Leviticus 22:1-33
Q.1. How did the laws regarding the function of the Priesthood reflect on the character of God? – (Lev.22:1-16)
For atonement to be made, the priests had – to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy name; I am the Lord … They shall therefore keep My charge, so that they will not bear sin because of it and die thereby because they profane it; I am the Lord who sanctifies them … They shall not profane the holy gifts of the sons of Israel which they offer to the Lord … for I am the Lord who sanctifies them (Lev.22:2, 9, 15-16). A number of prohibitions were outlined, concerning leprosy, discharges, touching the dead, and unclean animals (Lev.22:3-8). Violation of these guidelines required the offender to bathe before qualifying to eat the priestly portions (Lev.22:6-7). The designated portions were strictly for the priests, and those who belonged to them – no layman … sojourner … or a hired man shall eat the holy gift (Lev.22:10 c.f. Lev.22:10-16).
Q.2. Why were the animal sacrifices to be perfect in order to be accepted? What guidelines were given for the sacrifices? – (Lev.22:17-33)
God had made it clear that – for the animal to be accepted – it must be a male without defect from the cattle, the sheep, or the goats. Whatever has a defect you shall not offer, for it will not be accepted for you (Lev.22:19-20). When Israel returned to the land after the exile, the people tried to cheat God by offering maimed and flawed animals that would be unacceptable to their governors (c.f. Mal.1:6-10). Not only was God worthy of their best – He would give His best to redeem us, by sending His One and Only Son to be the propitiation for our sins, so sinners could be acceptable to our holy God (1 Pet.1:15-21). There were also strict rules for preparing, killing, and eating the sacrificial animals (Lev.22:26-30). God concluded His instructions – So you shall keep My commandments and do them; I am the Lord. You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the Lord who sanctifies you, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, to be your God; I am the Lord (Lev.22:31-33).