat</i> and <i>Asham</i>) and move to קדשים קלים (<i>Shelamim</i>).<fn>Here, too, the subunits are separated from one another, with <a href="Vayikra7-8-10" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:8-10</a> containing several summary verses, closing the unit of קדשי קדשים.</fn></point> | ||
− | <point><b>Object to be sacrificed</b> – As Vayikra 1-5 focuses on the person bringing of the sacrifice, it is logical that only these verses distinguish between the different animals which can be brought for each sacrifice and the various types of meal offerings.<fn>Vayikra 7:9-10 does mention the various types of <i>Menachot</i>, but only as part of a summary statement.  It does not, though, delve individually into the laws of each.</fn> | + | <point><b>Object to be sacrificed</b> – As Vayikra 1-5 focuses on the person bringing of the sacrifice, it is logical that only these verses distinguish between the different animals which can be brought for each sacrifice and the various types of meal offerings.<fn>Vayikra 7:9-10 does mention the various types of <i>Menachot</i>, but only as part of a summary statement.  It does not, though, delve individually into the laws of each.</fn></point> |
<point><b>Reasons for bringing the offerings</b> – Only in Parashat Vayikra do the verses explain the sins and circumstances which mandate bringing a <i>Chatat</i> or <i>Asham</i>, as this is only relevant to the person bringing the offering..</point> | <point><b>Reasons for bringing the offerings</b> – Only in Parashat Vayikra do the verses explain the sins and circumstances which mandate bringing a <i>Chatat</i> or <i>Asham</i>, as this is only relevant to the person bringing the offering..</point> | ||
<point><b>Sacrificial procedure</b> – According to this position's understanding that Vayikra 1-5 focuses on the lay Israelite, it is surprising that most of the sacrificial procedures are mentioned specifically there rather than in Parshat Tzav which addresses the priests.  These sources could answer that the procedure is actually crucial for the layman, who should really be the one performing the entire rite; the priest simply acts as his representative, performing it in his stead. [The first two stages of the process, laying of hands and slaughter,<fn>Even though this was practically done by the priest, slaughter by a non-priest is Kosher and in the verses, the subject of the command to slaughter is always the Israelite, not the priest.  [See, for example, Vayikra 1:5, 1:11, 3:2, 3:8, 3:13, 4:24, and 4:29.]</fn> are even actively done by the individual bringing the offering.]  Once the procedure was mentioned in Parashat Vayikra, it was not necessary to mention it again in Parashat Tzav.  This explanation, however fails to address why the Asham is only mentioned in Vayikra 6 and why the Minchah's procedure is mentioned twice.</point> | <point><b>Sacrificial procedure</b> – According to this position's understanding that Vayikra 1-5 focuses on the lay Israelite, it is surprising that most of the sacrificial procedures are mentioned specifically there rather than in Parshat Tzav which addresses the priests.  These sources could answer that the procedure is actually crucial for the layman, who should really be the one performing the entire rite; the priest simply acts as his representative, performing it in his stead. [The first two stages of the process, laying of hands and slaughter,<fn>Even though this was practically done by the priest, slaughter by a non-priest is Kosher and in the verses, the subject of the command to slaughter is always the Israelite, not the priest.  [See, for example, Vayikra 1:5, 1:11, 3:2, 3:8, 3:13, 4:24, and 4:29.]</fn> are even actively done by the individual bringing the offering.]  Once the procedure was mentioned in Parashat Vayikra, it was not necessary to mention it again in Parashat Tzav.  This explanation, however fails to address why the Asham is only mentioned in Vayikra 6 and why the Minchah's procedure is mentioned twice.</point> | ||
