How does Deuteronomy 15:21 emphasize offering only unblemished sacrifices to God? The Immediate Command in Deuteronomy 15:21 “ ‘But if an animal has a defect—lameness or blindness, or any kind of serious flaw—you may not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.’ ” The Setting and Context • Moses is instructing Israel on living faithfully in the land. • Chapter 15 addresses release of debts, freeing of servants, and the firstborn offerings. • Verse 21 zeroes in on the moment when a firstborn animal is examined; if blemished, it must not be offered. Key Words That Drive the Point Home • “Defect” – any observable imperfection, physical or otherwise. • “May not” – an absolute prohibition, not a suggestion. • “Sacrifice to the LORD your God” – worship is the target, so purity is non-negotiable. Why the Sacrifice Must Be Unblemished • Reflects God’s holiness (Leviticus 22:20-25). • Demonstrates wholehearted devotion—only the best for Him. • Guards against careless, cost-cutting worship that keeps the premium for self and gives God the leftovers. • Anticipates the perfect sacrifice of Christ, “a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19). Contrast: What Happens When Israel Ignores This Principle • Malachi 1:8, 13 shows priests offering the blind and lame; God calls it “evil.” • Result: worship is rejected, blessings withheld. Christ as the Fulfillment • Isaiah 53:9 – the Messiah is sinless. • Hebrews 9:14 – Christ offers Himself “without blemish to God.” • The Old Testament requirement points forward to the flawless, once-for-all offering of Jesus. New-Covenant Echoes for Believers Today • Romans 12:1 – offer your bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing.” • Ephesians 5:27 – Christ’s goal is a church “without stain or wrinkle.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 – pursue holiness, cleansing “from everything that defiles.” Practical Takeaways • Give God the best portion of time, talent, and resources—not what is left over. • Examine motives: outward service is blemished if the heart is half-hearted. • Pursue integrity; hypocrisy is a moral blemish that disfigures worship. • Lean on Christ’s perfection; He alone makes our offerings acceptable (Hebrews 13:15-16). Deuteronomy 15:21, in one succinct verse, nails down the unchanging principle: God deserves a flawless gift, prefiguring the flawless Savior and calling His people to wholehearted, undivided devotion. |
    |