INTRODUCTION
II. Investiture of the first priests ( 8-10 )
III. From the pure and the impure ( 11-16 )
Jewish tradition designates the third book of the Pentateuch with Wayiqra name (meaning He called), following the custom of naming the books of the Bible with the word that is the beginning of the text. The Greek version of the Old Testament (LXX), however, gives the name of Leviticus (= Lv). This term, without being entirely appropriate, indicates some of the content of the book, as this includes, among other things, a set of requirements designed to regulate the Israelites worship rendered to God. Therefore, the book of Leviticus can be considered as a kind of handbook for the Levites or members of the tribe of Levi, who were in charge of holding trades sacred temple of Jerusalem.
The book is divided into several sections. The first (Chapters 1-7 ) sets out how this should offer different kinds of sacrifices. Through the offering was burned on the altar, these sacrifices symbolically expressing total submission and adoration due to the Lord, who is the only Creator of all that exists. Moreover, according to the needs of people and the whole community, sacrifices were also offered in thanksgiving, to commune with God and to obtain forgiveness of sins (see 1.3 n.; 3.1 n.; 4.1- 35 n.). The second section (chapters 8-10 ), which is partly legislative and partly narrative refers to the ordination of priests. There we read how Moses had fulfilled the instructions of the Lord (cf. Ex 29.1-37 ), leaving the Levitical priesthood established as one of the fundamental institutions of ancient Israel. Reference is also made to the rites of consecration and the symbolism of sacred vestments, concretely expressing the meaning, nature and role of the priesthood in the cult of the old covenant. The third part (chapters 11-16 ) is devoted to the distinction between clean and unclean, and ways to restore the state of purity every time you have contracted any legal defilement. This section ends with the solemn ritual of atonement, in the so-called Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur Heb.)
Next comes the "Law of Holiness" (chapters 17-25 ), which is, so to speak, the heart of Leviticus. This section contains requirements for worship, but what stands out are the rules for a way of life rooted in holiness, justice and brotherly love. Finally, the book closes with a series of blessings and curses (ch. 26 ) and with an appendix about things consecrated to the Lord (ch. 27). At first glance, a book Leviticus may seem barren and of little interest to the Christian. One has the impression that his prescriptions are nothing more than the expression of a purely external ritualism and already outdated. However, beneath his shell a bit hard enclosing a message from the highest religious value. The whole book, in fact, is dominated by the idea of holiness. The Lord God of Israel, is a holy God and wants for himself a holy people ( 19.2 ). Thus, all observances prescribed aim to found on earth, in the midst of the heathen nations, a people devoted entirely to the praise and service of the true God. For the same reason, the Lord did not merely establish ceremonies that I wanted to be honored by his people, but also showed what it meant to live a holy life in the individual and social field. And as the people were sinful, gave the sacrifices and purification rites half to atone for the sins and remove impurities. Nevertheless, it remains true that Leviticus, in the provisions relating to religion, are concerned about all the external aspects and rituals. Therefore, it is advisable to read along with other OT texts that insist on the necessary conditions for the sacrifices and religious ceremonies are truly pleasing to God (cf., eg., Sal 15, 51 , Ec 5.1 , Is 1.10- 20, 58.1-12 , Os 6.6 , Am 5.21-24 , Micah 6.6-8 ). It must be remembered also that the religious ceremonial of ancient Israel, as the Letter to the Hebrews, was only a shadow of the good things to come (Heb 10.1 ). Therefore, the sacrifices of the old covenant acquire their true meaning when viewed in the light of the one redemptive sacrifice offered by Christ on the cross: Christ has come into the sanctuary, and not to offer the blood of goats and calves but his own blood. Entered once and for ever, and has obtained for us eternal salvation ( Heb. 9.12 ).
I. The ritual of sacrifice ( 1-7 )
Next comes the "Law of Holiness" (chapters 17-25 ), which is, so to speak, the heart of Leviticus. This section contains requirements for worship, but what stands out are the rules for a way of life rooted in holiness, justice and brotherly love. Finally, the book closes with a series of blessings and curses (ch. 26 ) and with an appendix about things consecrated to the Lord (ch. 27). At first glance, a book Leviticus may seem barren and of little interest to the Christian. One has the impression that his prescriptions are nothing more than the expression of a purely external ritualism and already outdated. However, beneath his shell a bit hard enclosing a message from the highest religious value. The whole book, in fact, is dominated by the idea of holiness. The Lord God of Israel, is a holy God and wants for himself a holy people ( 19.2 ). Thus, all observances prescribed aim to found on earth, in the midst of the heathen nations, a people devoted entirely to the praise and service of the true God. For the same reason, the Lord did not merely establish ceremonies that I wanted to be honored by his people, but also showed what it meant to live a holy life in the individual and social field. And as the people were sinful, gave the sacrifices and purification rites half to atone for the sins and remove impurities. Nevertheless, it remains true that Leviticus, in the provisions relating to religion, are concerned about all the external aspects and rituals. Therefore, it is advisable to read along with other OT texts that insist on the necessary conditions for the sacrifices and religious ceremonies are truly pleasing to God (cf., eg., Sal 15, 51 , Ec 5.1 , Is 1.10- 20, 58.1-12 , Os 6.6 , Am 5.21-24 , Micah 6.6-8 ). It must be remembered also that the religious ceremonial of ancient Israel, as the Letter to the Hebrews, was only a shadow of the good things to come (Heb 10.1 ). Therefore, the sacrifices of the old covenant acquire their true meaning when viewed in the light of the one redemptive sacrifice offered by Christ on the cross: Christ has come into the sanctuary, and not to offer the blood of goats and calves but his own blood. Entered once and for ever, and has obtained for us eternal salvation ( Heb. 9.12 ).
The following diagram shows the sections that make up this third book of the Pentateuch:
I. The ritual of sacrifice ( 1-7 )
II. Investiture of the first priests ( 8-10 )
III. From the pure and the impure ( 11-16 )
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