Leviticus 21

Restrictions for Priests Regarding Death and Mourning (v.1–6)

Priests must not defile themselves by touching a dead body, except close relatives (father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or unmarried sister).

They are to avoid pagan mourning practices (e.g., shaving heads or cutting beards).

They must be holy to God and not profane His name.

Marriage Regulations for Priests (v.7–9)

Priests may not marry prostitutes or divorced women.

The high priest (see v.10–15) has even stricter rules:

Must marry a virgin from among his people.

Must not marry a widow, divorced woman, or profaned woman.

Priest’s daughters who disgrace themselves through prostitution bring dishonor and are subject to judgment.

Special Requirements for the High Priest (v.10–15)

The high priest cannot show outward mourning (e.g., tearing clothes or leaving the sanctuary).

He must not become unclean, even for close family members.

His holiness and role as mediator demand greater separation.

Physical Qualifications for Priestly Service (v.16–24)

Priests with physical defects (e.g., blindness, lameness, disfigurement) may not offer sacrifices.

However, they may still eat the holy food and serve in limited ways.

The altar ministry demanded wholeness and symbolic perfection because it reflected the holiness of God.

Key Themes:
Holiness of God requires purity in those who serve Him.

Leaders are held to higher standards—spiritually, morally, and symbolically.

Wholeness reflects God's perfection—both physically and spiritually.

Grace and inclusion—Even priests with defects were not rejected from the community, only restricted in tabernacle duties.

Application for Today:
Spiritual leaders must live lives of integrity—not perfection, but consistent holiness.

We are called to holiness (1 Peter 2:9) as a “royal priesthood.”

Serve God with reverence—approach Him with purity and devotion.

God values the heart—While external standards existed then, today God focuses on internal transformation (see 1 Samuel 16:7).