The Torah Portion – Wk 20 Tetzaveh – You Shall Command

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The Anointing Of Aaron – by Harry Anderson

Tetzaveh
You Shall Command
תצוה

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Overview

In this week’s Torah portion we are looking at Exodus 27:20–30:10

God tells Moses to receive from the children of Israel pure olive oil to feed the ‘everlasting flame’ of the menorah, which Aaron is to kindle each day, ‘from evening till morning’. How does this speak of Messiah?

We investigate the special garments, to be worn by the priests while serving in the Sanctuary – taking time to study the garments of the High Priest such as the ephod – an apron-like garment made of blue, purple, and red material and linen and gold thread along with the breastplate (containing twelve precious stones inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel), the cloak with its gold bells and decorative pomegranates on its hem and the golden plate worn on the forehead, bearing the inscription ‘Holy to God’.

We also will look at God’s detailed instructions for the seven-day initiation of Aaron and his four sons into the priesthood, and for the making of the golden altar where incense was burned.