Shemeni – Eighth!

Lev. 9: 1 – 11: 47.

I. This unique Portion is titled this way because of the Previous 7 days of
consecration assigned to the Priesthood. The eight – Shemeni, became ‘the day
of ordination’. Let’s look at this Hebrew word:

• Eighth, #8066, ‫ שמיני‬shemini, translated as ‘eighth’, from 8 the number

of new beginnings. If we break the word apart we have #8034, shem, name,
these same two – letters (Shin, Mem) can also serve as an adverb, denoting,
direction [there/where]. The word formed on the end of shemini, #5204, Nun –
Yod, niy, refers to wailing, a mournful expression. It is from Nahah, to wail,
lament, also to long for, to follow eagerly. I believe it is upon the ‘Eighth’ day;
we receive the Name we have lamented – longed for!

Shemen can also mean, fat, oil, to be smeared with oil [anointed] to be
fertile. If you look at the numerical value of the word ‘Shemini’ (Shin-
300, Mem-40, Yod-10, Nun-50, Yod-10 = 410) it is the same as the word
‘Mishkan’ or Tabernacle, #4908, ‫ משכן‬the Mem prefix means ‘from,
out of, the source of origin. The root is #7931, shakan, which means to
dwell with as in marriage. The Mishkan is the place of marital
cohabitation. The eight day is the day of consummation, the day after
the wedding party has gone home and the Groom and Bride are finally
alone!
These hidden words imply, those who assemble at the Tabernacle on the Eighth
Day will become fat – increased (Pregnant??) with the Oil – Shemen – Semen
-Seeding of anointing, (#4886, mashach, to smear, to spread, to expand) spreading,
expanding His Name!

The Rabbis teach this “eighth” day was the first day of Abiv or Nissan and
that after 7 days of “rehearsal” consecrating the Priesthood and setting up the
Tabernacle, it is left permanently and the Priesthood fully functional. This is a
shadow picture of the 7-day, 7000 yr. plan of YHVH where we (the Priests)
have been in training for the day when YHVH Himself will bring His
tabernacle to the earth for eternity! Rev. 21: 3.
The number 8 appears throughout the Torah portion to further signify the
Covenantal seal upon this number. For instance:

The first 6 verses are an introduction to preliminary steps Aaron is to take

before the beginning of the in-depth description of the rituals. These verses
contain 80 Hebrew words ending with YHVH.

The total number of offerings for the 8th day is 8.

In addition, the 3 chapters dealing with priestly initiation and installation and
the subsequent events from ch. 8 – ch. 10 contains 80 verses. From the first
word of ch. 8 to the last word of ch. 9 there are 888 words.

Another hint is seen in the festival of Chanukah the oil lasting 8days, which is the
length of time required to press, prepare, and consecrate fresh oil. Incidentally,
Yahshua spends time in Gethsemane, “the Oil Press” on the 80th Jubilee!

The Offerings!

II. It is interesting to see that YHVH required 4 types of offerings to

consecrate Aaron, his sons, and the People. They are as follows:

#1. Sin offering, #2403, ‫ חטאת‬chatta'ath, a fem. noun meaning sin,

transgression, punishment. However, if we break the Hebrew word apart, we
see Chet-Tet, Chat, meaning sin, but it also is connected to Chatat, to draw a
line, to engrave. Additionally, we see the Aleph-Tav, which of course
represents Messiah, but can also be used as a preposition in an accusative
form, as in: ET-ha ish, [the man]. Thus, this word Chat / Et, could say, “The
One engraved with/for Sin”.

We should also note the specific animal required, a calf:

• Calf, #5695, ‫` עגל‬egel, calf, a symbol of power and fertility. Again, we

must break the Hebrew word apart: Gimmel-Lamed, gal, means to roll, roll
away, a circle. It is the root of galal, the term used after the circumcision of all
Israel upon their entrance with Joshua, into the Promised Land. Also it is the
root of Golgotha, gulgoleth. The Ayin depicts an eye and means to see,
perceive, and understand. Thus, to “see and understand that “He” rolled our
sins away.

#2. Burnt offering, #5930, ‫` עלה‬olah, whole, burnt offering, ascent, stairway.
There are several cognate words spelled with the same consonantal root
letters. #5929, `aleh, leaf - reminiscent of the fig leaf covering of Adam & Eve.
#5931, `illah, a noun indicating a cause for allegation, a basis for accusing
someone. Gen. 3 reveals this same pattern as Adam and Eve give YHVH a
reason to accuse them and they attempt to cover their own sin. Ironically, the
Priest could not ascend stairs on to the altar with his nakedness exposed, thus,
Adam & Eve attempt to cover their nakedness with a false gesture resulting in
further basis for accusation. YHVH must slaughter THE LAMB in order to
‘cover’ them, and He (the Lamb) takes the accusations upon Himself. It is
only the Linen Breeches that will cover the Priest’s nakedness! Lev. 6:10.

