*Laws #261-269 ~ BOOK SEVEN: THE BOOK OF SEEDS (Laws of the Second Tithe and Fourth Year Produce)

*Omitted (should not have been added to the Laws)
**Changed (a misinterpretation of the Law or based on the wrong scripture)
***No Longer Kept (No longer applicable today)

***Law #261 To set aside the second tithe (Festival Tithe)

Deut. 14:22 “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field brings for the year by year.”

The command refers to the Festival Tithe (Ma’aser Sheni).  Here we see a command to tithe.  In vs. 23 we see which tithe this passage refers to: “And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place His name there”…vs. 25 explains that if that place be too far, exchange the tithe into coin and upon arrival, purchase whatever you desire.  So, the Israelites consumed this tithe during their festival travels. 

***Law #262 Not to spend its redemption money on anything but food, drink, or ointment

Deut. 26:14 “I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away aught thereof for any unclean use, nor given aught thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that thou has commanded me.”

Read in full context, the command here is not to spend the Festival tithe on anything but food, drink or ointment (see vs. 12-14)

Consuming Festival Tithes while Impure

*** Law #263 Not to eat Ma’aser Sheni (Festival Tithe) while impure

Deut. 26:14 “I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away aught thereof for any unclean use, nor given aught thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that thou has commanded me.”

This same scripture also includes the commandment not to consume the Festival tithe while impure.

Consuming Festival Tithes while in Mourning

*** Law #264 A mourner on the first day after death must not eat Ma’aser Sheni (Festival Tithe)

Deut. 26:14 “I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away aught thereof for any unclean use, nor given aught thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that thou has commanded me.”

This command reiterates the previous in that not only was the tithe not to be spent on anything but food, drink and ointment but it must not be consumed on the first day after death (in mourning).

***Law #265 Not to eat Ma’aser Sheni grains outside of Jerusalem

Deut. 12:17 “Thou may not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, wine and oil or the Firstlings of thy herds…vs. 18 but thou must eat them before the Lord thy God in the place which [He] shall choose.” 

This place is the holy place in Jerusalem.  This is why the Festival Tithe is no longer kept.  Scattered Israel no longer travels to Jerusalem for the Feasts.  Therefore, no Law which pertains to the Festival Tithe can be observed any longer.

***Law #266 Not to eat Ma’aser Sheni wine products outside of Jerusalem

Deut. 12:17 The command in the same scripture above is not to consume wine outside of Jerusalem (Festival Tithe)

***Law #267 Not to eat Ma’aser Sheni oil outside Jerusalem

Deut. 12:17 The command in the same scripture above is not to consume oil outside of Jerusalem (Festival Tithe)

***Law #268 The fourth year crops must be totally for holy purposes like Ma’aser Sheni

Lev. 19:24 “But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the Lord with.”

The command is that the Festival tithe to be used totally for holy purposes in the fourth year. 

***Law #269 To read the confession of tithes every fourth and seventh year

Deut. 26:13-15 “Then thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mind house and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them. Vs. 14 I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away aught thereof for any unclean use, nor given aught thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded. Vs. 15 Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swore unto our fathers, a land that flows with milk and honey.”

This is the confession of tithes the Israelites were commanded to confess in the third year and seventh year of tithing in obedience. 

 None of these Commandments can be kept today, as the Festival Tithe was meant to be consumed in the land, at the Temple. 

*Law #260 ~ BOOK SEVEN: THE BOOK OF SEEDS (Law of Ma’aser)

*Omitted (should not have been added to the Laws)
**Changed (a misinterpretation of the Law or based on the wrong scripture)
***No Longer Kept (No longer applicable today)

***#260 Num. 18:24 “But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.” 

In this command, similar to #252 (Deut. 18:4), we see more specifically what the Levitical tithe is purposed for; to support the Levites because they lack an inheritance.

*Laws #239-259 ~ BOOK SEVEN; THE BOOK OF SEEDS (Laws of Gifts to the Poor)

*Omitted (should not have been added to the Laws)
**Changed (a misinterpretation of the Law or based on the wrong scripture)
***No Longer Kept (No longer applicable today)

Law #239 To leave a corner of the field uncut for the poor

Lev. 19:10 “And thy shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger…”

The command is to always put aside a corner of the field uncut for the poor or in today’s context, put aside something (money, food) for the needy.

Law #240 Not to reap that corner

Lev. 19:9 “And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field nor gather the gleanings of thy harvest.”

This command reiterates not only putting aside a portion for the poor but making certain you do not gather it. 

Profitable Charities?

We’ve all heard of charities that accept offerings for the needy but keep a percentage for profit.  The commandment is very clear about what we put aside (or collect) for the poor, we shall not reap from it.

Law #241 To leave gleanings (left overs)

Lev. 19:9 “…nor gather the gleanings of thy harvest.”

Law #242 Not to gather the gleanings (left overs)

Lev. 19:9 “…nor gather the gleanings of thy harvest.”

Law #243 To leave the gleanings of a vineyard

Lev. 19:10 “And thy shalt not glean thy vineyard..."