− | <point><b>Allocation of sacrifices</b> – Parashat Tzav, rather than Parashat Vayikra, speaks about the allocation of the sacrifices since, with the exception of the Olah (where this is not mentioned regardless) and the Shelamim, these are divided between the priest and altar, and as such relates to the priest rather than layman. It | + | <point><b><i>Terumat haDeshen</i></b> – As the process of removing the ashes of the daily Olah offering has nothing to do with the lay Israelite's bringing of the sacrifice, but only the preist's cleaning of the altar afterwards, it is not mentioned in Vayikra 1-5</point> |
+ | <point><b>Allocation of sacrifices</b> – Parashat Tzav, rather than Parashat Vayikra, speaks about the allocation of the sacrifices since, with the exception of the Olah (where this is not mentioned regardless) and the Shelamim, these are divided between the priest and altar, and as such relates to the priest rather than layman. It is still somewhat difficult why the discussion regarding the allocation of the Shelmaim, which is very relevant to the lay Israelite, is not included in Parashat Vayikra.</point> | ||
<point><b>Sacrifices mentioned only in Parashat Tzav</b><ul> | <point><b>Sacrifices mentioned only in Parashat Tzav</b><ul> | ||
<li><b>מנחת כהן משיח</b> – As this sacrifice is only brought by a priest, it is omitted from the discussion in Parashat Vayikra and mentioned only in Parashat Tzav.</li> | <li><b>מנחת כהן משיח</b> – As this sacrifice is only brought by a priest, it is omitted from the discussion in Parashat Vayikra and mentioned only in Parashat Tzav.</li> | ||
<li><b>קרבן תודה</b> – It is not clear why this subcategory of Shelamim, which can also be brought by an Israelite,  is singled out in Tzav. </li> | <li><b>קרבן תודה</b> – It is not clear why this subcategory of Shelamim, which can also be brought by an Israelite,  is singled out in Tzav. </li> | ||
</ul></point> | </ul></point> | ||
− | <point> | + | <point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b> – It is not clear why one set of laws would be given at Mt. Sinai and the other in the Ohel Moed. Ramban<fn>This is one of three explanations that he brigns.  He also notes Chzal's understanding that the verse only mentions Mt. Sinai to teach that all the laws were originally taught to Moshe on the mountain and then repeated again in the Tabernacle.</fn> attempts to explain that really the two phrases refer to the same place, the Tabernacle.<fn>One could have also suggested the opposite, that both phrases refer to Mt. Sinai, and that when Vayikra 1:1 speaks of the Ohel Moed, it is referring to Moshe's personal tent which was set up at the mountain (see Shemot 33:7-11). The advantage of this reading is that it allows one to suggest that all the laws of the sacrifices might have been commanded before the erection of the Tabernacle.  As these laws were to be utilized as soon as the Tabernacle was erected (sacrifices were brought during the dedication itself), it is logical that they were relayed earlier.</fn>  When the verses speaks of Mt. Sinai, it means in front of the mountain,<fn>Ramban points to Bemidbar 10:33 and Devarim 1:6 which similarly mention the "mountain" but really refer to the area surrounding it.</fn> where the Ohel Moed was stationed.<fn>He further suggests that verse 38 mentions "במדבר סיני" rather than "בהר סיני" for this very reason - to teach that the laws were not said on the mountain itself, but in its vicinity in the Wilderness.</fn></point> |
+ | <point><b>The Miluim</b> – The inclusion of the special consecration offering (Miliuim) in the summary sentences of Vayikra 7 is difficult for this position, as there is no mention of the Miluim in either Parashat Vayikra or Parashat Tzav.</point> | ||
</opinion> | </opinion> | ||
<opinion>Different Stages | <opinion>Different Stages | ||
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<li> <b>קרבן תמיד</b> – As this specific Olah is a national rather than individual offering, it has no place in Parashat Vayikra and is instead alluded to only in Parashat Tzav, together with the other laws aimed at the priest specifically.</li> | <li> <b>קרבן תמיד</b> – As this specific Olah is a national rather than individual offering, it has no place in Parashat Vayikra and is instead alluded to only in Parashat Tzav, together with the other laws aimed at the priest specifically.</li> | ||
