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| Qorban (what you call sacrifice) was never the ONLY way to be close to HaShem, it was only A way. Qorban translates in concept to a "drawing near to HaShem.” Most qorbans had nothing to do with sin at all – they were used to thank HaShem and also to try and draw nearer to Him spiritually. The offer could be grain and sometimes was money (shekels) – disproving the fallacy that qorban required blood or that atonement was only through the blood. MONEY: Exodus 30:12 When you take a census of the Israelites to determine their numbers, each one shall be counted by giving an atonement offering for his life. . .13 Everyone included in the census must give a half shekel. FLOUR: Leviticus 5: 11 the sacrifice that he must bring for his sin shall consist of 1/10 ephah of wheat meal as a sin offering. This mistake that atonement of sin requires a blood sacrifice comes from a mis-reading of Leviticus 17 where Jews are forbidden from EATING blood and told its only purpose is on the altar or to be thrown away into the dirt (Leviticus 17:13). Leviticus 3:17
Leviticus 17:12
As for a qorban atoning for sin –also a mistaken impression. Most qorbans had nothing to do with atoning for anything. There were only two types (the chatat and asham qorans) that could be used to atone for any kind of sin -- and only sins against HaShem which were unintentional or minor in nature. (I suggest you read http://www.jewfaq.org/qorbanot.htm ). How do we know that HaShem listens to prayers if we can’t make a qorban (offer?). HaShem has ALWAYS listened to prayers, even in the days of qorban:
Read Solomon's dedication of the first Temple found in 1 Kings 8. Solomon clearly states that there will be a time when the Temple will not exist, or Jews will not be near it and can not bring qorban -- and that HaShem will hear our prayers: 1Kings 8-33 "When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and confess your name, praying and making supplication to you in this temple, 34 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land you gave to their fathers. Why don’t Jews bring qorban in modern times? We follow HaShem’s laws and those laws tell us in scripture that we are only allowed to make qorban in the place designated by HaShem. That was the tabernacle, which found its final home in the Temple. Without the Temple we are forbidden from bringing qorban. Until such time as it is rebuilt prayer, turning to HaShem and being good to others is all HaShem wants or needs. Hosea 3:4-5 – (4) For the people of Israel shall remain many days with a king, and without a nobleman, and without a sacrifice. . . Hosea 14:2 Return O Israel, to the L-rd your HaShem. . .3 Take words with you and return to the L-rd; say to Him: “You shall forgive all iniquity, and accept the good and we will render (for) bullocks (the offering of our) lips.” (in other words prayers instead of sacrifice). Proverbs 16:6 Through loving kindness and truth will iniquity be atoned; and through the fear of the L-rd (you) depart from evil. These are just some of the verses that prove that prayer is and always has been the primary way to atone for sin, as well as to be close to HaShem. Qorban (what you call “sacrifice”) was primarily a way to be close to HaShem, only unintentional or minor sin (a “missing of the mark”) could be atoned for with a qorban. And qorbans did not require blood – some used money, some used flour, some were burnt offerings and some were animal offerings where the blood was sprinkled on the Temple altar and the meat eaten by the priests. |
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