Clearing Up The Confusion
Thus the priest shall make expiation for them, and they shall be forgiven. Leviticus 4:20
Expiation – For centuries we have heard Christian theologians proclaim that forgiveness comes by grace alone. Pastors and professors have driven a wedge between the teaching of Leviticus and the words of Paul. The Jews were under the “law.” Christians are under “grace.” This is a false dichotomy. Every Jew knew that sacrifice would not remove the guilt of intentional sin. But every Jew also knew that sacrifice was absolutely essential for life before God. Why? Because every Jew knew there was a difference between moral purity and ritual purity. In order to have fellowship with the Lord, a person must be cleansed on both counts.
Baruch Levine makes the point that the Hebrew verb, k-p-r, is often translated by a phrase such as “to cover or conceal.” But this isn’t correct. The idea behind kipper is to wipe clean, to remove defilement, to wipe off. We can think of ritual impurity as if it were contamination. The worshipper realizes that something done has contaminated his presence before God. The contamination must be removed if he is to enjoy fellowship and proper worship. God Himself has given the appropriate steps necessary to expiate (remove) this contamination. That’s what Leviticus is all about. God tells us how to worship Him. We don’t make up the process of worship as we go along. We don’t decide what we will do to worship Him. He decides. If we want to worship Him properly, we will take the steps He commands. Some of those steps insure that we are ritually clean when we come before Him.
Too often we fail to distinguish between ritual purity and moral purity. So, when we read the word “forgiven,” we think in terms of moral acts. We think the sacrificial system was about forgiving our immoral choices. Then we conclude that the Jews believed sacrifices brought redemption, and we reject that suggestion because it looks like “earning” salvation. Once we see that sacrifices bring ritual purity, our views are corrected. Every Jew knew that a sacrifice didn’t bring moral redemption. Atonement brought moral redemption. But the sacrifices were needed to wipe away the accumulation of ritual impurity – the contamination of daily life – that made communion with a holy God impossible. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine that these requirements have changed. Are we so ritually pure that we no longer need to be cleansed before we come into His presence? Does moral atonement cover ritual defilement too? Or are we really missing something here? Does our behavior really say, “Thanks for forgiving me, Lord. Now I will worship you in the way I choose to worship”?
Topical Index: worship, expiation, kipper, wipe away, conceal, Leviticus 4:20
“Too often we fail to distinguish between ritual purity and moral purity.”
“Thanks for forgiving me, Lord. Now I will worship you in the way I choose to worship”?
Hi Skip,
Good points. I really didn’t understand the difference between ritual purity and moral purity.
And tend to worship in the way I choose to worship as well.
The topic that Skip discusses certainly must be viewed in the larger context of “kadosh” or holy/sanctified/separated.
“Be Holy for The LORD is Holy! Ritual purity is part of being the “called out ones”. Ritual purity is an integral component of the eternal covenant …. just look at various mitzvot and one can see this.
Let’s think in simple terms!
The Word teaches us that YHVH is a G_D of order. We learn that even our prayers and supplications are subject to conditions. The prayers of the unrighteous, the wicked, the prideful, the arrogant … will not be heard. David even prays that his prayers are offered up at the right time!
In Proverbs we even see this little nugget: “28,9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” Clearly this declaration is not disassociated from the Sacrificial System and is all about approaching a Holy G_D in an acceptable manner. When we see the head covering of the high priest … what do we see … Holy unto The Lord! There must be order in approaching an all consuming fire … if we think not, then let us keep in remembrance Aaron’s sons …. They learned the hard way that a presumptive approach to the Lord is not a wise maneuver. In similar fashion … turning an ear away from the mitzvot is an act of presumption!
Anyway … it is no wonder that mainline doctrine operates under the delusion that “the law is finito” … else one is left pondering the alternatives.
So what is the result of not being “kadosh”! Does a wholly righteous G_D really care if we are distinct/pure/kadosh? Or is it true that we are simply “kadosh” because of Yeshua? Could it be true that we need do absolutely nothing?
Certainly Paul and the Apostles did nothing but exhort believers to pursue holiness!
Good commentary Skip but probably not a popular message! 🙂
Fortunately, popularity is not one of the criteria.
“Let’s think in simple terms!”
Hi Drew,
Good idea 🙂
The points you make about ritual purity are clear, but the concept of ritual purity itself seems to be a bit complicated and contradictory to me.
