Leviticus 21:19

Leviticus 21:19 is part of a detailed set of regulations concerning the physical qualifications of priests in ancient Israel. These rules were crucial for maintaining the sanctity and purity of the tabernacle service.

Context

This verse belongs to a chapter (Leviticus 21) that outlines the specific holiness requirements for Aaron and his descendants, who served as priests. The Lord commanded that priests must be without physical blemish or defect to approach the altar and minister in the sanctuary. This list of disqualifying conditions, beginning in Leviticus 21:17, includes various physical imperfections. The specific mention of "brokenfooted, or brokenhanded" refers to severe injuries or deformities affecting these limbs, which would impair a priest's ability to perform his duties or symbolize an imperfection in God's presence.

Key Themes

• Holiness and Purity in Service: The primary theme is God's demand for holiness, especially from those who served Him directly. The physical perfection of the priest symbolized the spiritual perfection and integrity required to approach a holy God and mediate for the people. It underscored the seriousness of ministering in the Lord's presence.
• Symbolism of Wholeness: Physical wholeness represented spiritual completeness and devotion. While the blemishes did not imply sinfulness on the part of the individual, they signified anything less than perfect representation before a perfect God. The priest was a living symbol, and his physical state reflected the ideal state of worship.
• God's High Standards: These regulations highlight God's unchanging standard of excellence and purity for worship and service. They set a high bar for those who drew near to Him, emphasizing the reverence due to His sanctuary.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "brokenfooted" (רֶגֶל שָׁבוּעַ - regel shavu'a) and "brokenhanded" (יָד שָׁבוּעַ - yad shavu'a) imply a severe fracture, crushing, or a significant deformity of the foot or hand. The word shavu'a (שָׁבוּעַ) suggests something that is fractured, broken, or severely injured to the point of being crippled or disfigured. This wasn't about minor injuries but significant impairments that would be visually noticeable and functionally limiting.

Spiritual Application

While these Old Testament laws applied literally to the Levitical priesthood, their spiritual principles resonate deeply for believers today under the New Covenant. We no longer have a temple made with hands, nor do we require priests with physical perfection, because Jesus Christ is our perfect High Priest. He was without blemish or sin, fulfilling all the requirements of the law.

For Christians, who are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), the emphasis shifts from physical perfection to spiritual integrity. God still desires wholehearted service, free from spiritual "blemishes" such as hypocrisy, spiritual laziness, unconfessed sin, or a divided heart. We are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This means striving for purity in thought, word, and deed, and allowing the Holy Spirit to conform us to the image of Christ, so that we may be presented to Him "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing."