Relationship Between Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7/2

Relationship Between Vayikra 1-5 and 6-7

Exegetical Approaches

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Complement to Vayikra 1-5

The  laws of Vayikra 6-7 complement those in Vayikra 1-5.  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 sacrifice and associated priestly functions.

Sources:RambanVayikra 6:2Vayikra 6:18Vayikra 7:38About R. Moshe b. Nachman, AbarbanelVayikra 6 IntroductionVayikra 6:13Vayikra 7:22About R. Yitzchak Abarbanel, SefornoVayikra 6Vayikra 7About R. Ovadyah Seforno, HaKetav VeHaKabbalahVayikra 6:2Vayikra 7:37About R. Yaakov Mecklenburg, ShadalVayikra 6:2About R. Shemuel David Luzzatto, R. S.R. HirschVayikra 6:1About R. Samson Raphael Hirsch

Audience – The laws of Vayikra 1-5 are directed at lay Israelites (דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) who bring the sacrifices, while the commands of Vayikra 6-7 are aimed at the priests (צַו אֶת אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו) who apportion them. This accords with the focus of each unit

Order of the sacrifices – The sacrifices in Parashat Vayikra are listed according to the circumstances under which they are brought, while those of Parashat Tzav are ordered according to whom each is apportioned.¹

• Thus, Vayikra 1-5 moves from voluntary offerings (Olah, Minchah and Shelamim) to obligatory sacrifices brought as atonement for sin (Chatat and Asham).²
• In contrast, Parashat Tzav moves from קדשי קדשים to קדשים קלים.  The Olah is listed first as it is offered totally to Hashem.³  The Minchah follows as some meal offerings are for God exclusively and others are shared also by the priest. The Chatat and Asham, which are always divided between Hashem and the priestת come next, while the unit closes with the Shelamim which is shared also by the lay Israelite.⁴

Sacrificial procedure – On the whole, Vayikra 1-5 details the sacrificial procedure for each offering, while Vayikra 6-7 does not.

Subtypes of Sacrifices listed

Procedure of the Asham

זֹאת תּוֹרַת

Ohel Moed vs. Har Sinai

Supplement to Shemot 29

The laws of Vayikra 6-7 supplement the laws regarding the Miluim 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 of the Miluim and focus on laws governing the individual's bringing of sacrifices throughout the generations

¹ Again, this is in line with the focus of each unit.

² 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".

³ Only the skin is given to the priest.

⁴ The Shelamim's unique status as קדשים קלים would explain why there are several concluding verses (Vayikra 7:8-10) which separate it from the previous discussion.  In addition, as it is this only offering of which an Israelite might partake, there are two sections, each with a new opening, (Vayikra 7:22-27 and 7:28-34) aimed at them specifically, warning that they may nonetheless not eat the portions meant for Hashem or the priest.