Leviticus 22:20

You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.

Study Bible

You must not present anything with a defect
In the context of Leviticus, the Israelites were given specific instructions on how to approach God with offerings. The requirement for offerings without defect underscores the holiness and perfection of God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's desire for purity and excellence in worship. The concept of defect-free offerings is echoed in Malachi 1:8, where God rebukes the Israelites for offering blemished sacrifices. This requirement also foreshadows the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as a lamb without blemish or defect in 1 Peter 1:19.

because it will not be accepted on your behalf
The acceptance of offerings was crucial for maintaining a right relationship with God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, offerings were a common practice, but the Israelites' offerings were distinct in their emphasis on holiness and divine acceptance. This phrase highlights the importance of obedience and the heart behind the offering. The idea of acceptance is further explored in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The ultimate acceptance of a sacrifice is seen in Christ's atoning work, which is fully accepted by God on behalf of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the laws from God and communicated them to the people.

2. Aaron and His Sons
- The priests who were responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle.

3. Israelites
- The chosen people of God, who were given the laws to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

4. Tabernacle
- The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God and offered sacrifices during their journey in the wilderness.

5. Sacrifices
- Offerings made to God, which were required to be without defect to be acceptable.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purity in Worship
God requires offerings to be without defect, symbolizing the purity and holiness He desires in our worship and lives.

Giving God Our Best
Just as the Israelites were to offer their best animals, we are called to give God our best in all aspects of life, including our time, talents, and resources.

Christ as the Perfect Sacrifice
Jesus fulfilled the requirement of a perfect sacrifice, offering Himself without blemish for our sins, which calls us to live in gratitude and holiness.

Holiness in Everyday Life
The principle of offering unblemished sacrifices can be applied to our daily lives, encouraging us to strive for integrity and excellence in all we do.

Reflecting God's Standards
As believers, we are called to reflect God's standards of holiness and purity, both in our personal lives and in our communal worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for unblemished sacrifices in Leviticus 22:20 reflect God's character and expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of offering our best to God in our modern-day lives?

3. How does understanding Jesus as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice deepen our appreciation for His work on the cross?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our worship and service to God are pure and wholehearted?

5. How can the teachings in Leviticus 22:20 inspire us to pursue holiness in our daily interactions and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Malachi 1:8
- This verse criticizes the offering of blemished sacrifices, highlighting the importance of giving God our best.

Romans 12:1
- Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, drawing a parallel to the unblemished sacrifices in Leviticus.

Hebrews 9:14
- Christ is described as the perfect sacrifice, without blemish, fulfilling the requirement of a perfect offering.

1 Peter 1:19
- Jesus is referred to as a lamb without blemish or defect, connecting to the sacrificial standards in Leviticus.

Deuteronomy 17:1
- Reinforces the command not to sacrifice defective animals, emphasizing the importance of purity in offerings.