Page 70 - VAIKRA

did Hashem command the Jews to slaughter the sheep, which placed them
in great danger? Could He not have instilled belief in Him in the hearts
of the Jewish nation through wondrous miracles? Hashem wanted Am
Yisrael to do a memorable act that would serve to eradicate from their
hearts any reverence they harbored for the Egyptian idols. It was of
paramount importance to eliminate even a hirhur for idolatry. This
justified placing the Jews in mortal danger and thereafter performing a
miracle to protect them.

Had Hashem relied solely on the performance of miracles, Bnei Yisrael
would have believed in Him. But they might very well have
simultaneously continued to attribute power to the idols of the Egyptians,
even though they would not have actively worshipped them. This was a
danger that threatened their wholehearted service of Hashem. Therefore,
the connection between parashat Tzav and Shabbat Hagadol is that they
both teach us the severity of harboring corrupt thoughts. Hashem
instructed Bnei Yisrael to slaughter the idol of the Egyptians and likewise
urged on the Kohanim in executing the korban olah, which rectifies sinful
thoughts.

“Command Aharon and his sons, saying: This
is the law of the olah-offering: It is the
olah-offering [that stays] on the flame, on the
Mizbeach, all night until the morning, and the
fire of the Mizbeach shall be kept aflame on it”

(Vayikra 6:2) # 26347-EYAL-6