Sacrifice Restrictions & Limitations
August 29, 2022
Commentary
This section of Scripture deals with the restrictions and limitations concerning sacrifices. All offerings, whether brought by Israelites or foreigners, had to meet God’s requirements. Animals offered to the Lord had to be without blemish, because God deserved the best. Animals that were blind, injured, deformed, or suffering from certain diseases were not acceptable for sacrifice (vv. 17–25). Just as the priests had to follow God’s requirements for their service, the sacrifices they presented also had to meet His standards. A priest who respected his ministry and honored God would ensure that the offerings were acceptable. One exception allowed an animal with certain differences in size or development for a freewill offering, but it was not acceptable for a vow offering (v. 23). These instructions taught the Israelites to approach God with reverence and not offer Him what was unworthy.
God also gave instructions concerning the age of sacrificial animals. A young animal could not be offered until it was at least 8 days old. An animal was not to be slaughtered on the same day as its mother (vv. 26–28). These requirements showed God’s care for His creation and reminded His people to treat animals with consideration. The thanksgiving offering also had to be eaten on the same day it was presented (vv. 29–30). God gave 3 reasons for obeying these commands. First, they were His commandments and had to be followed (v. 31). Second, obedience brought honor to His holy name (v. 32). Third, He reminded the Israelites that He was the Lord who had brought them out of Egypt to be their God (v. 33). These instructions taught the people that their worship was not to be careless or self-centered.
Application
God deserves my best because He is holy and worthy of honor and praise. Am I giving God my best in worship, service, and daily living? Do I obey His Word with a grateful heart? Today, how can I honor God through my choices and actions? Am I remembering His goodness and faithfulness with sincere gratitude and obedience?
Leviticus 22:17–33 (NET)
17 The Lord spoke to Moses: 18 “Speak to Aaron, his sons, and all the Israelites and tell them, ‘When any man from the house of Israel or from the resident foreigners in Israel presents his offering for any of the votive or freewill offerings, which they present to the Lord as a burnt offering, 19 if it is to be acceptable for your benefit it must be a flawless male from the cattle, sheep, or goats. 20 You must not present anything that has a flaw, because it will not be acceptable for your benefit. 21 If a man presents a peace-offering sacrifice to the Lord for a special votive offering or for a freewill offering from the herd or the flock, it must be flawless to be acceptable; it must have no flaw.
22 “‘You must not present to the Lord something blind, or with a broken bone, or mutilated, or with a running sore, or with a festering eruption, or with a feverish rash. You must not give any of these as a gift on the altar to the Lord. 23 As for an ox or a sheep with a limb too long or stunted, you may present it as a freewill offering, but it will not be acceptable for a votive offering. 24 You must not present to the Lord something with testicles that are bruised, crushed, torn, or cut off; you must not do this in your land. 25 Even from a foreigner you must not present the food of your God from such animals as these, for they are ruined and flawed; they will not be acceptable for your benefit.’”
26 The Lord spoke to Moses: 27 “When an ox, lamb, or goat is born, it must be under the care of its mother seven days, but from the eighth day onward it will be acceptable as an offering gift to the Lord. 28 You must not slaughter an ox or a sheep and its young on the same day. 29 When you sacrifice a thanksgiving offering to the Lord, you must sacrifice it so that it is acceptable for your benefit. 30 On that very day it must be eaten; you must not leave any part of it over until morning. I am the Lord.
31 “You must be sure to do my commandments. I am the Lord. 32 You must not profane my holy name, and I will be sanctified in the midst of the Israelites. I am the Lord who sanctifies you, 33 the one who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord.”
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