Law #244 Not to gather the gleanings of a vineyard

Lev. 19:10 “neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard..."

Law #245 To leave the unformed clusters of grapes

Lev. 19:10 “neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard..”

(This command is a repeat of 243 and needs to be omitted)

Law #246 Not to pick the unformed clusters of grapes

 Lev. 19:10 “neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard...”

Law #247 To leave the forgotten sheaves in the field

Deut. 24:19 “When thou cut down thine harvest in thy field and has forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it, it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow…”

The same idea is found in this command, except this is unintentionally leaving behind something or forgetting it.  We’re commanded to let that be a blessing to the poor; that which became an after thought to us so much so that we would forget it.  The under meaning here is that if we forgot about it, we probably didn’t need it in the first place.

Law #248 Not to retrieve them

The Poor Man’s Tithe

Law #249 To separate the tithe for the poor

Deut. 14:28 “At the end of three years, thou shalt bring all the tithe of thine increase the same year and shalt lay it up within thy gates.”

We are commanded to separate tithes for the poor.  In verse 29 we see exactly who this “Poor Man’s Tithe” is for; 29 “And the Levite (because he has no inheritance) and the widow which are within thy gates shall come and eat and be satisfied…”  Although the Israelites are a scattered nation today, giving unto the poor can be done anywhere, not just in the land.  So it is possible to continue to honor this commandment.

Law #250-251 To give charity & Not to withhold charity from the poor

Deut. 15:7-8 “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God has given you, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: vs. 8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wants.” 

In these two commandments, we’re commanded not only to set aside tithe for the needy but to give to any among you in need, do not hearten your heart but give freely to him.

The Levitical Tithe

Note: Laws 252-278 can no longer be kept today, therefore *** have been placed by them

*** Law #252 To set aside Trumah Gedolah (tithe for the Kohen)

Deut. 18:4 “The first fruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. 

The command is to set aside tithe for the Levite; a “Levitical Tithe.”  We see in vs. 1 that Levites had no inheritance so the Israelites were commanded to give unto them.  We also see in Numbers. 18:21 this portion was given to them for their service in the Temple.  It reads “…I have given the children of Levi all the 10^th in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.”

This command can no longer be kept, as there is no longer a Temple or a Levite working in it for this tithe to go to. 

Heave Offerings

*** Law #253 The Levite must set aside a tenth of his tithe

Num. 18:26 “Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, when ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up a heave offering of it for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe.”

In this command, the Levites who received a tenth from their Israelite brethren, were to then put aside a 10^th and offer a heave offering.  In vs 28 we see it was to be given to the Priest.  Again, this Law can no longer be kept due to the scattered state of Israel.  It is not okay for any minister or pastor to attempt to collect this offering in the name of a Levite.  That is an abomination of the Commandments.

**/***Law #254 Not to preface one tithe to the next, but separate them in their proper order

Ex. 22:28 “Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.”

According to Maimonides, there is a command found in Ex. 22:28 to separate the tithes in their proper order.  This scripture is not a reflection of that command.  In terms of gifts/tithes the command is actually found in vs. 29 “Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the first born of thy sons shall give them unto Me.”  This Law must be changed from what Maimonides originally stated.  We’re commanded not to prolong or delay our giving.

***Law #255 A non-Kohen must not eat Trumah

Lev. 22:10 “There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the Priest or hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.”

This commandment is for the Priests; that no outsider who was not incorporated into the Priest’s family eat the holy food.  This is a Law that applied when Israel resided in their land as a nation.  It can’t be kept today but can be remembered as a reflection of the sanctification expected of the Priests.

***Law #256 A hired worker or a Jewish bondsman of a Kohen must not eat Trumah (per Maimonides)

Lev. 22:10 This Law, based on the same scripture reiterates that not even a hired servant may eat the holy food of a Priest.  Again, a Law that can no longer be kept today.

***Law #257 An uncircumcised Kohen must not eat Trumah

Ex. 12:48 “And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee and keep the Passover…let all his males be circumcised and let them come near and keep it.

It is very likely a Kohen will be circumcised but this Law is expressing the fact that they were to make certain he was.

Conversion

The command is to first circumcise (or convert) them, then allow them to keep Passover as well.  Vs. 48 says “He shall be as one who is born in the land.” So, incorporation into the Israelite nation was allowed and when a stranger was incorporated they were to be considered “born in the land.”  Although Lev. 22:12 shows strangers still have some prohibitions.

One Law for All

Some question if two Laws exist?  One for Jews and one for Gentiles (Christians)?  This question is answered in Ex. 12:49 “One Law shall be to him that is home born, and unto the stranger that sojourns among you.”  There is no expectation of the Jews that was not expected of a non-Jew follower of the Torah.  One God, one Law, one standard.

