Bible Commentaries
Leviticus 22

Verses 1-33

Laws relating to the Priesthood and Sacrifice (continued)

1-6. The holy things may not be eaten by priests otherwise qualified, but ceremonially unclean, nor by any persons outside the priestly family.

10. Stranger] i.e. one not a priest, nor a member of a priest’s family, even though he be an Israelite: see Exodus 29:33. A slave purchased outright is considered to be a member of the family (Leviticus 22:11).

14. Unwittingly] not knowing, perhaps, that it was a holy tiling: see on Leviticus 4:2; Leviticus 5:14; With the holy thing] this must mean its equivalent.

17-25. Sacrifices also must be without blemish. It was a frequent complaint that this law was not strictly observed, and that God was dishonoured with offerings that were mean and imperfect: cp. e.g. Malachi 1:8, Malachi 1:13-14, and see for an example of a better spirit 2 Samuel 24:24.

19. At your own will] RV ’that ye may be accepted.’

27. See on Exodus 22:30.

28. This prohibition probably rests on humanitarian grounds. The Mosaic Law enjoins kindness to animals.

29. See on Leviticus 22:19.