</ul></point> | </ul></point> | ||
− | <point><b><i>Terumat HaDeshen</i></b> – As the process of removing the ashes of the daily Olah is related to the second stage of the | + | <point><b><i>Terumat HaDeshen</i></b> – As the process of removing the ashes of the daily Olah is related to the second stage of the sacrificial service, after the sacrifice has already been offered and burnt, its logical place is in PArashat Tzav..  Moreover, as the ashes highlight how the entire offering had been given to Hashem,<fn>Note the language, "וְהֵרִים אֶת הַדֶּשֶׁן אֲשֶׁר <b>תֹּאכַל הָאֵשׁ אֶת הָעֹלָה</b> עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ", which highlights thatt he fire had consumed the offering.</fn> it is appropriate to the discussion regarding the allocation of offerings highlighted in Parashat Tzav.</point> |
<point><b>Guiding word - "זֹאת תּוֹרַת"</b> – This phrase repeats throughout the unit of Vayikra 6-7,<fn>See Vayikra 6:2, 6:7, 6:18, 7:1,7:11,and 7:37.</fn> yet never appears in Vayikra 1-5.  As the phase is often understood to mean "procedure",<fn>See its usage in Vayikra 12:7, 13:59, 15:32, Bemidbar 5:29 and Bemidbar 6:13.  In each o fthese cases the verse either introduces or concludes the description of a purification process or other cultic procedure.</fn> this is somewhat surprising considering that it is specifically in Parashat Vayikra that most of the sacrificial procedures are enumerated. However, translated literally, the words "זֹאת תּוֹרַת" simply mean "this is the teaching" or "laws of..." and, as such, in context, might refer to the laws of allocating each sacrifice.<fn>See <multilink><a href="ChizkuniVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Chizkuni</a><a href="ChizkuniVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:37</a><a href="R. Chizkiyah b. Manoach (Chizkuni)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Chizkiyah b. Manoach</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Akeidat Yitzchak</a><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Vayikra Peirush 6</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Arama (Akeidat Yitzchak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Arama</a></multilink> and <multilink><a href="SefornoVayikra6" data-aht="source">Seforno</a><a href="SefornoVayikra6" data-aht="source">Vayikra 6</a><a href="SefornoVayikra7" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7</a><a href="R. Ovadyah Seforno" data-aht="parshan">About R. Ovadyah Seforno</a></multilink> who appear to understand the phrase in this manner. For example, Akeidat Yitzchak writes, "זאת תורת וחוק הראוי לינתן למקריב העולה".</fn></point> | <point><b>Guiding word - "זֹאת תּוֹרַת"</b> – This phrase repeats throughout the unit of Vayikra 6-7,<fn>See Vayikra 6:2, 6:7, 6:18, 7:1,7:11,and 7:37.</fn> yet never appears in Vayikra 1-5.  As the phase is often understood to mean "procedure",<fn>See its usage in Vayikra 12:7, 13:59, 15:32, Bemidbar 5:29 and Bemidbar 6:13.  In each o fthese cases the verse either introduces or concludes the description of a purification process or other cultic procedure.</fn> this is somewhat surprising considering that it is specifically in Parashat Vayikra that most of the sacrificial procedures are enumerated. However, translated literally, the words "זֹאת תּוֹרַת" simply mean "this is the teaching" or "laws of..." and, as such, in context, might refer to the laws of allocating each sacrifice.<fn>See <multilink><a href="ChizkuniVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Chizkuni</a><a href="ChizkuniVayikra7-37" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7:37</a><a href="R. Chizkiyah b. Manoach (Chizkuni)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Chizkiyah b. Manoach</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Akeidat Yitzchak</a><a href="AkeidatYitzchakVayikraPeirush6" data-aht="source">Vayikra Peirush 6</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Arama (Akeidat Yitzchak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Arama</a></multilink> and <multilink><a href="SefornoVayikra6" data-aht="source">Seforno</a><a href="SefornoVayikra6" data-aht="source">Vayikra 6</a><a href="SefornoVayikra7" data-aht="source">Vayikra 7</a><a href="R. Ovadyah Seforno" data-aht="parshan">About R. Ovadyah Seforno</a></multilink> who appear to understand the phrase in this manner. For example, Akeidat Yitzchak writes, "זאת תורת וחוק הראוי לינתן למקריב העולה".</fn></point> | ||
