The practicality of cleaning the tabernacle after sacrifices was not directly addressed in Leviticus, but later Jewish tradition suggests the use of water and cisterns under the second temple to wash away the blood.
The laying on of hands in Leviticus represents the appointment of a representative, associating the person or object with the one placing their hands, which involves the transfer of sins or impurity.
Deep dives
The practicality of cleaning after sacrifices in Leviticus
The podcast episode discusses a listener's question about the practicality of cleaning the tabernacle after blood and food sacrifices. The hosts explain that while symbolically the sacrifices purified, it seems practical to consider the mess it created. They discuss how the Torah and biblical authors never addressed this issue directly, but later Jewish tradition suggests the use of water and cisterns under the second temple to wash away the blood. The hosts also note that the emphasis in Leviticus is on the symbolism of purification rather than the literal cleaning of surfaces.
The significance of the laying on of hands in Leviticus
Another question from a listener asks about the meaning behind the laying on of hands in Leviticus, particularly during the day of atonement and with the blasphemer. The hosts explain that the laying on of hands represents the appointment of a representative in place of an individual, associating the object or person with the one placing their hands. This association can involve the transfer of sins or impurity. They draw parallels between the laying on of hands in the Old Testament and the New Testament, where the same concept is used to appoint representatives or bestow authority.
Connections between Leviticus and Cain and Abel
A listener asks if there is a connection between the rituals in Leviticus and the story of Cain and Abel. The hosts find multiple connections, such as both narratives involving the spilling of blood and the sending away or exile of a representative. They explain that these connections highlight the complex response to human evil and the need for both mercy and justice. The hosts also explore similar patterns in other biblical stories, such as Jacob and Esau, and observe how the symbolism and narrative themes from Leviticus are reflected throughout the Old and New Testaments.
The symbolism of blood as representing life in Leviticus and communion
A listener raises a question about the symbolism of blood in Leviticus and its connection to Jesus' institution of communion. The hosts clarify that in Leviticus, blood represents life rather than death, as it is the vehicle through which the blameless life is being brought into the holy place. They explain that Jesus' invitation to drink his blood in communion is an invitation to partake in his blameless life, with his death being the means by which his life is made available for others. The hosts note how this symbolism is celebrated in diverse cultural contexts and highlight the connection between the Old and New Testaments in portraying Jesus as the culmination of Levitical symbolism.
How do you clean a tabernacle? What does “laying of hands” represent? Is the scapegoat a hyperlink to Cain and Abel? How was it even possible for Israelites to follow the law? In this episode, Tim and Jon respond to your questions about the Leviticus scroll. Thanks to our audience for your insightful questions!
You can experience the literary themes and movements we’re tracing on the podcast in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.
Show Music
“Defender (Instrumental)” by TENTS
Show produced by Cooper Peltz with Associate Producer Lindsey Ponder. Edited by Dan Gummel, Tyler Bailey, and Frank Garza. Podcast annotations for the BibleProject app by Hannah Woo. Audience questions compiled by Christopher Maier.
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