For example, whether I’m reading about Aaron and his sons or the Jewish Priests that harass the followers of the Way, the priests always seem to play negative “foils” to prophets like Moses and Jesus.
On Aaron from Wiki:
At the time when the tribe of Levi was set apart for the priestly service, Aaron was anointed and consecrated to the priesthood, arrayed in the robes of his office, and instructed in its manifold duties.
(Exodus 28, Exodus 29).
It was during the prolonged absence of Moses that Aaron yielded to the clamors of the people, and made a Golden Calf as a visible image of the divinity who had delivered them from Egypt. (Exodus 32:1-6)
On the very day of his consecration, his sons, Nadab and Abihu, were consumed by fire from the Lord for having offered incense in an unlawful manner.
(Leviticus 10).
Just to be clear, I don’t mind priests, Catholic, Jewish, or otherwise and my experience with them has always been positive.
But I’m wondering if, in the Bible, our model of purity is not better represented by the prophets?
I’m thinking that Job is the model of purity; or at least the model of the good and the true.
On the one hand we have Job and on the other, Adam, Eve, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu.
A stark contrast.
“Now I will worship you in the way I choose to worship?”
Hi Skip,
Most of my experience with priests was long ago as a Catholic, and they tended to think in terms of two types of sin: menial and mortal.
As I understand today’s lesson, in the Hebrew worldview, there are also two different types of sin, moral and ritual.
In the Catholic worldview, it is considered a mortal sin not to attend church on Sunday.
That is to say worshipping at home doesn’t make things right on Sunday.
In the Hebrew worldview, is it a ritual and moral sin not to attend “church” on the Sabbath?
Hi Skip. At your suggestion I have come into the blog area to read what others have said in reply to your daily comments. I must admit that this is all new to me but I am truly interested and having been provoked at so much that is going down as “The Way” that clearing it in my head is essential. Again, must confess that I do not know the difference here concerning Worship other than to worship Him In Spirit and In Truth. I plan to continue reading here . I enjoy what is being shared and know I have a lot to learn. But I do understand that getting back to the basics of the Hebrew and seeing what the Greek has done in error is not going to be easy. In hope of clarity….
Ecellent Skip! If the community would start studying Torah, they would understand more of what you are saying. This week’s Torah Portion is Leviticus 12-15 Tazria-Metzora (She Conceived-Leper)True, Leviticus is not a popular message and is rarely preached from the pulpit as a sermon. Maybe that is why it is not a popular message, because we don’t understand purity and impurity. If you are not already, I suggest you find a good Messianic Torah study and go as deep as you want. Anyone can study Torah, it is not about intellect, it is all about revelation. As Rabbi Weinberg would say “Just Do It”
I love you brother Skip!- you bring out the best in me! I love this website y’all- it is the bomb! So much “meat” here! As my carnivorous seventeen year old male type would say.. “go meat!!
I went right for the word “expiation” today since it is today’s “target.” We are looking at “expiation.” One of my favorite “online” sources for biblical exploration and study is biblos.com. There are parallel translations as well as a lexicon to aid and assist in “definition” and “clarity” for these “bible” words. -So -expiation…
shall make atonement… ve·chip·per – to cover over, pacify, make propitiation -denominative verb from kopher
(and just as “an aside” what is it that need “covering over?” or pacifying? Is it the “s” word? (sin- maybe?)
word usage in NASB- appease (1), appease* (1), atone (3), atoned (2), atonement is made (1), atonement shall be made (1), atonement was made (1), atoning (1), canceled (1), expiation can be made (1), forgave (1), forgive (4), forgiven (5), made atonement (3), make atonement (71), makes atonement (2), making atonement (1), pardon (1).
So then- “what meaneth this?” expiation, atonement, covering, appeasement, propitiation, peace offering, offering for sin, blood of bulls and calves, redeeming blood, atoning blood, the mercy seat, the high priest entering into the holy of holies, -and the blood of Jesus Christ G-d’s Son cleanses from all sin.
What meaneth this? For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, (I but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1.18,19)
Now we’ve gone from the blood of bulls and goats to lamb’s blood. It just gets more and more interesting as we go along doesn’t it? Lamb’s blood? A passover lamb? A perfect Lamb? A powerful Lamb? A propitiating Lamb? A redeeming Lamb? A resurrected Lamb? A Lamb whose blood would redeem, restore, renew and revive sinful man and restore the intimate relationship he once knew in the cool of the evening walking with his Creator? “This blood” my friend was shed for you and me. Christ died for “whosoever will.” And He gave His life’s blood for even me. “This blood” is precious blood.
