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Leviticus 17:2 - Divine command for all Israel

Leviticus 17:2 - ויקרא 17:2

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶל־בָּנָיו וְאֶל כָּל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵיהֶם זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

Speak to Aharon, and to his sons, and to all the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them; This is the thing which the Lord has commanded, saying,

Transliteration

Daber el-Aharon ve'el-banav ve'el kol-bnei Yisra'el ve'amarta aleihem zeh hadavar asher-tziva Adonai lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּ֨ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְאֶל־בָּנָ֗יו וְאֶל֙ כׇּל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃
דַּבֵּ֨ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְאֶל־בָּנָ֗יו וְאֶל֙ כׇּל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 17:2, introducing laws concerning the proper slaughter of animals and the prohibition of consuming blood. The phrase "זֶה הַדָּבָר" ("This is the thing") signals a new and significant commandment from Hashem to Bnei Yisrael.

Addressing Aharon, His Sons, and All of Israel

Rashi (Vayikra 17:2) notes that the command is directed first to Aharon and his sons (the Kohanim), and then to all of Israel. This teaches that the Kohanim must be diligent in teaching these laws to the people, as they bear responsibility for ensuring proper observance in matters of korbanot (sacrifices) and dietary laws.

The Significance of "זֶה הַדָּבָר"

The Midrash (Sifra, Acharei Mot 2:1) explains that "זֶה הַדָּבָר" emphasizes the precision and unchanging nature of the mitzvah. Unlike human decrees, which may be subject to interpretation or alteration, divine commandments are absolute and eternal.

Rambam's Perspective on the Command

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:46), Rambam explains that these laws were given to distance Bnei Yisrael from idolatrous practices common among neighboring nations, particularly the consumption of blood, which was associated with pagan rituals. The commandment reinforces ethical and spiritual boundaries.

Hierarchy of Transmission

  • Aharon and his sons: As Kohanim, they were responsible for overseeing the sacrificial service and ensuring its sanctity (Malbim, Vayikra 17:2).
  • All of Israel: The mitzvah applies universally, as it pertains to fundamental aspects of kedushah (holiness) in daily life.

Practical Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 187) connects this verse to the broader principle of shechitah (ritual slaughter), teaching that even permitted animals must be slaughtered in a manner that respects life and acknowledges Hashem's dominion over creation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does G-d command Moshe to speak to Aharon, his sons, and all of Israel in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that this verse introduces laws about sacrifices, which primarily involve the Kohanim (Aharon and his sons), but also apply to all of Israel. The Torah emphasizes that these laws must be taught to both the priests and the entire nation to ensure proper observance.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'This is the thing which the Lord has commanded' in Leviticus 17:2?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 67b) teaches that this phrasing indicates a strict commandment with no room for personal interpretation. Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 1:1) explains it emphasizes the precise details of sacrificial laws that follow in the parsha, showing their divine origin and importance.
Q: How does Leviticus 17:2 relate to Jewish practice today?
A: While we currently lack the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) and cannot bring sacrifices, this verse teaches us about the seriousness of Torah commandments. The Ramban notes that the inclusion of 'all the children of Israel' reminds us that every Jew has a role in serving G-d, whether through prayer (which replaces sacrifices) or other mitzvot.