Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 9:4 mean?
A: Leviticus 9:4 describes the offerings Aaron and the Israelites were commanded to bring on the day the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was inaugurated. The verse mentions a bull and a ram as peace offerings (שלמים), along with a meal offering mixed with oil, all to be sacrificed before Hashem. Rashi explains that these offerings were meant to atone for past sins and to prepare the people for the Divine Presence (שכינה) to rest among them.
Q: Why are peace offerings (שלמים) mentioned in this verse?
A: Peace offerings (שלמים) symbolize harmony and closeness between Hashem and the Jewish people, as well as among people themselves. The Rambam (Hilchot Korbanot 3:11) teaches that these offerings express gratitude and joy. Here, they were brought to celebrate the inauguration of the Mishkan, marking a new era of Divine connection.
Q: What is the significance of the meal offering mixed with oil?
A: The meal offering (מנחה) mixed with oil represents refinement and dedication to Hashem. Oil often symbolizes wisdom and purity in Jewish tradition (see Menachot 85b). This offering, brought alongside the animal sacrifices, showed that both physical and spiritual aspects of service were necessary to welcome the Divine Presence.
Q: Why does the verse say 'today Hashem will appear to you'?
A: This refers to the unique revelation of the Divine Presence (שכינה) on the day the Mishkan was completed (Vayikra Rabbah 11:6). It was a moment of great spiritual elevation, showing that when the Jewish people fulfill Hashem’s commandments with sincerity, He draws close to them. The Sforno adds that this appearance affirmed the acceptance of their offerings and service.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer bring sacrifices, the principles remain relevant. The verse teaches that serving Hashem requires both physical actions (symbolized by the offerings) and spiritual intent (symbolized by the oil). Today, prayer, Torah study, and acts of kindness (as substitutes for sacrifices—Hoshea 14:3) help us connect to Hashem, striving for the same closeness the Mishkan represented.
Context of the Verse
This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 29:43, within the context of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the consecration of the Kohanim (priests). The offerings mentioned—a bullock, a ram, and a meal offering—were part of the sacrificial service to sanctify the Mishkan and prepare for the Divine Presence (Shechinah) to dwell among Bnei Yisrael.
Explanation of the Sacrifices
Divine Revelation (הַיּוֹם יְהוָה נִרְאָה אֲלֵיכֶם)
The phrase "for today the Lord will appear to you" refers to the unique revelation of the Shechinah upon the completion of the Mishkan. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 36:1) states that this was a fulfillment of Hashem’s promise to dwell among His people. The Sforno adds that this appearance was not merely a one-time event but a sign of ongoing Divine connection through the Mishkan’s service.
Spiritual Significance
The sacrifices and offerings were not merely ritual acts but served as a means to draw near to Hashem. The Kli Yakar (Shemot 29:43) emphasizes that the shelamim and mincha offerings prepared the people to receive the Shechinah, teaching that spiritual readiness—through repentance, dedication, and gratitude—is essential for experiencing Divine closeness.