And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. (Revelation 5.9)
Who is worthy? Who has redeemed us unto G-d by His blood? Who is worthy to take the scroll and to open it’s seals? Who has purchased men for G-d from every tribe and language and people and nation? What is His name? Whose blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat? Whose blood fully satisfied the wrath of G-d?
For G-d so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son (an expiating Sacrifice) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3.16) As Rabbi Weinberg would say- “Just Do It”
And He that spared not His own Son but delivered HIm up for us all- how shall He not with Him- freely give us all things? (Romans 8.32) (sure sounds like “grace” to me… )
Yes indeed brother … grace is a gift from the Perfectly Righteous One. … Yet clearly grace must be accepted and acted upon in accordance with the stipulations of the covenantal relationship. Or else the following would be true: “Yeshua died for the sin of the world and therefore all are under grace”.
“For G-d so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son (an expiating Sacrifice) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – Yes … but let us define belief! Surely the demons believe but are not saved! As such, belief means to have faith … and faith means to love the Lord and even Yeshua declared that those who love Him will obey the commandments. Sh’ma Yisrael! And of course my brother you know this for you have declared this many times! 🙂
Yes grace is a free gift … and our choice is freely made as well. We choose to follow and obey or rebel. We choose to follow and obey or just mentally acknowledge what all creation knows … that ELOHIM is G_D … that Yeshua is HaMashiach and ELOHIM! Ultimately knowledge alone counts for nothing for in that same innate knowledge the unbeliever will be condemned! Knowledge (alone) of the truth will not cut it!
Ultimately belief/faith from a Hebraic versus Greek convention is not the same. Skip’s commentary today underscores this reality yet again. Skip’s entire pursuit of the truth and this very venue are geared to revealing these fundamental differences.
All of life is a gift. Every stitch of it. And life is from G-d. However, even though G-d offers a gift to us unlike any other- this “gift” also must be received. It is proferred to all, but the “problem” (if there is one) is not on the part of the Giver, but on the part of the receiver. “We have met the enemy- and he is us” is not too far off the mark. “How can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?” Christ died for all. “All” is a very inclusive word. And yet, even though “all” are invited to attend a banquet feast- well, – you know the rest of that sad story.. I truly believe, next to the very Word “Jesus”- “grace” is my second favorite word. It is the N.T. equivalent of hesed a blood covenant word which needs great investigation and study!! I highly recommend to all: “The Blood Covenant” by H.Clay Trumbull..
Let’s see if I have this right. Skip wrote, “We can think of ritual impurity as if it were contamination. The worshipper realizes that something done has contaminated his presence before God. The contamination must be removed if he is to enjoy fellowship and proper worship…But the sacrifices were needed to wipe away the accumulation of ritual impurity – the contamination of daily life – that made communion with a holy God impossible.”
I think I understand the sacrificial system concerning “ritual impurity,” or unintentional sin. But since I do not have a young bull in my back yard (even if I did, the sacrifice of that bull would not mean that much to me), I must be willing to sacrifice something that would be as hard for me to part with as that young bull was hard for his owner to part with.
I have a very inconsiderate neighbor. As much as I have tried to go out of my way to do for this neighbor, she acts as if she never once considers my feelings or desires. Now, in the same book with all the sacrifices there is a commandment from my God in chapter 19 and verse 18 that says that I am to love that neighbor as myself. If you knew me, I mean really knew me, you would have to say, ‘Yeh, that Fred really loves himself.’ So if I inadvertently do or not do for this neighbor as I would normally do or not do for me, that would require a sacrifice in order to restore fellowship with the Lord. Therefore, my sacrifice, and indeed it would be a sacrifice, would be to love this neighbor as myself. Pardon me if this sounds a bit simplistic, but that’s how I learn and grow – by applying God’s Word in a practical way.
Think of it like this: Love is a verb. It is actions that can be commanded. It is benevolence toward someone at cost to myself. So, loving an unloveable neighbor means doing for that person things that I would do for myself. It doesn’t mean FEELING good about that person. It means acting good toward them in spite of my feelings.
