Leviticus 21:16 - Meaning and Application

Because the priesthood belonged to one family and passed through all its male descendants, it was very likely that, in later generations, some priests would be born with natural defects or deformities. The honor of the priesthood did not protect them from the common troubles that come to all people. Some of the defects listed here were permanent, like blindness. Others could be temporary, like a skin disease or scab, and when they healed, the restriction ended.

The law for priests with such defects was this: they could still live from the altar, as Leviticus 21:22 says. They could eat the sacrifices along with the other priests, including the most holy offerings, such as the showbread and sin offerings, as well as the holy gifts, like tithes, firstfruits, and the priests’ share of the peace offerings. These defects were not their fault, so while they could not work, they must not be left without support. No one should be mistreated because of a natural weakness. Even the child in a family who is born with a deformity should still receive a child’s share.

But they were not allowed to serve at the altar, either altar, and they could not attend or help the other priests in offering sacrifices or burning incense (Leviticus 21:17, Leviticus 21:21, Leviticus 21:23). Important people often want servants who look presentable, and it was fitting that the great God should have such servants in his house at that time, when he was pleased to show his glory through outward signs. It was especially fitting that men who ministered in holy things should be outwardly fit, because the people were prone to judge by appearances. If the priests looked poor or moved awkwardly, they might think little of the service itself, even though God had made it honorable.

God made this rule to protect the honor of his altar, so that it would not fall into contempt. It was good for the dignity of the sanctuary that no one should appear there who was disfigured, whether by birth or by accident.

Under the gospel, those who have such bodily defects should thank God that they are not, for that reason, shut out from offering spiritual sacrifices to him. If they are otherwise fit, they are not excluded from the ministry either. Many a strong, handsome soul lives in a weak and deformed body. Still, this should teach us something else as well.

It shows how unfit people are to serve God well when their minds are deformed by ruling sin. Those are not fit to be called Christians, and not fit to be ministers, who are spiritually blind, lame, and crooked, and whose sins make them a shame to the faith. Their behavior can make the offerings of the Lord hated because of them. Hophni and Phinehas, Eli’s corrupt sons, had worse deformities than any mentioned here.

Let such openly wicked people be removed from the priesthood as polluted persons. And let all who are made spiritual priests to our God be holy and without blemish before him. They may comfort themselves with this, too: though in this imperfect life they still have the marks that belong to God’s children, they will soon stand before the throne of God without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing.