1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name [in those things] which they hallow unto me: I [am] the LORD.
3 Say unto them, Whosoever [he be] of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I [am] the LORD.
4 What man soever of the seed of Aaron [is] a leper, or hath a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoso toucheth any thing [that is] unclean [by] the dead, or a man whose seed goeth from him;
5 Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath;
6 The soul which hath touched any such shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water.
7 And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it [is] his food.
8 That which dieth of itself, or is torn [with beasts], he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I [am] the LORD.
9 They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.
10 There shall no stranger eat [of] the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat [of] the holy thing.
11 But if the priest buy [any] soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.
12 If the priest’s daughter also be [married] unto a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things.
13 But if the priest’s daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father’s house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father’s meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof.
14 And if a man eat [of] the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth [part] thereof unto it, and shall give [it] unto the priest with the holy thing.
15 And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the LORD;
16 Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them.
17 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
18 Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever [he be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering;
19 [Ye shall offer] at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.
20 [But] whatsoever hath a blemish, [that] shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.
22 Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD.
23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer [for] a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.
24 Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make [any offering thereof] in your land.
25 Neither from a stranger’s hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption [is] in them, [and] blemishes [be] in them: they shall not be accepted for you.
26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
27 When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
28 And [whether it be] cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.
29 And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer [it] at your own will.
30 On the same day it shall be eaten up; ye shall leave none of it until the morrow: I [am] the LORD.
31 Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I [am] the LORD.
32 Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I [am] the LORD which hallow you,
33 That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I [am] the LORD.
Overview of Leviticus Chapter 22
Leviticus Chapter 22 addresses the regulations concerning the priests and their duties, particularly focusing on the holiness required in their service and the offerings they handle. The chapter emphasizes the importance of purity and the sanctity of the offerings made to God.
Key Themes
- Holiness of the Priests: The chapter underscores the necessity for priests to maintain a state of holiness, as they serve in the presence of God.
- Regulations on Offerings: Specific guidelines are provided regarding what is acceptable for offerings, especially concerning blemished animals.
- Separation of Sacred and Profane: The text distinguishes between what is sacred and what is common, emphasizing the need for respect in worship practices.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-9: Instructions for the Priests
The chapter opens with God instructing Moses to convey to the priests the importance of maintaining their purity. The priests are warned against profaning the holy offerings made to the Lord.
- Prohibition of Defilement: Priests must avoid contact with the dead, except for close relatives, to remain ceremonially clean.
- Consequences of Defilement: A defiled priest risks being cut off from the community, indicating the serious repercussions of failing to adhere to these regulations.
Verses 10-16: Restrictions on Eating Holy Offerings
These verses elaborate on who may eat the holy offerings. Only those who are ceremonially clean and belong to the priestly family are permitted to partake in these sacred foods.
- Exclusion of Strangers: Non-priests and their families are explicitly prohibited from consuming the holy offerings.
- Consequences of Violation: If someone eats a holy offering in a state of uncleanness, they bear the guilt of their actions, indicating the gravity of the matter.
Verses 17-25: Acceptable Offerings
God provides detailed guidelines regarding the types of animals that are acceptable for offerings. The emphasis is on the quality and purity of the offerings presented to Him.
- Unblemished Animals: Only animals without defects are to be offered, reinforcing the idea that God deserves the best.
- Prohibition of Certain Animals: Specific animals, such as those that are blind, injured, or have any blemish, are deemed unacceptable for sacrifice.
Verses 26-30: Regulations for Animal Sacrifices
In these verses, further regulations are outlined concerning the sacrifices of animals, including the timing and conditions under which they should be offered.
- Age of Animals: Guidelines specify the age of animals that can be offered, ensuring that only mature and healthy specimens are used.
- Quality Assurance: The chapter reiterates that the offerings must be pleasing to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of quality in worship.
Verses 31-33: Call to Obedience
The chapter concludes with a call for the Israelites to observe God’s commandments and to treat His name with reverence. This section underscores the significance of obedience in maintaining a relationship with God.
- Importance of Following Commands: The Israelites are reminded that adherence to these laws is a reflection of their commitment to God.
- God’s Holiness: The chapter closes by affirming God’s holiness and the necessity for His people to uphold this standard in their worship practices.
Conclusion
Leviticus Chapter 22 serves as a critical reminder of the standards of holiness required in the worship of God, particularly for those in leadership roles such as the priests. The regulations concerning offerings and the emphasis on purity highlight the seriousness with which God views worship and the importance of maintaining a sacred relationship with Him.