Sacrifices – since there is no temple, animal sacrifices are not required. But those weren’t the only kind of sacrifices. Read more in Leviticus. Since there is no high priest today, some other sacrifices are also not able to be offered. But there are always acts of righteousness as sacrifices. Acts of charity, doing good for others, loving your neighbor might be just what is required. And there are wave offerings, peace offerings and a few others within the community. And there are people like Melanie and Amanda who need our offerings.
Fred.. the “contamination” Skip speaks of in this excellent article is also known by another “Bible” name. A word not much discussed these days as it has fallen into disfavor and is rather old-fashioned. “New and improved” are the words we love to hear these days.
I saw a marquis for a church while traveling a few weeks back which caught my eye and somehow I was attracted to it. The name of the small church was “Old Paths” Baptist Church.
I was attracted to the name “Old Paths”. Skip is right, we need to “return” to the Garden. Everything we need to know is found in the “first” book of our Bible. Even today’s word “expiation” is found right here in Genesis.
Adam and Eve (they are both called “Adam”/unredeemed humanity) messed up. They “erred”. They “have issues.” They became “contaminated.” They (Diclaimer: -I apologize in advance for the word I’m going to use next- please “look away” if this word “offends” you.) They (shudder) – “sinned”. They both flat-out disobeyed the words of YHWH. Adam failed to “remember” what G-d said previously. He did not say to his beloved Eve- “but honey.. “G-d said.” Instead, they “listened” to another’s twisted words and he was able to manipulate their thoughts and “twist” their “beliefs” about the goodness of the One who had created them both and given them freely- “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.”
But, as we know, from the “rest of the story”- they willingly (and knowingly) selfishly chose to “go their own way” and listen to the words of the Deceiver. I must put away my “finger of accusation” toward Adam, and agree with what G-d says about me in His book- I too, have sinned. I have erred. I have chosen my own way in opposition to G-d’s way.
One thing I have noticed concerning the words of G-d. This, is “a big-dot deal.” G-d never lies. Not one time. Ever. Selah. Yes, Selah. Totally trustworthy. Totally reliable. Totally Forever Faithful. He (alone) is holy. And He (alone) is worthy. This, dear family, is our G-d. His words will not (ever) fail. When G-d speaks- (and when we listen) what happens? Life. Every time. Life happens.
YHWH “provided” something for Mr. and Mrs. Adam in the Garden. They sinned (excuse me) – they “erred” and knew it. They “felt” guilty because they “were” guilty. Sin contaminates every thing it touches. Adam and Eve both felt like saying- “I need a bath.” I need cleansing. Because they were made in the image of G-d (Who is holy) and because they (now) had sinned (for “all” have sinned-Romans 3.23), the intimated fellowship they once enjoyed with Elohim was now destroyed. Darkness and light cannot “co-exist” as the popular bumper sticker announces. Sin separates. It drives a wedge between us and G-d and between you and me. It “separates” people from each other. It divides families. The “wages” of sin is death /separation. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59.2). “Sin” is serious stuff. Sin destroys. Sin kills. Sin contaminates. Sin short-circuits the brain. (and I love this one from Skip-) Sin is a form of insanity. “Sin” is serious stuff. What does our Bible say concerning sin? “the soul that sinneth- it shall die” (Ezekiel 18.20) When it comes to “sin”- G-d don’t play. “Sin” is the reason Yeshua, the perfect Lamb, was executed on the tslav. He was the Sin-Bearer. He bore upon Himself on that awful day the “sins” of Adam/us. And the full wrath of the holiness of G-d was poured on “in full” on the man who died on the cross. This man died for me.
This love demonstrated by this Man (this “second Adam”), is what causes me and energizes me to “love my neighbor.” After what Yeshua did for me on His cross- how can I not “love my neighbor- knowing full well- Yeshua died for them as well. Try this sometime brother Fred.. when that cantankerous, cranky (lost?) neighbor of yours starts to “crawl” under your skin- “remember”- Christ died for ___________ .
This has been a tremendous “help” to me in dealing with those (ahem..) members of society who tend to “rub the fur”, “against the grain.”
But, we are called to be “salt” and to be “light.” We are “on mission” for our Father today. “This is the day which our LORD has made- we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Now dear brother, I am not “blind in one eye, and can’t see out of the other,” I know what is being daily “announced” in the news. That is why I am enjoying my television in the OFF position and am actually starting to visualize how good this “box of lies” would look sitting on the curb waiting for the garbagemen to come by.