• Linen, #906, ‫ בד‬bad, linen, also, ‘a thread’. The root stem infers to
divide, separate, as in separating thread. It is used metaph. to represent
Ephraim – who was separated because of his nakedness, but, once the
Nakedness is covered, he, (the house of Joseph) will become part of the
restored priesthood! If we look at the pictograph of the individual letters, Beit
– house, Dalet – Door/Messiah, we can see a picture of the Doorposts
representing the Thigh and Legs of the man – the DOOR - whose nakedness
must be covered by the Blood! The gematria of this word is 6 = the letter Vav,
the humbled Man.

• Garments, #4055, ‫ מד‬mad, a garment, also to measure, mete out. Your

garments will determine whether judgment or vindication is measured to you.
It is worth noting the Gematria of the two words, 6 + 44 = 50, properly
attired, we enjoy the jubilee, setting free and restoration. However, if we
subtract 44 – 6 = 38, the number of the word galah, #1540, to reveal, uncover,
to remove, to go into exile, bondage. It is used in the expression, ‘to
uncover/galah the nakedness’ which infers sexual relations. It is also the word
used to refer to the bowl-shaped vessel at the top of the Menorah, which holds
oil! To not be properly attired finds one in the category of having no oil in our
vessel, much like the 5 foolish virgins Matt.25: 2.

Again, note the animal sacrificed, a ram:

• Ram, #352, ‫' איל‬ayil, ram, but it can also mean a terebinth or ‘long-
lived’ tree. The root stem here, Aleph-Yod, means the place where one goes
for shelter, refuge. The Lamed represents, the staff or rod of the
teacher/lamad. Thus, `ayil conveys the idea of seeking refuge in the one who
Shepherds and teaches us!

#3. Peace Offering, #8002, ‫ שלם‬shelem, the consonantal roots here are used in
a variety of words: Peace, retribution, requital, recompense for a deserved
punishment. It can also mean to complete, finish, such as rebuilding the
Temple. It can mean whole, full. The two-letter root stem, Shin-Lamed, sal,
#7944, means a grievous sin worthy of death. The Mem attached to the end
infers chaos. Thus, we’re being taught another facet of redemption. How our
Peace was purchased by the death penalty – a retribution for our Sin – placed
on Messiah, which resulted in the completion of the rebuilding of the Temple
(NOT MADE WITH HANDS) the dwelling place of YHVH!

The numeric value of this word Shin-300, Lamed-30, Mem-40 = 370, the same
as the Hebrew word, #4910, mashal, to rule, reign, have dominion! It can also
mean an oracle, a prophetic utterance. Thus, this Peace Offering restored us,
though worthy of death, the price was paid for our redemption, and
restoration as the dwelling place of YHVH and to our position as Co-Regent
with Him in the earth, becoming fruitful, multiplying, replenishing – subduing
and having dominion!

*Note the animals required as sacrifice:

• Bullock, #7794, ‫ שור‬showr, here it means Bull, ox, however the same
root letters can also mean: To vanquish, rule, have power, to cut, destroy, to
look at, to gaze and regard. Also, an enemy actively opposing. A wall. This
words usage implies: this offering restores us, as Messiah vanquished &
destroyed the enemy we regard most – the wall between us (YHVH & Us).
The FLESH! Eph. 2: 14 – 17! It was this carnal, lustful appetite that made us
naked and unclean/Niddah – an Adulteress before YHVH!
• Ram, #352, ‫' איל‬ayil, *See above definition.

These were to be brought to sacrifice: #2076, ‫ זבח‬zabach, to kill, slaughter

(pay the penalty). The root stem, Zayin-Beit, Zev, means a flux, a bloody flow
or discharge. The Chet implies a fence, what separates. Thus, the death
penalty here was for the cleansing of the Niddah condition, the dead blood
flow, which separated us from our Husband! It has the same gematria as the
word Achak, to burn! The penalty for an adulterous daughter of a priest!

#4. A Meat Offering, #4503, ‫ מנחה‬minchah, a tribute offering usually of grain.

It meant to bestow. The two-letter root stem is Nun-Chet, Noach/Noah,
meaning rest, comfort, but also to lead or guide. The Mem = from, out of, the
place of origin, while the Hey suffix is feminine, implying fertility. This word
Minchah, infers as we bring it in obedience, He will bestow peace, comforting
us and guiding us to the origin of the place where the Bride was first fertile!
This reminds of Noah, Gen. 5:29 where Noah would comfort us regarding our
work, (#4639, ma’aseh, the origin of our creation) and toil, (#6093, its-tsaw-
bone’, sorrow, from the root Tsavah, which means to swell up, as in the
stomach/belly swelling from disease! Numbs. 5:27) because of the curse!

#4b. Mingled, #1101, ‫ בלל‬balal, to mingle, to anoint, the root, Beit-Lamed, is

seen in Daniel 6: 14,15, where King Darius set his heart on Daniel.
#4c. Oil, #8081, ‫ שמן‬shemen, oil, to be fat, fertile. It can also mean to evaluate,
assess, estimate. The root of Shemoneh – eight. Once, we have assessed our
plight and returned to our Husband, and we have set our hearts on HIM, the
belly that was barren and cursed will be anointed, mingled with the Oil of
fertility. On this eighth day the Tabernacle will be forever established in us!
The root of shemen is SHEM the name, while the nun infers life. On this day,
in the Holy Sanctuary, we will become one with the SHEM who brings life –
seed, Shemen, semen!

