Leviticus 21:22
He may eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy and of the holy things,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even though a priest's physical defect disqualified him from serving at the altar, he was still permitted to eat from both the "most holy" and the "holy" portions of the sacrifices. This distinction highlights a crucial difference: God separated natural infirmities, which He allowed, from moral impurity, which He absolutely forbade.
This passage continues the discussion about priests with physical defects, clarifying what they are still permitted to do. While these priests were barred from serving at the altar or offering sacrifices, they were still allowed to eat from the sacred offerings, a privilege denied to those with certain uncleannesses they brought upon themselves. This provision highlights God's distinction between natural infirmities and moral defilement, ensuring sustenance for those who served Him despite physical imperfections.
Even when a priest had a physical blemish that disqualified him from serving at the altar, he wasn't cast out. He still received God's provision.
This verse is part of a larger passage in Leviticus 21 detailing the qualifications for priests. If a priest had a physical defect, he was not allowed to approach the altar or perform the priestly duties. However, this verse makes it clear that such priests were still provided for. They could still eat from the sacrifices, which was the priests' livelihood.
A Distinction God Makes
Notice the commentary highlighting the difference between natural infirmities (sent by God) and moral defilements (chosen by individuals). God's provision wasn't withheld due to physical limitations, showing His deep care for those who served Him, even when they couldn't fulfill their full role.
The Bread of God
This 'bread' refers to the portions of the sacrifices designated for the priests. It was a sacred meal, a tangible reminder of their connection to God and His ongoing support.
The verse mentions two categories of sacred food: 'most holy' and 'holy.' What's the difference, and why does it matter for these priests?
The sacrificial system had different levels of sanctity.
'Most Holy' Things:
These were typically the portions of sin offerings and guilt offerings that remained after the blood was applied to the altar. Only the male members of the priest's family could eat these, and they had to be eaten within the sacred precincts of the sanctuary.
'Holy' Things:
These were generally considered less sacred. This could include things like the breast and shoulder offered as wave offerings, tithes, and firstfruits. These could be eaten by all members of the priest's household, including daughters, and in their own homes.
Provision for Imperfect Priests
This passage speaks of Jesus as a High Priest who 'can sympathize with our weaknesses' because He was tempted in every way, yet without sin, directly contrasting with the physical imperfections that disqualified Old Testament priests from certain duties.
1 Peter 2:5This verse calls believers 'living stones' to be built into a 'spiritual house' and 'a holy priesthood,' emphasizing that all God's people are now set apart to offer spiritual sacrifices, not limited by physical blemishes.
Exodus 28:42-43These verses command Aaron and his sons to wear linen undergarments to cover themselves and not be found guilty, highlighting the holiness required for those who approached God's presence, much like the disqualifications in Leviticus 21.
Numbers 18:8-13This passage details the portion of sacrifices given to priests and their families, showing that 'the bread of God' was their provision, and the text specifically mentions what is 'most holy' and 'holy' as belonging to them.
gillLeviticus 21:22: "He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy."
He shall eat the bread of his God,.... That part of the sacrifices which was appropriated by the Lord to the priests, for the maintenance of them and their families; for though their natural infirmities disqualified them for service, yet they did not become hereby impure, either in a moral nor ceremonial sense, and might eat of the sacrifices, which impure persons might not; and so the tradition is, bl…
barnesLeviticus 21:22: "He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy."
See Leviticus 2:3 note; Leviticus 6:25 note.
Even though a priest's physical defect disqualified him from serving at the altar, he was still permitted to eat from both the "most holy" and the "holy" portions of the sacrifices. This distinction highlights a crucial difference: God separated natural infirmities, which He allowed, from moral impurity, which He absolutely forbade.
This passage continues the discussion about priests with physical defects, clarifying what they are still permitted to do. While these priests were barred from serving at the altar or offering sacrifices, they were still allowed to eat from the sacred offerings, a privilege denied to those with certain uncleannesses they brought upon themselves. This provision highlights God's distinction between natural infirmities and moral defilement, ensuring sustenance for those who served Him despite physical imperfections.
This passage continues the discussion about priests with physical defects, clarifying what they are still permitted to do. While these priests were barred from serving at the altar or offering sacrifices, they were still allowed to eat from the sacred offerings, a privilege denied to those with certain uncleannesses they brought upon themselves. This provision highlights God's distinction between natural infirmities and moral defilement, ensuring sustenance for those who served Him despite physical imperfections.
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This verse explicitly allows priests with blemishes to eat from both categories. This emphasizes that their physical condition, while preventing them from performing certain duties, did not cut them off from the sacred meals that sustained them.
The physical blemishes that disqualified Old Testament priests point to a deeper spiritual truth about our ultimate High Priest.
Calvin and others observed that the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the rules for priests, was a 'shadow and figure' pointing to Christ.
The Imperfection of the Law
The Law required priests to be physically perfect. Any defect meant they couldn't serve at the altar. This highlighted the inadequacy of human mediators and the need for a perfect sacrifice for sin.
Christ, Our Perfect Priest
Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest. He is without spot or blemish, both physically and spiritually. His perfection made Him uniquely qualified to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice that atones for our sins.
Access Through Christ
While Old Testament priests with blemishes could still eat from the sacrifices, they were barred from the altar. But through Christ, we, who are imperfect, have direct access to God. He doesn't just provide for us; He brings us to God through His perfect work.
"He may eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy and of the holy things," — Even though a priest's physical defect disqualified him from serving at the altar, he was still permitted to eat from both the "most holy" and the "holy" portions of the sacrifices. This distinctio…
