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Leviticus 17:5 - Centralized sacrifices ensure holiness

Leviticus 17:5 - ויקרא 17:5

Hebrew Text

לְמַעַן אֲשֶׁר יָבִיאוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־זִבְחֵיהֶם אֲשֶׁר הֵם זֹבְחִים עַל־פְּנֵי הַשָּׂדֶה וֶהֱבִיאֻם לַיהוָה אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד אֶל־הַכֹּהֵן וְזָבְחוּ זִבְחֵי שְׁלָמִים לַיהוָה אוֹתָם׃

English Translation

to the end that the children of Yisra᾽el may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, that they may bring them to the Lord, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to the priest, and offer them for peace offerings to the Lord.

Transliteration

Lema'an asher yavi'u bnei yisra'et et-zivcheihem asher hem zovchim al-pnei hasadeh vehevi'um lahashem el-petach ohel mo'ed el-hakohen vezavchu zivchei shlamim lahashem otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְמַ֩עַן֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָבִ֜יאוּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֶֽת־זִבְחֵיהֶם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֵ֣ם זֹבְחִים֮ עַל־פְּנֵ֣י הַשָּׂדֶה֒ וֶֽהֱבִיאֻ֣ם לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה אֶל־פֶּ֛תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד אֶל־הַכֹּהֵ֑ן וְזָ֨בְח֜וּ זִבְחֵ֧י שְׁלָמִ֛ים לַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אוֹתָֽם׃
לְמַ֩עַן֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָבִ֜יאוּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֶֽת־זִבְחֵיהֶם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֵ֣ם זֹבְחִים֮ עַל־פְּנֵ֣י הַשָּׂדֶה֒ וֶֽהֱבִיאֻ֣ם לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה אֶל־פֶּ֛תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד אֶל־הַכֹּהֵ֑ן וְזָ֨בְח֜וּ זִבְחֵ֧י שְׁלָמִ֛ים לַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אוֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

This verse appears in Vayikra 17:5, within a section addressing the prohibition of slaughtering sacrifices outside the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Torah emphasizes that all offerings must be brought to the entrance of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) and presented to the kohen (priest) to ensure proper sanctity and centralized worship.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 17:5) clarifies that this commandment was given to prevent zevachim (sacrifices) from being offered in open fields, which was associated with idolatrous practices. The phrase "עַל־פְּנֵי הַשָּׂדֶה" ("in the open field") alludes to the pagan custom of sacrificing to shedim (demons), as mentioned in Devarim 32:17. By centralizing sacrifices in the Mishkan, Bnei Yisrael would distance themselves from these influences.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam explains that this mitzvah served to uproot idolatrous tendencies. Concentrating sacrificial worship in one designated place—under the supervision of kohanim—reinforced monotheism and prevented the fragmentation of religious practice.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 60b: The Gemara links this verse to the prohibition of hukkot hagoyim (imitating gentile practices), emphasizing that sacrifices must follow Torah-prescribed methods.
  • Torat Kohanim (Sifra): Teaches that even shelamim (peace offerings), which could be eaten by laypeople, required being slaughtered at the Mishkan to maintain their sanctity.

Theological Significance

This commandment underscores the principle of kedushat hamakom (sanctity of place). By directing all offerings to the Mishkan, the Torah establishes that holiness is not arbitrary but channeled through divinely ordained structures and leadership (kohanim). It also fosters unity among Bnei Yisrael by creating a shared spiritual focal point.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 106b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding where sacrifices may be offered, emphasizing that sacrifices must be brought to the door of the Tent of Meeting and not in the open field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 17:5 mean?
A: Leviticus 17:5 teaches that the Israelites must bring their sacrifices to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (the Mishkan) and offer them through the priests, rather than slaughtering animals in the open field. This centralizes sacrificial worship and ensures it is done properly according to Torah law (Rashi, Rambam).
Q: Why is it important to bring sacrifices to the Tent of Meeting?
A: Bringing sacrifices to the Tent of Meeting (and later the Temple) prevents improper worship and idolatry. The Torah requires sacrifices to be offered only in the designated holy place by the kohanim (priests) to maintain purity and unity in serving Hashem (Talmud Zevachim, Rambam Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot).
Q: What are 'peace offerings' mentioned in this verse?
A: Peace offerings (שלמים) are a type of sacrifice expressing gratitude, fulfillment of vows, or voluntary devotion to Hashem. Unlike other sacrifices, parts are given to the kohanim, parts are burned on the altar, and parts are eaten by the person bringing the offering in a festive meal (Vayikra Rabbah, Rambam).
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices without the Temple, this verse teaches the importance of centralized, proper worship. Today, we focus on prayer (which replaces sacrifices temporarily) and await the rebuilding of the Temple when these laws will be observed again (Talmud Berachot 26b, Rambam Hilchot Melachim).
Q: Why does the Torah forbid slaughtering animals in the field?
A: Slaughtering animals outside the Mishkan/Temple could lead to improper sacrifices or idolatrous practices. The Torah centralizes worship to maintain holiness and prevent the influence of pagan customs that were common at the time (Rashi on Leviticus 17:7, Sifra).