Torah Portion: Exodus 27:20-30:10

Tetzaveh (‘You command…’)

This portion of the Torah starts with the command that the Israelites should bring oil for lamps to be kept burning in the Tent of Meeting and ends with instructions for incense to be burnt at the same altar every morning and twilight. Between these passages we are told how priests were to be clothed and consecrated to minister before the Lord.

It was first Aaron and then his sons who were ordained as priests to do this. Their garments were to give them dignity and honour, made by skilled men who had been given wisdom in such matters. Aaron wore stones with the names of the twelve sons of Israel on his shoulders and these twelve tribes were also represented by twelve different precious stones on his breastpiece, each one with its own special characteristics, worn over the heart.

Israel was precious to the Lord and called to be His special people through whom salvation would come to all nations through Yeshua, the perfect High Priest to whom the Aaronic priesthood pointed. Because of this, there was significance in every detail of clothing and practice for the priests.

Great High Priest

Aaron stood before the Lord in the Holy Place to make atonement for all the people. As regular offerings were made according to the Lord’s specific commands, the Tent of Meeting became the place where the LORD met and spoke to His people, the place that was consecrated by His glory. The LORD made His dwelling among them.

Through Yeshua we, too, are made into a kingdom of priests to serve His God and Father (Rev 1:6). Yeshua is the Great High Priest who was also the perfect Lamb sacrificed so that we can approach the Throne of grace with confidence (Heb 4:16).

When we read of all that was involved in preparing Aaron and his sons as priests, it should remind us of the holiness of the Almighty and the sacredness of our calling, so that we come to Him in full assurance of faith but also with reverence and awe. If we fear Him, we have nothing else to fear.

Our Call to Service

Continuous service was required: we read of the lamps being kept alight and regular offerings of incense. Yeshua called His followers lights in the world and we should continually offer up prayer in His name under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

As priests we approach God to intercede for those who do not yet acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour. Once they know Him, they too can take on the priestly role to approach Him themselves through Yeshua. What wonderful truth and a contrast to Israel in the wilderness! Although they saw the glory of the Lord in the Tabernacle, they were dependent on the priests making offerings and intercession on their behalf. Yeshua has opened the way to the Father for us.

Author: Catharine Pakington