Deuteronomy 15:21

But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.

Study Bible

But if an animal has a defect
In the context of ancient Israelite worship, offerings to God were to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection. This requirement reflects God's holiness and the need for offerings to be worthy of Him. The concept of defect-free sacrifices is rooted in the broader Levitical laws (Leviticus 22:20-25), emphasizing the importance of giving God the best, not the leftovers or inferior goods.

is lame or blind
Lameness and blindness are specific examples of defects that disqualify an animal from being sacrificed. These physical imperfections symbolize spiritual shortcomings and are used to teach the Israelites about the importance of spiritual integrity and wholeness. The requirement for unblemished sacrifices foreshadows the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

or has any serious flaw
The term "serious flaw" encompasses any imperfection that would render an animal unfit for sacrifice. This broad category ensures that only the best is offered to God, reinforcing the principle of giving God the first and finest of one's possessions. This practice also served to instill a sense of reverence and respect for the divine.

you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God
This command underscores the seriousness of offering only what is perfect to God. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to His laws was a sign of faithfulness. The prohibition against sacrificing flawed animals is a reminder of God's standards and the call to holiness. It also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who was without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:19), fulfilling the sacrificial system and establishing a new covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on how to live in covenant with Him.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, where the Israelites are to live according to God's laws.

4. Sacrificial System
The system of offerings and sacrifices established by God for worship and atonement.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who requires pure and unblemished offerings.

Teaching Points

The Principle of Giving God Our Best
God deserves our best offerings, not our leftovers. This principle extends beyond physical sacrifices to our time, talents, and resources.

Holiness and Purity in Worship
The requirement for unblemished sacrifices underscores the holiness of God and the purity He demands in worship. Our worship should reflect His holiness.

Symbolism of Christ as the Perfect Sacrifice
The unblemished sacrifices in the Old Testament foreshadow Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Integrity in Our Offerings
Just as the Israelites were to offer unblemished animals, we are called to integrity in our offerings, ensuring they are given with a pure heart.

Reflecting God's Standards in Our Lives
The call to offer unblemished sacrifices is a reminder to live lives that reflect God's standards of holiness and righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for unblemished sacrifices in Deuteronomy 15:21 reflect God's character and expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of giving God our best in our daily lives today?

3. How does the concept of unblemished sacrifices in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the perfect sacrifice?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure our worship and offerings to God are pure and pleasing to Him?

5. How can the teachings in Deuteronomy 15:21 inspire us to live lives of integrity and holiness in a modern context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 22:20-25
This passage also emphasizes the requirement for offerings to be without defect, reinforcing the principle of giving God the best.

Malachi 1:8
The prophet Malachi rebukes the Israelites for offering blemished sacrifices, highlighting the importance of honoring God with pure offerings.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament sacrificial system.

1 Peter 1:19
Describes Christ as a lamb without blemish or defect, fulfilling the requirement for a perfect sacrifice.