Leviticus

Leviticus 22:1-9

Defiling the temple was a big deal, great care was to be taken by the priests.  As such, the penalties were severe.  In addition to the normal care of managing impurity rising from a fallen world, the priests had additional duties to care about.  Would they know of accidental exposure to impurity?  We don't know for sure, but failure could be a sin leading to death!  We can be assured they took great care.  If in doubt, they likely played it safe; wait it out and wash it out, whatever was appropriate. 

It seems they could serve the Lord and keep themselves ritually pure for their service, or a man could surrender his purity, either willfully or accidentally.  He could not, however, do both.

Leviticus 22:10-16

The offerings designated as food for the priests were given by God for specific use.  These were not to be shared outside the priest's family.  This included hired servants or even a daughter who was married and under the care of her husband.  If a slave was purchased, then that person became part of the family.  Likewise, the child of a slave was part of the family.  If the priest's daughter were widowed and returned to her father's household and under his care, she could then eat of the offerings.

Anyone accidentally eating the priest's portion of the offering was to retore that portion plus 20% penalty.  The offerings were to be cared for and not profaned the offerings.  Most important was to confess it if they were profaned so the guilt of the offering didn't fall on them.  These things are sanctified by God and are serious business.  They could not be dealt with frivolously.

Leviticus 22:17-21

As the priests were to be without defect, so were the sacrifices that they offered.  The offering was made of your own free will.  It was to be a free will decision to bring your best offering to the Lord.  It was a better decision to not make an offering than to make a wrong offering.  A defective offering was defective worship that would not be accepted.  It was and remains a common mistake of worshiping the right God in the wrong way; which is nearly as bad as worshiping the rightly but to the wrong god.

Leviticus 22:22-23

We get examples of what a defective sacrifice might look like.  In addition, an animal with a limb too long or short was disqualified for completing a vow.  It was suitable for a freewill offering.  The completion of a vow was well planned and known a long time in advance.  This gave time to get a perfect sacrifice. 

Through the years there were abuses of this.  Your sacrifice had to be approved by the priests; this gave them a power that soon was corrupted with money.  See Matthew 21:12-13.  See also Malachi 1:7-8.

Leviticus 22:24-25

Castrated animals were disqualified as well as males with testicles damaged in any way.  The same applied to animals coming from a foreigner's hand (where it was much more prevalent and likely).  They were considered corrupt and disqualified without exception.

Leviticus 22:26-30

Animals were exempt from qualifying as a sacrifice if they were younger than 8 days old.  The mothers' instincts were to protect and provide for the animal. There is a humanitarian aspect to these verses; avoiding cruelty and trauma.  There is also an economic aspect in that sacrifice requirements could consume a smaller herd. 

The thanksgiving sacrifice was to be eaten the same day.  No leftovers for tomorrow.  New sacrifices were available daily.  God's mercies are new every morning. 

Leviticus 22:31-33

We again see the Lord establish his was that were to be 'kept' and 'performed'.  Man attempts constantly to refine and redefine God's ways.  God's name is wrapped up in His works and His ways and they were to profane His name but to hallow it. 

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