Portion 20 of 54 · Exodus
תְּצַוֶּה
Tetzaveh
A lamp that is never allowed to go out, and clothing designed so that a man cannot forget who he carries.
Start by reading it
Exodus 27:20–30:10
4 chapters. About 16 minutes at an unhurried pace.
Paired reading from the prophets: Ezekiel 43:10–27
What happens
- 01
Pure oil, beaten for the light, to keep a lamp burning continually.
- 02
Aaron and his sons are set apart as priests.
- 03
Their garments are described in detail: breastplate, ephod, robe, turban.
- 04
Twelve stones with the names of the twelve tribes, worn over the heart.
The thing most people walk past
Moses is not named once
For the only time since his birth, Moses' name does not appear in this portion — it is addressed to 'you' throughout. Readers have argued about why for centuries. The leader steps back and the work is what is described.
One verse to carry
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart.
He cannot go before God without carrying everyone with him. The design makes forgetting the people physically impossible.
A question to sit with
The priest wears the names of every tribe over his heart when he goes in. What does that say about what leadership is for?
There is no answer key. This is the part you take with you.