Leviticus 22:21

When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without blemish or defect to be acceptable.

Study Bible

When anyone presents
The phrase "when anyone presents" indicates the voluntary nature of the offering. In Hebrew, the word for "presents" is "yakriv," which is derived from "qarab," meaning to draw near or approach. This reflects the intimate act of coming before God, emphasizing the personal responsibility and willingness of the worshiper to offer something valuable to the Lord.

a fellowship offering
The term "fellowship offering" is translated from the Hebrew "zevach shelamim," which can also be understood as a "peace offering." This offering symbolizes peace and communion with God, highlighting the relational aspect of worship. It is an expression of gratitude and a desire for harmony with the Creator, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" underscores the direction and purpose of the offering. The Hebrew name used here is "YHWH," the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. This offering is not just a ritual but an act of devotion to the one true God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness.

to fulfill a vow
"To fulfill a vow" indicates a specific type of offering made in response to a promise or commitment made to God. The Hebrew word for "vow" is "neder," which involves a solemn promise. This reflects the seriousness with which vows were regarded in ancient Israel, emphasizing integrity and faithfulness in one's relationship with God.

or as a freewill offering
The "freewill offering" is known in Hebrew as "nedavah," which signifies a voluntary act of worship. Unlike vows, these offerings are given spontaneously out of love and gratitude, not obligation. This highlights the importance of a willing heart in worship, as God values offerings given freely and joyfully.

from the herd or flock
The specification "from the herd or flock" indicates the source of the offering, which would typically be cattle, sheep, or goats. These animals were valuable assets in ancient agrarian societies, and offering them to God represented a significant sacrifice. This underscores the principle of giving God the best of what one has, reflecting trust in His provision.

it must be without blemish or defect
The requirement "without blemish or defect" is crucial, as it signifies the purity and perfection expected in offerings to God. The Hebrew word "tamim" means complete or whole, indicating that God deserves the best and most perfect offerings. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, who was without sin.

to be acceptable
The phrase "to be acceptable" highlights the standard God sets for offerings. The Hebrew word "ratzon" means favor or acceptance, indicating that God is pleased with offerings that meet His criteria. This teaches that worship must align with God's holiness and standards, reminding believers of the importance of approaching God with reverence and sincerity.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The people of God who are given the laws and instructions for worship and offerings.

3. Priests
The mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for ensuring offerings are acceptable.

4. Fellowship Offering (Peace Offering)
A type of sacrifice made to express gratitude, fulfill vows, or as a freewill offering, symbolizing peace and communion with God.

5. Herd or Flock
The animals from which offerings are selected, representing the best of what the Israelites possess.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Worship
God requires offerings to be without blemish, symbolizing His holiness and the purity He demands in worship.

Integrity in Offerings
The call for unblemished offerings reflects the need for integrity and sincerity in our commitments to God.

Christ as the Perfect Sacrifice
Jesus Christ fulfills the requirement of a perfect offering, being without sin, and thus, our faith in Him is our ultimate act of worship.

Personal Sacrifice
Believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, striving for holiness in all aspects of life.

Gratitude and Generosity
The freewill offering aspect encourages believers to give generously and joyfully, reflecting gratitude for God's blessings.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the requirement for an unblemished offering teach us about God's nature and expectations for worship?

2. How can we apply the principle of offering our best to God in our daily lives and spiritual practices?

3. In what ways does the concept of a fellowship offering enhance our understanding of community and relationship with God?

4. How does the New Testament teaching on Christ as the perfect sacrifice influence our view of Old Testament sacrifices?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a personal sacrifice. How did it align with the biblical call to offer ourselves as living sacrifices?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12:5
The requirement for a lamb without blemish for the Passover, emphasizing the importance of purity in offerings.

Malachi 1:8
A rebuke for offering blemished sacrifices, highlighting God's disdain for less than perfect offerings.

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

Hebrews 9:14
Christ as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the law and offering eternal redemption.