Leviticus 21:23

but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.'"

Study Bible

but because he is blemished
The term "blemished" in Hebrew is "מוּם" (mum), which refers to any physical defect or imperfection. In the context of Levitical law, a blemish disqualified a priest from performing certain sacred duties. This reflects the holiness and perfection required in the service of God, symbolizing the need for spiritual purity and integrity. The emphasis on physical perfection serves as a metaphor for the spiritual wholeness expected of those who serve in God's presence.

he must not go near the veil
The "veil" (Hebrew: "פָּרֹכֶת" - paroket) was the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. It represented the boundary between God and humanity, a barrier that only the High Priest could cross once a year on the Day of Atonement. The restriction for a blemished priest underscores the sanctity of this boundary and the need for those who approach it to be without defect, symbolizing the ultimate holiness of God.

or approach the altar
The "altar" (Hebrew: "מִזְבֵּחַ" - mizbeach) was central to the sacrificial system, where offerings were made to God. Approaching the altar was a sacred act, and only those who were ceremonially clean and without blemish could perform this duty. This requirement highlights the seriousness of worship and the reverence due to God, reminding believers of the need for purity in their own worship practices.

for he is blemished
The repetition of "blemished" emphasizes the importance of this condition. In a broader theological sense, it points to the human condition of sin and imperfection, which separates humanity from God. The need for a perfect mediator, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is without blemish, is foreshadowed here.

He must not desecrate My sanctuaries
The term "desecrate" (Hebrew: "חָלַל" - chalal) means to profane or defile. God's "sanctuaries" (Hebrew: "מִקְדָּשׁ" - mikdash) are holy places set apart for His presence. The prohibition against a blemished priest serving in these spaces underscores the need to maintain their sanctity. This serves as a reminder of the holiness required in all aspects of life dedicated to God.

for I am the LORD who sanctifies them
The phrase "I am the LORD" (Hebrew: "אֲנִי יְהוָה" - Ani Yahweh) is a declaration of God's authority and identity. "Sanctifies" (Hebrew: "מְקַדֵּשׁ" - mekadesh) means to set apart as holy. God Himself is the one who sanctifies His people and His places of worship. This divine action underscores the grace and power of God to make holy what is otherwise common or unclean, pointing to the transformative work of God in the lives of believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and sets apart His people and His sanctuary.

2. Priests
Specifically, the descendants of Aaron who serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, responsible for maintaining the holiness of the sanctuary.

3. The Veil
The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle/temple, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity.

4. The Altar
The place of sacrifice and offering, central to the worship and atonement practices of Israel.

5. Sanctuaries
The holy places where God's presence dwells, requiring purity and holiness from those who serve there.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Perfection
God's standard for those who serve Him is holiness and perfection, reflecting His own nature.

Physical defects in priests symbolize the spiritual perfection required to approach God.

The Role of the Priesthood
The priesthood serves as a mediator between God and the people, highlighting the need for purity in those who represent God.

In Christ, believers are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices.

The Sanctity of Worship
Worship is a sacred act that requires preparation and reverence, acknowledging God's holiness.

The physical requirements for priests remind us of the spiritual preparation needed for worship today.

Christ as the Perfect High Priest
Jesus, without defect, fulfills the role of the perfect High Priest, granting believers access to God.

Through Christ, the barriers symbolized by the veil are removed, allowing direct access to God's presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for priests to be without defect in Leviticus 21:23 reflect God's nature and His expectations for holiness?

2. In what ways does the role of the Old Testament priesthood foreshadow the work of Christ as our High Priest?

3. How can understanding the sanctity of the tabernacle and temple inform our approach to worship today?

4. What does it mean for believers to be a "royal priesthood" in light of the priestly requirements in Leviticus?

5. How can we apply the principles of holiness and reverence in our daily lives as we seek to serve God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28-29
These chapters describe the consecration of the priests and the requirements for their service, emphasizing the need for holiness and the absence of physical defects.

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the limitations of the old covenant priesthood and the greater access to God provided through Christ, our perfect High Priest.

Isaiah 6
Isaiah's vision of God's holiness highlights the separation between God and sinful humanity, similar to the separation symbolized by the veil.

1 Peter 2:9
This verse speaks of believers as a royal priesthood, called to holiness, drawing a parallel to the priestly requirements in Leviticus.