“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.”
Context and Background:Leviticus is the third book of the Old Testament and it contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 21 focuses specifically on the qualifications and restrictions for the priests who served in the tabernacle or temple.
Understanding the Verse:Leviticus 21:23 addresses the issue of priests with physical defects or blemishes. The verse states that such priests are not allowed to approach the veil (the entrance to the most holy place) or come near the altar. This restriction was put in place to prevent them from profaning the sanctuaries because God Himself sanctified them.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
- Holiness and Purity:The regulations for the priests emphasised the importance of holiness and purity in approaching God’s presence. Physical blemishes were seen as imperfections that symbolised the need for spiritual purity. The priests, as mediators between God and the people, needed to be physically whole and unblemished to represent the holiness of God.
- Jesus as the Perfect High Priest:The restrictions on the priests with physical blemishes point to the ultimate need for a perfect High Priest who could truly intercede for humanity. Jesus Christ, being sinless and without blemish, fulfilled this role as the perfect mediator between God and mankind. His sacrifice on the cross allows all believers to approach God’s presence freely.
- Sanctity of God’s Sanctuary:The verse emphasises the sanctity of God’s sanctuaries, highlighting the importance of reverence and respect when approaching God. It serves as a reminder that God is holy and deserving of our utmost reverence and awe.
- Spiritual Application:While the specific regulations mentioned in Leviticus 21:23 may not be directly applicable to Christians today, the underlying principles of holiness, reverence, and respect for God’s presence are still relevant. As believers, we are called to approach God with a sincere heart, seeking purity and righteousness through Christ.
Application Today:
- Pursuit of Holiness:The verse reminds us of the significance of pursuing holiness in our lives. We should strive to live in a manner that honours God and reflects His character. This involves avoiding sinful practices and embracing a life of righteousness.
- Reverence in Worship:Just as the priests were called to approach God’s presence with reverence, we should also approach Him in worship with awe and respect. Our worship should be characterised by a sincere heart, recognising God’s holiness and our utter dependence on Him.
- Appreciation for Jesus’ Work:The restrictions placed on imperfect priests highlight the need for a perfect mediator, which Jesus fulfilled. We can appreciate and be grateful for His sacrifice, recognising that through Him, we can freely approach God and experience His grace and forgiveness.
- Acceptance and Inclusion:While the verse specifically addresses physical blemishes, as Christians, we are called to embrace the idea that everyone is welcome to come to God in Christ, there is no distinction based on physical appearance or other external factors. We are all invited to approach God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Remember that the Old Testament laws and regulations served a specific purpose for the people of Israel during that time. As Christians, we are under the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ, which emphasises the importance of faith, grace, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
