18 'Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, Any man of the house of Israel, or of the sojourners in Israel, who bringeth near his offering, of all his vows, or of all his willing offerings which they bring near to Jehovah for a burnt-offering; 19 at your pleasure a perfect one, a male of the herd, of the sheep or of the goats; 20 nothing in which 'is' blemish do ye bring near, for it is not for a pleasing thing for you. 21 'And when a man bringeth near a sacrifice of peace-offerings to Jehovah, to complete a vow, or for a willing-offering, of the herd or of the flock, it is perfect for a pleasing thing: no blemish is in it; 22 blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed—ye do not bring these near to Jehovah, and a fire-offering ye do not make of them on the altar to Jehovah. 23 'As to an ox or a sheep enlarged or dwarfed—a willing-offering ye do make it, but for a vow it is not pleasing.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 22:18-23

Chapter Contents

Laws concerning the priests and sacrifices.

In this chapter we have divers laws concerning the priests and sacrifices, all for preserving the honour of the sanctuary. Let us recollect with gratitude that our great High Priest cannot be hindered by any thing from the discharge of his office. Let us also remember, that the Lord requires us to reverence his name, his truths, his ordinances, and commandments. Let us beware of hypocrisy, and examine ourselves concerning our sinful defilements, seeking to be purified from them in the blood of Christ, and by his sanctifying Spirit. Whoever attempts to expiate his own sin, or draws near in the pride of self-righteousness, puts as great an affront on Christ, as he who comes to the Lord's table from the gratification of sinful lusts. Nor can the minister who loves the souls of the people, suffer them to continue in this dangerous delusion. He must call upon them, not only to repent of their sins, and forsake them; but to put their whole trust in the atonement of Christ, by faith in his name, for pardon and acceptance with God; thus only will the Lord make them holy, as his own people.