16 Then the Lord spoke to Moses , saying , 17 "Speak to Aaron , saying , 'No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the food of his God . 18 ' For no e one who has a defect shall approach : a blind man , or a lame man , or he who has a disfigured face, or any deformed limb, 19 or a man who has a broken foot or broken hand , 20 or a hunchback or a dwarf , or one who has a defect in his eye or eczema or scabs or crushed testicles . 21 'No e man among the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a defect is to come near to offer the Lord'S offerings by fire ; since he has a defect , he shall not come near to offer the food of his God . 22 'He may eat the food of his God , both of the most holy and of the holy , 23 only he shall not go in to the veil or come near the altar because he has a defect , so that he will not profane My sanctuaries . For I am the Lord who sanctifies them.' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 21:16-23
Chapter Contents
Laws concerning the priests.
As these priests were types of Christ, so all ministers must be followers of him, that their example may teach others to imitate the Saviour. Without blemish, and separate from sinners, He executed his priestly office on earth. What manner of persons then should his ministers be! But all are, if Christians, spiritual priests; the minister especially is called to set a good example, that the people may follow it. Our bodily infirmities, blessed be God, cannot now shut us out from his service, from these privileges, or from his heavenly glory. Many a healthful, beautiful soul is lodged in a feeble, deformed body. And those who may not be suited for the work of the ministry, may serve God with comfort in other duties in his church.