Leviticus 22

Priestly Conduct and Sacred Offerings (v.1–9)

Priests must avoid ceremonial uncleanness when handling holy offerings.

Specific rules are given for when a priest becomes unclean (e.g., through touching a corpse or bodily emissions).

Priests must wash and wait until evening before participating in sacred duties.

Failure to obey results in bearing guilt and potentially being cut off.

Who May Eat Holy Offerings (v.10–16)

Only priests and their households (including certain dependents) may eat the holy food.

Outsiders or temporary guests are not permitted.

If someone eats a holy offering unintentionally, restitution must be made.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Offerings (v.17–30)

Offerings must be without defect—no blind, injured, or deformed animals.

Both Israelites and foreigners must follow the same standards.

Freewill and vow offerings must come from one’s best, not leftovers or rejects.

Animals must be at least eight days old before being offered.

No animal and its young may be killed on the same day.

Offerings must be eaten the same day (some by the second day), preserving the sacredness of the act.

Summary: Obey and Honor God (v.31–33)

God reiterates the command to keep His commandments and not profane His name.

He reminds Israel that He is the LORD who sanctifies and brought them out of Egypt.

Key Themes:
Reverence in worship – God is not to be approached casually or carelessly.

Holiness in leadership and sacrifice – Priests and offerings must reflect God's purity.

Exclusivity and order – God sets clear boundaries for who may participate in sacred things.

God’s authority – His instructions are to be obeyed because of who He is.

Application for Today:
God deserves our best – Our worship, service, and sacrifices should be wholehearted and pure.

Spiritual leaders must maintain integrity – How they handle sacred responsibilities matters.

Worship is not a performance, but a holy encounter – We must approach God with humility and honor.

God's presence demands preparation – Just as the priests had to be clean, believers must spiritually prepare to encounter God.