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Focus on Atonement |
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This week’s focus will be upon the Parashah reading called ‘Acrei Mot’ or ‘After Death’. Vayikra 16:1-18:29. This title refers to the two sons of Aaron who, having violated YHWH’s sanctuary, were summarily struck dead. The discourse in part relates to the only method approved for earthling man to safely enter the holy of holies. One of the most intriguing aspects of acceptable access has to do with proper covering. First the high priest must be fully adorned in pure white linen, he must bathe, and then he must bring a sacrificial offering for his short fallings as well as an assent offering. This will afford him yet another form of covering called atonement. This is the English word translated from the Hebrew emrah or word ‘kaphar’ #3722. This emrah means ‘to cover’. It might be better understood if we were to consider this idea of covering in an entirely different situation. Think of this setting; if you were to cover the debts of a friend or family member, the debt would not be relinquished it would be transferred or forestalled. A debt is cleared only when it is paid in full. This is the Eye for eye, life for life rule of equity established in Torah. Another way to comprehend the significance of suitable covering would be to consider the importance of a space suit to an astronaut. As comfortable and as stylish as glad rags may be they won’t protect us from the Van Allen belt or an oxygen free environment. Covering in outer space is as life sustaining as the pure monofilament linen, cleanliness and perfect atonement were to the mortal who entered into the very presence of the Most High, YHWH.
We mortals have such weak eyes and
impaired hearing that we tend to believe there are no colors beyond our
rainbow, no sound above nor below our audible range. Wisdom, in my
opinion, can not be found by man unless he is able to stand face to face
with the pathos of his own insipid humanity. |