Deuteronomy 15:21

But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.

Study Bible

But if an animal has a defect
The Hebrew word for "defect" is "מום" (mum), which refers to any physical imperfection or blemish. In the ancient Israelite context, offerings to God were to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection. This requirement underscores the holiness of God and the need for offerings to reflect His perfect nature. Theologically, it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin or defect, fulfilling the law's requirement for a perfect offering.

is lame or blind
The terms "lame" and "blind" are specific examples of defects that would disqualify an animal from being sacrificed. In Hebrew, "lame" is "פסח" (piseah) and "blind" is "עִוֵּר" (iwer). These physical conditions symbolize spiritual shortcomings and imperfections. In a broader sense, they remind believers of the need for spiritual wholeness and the pursuit of holiness in their walk with God. The emphasis on physical perfection in sacrifices foreshadows the spiritual perfection required in Christ, who heals our spiritual lameness and blindness.

or has any serious flaw
The phrase "serious flaw" translates from the Hebrew "דָּבָר רָע" (dabar ra), meaning any significant imperfection or evil thing. This broadens the scope of disqualifying defects, emphasizing that God requires the best and most perfect offerings. It reflects the principle that worship and offerings to God should come from a place of reverence and respect, giving Him the honor due His name. This principle challenges believers to examine their own lives and offerings to God, ensuring they are not marred by sin or half-heartedness.

you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God
The command "you must not sacrifice" is a direct instruction, highlighting the seriousness of offering only what is perfect to God. The Hebrew verb "תִּזְבַּח" (tizbach) is in the imperative form, indicating a non-negotiable requirement. This reflects God's unchanging standard of holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and awe. The phrase "to the LORD your God" personalizes the relationship, reminding the Israelites that their worship is directed to Yahweh, their covenant God. It calls believers today to offer their lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as an act of spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on how to live in covenant with Him.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, where the Israelites are to live according to God's laws.

4. Sacrificial System
The system of offerings and sacrifices established by God for worship and atonement.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who requires pure and unblemished offerings.

Teaching Points

The Principle of Giving God Our Best
God deserves our best offerings, not our leftovers. This principle extends beyond physical sacrifices to our time, talents, and resources.

Holiness and Purity in Worship
The requirement for unblemished sacrifices underscores the holiness of God and the purity He demands in worship. Our worship should reflect His holiness.

Symbolism of Christ as the Perfect Sacrifice
The unblemished sacrifices in the Old Testament foreshadow Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Integrity in Our Offerings
Just as the Israelites were to offer unblemished animals, we are called to integrity in our offerings, ensuring they are given with a pure heart.

Reflecting God's Standards in Our Lives
The call to offer unblemished sacrifices is a reminder to live lives that reflect God's standards of holiness and righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for unblemished sacrifices in Deuteronomy 15:21 reflect God's character and expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of giving God our best in our daily lives today?

3. How does the concept of unblemished sacrifices in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the perfect sacrifice?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure our worship and offerings to God are pure and pleasing to Him?

5. How can the teachings in Deuteronomy 15:21 inspire us to live lives of integrity and holiness in a modern context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 22:20-25
This passage also emphasizes the requirement for offerings to be without defect, reinforcing the principle of giving God the best.

Malachi 1:8
The prophet Malachi rebukes the Israelites for offering blemished sacrifices, highlighting the importance of honoring God with pure offerings.

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

1 Peter 1:19
Describes Christ as a lamb without blemish or defect, fulfilling the requirement for a perfect sacrifice.