“Old Paths”- brother Fred.- Today,- we will return unto the LORD and listen (shema) to His words. He (alone) has the words of life. And we also “know”/yada, to obey is to be blessed. We will “remember” (especially with the aid of our heavenly “Ezer”) and do- His words. We will love the LORD (our G-d) with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and (with His help- amen?) we will love our “neighbor”-(a word of proximity!) as ourselves. We serve G-d by serving people- “How may I serve you?” lol!! -Blessed be the Name!
Hello neighbor!! 😉
Thank you both brothers Carl and Skip – by Jove, I think he’s got it 😉
So, Yeshua’s blood is for our atonement – for our moral sin (which would be deliberate sin?)
and sacrifice is for daily life – for my ritual sin (which is the stuff that I don’t always realize I’ve done?)
I’m trying to get it straight in my head. 🙂
If my statement above is right, and my understanding based on previous posts is right, then asking G-d for forgiveness (once I realize what I’ve done) isn’t enough to wipe me clean? I must also sacrifice in some way? I know you mentioned loving others (not just in feeling but in action) as one of these acts of sacrifice, as well as serving others, as acts of worship (which is maybe part of sacrifice then?). So, simply put, in order to be “right” before G-d and able to be in fellowship with Him it’s a combination of Yeshua’s blood and my service/sacrifice?
I’m feeling a little muddled. Sorry. Thanks for any clarity you can lend me. It’s a lot to sort out sometimes.
🙂 Amanda
Since there is no temple today, many of the sacrifices cannot be performed. So, when we read about certain procedures that require presentation of a sacrifice at the temple or in front of the high priest, present circumstances prevent fulfilling those. In their place, there are many other acts of charity that we can perform indicating our willingness to conform to God’s heart but recognizing that we cannot fulfill His exact requirements.
Of course, the only way to really know what is still available to us and what isn’t is to study Torah – and perhaps do a bit of research on the contemporary answers in orthodox Judaism.
Our study of these verses in Leviticus is more about understanding the text than it is about acting accordingly. In other words, it gives us an opportunity to see that there are two kinds of sins do deal with. Clearly God’s forgiveness covers all, but far too often Christians tend to lump them into one package, and then draw the mistaken conclusion that the sacrificial system was inadequate for the forgiveness of sin (because they view all sin as intentional). Hopefully we have cleared up that confusion.
Thanks! That does help. I’ll keep reading and studying.
Amanda
Skip,
Can I commend to you (and others who may be interested) a teaching called “The Law of Sacrifices” by Monte Judah? This is an excellent, biblically based (i.e. Torah-based) teaching that gives very clear background and instruction on the sacrifices, their relationship to Messiah and the teachings associated with them that are relevant to our lives today. It certainly opened my eyes and I’m sure it would be helpful to others. The 4-part series is available from their web site (follow the link to the marketplace).
Disclaimer: I’m not associated with Monte’s ministry but I have found his teaching to be very sound and very helpful in learning Torah from a Messianic perspective.
“They sinned (excuse me) – they “erred” and knew it. They “felt” guilty because they “were” guilty. Sin contaminates every thing it touches. Adam and Eve both felt like saying- “I need a bath.” I need cleansing.”
Hi Carl,
Looks like I’m going to need to play Perry Mason and defend my clients.
Your Honor, my clients are actually two innocent children of God.
And although Adam and Eve have committed a crime and broken a law, they were not ill intentioned.
In fact, they were deceived by the serpent, the Most cunning of the beasts that Yahweh God had ever made.
On the one hand Adam and Eve had very little experience in the Garden, and on the other, you know how children are, your Honor, don’t your children disobey you all the time?
Your Honor, they are guilty of a crime and they are ashamed of their behavior, but they should not deserve to be punished severly, your Honor, they deserve a second chance.
And God actually gave them a second chance, didn’t He? They were both installed as priests AFTER their sin. But that’s only the beginning of the story. There is a lot more, and a lot more disobedience in action and attitude (Read Genesis 4:1). Or search Genesis 4:1 and other verses in this story on the web site – or wait for The Perfect Enemy.
no need for your services as our defense because “we have an “advocate” (parakaleó) with the Father- Jesus Christ the righteous.
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” –(1 John 2:1)
“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2.2)
As Abraham said, (perhaps prophetically?) -G-d will provide Himself the lamb. (Genesis 22.8)
Then, returning to the Garden and to the scene of the guilty pair, covered (as Peter was) with shame for having disobeyed and disappointing the very One who gave them life and all good things- YHWH demonstrated His amazing grace and provided for the naked pair (Jehovah Jireh/ the LORD our Provider) with coats of skins of animals. (Genesis 2.22-25).
