Definition: And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 22:21. It’s a really important rule about how offerings are made to God. Here’s the explanation in plain language: Basically, it means that offering something to God is perfect if it’s done correctly and with a specific purpose. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD…” – This refers to sacrifices that are offered as a sign of devotion and gratitude. “Peace offerings” were specifically designed to show respect and thankfulness to God. Think of it like offering a gift of goodwill. “…to accomplish [his] vow.” - "Vow" means a promise or commitment, often made to God. This verse is saying that these sacrifices are intended to fulfill a specific purpose – to show your devotion and commitment to God. It’s like making a promise to him. “…or a freewill offering in bees or sheep…” - This means you can offer anything you want, but it has to be done according to the rules. “Bees” and “sheep” are specific animals that were traditionally used for these kinds of offerings. “it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.” – This is the key part! "Perfect" means clean and acceptable. "Blemishes" mean something isn’t right or is not in line with God's standards. This verse says that if you offer something that is perfectly done – that fulfills your vow and is offered with a sincere heart – it will be accepted by God, and he will be pleased with you. In short: This verse is about showing respect and gratitude to God through offerings that are carefully prepared and presented in the right way. It’s about demonstrating your commitment and devotion through actions that honor Him. Why is this important? It's a foundational rule for religious practice in Judaism and has influenced many traditions that follow it. It emphasizes humility, worship, and a relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus 22? Relate this verse to other biblical stories or teachings? Give an example of what “a blemish” might look like in the context of a sacrifice?