(Study Notes)
(Leviticus 21:16-17)
After discussing the various ways in which the Priests are not to defile themselves, Hashem communicates that any Priest with a defect cannot perform the animal sacrifices. Meaning, they are prohibited from offering the food of Hashem.
(Leviticus 21:18-20)
(Leviticus 22:1-3)
We can understand this reasoning by connecting this discussion with the next command: Aaron and his sons (meaning the High Priest and the priests in every generation) must be “scrupulous” about the sacred donations, lest the name of Hashem be profaned. These donations include the animal sacrifices, the tithes, and the rituals to be performed with each of these offerings.
Scrupulous (/ˈskruːpjələs/) describes someone or something extremely meticulous, precise, and attentive to details, or strictly honest and principled. It implies a high regard for ethics or accuracy, often used for careful work or moral integrity. (Merriam-Webster; Vocabulary.com; Collin’s Dictionary).
וְלֹֽא־יְחַלֵּ֥ל זַרְע֖וֹ בְּעַמָּ֑יו כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ׃ {ס}
16 And he shall not profane his seed among his people; for I am the LORD who sanctify him.
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃
17 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying:
דַּבֵּ֥ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵאמֹ֑ר אִ֣ישׁ מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֞ לְדֹרֹתָ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִהְיֶ֥ה בוֹ֙ מ֔וּם לֹ֣א יִקְרַ֔ב לְהַקְרִ֖יב לֶ֥חֶם אֱלֹהָֽיו׃