− | <point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b | + | <point><b>Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai</b></point> |
<point><b>The conclusion: "זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה... וְלַמִּלּוּאִים"</b> – The inclusion of the special consecration offering (<i>Miliuim)</i> in the summary sentences of Vayikra 7 is difficult for this position, as there is no mention of the <i>Miluim</i> in either Parashat Vayikra or Parashat Tzav.</point> | <point><b>The conclusion: "זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה... וְלַמִּלּוּאִים"</b> – The inclusion of the special consecration offering (<i>Miliuim)</i> in the summary sentences of Vayikra 7 is difficult for this position, as there is no mention of the <i>Miluim</i> in either Parashat Vayikra or Parashat Tzav.</point> | ||
<point><b>Biblical Parallels</b></point> | <point><b>Biblical Parallels</b></point> |
Version as of 13:46, 16 March 2019
Relationship Between Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7
Exegetical Approaches
Complement Vayikra 1-5
The laws of Vayikra 6-7 complement those in Vayikra 1-5. This position divides regarding the unique focus of each unit that differentiates one from the other:
Different Audiences
While Parashat Vayikra focuses on the nation's role in the sacrificial process, Vayikra 6-7 focuses on the priest and his responsibilities.
- מנחת כהן משיח – As this sacrifice is only brought by a priest, it is omitted from the discussion in Parashat Vayikra and mentioned only in Parashat Tzav.
- קרבן תודה – It is not clear why this subcategory of Shelamim, which can also be brought by an Israelite, is singled out in Tzav.
Different Stages
The directives of Vayikra 1-5 focus on the bringing and preparation of the sacrifice, while the laws of Chapters 6-7 focus on the apportioning of the sacrifices.
- Thus, Vayikra 1-5 moves from voluntary offerings (Olah, Minchah and Shelamim) to obligatory sacrifices brought as atonement for sin (Chatat and Asham).
- In contrast, Parashat Tzav moves from קדשי קדשים to קדשים קלים. The Olah is listed first as it is offered totally to Hashem.12 The Minchah and Chatat follow as there are examples of each which are for God exclusively13 and others that are shared also by the priest.14 The Asham, which is always divided between Hashem and the priest, comes next, and the unit closes with the Shelamim which is shared also by the lay Israelite.15
- The Minchah – As the Minchah is a meal offering which does not require slaughter, sprinkling of blood, or the like, its preparation is basically equivalent to its allotment between the altar and the priest, and so it is mentioned in both units.16 This explains why the parts of the procedure which are related to the offering's preparation rather than its allocation, such as the placing of oil and frankincense on the offering, are omitted in Parashat Tzav.
- The Asham – It is not clear, according to this position, why the Asham's sacrificial procedure is mentioned in Vayikra 6 and not in Vayikra 5, where expected.
- מנחת כהן משיח ושלמי תודה – Both the Minchah of the Kohen Mashiach and the Thanksgiving Offering, a type of Shelamim, are mentioned only in Parashat Tzav. This position would explain that since each of these has certain laws regarding the allocation of the sacrifice that distinguish it from other offerings in its category,18 they needed to be mentioned individually as a contrast to the other similar offerings.19 They are omitted from Parashat Vayikra because this distinction is irrelevant there, as the unit does not focus on the apportioning of the sacrifice.20
- קרבן תמיד – As this specific Olah is a national rather than individual offering, it has no place in Parashat Vayikra and is instead alluded to only in Parashat Tzav, together with the other laws aimed at the priest specifically.