***Law #258 An unpure Kohen must not eat Trumah

Lev. 22:4 “What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or has a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean…”

The command is that an impure Priest must not eat of the holy things until he is clean.  Again, a Law that can’t be kept in today’s world but is still a reminder of the expectation of purity from a leader of the Most High

***Law #259 A chalalah (in or of a forbidden relationship) must not eat Trumah

Lev. 22:12 “If the Priest’s daughter also be married unto a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things.”

The command is if the Priest’s daughter is married to a stranger, she may not eat of the holy things.  Another Law no longer relevant today.

Passover 2015

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Book of Romans Review Part 1 & 2: Is Christianity Following Paul's True Words & Is the Messiah the End of the Law?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-05iRChuTk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJLrepoRTn0

*Laws # 234-238 ~ BOOK SEVEN: THE BOOK OF SEEDS (Laws of Mixed Species)

*Omitted (should not have been added to the Laws)
**Changed (a misinterpretation of the Law or based on the wrong scripture)
***No Longer Kept (No longer applicable today)

Lev. 19:19 “Ye shall keep my statutes.  Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woolen come upon thee.”

From the above scripture derives the following Laws:

Law #234 Not to plant diverse seeds together

Law #235 Not to plant grains or greens in a vineyard (also Deut. 22:9) [Similar to Law #201, which deals with forbidden foods.  Law #201 Commands us not to eat mixed-breed foods.  Here, we’re commanded what not to plant mix-breed seeds.]

Law #236 Not to crossbreed animals (also Lev. 19:19)

Law #237 Not to work different animals together (to prevent mixed breeding) (also Deut. 22:10)

Law. #238 Not to wear sha’atnez, a cloth woven of wool and linen (also Deut. 22:11)

What is the logic behind these Laws?  As stated in Law #201, we are commanded not to sow different seeds together, as it becomes defiled.  If the produce from that seed be defiled, this means we are also commanded not to eat foods produced from hybrid manipulation.

Diversity was an issue for the Most High.  Not necessarily for discriminative purposes, but for clarity and order. How can one thing be truly defined less it stand alone?  Seeds planted together were considered an improper mixing of dissimilar things.  This was done to preserve order and distinction. 

*Laws #227-233 ~ BOOK SIX: THE BOOK OF OATHS (Laws of Estimated Values and Vows)

Leviticus 27 deals with determining the value of things or persons vowed to the Most High and given over to the Priests.  At redemption, the Torah determines their value.  Vows were promises made with prayer (Ps 66:13), by abstinence (Num. 6), offering or sacrifice (Lev. 7:16).  One could devote himself, his children (Lev. 27:5), his animals, goods, etc.  This Commandment pertains to the valuation of those things/person vowed.  But after consecrating these things, he later refused to redeem them back, they became the property of the Priest, sold for the profit of the Temple.  If it were a person, they spent the rest of their lives serving in the Temple. 

***Law #227 To estimate the value of vows as determined by the Torah.

Lev. 27:2 “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, when a man shall make a singular vow, the persons shall be for the Most High by thy estimate.”

The Commandment can be paraphrased as such: He who has vowed/promised or consecrated a soul (a living creature), he shall redeem it according to the Priest’s estimation (which is according to the Torah).  The Priest shall judge of the properties, qualifications, age and circumstances of the person who has vowed it and determine the value.  The money shall be put into his hands for the service of the sanctuary.

Because the Temple and Priest is no longer in place, this Law is no longer relevant today.  The vowing and redemption of people and animals is no longer in effect.  While vowing to the Most High is a gesture of submission and is always relevant.  Redemption of said property and the estimation of it’s value for redemption is not.  Many preachers in today’s era have tried to capitalize off of this system of the people making a vow or prayer to the Most High and paying for its redemption.  However, everyone is not a Priest and every church is not a Temple.  Do not be fooled.  You may go directly to the Most High with your prayer and promise today. 

The same is said with the following Laws: 228 (animals), 229 (house), 230 (fields)

***Law #228 To estimate the value of consecrated animals by the Torah.

Lev. 27:12-13 “And the Priest shall value it, whether it be good or bad: as thou valuest it, who art the priest, so shall it be.  But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.

***Law #229 To estimate the value of consecrated homes by the Torah.

Lev. 27:14 “And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy unto the Most High, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it be good or bad: as the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand.”

***Law #230 To estimate the value of consecrated fields by the Torah.

Lev. 27:16 “And if a man shall sanctify unto the Most High some part of a field of possession, then thy estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: a homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.”

The following 3 Commandments pertain to vowed persons who are excommunicated, either as an offender or a just man who’s slayed others in battle and must offer up his life in moral obligation  (Deut. 20:4, Gal. 3:13, Rom. 13:4).  The time period of banishment is indefinite.  This is considered consecration under a ban and it is different from a sacrifice, which is offered always as an innocent life without blemish. 

Lev. 27:28 “But nothing that a person owns and devotes to the Most High – whether human being or an animal or family land – may be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted I most holy to the Most High.” From this scripture derives these 3 Commandments:

***Law #231 To carry out the Laws of interdicting possessions (cherem)

***Law #232 Not to sell cherem

***Law #233 Not to redeem cherem