Third Book of Moses, which is called Leviticus in English Bibles. The name Leviticus is derived from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures). The Hebrew name for Leviticus is Vayikra, from the opening word which means and He called. The oldest name, perhaps, for Vayikra is Torat Cohanim (The Law of the Priests), since it describes the functions of the Cohanim (Priests) and the duties of the priestly nation. It is, therefore, also called the Book of Holiness. This book of the Torah is often overlooked because of its emphasis on holy practices (offerings and sacrifices), holy places (the Temple), holy people (the priests—Cohanim), holy food (kashrut), holy finances (tithing), and holy days (Biblical fasts and festivals). Some non-Jewish New Covenant Believers wonder how the book is relevant in their lives. The book of 1 Peter connects the ideas of priesthood and holiness to every Believer. Speaking to Gentiles who once were not a people (loh ami), but are now the people (am) of God, it states in 1 Peter 2:9, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” All who come to faith in Yahshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), whether Jew or Gentile, are called into His marvelous light to live a holy life. A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation The Hebrew word for holy is kadosh, which literally means set apart. Elohim told the Israelites and later also the non-Jewish followers of Yahshua, “You will be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy (kadosh) nation.” (Exodus 19:6) In doing so, Elohim set apart His people to serve Him in devotion and sincerity. The Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic sect of Judaism in the 18th century said that “everything created contains a spark of holiness.” Without the Word of Elohim, however, we really have no idea about what being holy means.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:05:06 +0000