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Leviticus 6:2 - Eternal flame on altar's devotion.

Leviticus 6:2 - ויקרא 6:2

Hebrew Text

צַו אֶת־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת־בָּנָיו לֵאמֹר זֹאת תּוֹרַת הָעֹלָה הִוא הָעֹלָה עַל מוֹקְדָה עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ כָּל־הַלַּיְלָה עַד־הַבֹּקֶר וְאֵשׁ הַמִּזְבֵּחַ תּוּקַד בּוֹ׃

English Translation

Command Aharon and his sons, saying, This is the Tora of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, which shall be burning upon the altar all night until the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning in it.

Transliteration

Tzav et-Aharon ve'et-banav lemor zot torat ha'olah hi ha'olah al mokedah al-hamizbe'ach kol-halaylah ad-haboker ve'esh hamizbe'ach tukad bo.

Hebrew Leining Text

צַ֤ו אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֣יו לֵאמֹ֔ר זֹ֥את תּוֹרַ֖ת הָעֹלָ֑ה הִ֣וא הָעֹלָ֡ה עַל֩ <small>מ</small>וֹקְדָ֨הֿ<sup class="footnote-marker">*</sup><i class="footnote">(בספרי תימן מוֹקְדָ֨הֿ במ״ם רגילה)</i> עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֤חַ כׇּל־הַלַּ֙יְלָה֙ עַד־הַבֹּ֔קֶר וְאֵ֥שׁ הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ תּ֥וּקַד בּֽוֹ׃
צַ֤ו אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֣יו לֵאמֹ֔ר זֹ֥את תּוֹרַ֖ת הָעֹלָ֑ה הִ֣וא הָעֹלָ֡ה עַל֩ מוֹקְדָ֨הֿ*(בספרי תימן מוֹקְדָ֨הֿ במ״ם רגילה) עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֤חַ כׇּל־הַלַּ֙יְלָה֙ עַד־הַבֹּ֔קֶר וְאֵ֥שׁ הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ תּ֥וּקַד בּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Command to Aharon and His Sons

The verse begins with the directive "צַו אֶת־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת־בָּנָיו" ("Command Aharon and his sons"), emphasizing the unique role of the Kohanim in the sacrificial service. Rashi (Vayikra 6:2) notes that the term "צַו" (command) implies urgency and continuity, indicating that this mitzvah must be performed diligently and without delay. The Kohanim are entrusted with maintaining the sanctity of the Korban Olah (burnt offering), which is entirely consumed by the fire of the Mizbe'ach (altar).

The Nature of the Korban Olah

The verse describes "זֹאת תּוֹרַת הָעֹלָה" ("This is the Tora of the burnt offering"). The term "תּוֹרַת" (Tora) suggests a set of laws and principles governing the offering. Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 9:1) explains that the Olah differs from other sacrifices in that it is wholly dedicated to Hashem, with no portion consumed by humans. This total devotion symbolizes complete submission to the Divine will.

The Perpetual Fire on the Mizbe'ach

The verse states "עַל מוֹקְדָה עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ כָּל־הַלַּיְלָה עַד־הַבֹּקֶר" ("burning upon the altar all night until the morning"). The Talmud (Yoma 45a) teaches that the fire of the Mizbe'ach must never be extinguished, as it represents the eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) compares this fire to the flame of Torah, which must continuously illuminate our lives.

  • Rashi explains that the phrase "וְאֵשׁ הַמִּזְבֵּחַ תּוּקַד בּוֹ" ("the fire of the altar shall be kept burning in it") implies that even if no sacrifices are brought, the fire must still be maintained.
  • Ramban (Vayikra 6:6) adds that this perpetual fire serves as a reminder of the Shechinah's presence in the Mishkan and later in the Beis HaMikdash.

Symbolism of the Olah

The Olah is unique in that it is entirely consumed by fire, ascending ("עֹלָה") to Heaven. The Sforno (Vayikra 1:3) teaches that this represents the total dedication of one's physical and spiritual faculties to Hashem. The offering remains on the altar all night, symbolizing the need for continuous devotion, even in times of darkness or challenge.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 45a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of the burnt offering and the perpetual fire on the altar.
📖 Zevachim 59b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper procedures for sacrifices and the maintenance of the altar fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'This is the Tora of the burnt offering' mean in Leviticus 6:2?
A: The phrase 'This is the Tora of the burnt offering' refers to the detailed laws and procedures for the korban olah (burnt offering) as given to Aharon and his sons, the Kohanim (priests). Rashi explains that 'Tora' here means 'instruction' or 'law,' specifying how this offering must be brought and maintained on the altar throughout the night.
Q: Why was the fire on the altar kept burning all night?
A: The fire on the altar had to burn continuously as a sign of unwavering devotion to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin 2:1) teaches that this eternal flame symbolized the constant relationship between the Jewish people and Hashem, and it was the Kohanim's duty to ensure it never went out.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the commandment to keep the altar fire burning?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) compares the eternal flame to the fire of Torah learning and mitzvot, which should never cease in a Jew's life. Just as the Kohanim tended to the fire day and night, we too must continuously strive to grow in our service to Hashem through Torah study and good deeds.
Q: How does the korban olah (burnt offering) apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer bring physical korbanos, the Talmud (Berachos 26b) teaches that prayer (tefillah) was established in place of sacrifices. Additionally, the Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) explains that the korban olah represents complete dedication to Hashem—a lesson we apply today through sincere prayer, Torah study, and self-improvement.
Q: Why was this commandment specifically directed to Aharon and his sons?
A: Aharon and his sons, the Kohanim, were entrusted with the sacred duty of maintaining the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beis HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi (on Leviticus 6:2) notes that the emphasis on Aharon highlights the unique responsibility of the Kohanim to oversee the korbanos and ensure they were performed according to Halacha (Jewish law).