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Leviticus 7:36 - Priestly anointment's eternal portion

Leviticus 7:36 - ויקרא 7:36

Hebrew Text

אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה לָתֵת לָהֶם בְּיוֹם מָשְׁחוֹ אֹתָם מֵאֵת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל חֻקַּת עוֹלָם לְדֹרֹתָם׃

English Translation

which the Lord commanded to be given them of the children of Yisra᾽el, on the day that he anointed them, as a fixed portion for ever throughout their generations.

Transliteration

Asher tzivah Adonai latet lahem beyom mashcho otam me'et bnei Yisrael chukat olam ledorotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֲשֶׁר֩ צִוָּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֜ה לָתֵ֣ת לָהֶ֗ם בְּיוֹם֙ מׇשְׁח֣וֹ אֹתָ֔ם מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃
אֲשֶׁר֩ צִוָּ֨ה יְהֹוָ֜ה לָתֵ֣ת לָהֶ֗ם בְּיוֹם֙ מׇשְׁח֣וֹ אֹתָ֔ם מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 7:36) discusses the portions given to the Kohanim (priests) from the offerings brought by Bnei Yisrael. It emphasizes that these gifts are a chukat olam (eternal statute) commanded by Hashem on the day the Kohanim were anointed for service in the Mishkan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "ביום משחו אותם" ("on the day He anointed them") refers to the eighth day of the inauguration of the Mishkan (as described in Vayikra 9). This was when Aharon and his sons were formally consecrated as Kohanim. The portions given to them—such as the breast and thigh of certain offerings—were established as a permanent right for all future generations of Kohanim.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Bikkurim (1:2), the Rambam underscores that these gifts to the Kohanim are not optional but a binding obligation (chovah). He links this to the broader principle that supporting those who serve in the Beit HaMikdash ensures the continuity of Divine service, as the verse states: "חוקת עולם לדרתם" ("an eternal statute for their generations").

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifra) connects this verse to the broader theme of terumah (sacred contributions). It teaches that just as the Kohanim were given portions in the desert, so too must they receive their due in every generation. This reinforces the idea that their role as spiritual leaders is inseparable from their material sustenance, as derived from the people’s offerings.

Halachic Implications

  • The Chatam Sofer notes that even after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, certain priestly gifts (like terumah and challah) remain obligatory in Eretz Yisrael, reflecting the eternal nature of this commandment.
  • The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 132) explains that this statute instills reverence for the Kohanim, ensuring their ability to focus entirely on Divine service without worldly distractions.

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar suggests that the phrase "ביום משחו אותם" hints at the idea that the Kohanim’s sanctity is perpetual, not limited to their anointment day. Their role as intermediaries between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem requires continuous support, symbolized by the chukat olam.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 7:36 mean?
A: Leviticus 7:36 refers to the portions of sacrifices that were given to the Kohanim (priests) as their share. Hashem commanded the Jewish people to give these portions to the Kohanim on the day they were anointed for service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This was established as an eternal law for all generations.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the eternal obligation to support the Kohanim through portions of certain offerings. Rashi explains that this shows how the Kohanim's livelihood comes from holy service, not regular work. The Rambam (Hilchot Bikkurim 9:1) discusses how this mitzvah applies even today regarding terumah and ma'aser (priestly gifts).
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 7:36 today?
A: We learn that supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service is an eternal commandment. While we don't have the Temple today, the principle remains that we should honor and support Torah scholars and those who serve the community. The Talmud (Chullin 132b) derives from this verse that these laws apply in all places and at all times.
Q: Who were the people being anointed in this verse?
A: The verse refers to Aharon and his sons who were anointed as Kohanim (priests) to serve in the Mishkan. The Midrash (Sifra) explains that this anointing with special oil (shemen hamishcha) sanctified them for their priestly duties. Their descendants would inherit this role throughout the generations.
Q: Does this commandment still apply today?
A: While we cannot currently bring sacrifices without the Temple, certain aspects of supporting the Kohanim remain. The Rambam rules that terumah and ma'aser (agricultural gifts to Kohanim) still apply in Eretz Yisrael today. The Talmud (Ketubot 26a) also discusses how we maintain respect for priestly lineage even now.