Leviticus 21:16-24

Leviticus 21:16-24

[16] And the LORD  spake  unto Moses,  saying,  [17] Speak  unto Aaron,  saying,  Whosoever  he be of thy seed  in their generations  that hath any blemish,  let him not approach  the bread  of his God.  [18] For whatsoever man  he be that hath a blemish,  he shall not approach:  a blind  man,  or a lame,  or he that hath a flat nose,  or any thing superfluous,  [19] Or a man  that is brokenfooted,  [20] Or crookbackt,  or a dwarf,  or that hath a blemish  in his eye,  or be scurvy,  or scabbed,  or hath his stones  broken;  [21] No man  that hath a blemish  of the seed  of Aaron  the priest  shall come nigh  to offer  of the LORD  made by fire:  he hath a blemish;  he shall not come nigh  to offer  the bread  of his God.  [22] He shall eat  the bread  of his God,  both of the most  [23] Only he shall not go in  unto the vail,  nor come nigh  unto the altar,  because he hath a blemish;  that he profane  not my sanctuaries:  for I the LORD  do sanctify  them. [24] And Moses  told  it unto Aaron,  and to his sons,  of Israel. 

What does Leviticus 21:16-24 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

"This list is introduced by the expression "And the LORD spoke to Moses saying, Speak to Aaron" ( Leviticus 21:16), and is concluded by the expression "And Moses spoke to Aaron" ( Leviticus 21:24). There are fourteen (7 x2) laws in the list." [1]
Certain restrictions applied to priests who were physically defective. They could not enter the holy place or offer sacrifices at the altar of burnt offerings. Physically inferior priests were not necessarily inferior spiritually, but the priest"s duties and office required completeness since the priest stood between God and people.
". . . the priests can be most effective in God"s service only when they are in ordinary health and free from physical imperfections." [2]
The priests" physical condition also had to display the perfection of God"s creation, just like the animal sacrifices. Physical wholeness symbolized spiritual holiness.