Supplement Shemot 29
The laws of Vayikra 6-7 supplement the laws regarding the Days of Consecration in Shemot 29, adding laws specific to the priest which were relevant not only for this ceremony but for future generations as well. The laws of Vayikra 1-5 are detached from the ceremony and focus instead on laws governing the individual's bringing of sacrifices throughout the generations
- "זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה... וְלַמִּלּוּאִים" – R. Hoffmann suggests that the inclusion of the Miluim in the closing verses of Vayikra 6-728 proves that the verses form a conclusion not just to these chapters but also to Shemot 29 which discusses the Miluim in detail.29 As such, all three chapters form one unit and were commanded together.
- "זֹאת מִשְׁחַת אַהֲרֹן וּמִשְׁחַת בָּנָיו... בְּיוֹם מׇשְׁחוֹ" – This summary verse, too, connects Chapters 6-7 to the events of the Days of Consecration mandated in Shemot 29.
- מנחת כהן משיח – This Minchah is clearly connected to the days of Consecration, when Aharon was anointed, explaining its location in Vayikra 6 rather than Vayikra 2. One might question, however, why the offering is not mentioned in Shemot 29. According to R. Hoffmann, since the sacrifice is relevant not only to Aharon, but to his descendants as well,30 it is mentioned only in Vayikra 6 together with the other laws relevant for all generations.31
- Lachmei Todah– These loaves, too, might be mentioned in Vayikra 6 specifically since they are very similar to the loaves of bread which accompanied the Miluim offering.32 [Alternatively, their mention is related to this chapter's specific emphasis on the portions allocated to the priests, discussed below.]
- The Tamid – Vayikra 6 does not focus on the voluntary Olah offerings (like Vayikra 1) but on the daily Tamid offering, or perhaps more specifically, on the constant fire which was to burn on the altar. This, too, connects the chapter to Shemot 29 which discusses the Tamid at length,33 probably because it was this offering and continuous fire which both invited Hashem's presence to descend and symbolized how it continuously dwells in the Mishkan.34
- Vayikra 6-7 – Vayikra 6-7 omits the procedures for most of the sacrifices not because they are mentioned in 1-5 (which was only given later) but because they were relayed already in Shemot 29.35 The Minchah and Asham are exceptional because they were not offered during the Consecration ceremony.36 As such, their procedures are not discussed in Shemot 29, but are instead relayed in Vayikra 6,37 together with the other laws aimed at the priests which were relevant for all generations.38 It is only between the two sets of chapters, then, that the priests gets a complete list of procedures.
- Vayikra 1-5 – Though the laws of Vayikra 1-5 are given after the laws of Shemot 29 and Parashat Tzav, they also mention the protocol for each sacrifice, since here these laws are aimed at the lay Israelite rather than the priest. Since only in these chapters is there a distinction between the types of animals that might be brought for each sacrifice,39 it was necessary to distinguish between the various processes for each. It is possible that the protocol regarding the Asham is omitted because it might be considered a sub-type of Chatat,40 whose sacrificial process was already discussed.41 R. Hoffmann alternatively suggests that since only one type of animal could be brought for the Asham, there was no need to distinguish between different procedures and so the verses omit the discussion entirely, relying instead on what is known from Vayikra 6-7.
- חטאת – During the days of Consecration, the meat and skin of the Chatat offering were burnt outside the camp. Vayikra 6 comes to teach that normally, in contrast, the priest is to eat of this meat.43
- קרבן שלמים – During the Miluim ceremony the ram's right thigh was offered to Hashem together with the fat, and the breast was given to Moshe (who was the acting priest). Normally, though, both this thigh and breast are given to the priest, as emphasized in Vayikra 7.44
- לחמי תודה – During the Miluim ceremony, the accompanying loaves of bread were all sacrificed on the altar. As such, Vayikra 7 emphasizes that the loaves that accompany Thanksgiving Offerings, in contrast, were eaten by the priest.45