Counselor, your clients stand guilty as charged. G-d said “don’t eat the fruit”- they both as the result of the choice of each, listened to the Deceiver instead of remembering the words of YHWH. True, they had no idea of the “wages of sin”, or what the consequences would be but then neither do we when we sin. “Sin” is serious counselor. Time after time and example after example we are exposed to the “wages of sin” or the consequences of disobedience to what G-d says. It’ just not a good idea to disobey G-d and it is a very good idea to obey G-d.
As far as I can determine, there has only been one Torah-obedient person to ever have lived. I know one thing for sure- it ain’t me! I identify with my great, great, not-so-great grandpa and must say before my compassionate Father- “forgive me LORD, for I have sinned and done this evil in your sight. It is G-d “who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin” and as King David once said “But there is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared.” (Psalm 130.4)
Thank you compassionate Father for providing an atonement for my sin. Thank you sinless Savior for giving your life’s blood as a propitiating sacrifice on my behalf and for absorbing the full wrath of YHWH against sin on the tslav. Thank you Holy Breath for taking up residency within me and for teaching me daily from G-d’s holy word and for the ministry and friendship of Skip Moen and the joy of meeting “online” with my beautiful brothers and sisters. Strengthen each of us LORD G-d to accomplish the work you have given each of us to do. Help us our Father to give unto Hashem the glory due His name. Speak your peace into our lives and lead us, each and all, in the path of righteousness for your Name’s sake. Incarnate yourself in each of your children our dear Abba, as we are called by your name and enable us to know and to do your perfect will. Teach us to abide daily is our united prayer in the strong and saving name of Yeshua, in whom is our daily delight and victorious song. Thank you for praying for us and interceding on our behalf. We praise you, knowing you are our compassionate Abba and the G-d of all comfort. Accomplish in us that which pleases you, we ask at your invitation, and because Calvary made this prayer possible. Amen.
“And God actually gave them a second chance, didn’t He?”
Hi Skip,
For me, expelling His children from the Garden (home) the first time they steal fruit seems too harsh.
And sentencing Cain to wander the earth after killing his brother seems too lenient.
In any case, Adam and Eve certainly don’t seem to be prepared for raising children or serving as priests.
By Genesis 6:13 Yahweh God seems to have realized that, with the exception of Noah and his family, mankind had gotten off to a very bad start and is not redeemable:
“because the earth is full of violence of man’s making, I will efface them from the earth.”
By Genesis 9 we have a new world order, based on Noah, a “man of integrity among his contemporaries, and he walked with God (Genesis 6:9).
Before you draw any conclusions about what is happening in Genesis 1-4, take a look at Nahum Sarna’s commentary in the JPS Torah Commentary series.
Hi Skip,
I haven’t drawn any conclusions, that’s just what I see 🙂
And every so often I tend to see things differently.
Thanks for the tip, I love Sarna’s work.
Michael,
Cain’s sentence would have been death, had there been 2 witnesses. You’ll recall that when God spoke to Cain, he said, “your brother’s blood cried out to me from the earth”. That is one witness, however in order to declare a sentence of capital punishment, God requires the testimony of 2 or more witnesses (as specified later in Torah). So, by sentencing Cain to wander the earth rather than killing him, God is abiding by His own law. He is a just God, remember?
“Justice, justice you shall pursue”. In other words, “You will pursue justice in a just manner” and He set the example right in the beginning.
“God requires the testimony of 2 or more witnesses (as specified later in Torah).”
Hi Rodney,
That’s an interesting point, but I don’t think it applies in Genesis 4.
At this point in time, the only law in effect, as far as I know, is “not to eat the fruit from the Tree of Good and Evil.”
Seems to me that Yahweh feels somewhat responsible for the behavior of His son Cain.
And Yahweh shows Cain a certain amount of compassion when He protects Cain from being killed by giving him the “mark” and the vow of “sevenfold vengence.”
Oops, I guess that would be “grandson.” 🙂
There is a lot of evidence that the principles incorporated in the codification of the Torah at Sinai are really quite well known much earlier. In fact, even as early as Cain there is an implicit understanding of the need to offer sacrifices as part of worship. And much more. Someday we may be able to explore these.