What is the meaning of Leviticus 21:21? No descendant of Aaron the priest Leviticus 21 narrows the priestly calling to the family line God chose in Exodus 28:1. • God’s covenant order: only Aaron’s sons could handle the altar (Numbers 18:7), emphasizing divine appointment rather than human ambition (Hebrews 5:4). • The standard is not cultural but revelatory; God Himself set it, so it stands as historically accurate and binding for Israel. who has a defect A “defect” (Leviticus 21:17-20) includes physical deformities, injuries, or blemishes. • Old-covenant worship demanded wholeness in both priest (Malachi 1:8) and sacrifice (Deuteronomy 15:21). • These visible imperfections symbolized the inward flaw of sin; the requirement pointed ahead to the flawless High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 7:26). shall approach to present the food offerings to the LORD “Food offerings” cover burnt, grain, and fellowship offerings (Leviticus 3:11; 6:14-18). • Approach to God’s presence was deadly serious (Leviticus 16:2; Hebrews 9:7). • By restricting defective priests, God protected the sacred space and underlined His absolute holiness (Isaiah 6:3). Since he has a defect The repetition drives home causation: the defect itself disqualifies. • God’s standard is perfection; anything less falls short (Romans 3:23). • Sinless Christ meets that perfection so we may draw near in Him (Hebrews 4:15-16). he is not to come near to offer the food of his God The priest could still eat the holy food (Leviticus 21:22) but not officiate. • Service and fellowship are distinct: communion remained, but leadership functions ceased (Numbers 3:10). • Today every believer is a priest in Christ (1 Peter 2:9), yet leaders must still model exemplary integrity (1 Timothy 3:2). summary Leviticus 21:21 literally barred physically blemished sons of Aaron from altar duty to safeguard the holiness of worship and foreshadow the perfect priesthood of Christ. The verse underscores that God alone sets qualifications for approaching Him, demands wholeness, and ultimately fulfills those demands in His flawless Son, allowing all who trust Him to draw near with confidence. |
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