What is the meaning of Leviticus 22:21? When a man presents “When a man presents …” (Leviticus 22:21a) sets the stage with personal responsibility. Worship in Israel was never mechanical; it required an intentional act by the individual. • Numbers 15:2–3 shows that offerings came from people who “present” them, not from impersonal sources. • Romans 12:1 echoes this heart posture: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Peace offering to the LORD “… a peace offering to the LORD …” (v. 21b) identifies the specific sacrifice. Peace offerings celebrated fellowship with God. • Leviticus 3 outlines the peace offering’s unique feature: part of the meat was shared in a communal meal, picturing restored relationship (see Leviticus 7:15). • Psalm 54:6 reminds us, “I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD,” linking peace and praise. From the herd or flock “… from the herd or flock …” (v. 21c) emphasizes ordinary livestock. God did not demand exotic animals, just what the worshiper already managed. • Deuteronomy 12:17 limits sacrificial animals to domesticated herds and flocks, reinforcing accessibility. • 2 Samuel 24:24 illustrates the principle of offering what truly costs something personal, not something cheap or borrowed. To fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering “… to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering …” (v. 21d) highlights two motives: • Vow offerings—promises made in need or gratitude (Deuteronomy 23:21–23). • Freewill offerings—spontaneous gifts of love (Exodus 35:29). Both spring from voluntary devotion, never coercion. Without blemish or defect “… it must be without blemish or defect …” (v. 21e) establishes God’s standard. Imperfection would distort the symbol of holiness. • Malachi 1:8 rebukes Israel for offering the blind and lame. • 1 Peter 1:18–19 points to Christ “a lamb without blemish or defect,” showing that every flawless animal prefigured the flawless Redeemer. To be acceptable “… to be acceptable.” (v. 21f) Acceptance hinges on obedience to God’s parameters, not mere sincerity. • Genesis 4:4–5 contrasts Abel’s accepted offering with Cain’s rejected one, underscoring divine standards. • Hebrews 10:14 explains that through Jesus’ perfect offering, believers are “made perfect forever,” securing ultimate acceptance. summary Leviticus 22:21 teaches that worship originates with a willing person, centers on fellowship with God, uses everyday resources, flows from voluntary devotion, and must meet God’s unchanging standard of purity to gain His acceptance. The flawless animal foreshadows Christ, whose perfect sacrifice forever reconciles us and invites us to present ourselves wholly to the Lord. |
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