Leviticus isn't about rules. It's about drawing near. Explore the five offerings of Vayikra, Isaiah's radical forgiveness, and Peter's confession through a Messianic Jewish lens.
The biggest thing that transformed Leviticus for me was the realization that much more than any other book, most of Leviticus is God speaking directly to us, in the first person.
And I think you've just transformed it for me again!
I was just rereading the first chapters of Leviticus and I'm wondering if you have any insight about the reason for the prohibition against honey in a grain offering in Leviticus 2:11?
So there is one reason that I think is the main one and it is that honey ferments. So it becomes like leaven over time. The other reason is that honey sweetens so it is sort of like trying to make an offering more appealing to God. But as I said, I think the fermentation aspect is the bigger one.
Thanks for this. I really want to love Leviticus because I understand the intent, but it's still very hard to get past the regulatory language. That said, the refrain that appears in almost every passage, "pleasing aroma to the Lord" is something that I find particularly striking. I wonder what its significance is.
Ooh that's a good one. Re'ach nichoach. Pleasing aroma. So in Hebrew it signifies rest, acceptance, and/or satisfaction. It doesn't imply God was inhaling sacrifice smoke like it was a scented candle LOL. This is more relational language. What made the offering pleasing was what it represented... trust, repentance, gratitude, restoration of relationshp. And it is carried into the NT. Paul calls Yeshua's offering a pleasing aroma in Ephesians 5:2. Same language, same idea. What pleases God has always been a life given in love and faithfulness. Not ritual alone. Never ritual alone.
Action Challenge #3. I don't know what to think about this situation. I provide stories to some congregants. I added a kind Acknowledgement naming the person who was helpful. Someone at the 'church' did an end run around me by contacting the chaplain to inform them of my disbelief in Darby's "secret rapture" theory. I did not know the chaplains position on the subject nor did I know how profound ANGER can 'swell' over a vague chapter containing much symbolism that has resulted in multiple millennial views.
As an empath, the emotions were physically painful as well as disappointing. Why would a church leader go out of their way to bring such harm?
That sounds like a really painful and confusing experience, especially when it involves church leadership and something as complex as eschatology.
Conversations around topics like the rapture have been interpreted in different ways across church history, and they can sometimes stir strong reactions depending on the environment someone is part of.
While I can’t speak to the motives of the people involved, I do think moments like this invite us to consider how we navigate disagreement within the body of Christ... with both conviction and humility. It may also be worth asking what kind of space allows for thoughtful conversation, and whether there is room there for questions, exploration, and differing perspectives.
I’m sorry you experienced that... it’s never easy when conflict arises in places where we hope for trust and safety.
This is outstanding teaching. I love your research. You are a great teacher. What are your Bible study tools when putting lessons together. I desire to dig deeper and present in the excellent manner you present to us. Please share. Do you have books you’ve written too? Look forward to hearing from you. Gosplediva@aol.com is my email.
I love this so much!
The biggest thing that transformed Leviticus for me was the realization that much more than any other book, most of Leviticus is God speaking directly to us, in the first person.
And I think you've just transformed it for me again!
Oh I am so glad!!
I was just rereading the first chapters of Leviticus and I'm wondering if you have any insight about the reason for the prohibition against honey in a grain offering in Leviticus 2:11?
So there is one reason that I think is the main one and it is that honey ferments. So it becomes like leaven over time. The other reason is that honey sweetens so it is sort of like trying to make an offering more appealing to God. But as I said, I think the fermentation aspect is the bigger one.
Those both make so much sense! Thank you.
This is so beautiful!!! 😲💝
Aww thank you so much!
Thanks for this. I really want to love Leviticus because I understand the intent, but it's still very hard to get past the regulatory language. That said, the refrain that appears in almost every passage, "pleasing aroma to the Lord" is something that I find particularly striking. I wonder what its significance is.
Ooh that's a good one. Re'ach nichoach. Pleasing aroma. So in Hebrew it signifies rest, acceptance, and/or satisfaction. It doesn't imply God was inhaling sacrifice smoke like it was a scented candle LOL. This is more relational language. What made the offering pleasing was what it represented... trust, repentance, gratitude, restoration of relationshp. And it is carried into the NT. Paul calls Yeshua's offering a pleasing aroma in Ephesians 5:2. Same language, same idea. What pleases God has always been a life given in love and faithfulness. Not ritual alone. Never ritual alone.
Thank you <3
Action Challenge #3. I don't know what to think about this situation. I provide stories to some congregants. I added a kind Acknowledgement naming the person who was helpful. Someone at the 'church' did an end run around me by contacting the chaplain to inform them of my disbelief in Darby's "secret rapture" theory. I did not know the chaplains position on the subject nor did I know how profound ANGER can 'swell' over a vague chapter containing much symbolism that has resulted in multiple millennial views.
As an empath, the emotions were physically painful as well as disappointing. Why would a church leader go out of their way to bring such harm?
That sounds like a really painful and confusing experience, especially when it involves church leadership and something as complex as eschatology.
Conversations around topics like the rapture have been interpreted in different ways across church history, and they can sometimes stir strong reactions depending on the environment someone is part of.
While I can’t speak to the motives of the people involved, I do think moments like this invite us to consider how we navigate disagreement within the body of Christ... with both conviction and humility. It may also be worth asking what kind of space allows for thoughtful conversation, and whether there is room there for questions, exploration, and differing perspectives.
I’m sorry you experienced that... it’s never easy when conflict arises in places where we hope for trust and safety.
This is outstanding teaching. I love your research. You are a great teacher. What are your Bible study tools when putting lessons together. I desire to dig deeper and present in the excellent manner you present to us. Please share. Do you have books you’ve written too? Look forward to hearing from you. Gosplediva@aol.com is my email.
Hi Hattie! I will email you as soon as I get on my computer.