Torah Portion Summary

Tetzaveh is the twentieth reading from the Torah. Tetzaveh means "you shall command," as in the first verse of the reading, which says, "You shall [command] the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually" (Exodus 27:20). This Torah portion continues to narrate the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, focusing particularly on the priesthood that was to serve in that sanctuary. The Israelites are commanded to make special garments for Aaron and his sons to wear while ministering as priests. After describing the priestly garments, the portion concludes with instructions for the ritual inauguration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood.

Tetzaveh is the 2nd person imperfect of tzavah, meaning "to command" (mitzvah), and this reading begins with God telling Moses to command the children of Israel to provide pure olive oil to feed the "everlasting flame" of the menorah. The priestly garments, worn by the Kohanim (priests) while serving in the Sanctuary, are also described in this Torah portion.

According to Jewish tradition, only the first few drops of shemen (oil) pressed from an olive (zayit) were to be used for the menorah, since these were considered the "first fruits" of the olives and also the brightest of oils. The menorah was lit every afternoon and would burn throughout the night. Every morning the kohen (priest) would enter the kodesh section of the mishkan to empty the ashes from the lamps and insert new wicks. However, a midrash says that the westernmost light -- ner ma'aravi -- would remain burning, which was then used to light the other six lamps (similar to the way the shamash candle is used to light the other candles at Chanukah). Only after the other lamps were lit would he blow out the ner ma'arivi, clear its ashes, and rekindle it.

Haftarh Portion Summary

The Haftarah of Parashat Tetzaveh gives the details of the construction of the altar in the mysterious heavenly Temple of the Mashiach and the dedication of that temple in the Messianic Age. There is some debate among Orthodox Jews if this temple is built by God Himself (and descends to earth) or if it is built by the Messiah during the Messianic era.

B'rit Chadashah Portion Summary

The Brit Chadashah reading concerns the spiritual Temple and our relationship to that Temple through Yeshua as our Kohen Gadol after the order of Malki-Tzedek. A key phrase here is, "We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat" (Heb. 13:10), which indicates that the altar of Messiah is not available to those who attempt to find merit (זְכוּת) through the Levitical system (i.e., the ritualistic expression of the Sinai Covenant given in the law of Moses).

The mention of Yeshua suffering "outside the camp" refers to the sin offerings (chatat and asham) that were required for atonement (כַּפָּרָה) to be made. These sacrifices had to be offered by the anointed High Priest who would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice seven times inside the Tabernacle on the golden altar opposite the curtain before the Holy of Holies (פָּרכֶת). The chelev (חֵלֶב), or fat, was burned on the altar, but unlike other offerings, the rest of the animal (its hide, flesh, and its body parts) would be taken "outside the camp" to be burned with fire. Followers of Yeshua are likewise told to go "outside the camp" to bear the reproaches of those who still hold to the terms of the older covenant (Heb. 13:12).

All Portions this week (LINK)
Torah	Haftarah	B'rit Chadashah
Exodus 27:20-30:10	Ezekiel 43:10-27	Hebrews 13:10-16
COMMENTARY
Fruits of Torah	Torah Resource	Hebrews for Christians
Ardelle -ver1	Tim Hegg -part1	Torah Table Talk
Ardelle -ver2	Tim Hegg -part2	Shabbat Zachor
Ardelle -ver3	Tim Hegg -part3	A Closer look at the Menorah
Ardelle -ver4		Amalek and Spiritual Warfare
AUDIO COMMENTARY (Nehemia's Wall)
Portion	Torah Pearls	Prophet Pearls
Tetzaveh