Leviticus 22:22

You are not to present to the LORD any animal that is blind, injured, or maimed, or anything with a running sore, a festering rash, or a scab; you must not put any of these on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Study Bible

You are not to present to the LORD
This phrase establishes a direct command from God regarding the offerings that are acceptable to Him. The Hebrew root for "present" is "qarab," which means to bring near or to offer. This reflects the intimate act of bringing something before God, emphasizing the sacredness of the offering process. The phrase underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity, aligning with the broader biblical theme of holiness.

any animal that is blind, injured, maimed
The Hebrew words used here, such as "ʿiwwēr" (blind) and "šābar" (injured), highlight physical defects. In the ancient Near Eastern context, offerings were meant to be perfect and without blemish, symbolizing the perfection and holiness of God. This requirement for unblemished offerings points to the future perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin.

or has a wart, festering rash, or scabs
These terms describe various skin conditions that would render an animal unfit for sacrifice. The Hebrew word "yabbēlet" (wart) and "garab" (scabs) indicate imperfections that were visible and thus unacceptable. This reflects the broader biblical principle that God desires purity and wholeness in what is offered to Him, both in physical offerings and in the spiritual lives of believers.

You must not place any of these on the altar
The altar was a sacred place where offerings were made to God. The Hebrew word "mizbēaḥ" (altar) signifies a place of sacrifice and worship. By prohibiting blemished offerings, God was teaching His people about His holiness and the need for purity in worship. This serves as a reminder for Christians today to offer their best to God, not just in material offerings but in their lives and service.

as a food offering presented to the LORD
The term "food offering" translates the Hebrew "leḥem," which means bread or food, symbolizing sustenance and fellowship with God. Offerings were a way for the Israelites to maintain a covenant relationship with God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. This phrase invites believers to consider their own offerings to God, ensuring they are given with a heart of gratitude and reverence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and requires holiness from His people.

2. Priests of Israel
The descendants of Aaron, responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the offerings and the tabernacle.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, commanded to bring offerings that reflect God's holiness.

4. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where offerings were made.

5. Sacrificial Offerings
Animals presented to God as acts of worship and atonement, which must be without blemish.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Worship
God demands offerings that reflect His holiness. Our worship should be pure and sincere, free from blemish or compromise.

Giving Our Best to God
Just as the Israelites were to offer unblemished animals, we are called to give God our best in all aspects of life, including our time, talents, and resources.

Symbolism of Perfection
The requirement for unblemished sacrifices points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin and perfectly fulfilled the law.

Integrity in Service
Our service to God should be characterized by integrity and excellence, mirroring the standards set for the offerings.

Reflection of Inner Purity
The physical purity of the offerings symbolizes the inner purity God desires in our hearts and lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for unblemished sacrifices in Leviticus 22:22 reflect God's character and expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are giving our best to God in our daily lives, similar to the unblemished offerings?

3. How does the concept of a perfect sacrifice in the Old Testament point to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

4. What are some modern-day "blemishes" that might affect our worship and service to God, and how can we address them?

5. How can we apply the principle of offering unblemished sacrifices to our personal and communal worship practices today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Malachi 1:8
This verse criticizes the offering of blemished sacrifices, highlighting the importance of giving God our best.

Deuteronomy 15:21
Reinforces the command to offer only unblemished animals, emphasizing the need for purity in worship.

Hebrews 9:14
Connects the concept of a perfect sacrifice to Jesus Christ, who offered Himself without blemish to God.