Lev. 9:1 tells us that Moshe called Aaron, his sons, the elders and all Israel.
The word Called is significant:

• Called, #7121, ‫ קרא‬qara', to summon, call, recite, proclaim, read aloud,

call and commission! It happens that this is also the Hebrew name of this
Book known as Leviticus – Va’yiqara – And He Called.

Moshe means literally, “One from whom the Water is drawn”, He represents
Messiah! His Name in Hebrew ‫ משה‬Mosheh, reads, ‘Ha Shem’ – The Name!
It is out of His belly, the rivers of Living Water flow, healing the stagnant –
dead waters of the barren womb! Is. 12: 3, Is. 41: 1 – 7. Ezek. 47: 1- 9. READ!

This Torah portion is about restoration! It reminds us that every avenue of

sin, deceit, and treachery against Him has been covered by the Redemption
Price of Messiah! We are now able to stand with Him as the Bride!
 Nadab & Abihu
Lev. 10: 1

III. The last verse of chapter 9 reveals that the Fire of YHVH had fallen on
the Olah offering, that specific sacrifice to Cover the Nakedness of those who
offered it. Additionally, the fire fell on the Fat, #2459, ‫ חלב‬cheleb, the part of
the offering specifically reserved for YHVH. The root, Lamed-Beit, lev, spells
heart, while the Chet infers that which is fenced off (the #8) and protected.
However, the Hebrew letters, Chet – Lamed, spells Chol, a noun meaning
profane, polluted. The picture painted of these letters reveal: When the
Offering is made the fire of YHVH consumes what is rightfully HIS, He wants
the HEART fenced off from what is profaned and polluted by having been
offered to other gods! The people fall on their faces, singing /shouting in
obedience and return – Teshuvah!

We see immediately Nadab & Abihu intervene to stop the People from
returning to YHVH. Remember, they offer strange fire… Fire, #784, ‫' אש‬esh,
fire, but, it is cognate with the Hebrew words for Man, Ish, and woman,
Ishah, lacking only the Yod and Hey of YHVH. The original man/fire was
extinguished by sin, the Presence of Yah – removed, until the Lamb is Slain.
This would hint at an attempt to bring a harlot bride back before YHVH!

• Nadab, #5070, ‫ נדב‬generous, liberal, spontaneous, from

#5068, nadav, to incite, impel, to urge.

• Abihu, #30, ‫אביהוא‬, whose father he, YHVH is.

It seems from their names that their actions incited or impelled YHVH to
action.

And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his
censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered
strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. Let’s
examine this phrase by phrase:

…Took either of them his censer… Vayikchu veney-Aharon Nadav va'Avihu

ish machtato. *Remember we’ve already looked at the names, therefore:
“And inciting, impelling YHVH to action (Nadab & Abihu) the sons of Aaron
the light-bearer (Lucifer?) Took (#3947, laqach, to take as in marriage) either
(#376, iysh, man) his censor (#4289, machtah, fire-holder, from #4288,
mechittah, destruction, ruin, terror). They each took as in a marriage –
Covenant, destruction…

…And put fire therein, and put incense thereon…vayitnu vahen esh vayasimu
aleyha ketoret. The word incense, #7004, qetoreth, smoke, incense, from
#6999, Qatar, incense. This word is used often of improper worship directed
either to the True YHVH or false gods.

…They offered it before God, [but it was] unauthorized fire, which [God]
had not instructed them [to offer]. Vayakrivu lifney Adonay esh zarah asher
lo tsivah otam. The word to focus on here is the word for Strange, #2114, zur,
strange, loathsome, to turn aside to a harlot or strange woman. The peculiar
phrase, qetoret zara, strange incense is paralleled in Ex. 30: 9 where it occurs
with the prohibition of incense offerings in any manner other than ordained.
Additionally, the phrase “that he had not commanded them” is also consistent
throughout Torah with prohibitions against Idolatrous practices! Like their
father Aaron, (Golden Calf) they introduce foreign gods to Israel! Lev. 10: 3
tells us upon hearing the explanation of YHVH that Aaron held his peace.
Vayidom Aaron.

Peace, #1826, damam, to be silent, to cause to die, to be struck dead. It is

interesting that the root here is dam – the Hebrew word for blood. While a
couple of cognate words around 1826 (1823 & 1825) both convey the idea of a
“likeness”. I believe that Aaron is silenced because Nadab & Abihu sinned in
the likeness of Aaron and he saw his blood (sons) die!

YHVH is revealing what Israel will do in the days ahead. They will bring their
Pagan gods – and adultery to them before YHVH who will consume what is
HIS, whether in a fire that consumes an obedient one and draws into Him like
inhaling a breath – or, a consuming fire that destroys and separates for
eternity. The choice is yours.