The word EMOR means “Speak” and in this portion we read of the Lord speaking to Moses and telling Moses to SPEAK to the priests, the Kohanim, regarding how they are to serve in the temple. They are admonished on how they are to live and keep their purity in all things. The list is long, the rules are strong, however, they have been chosen for this task by the Lord Himself.
We also find rules of sacrifice….especially pertaining to newborn calves, lambs and kids (goats)….and how a newborn animal must remain with it’s mother for seven (7) days before it can be taken. We also note that the mother and the young one cannot be slaughtered on the same day.
In Chapter 23, the Lord tells Moses to speak to the children of Israel regarding feasts that will become a part of their lives: Shabbat, Passover, Counting the Omer, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot…all with special rules for implementing these feasts.
The reading concludes with an example of one who curses the Lord. The penalty is given by God Himself…death…with some harsh words about the penalties for blasphemy, and compensation for destroying another person or his property.
Today, we may ask ourselves, what does all this have to do with me? If we search deep we can pull many LIFE LESSONS from this portion. First and foremost we must never forget that EVERYTHING belongs to God…He just allows us to use it. Yes, He sets limitations, as in the regs of the priesthood, on our usage, but His blessings are abundant! The priests were privileged. WE are privileged….and with privilege comes RESPONSIBILITY. We should learn not to shirk responsibility, to keep focused on the task, find positive in the negatives. Above all, to TEACH values, ethics and truth to the next generation.
We also learn through this reading to “number our days”. Where? In the designated feast of Counting of the Omer… the days between Passover and Shavuot. We must learn to VALUE every hour, every moment because we have been allotted a specific number of days to FULFILL THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH WE WERE CREATED!!
Perhaps you have never searched the Book of Leviticus with the mindset of “What’s in it for me?” Try it….You will be amazed with the things that pertain to your life today!
READ ALSO:
Haftarah EZEKIEL 44:15-31
New Testament LUKE 14:12-24