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Leviticus 9:10 - Offering's essence ascends heavenward

Leviticus 9:10 - ויקרא 9:10

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַחֵלֶב וְאֶת־הַכְּלָיֹת וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶרֶת מִן־הַכָּבֵד מִן־הַחַטָּאת הִקְטִיר הַמִּזְבֵּחָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

but the fat, and the kidneys, and the appendage above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Ve'et ha'khelev ve'et ha'kilyot ve'et ha'yoteret min ha'kaved min ha'khatat hiktir ha'mizbe'cha ka'asher tziva Adonai et Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הַחֵ֨לֶב וְאֶת־הַכְּלָיֹ֜ת וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶ֤רֶת מִן־הַכָּבֵד֙ מִן־הַ֣חַטָּ֔את הִקְטִ֖יר הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וְאֶת־הַחֵ֨לֶב וְאֶת־הַכְּלָיֹ֜ת וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶ֤רֶת מִן־הַכָּבֵד֙ מִן־הַ֣חַטָּ֔את הִקְטִ֖יר הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Parts of the Sin Offering

The verse describes the burning of specific parts of the sin offering (chatat) on the altar: the fat (chelev), the kidneys (kelayot), and the lobe of the liver (yoteret hakaveret). According to Rashi (Vayikra 4:10), these parts were designated for burning because they are considered the choicest and most delicate parts of the animal, symbolizing the inner essence of the sacrifice. The chelev (fat) is particularly significant because it represents indulgence and pleasure, and offering it to Hashem demonstrates the renunciation of physical desires in favor of spiritual devotion.

The Significance of Burning on the Altar

The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) explains that the burning of these parts on the altar serves as a symbolic act of atonement. The kidneys are associated with thought and counsel (as in Tehillim 16:7, "My kidneys instruct me"), while the liver is linked to emotions and desires. By offering these organs, the sinner acknowledges that their wrongful actions stemmed from misguided thoughts or uncontrolled passions and seeks purification through divine service.

Fulfillment of Divine Command

The verse concludes by emphasizing that this was done "as the Lord commanded Moshe," highlighting the importance of precise adherence to halachic details in sacrificial rites. The Sforno (Vayikra 4:10) notes that this phrase underscores the principle that mitzvot must be performed exactly as instructed, without deviation, reflecting obedience to Hashem's will.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) connects the burning of the yoteret hakaveret (lobe of the liver) to the idea of suppressing anger, as the liver is associated with heat and wrath in Jewish thought.
  • The Talmud (Chullin 49b) discusses the anatomical identification of the yoteret, emphasizing the precision required in fulfilling the mitzvah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 35b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the burning of sacrificial fats and organs on the altar, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments as given to Moses.
📖 Menachot 49b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper procedures for offering sacrifices, particularly the sin offering, and the specific parts that must be burned on the altar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What parts of the animal were burned on the altar in Leviticus 9:10?
A: According to Leviticus 9:10, the fat, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver (called the 'yoteret') of the sin offering were burned on the altar. This was done exactly as Hashem commanded Moshe, showing the importance of following divine instructions precisely in the sacrificial service.
Q: Why were only specific parts of the animal burned in Leviticus 9:10?
A: The Torah specifies that only certain fatty portions and internal organs were burned on the altar (Leviticus 9:10). Rashi explains that these parts were chosen because they represent vitality and pleasure (fat being associated with richness, and kidneys with thought). By offering these, we symbolically dedicate our physical desires and energies to serving Hashem.
Q: What is the 'yoteret' mentioned in Leviticus 9:10?
A: The 'yoteret' (translated as 'appendage above the liver') refers to a specific lobe of the liver that was included in the parts burned on the altar. The Talmud (Chullin 49a) discusses its exact location and identification. This detail shows how precise the Torah's instructions were regarding sacrificial service.
Q: Why does Leviticus 9:10 emphasize 'as Hashem commanded Moshe'?
A: The verse concludes by stating this was done 'as Hashem commanded Moshe' to teach us the importance of exact obedience to divine commandments. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh Hakorbanos) explains that every detail of the sacrificial service had to be performed precisely as instructed, showing our complete submission to Hashem's will.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Leviticus 9:10 about sacrifices?
A: Though we don't have sacrifices today, this verse teaches us about dedicating our best to Hashem. Just as the choicest parts were offered, we should offer our finest energies in prayer and mitzvot. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) connects these offerings to proper intentions in serving Hashem with our whole being.