Ancient Near Eastern Index – Parashat Tzav

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Overview

Knowledge of the history, law, cultic practices and realia of the Ancient Near East can often shed much light on Tanakh. This index contains a list of links to articles which touch on the connections between Tanakh and ancient cultures.

Vayikra Overview

See Leviticus, by William W. Hallo, for exploration of the laws of Vayikra in the context of the ancient Near East, including analysis of how even similar laws reflect profound differences in theology. Among other topics, he discusses Israelite sacrifices and temples compared to their ancient near eastern counterparts, the concept of purity and impurity in light of beliefs about the ominous nature of certain skin diseases or discharges, scapegoat rituals, and the uniqueness of the Israelite Shabbat and sabbatical years.

High Priestly Attire

See Wearing the Cosmos: The High Priestly Attire in Josephus’ Judean Antiquities, by Joabson Xavier Pena, for analysis of Josephus’ presentation of a cosmological, symbolic understanding of the significance of the priestly garments and his interpretation of how this clothing conveyed principles of Jewish beliefs about Hashem's sovereignty over all.