Vayyiqra 21 (Leviticus 21)
Vayyiqra 21 contains statutes that are specifically for the Priesthood. Vayyiqra 21 can be divided into three sections. The first section applies to all those in the Priesthood. The next part is specifically for the High Priest. The final section is applicable to all those in the priesthood. It is a list of physical blemishes that disqualify a descendant of Aharon from approaching the Altar of Burnt Offerings or entering the Mishkan at any time. The priests were held to a higher standard than the common Yisraeli. All these conditions have both a physical and spiritual counterpart to them. A believer today that does not take these statues to heart, may find that they have limited themselves in the present and in the future to come.
Vayyiqra 21:1
1 And Yehovah said to Moshe, Speak to the priests the sons (ben) of Aharon, and say to them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people.
Vayyiqra 21 contains a number of statues for the priests. These are more restricted than what is required of the common Yisraeli. The reason being these are the ones closest to Yehovah. These are the ones that potentially would go into the Holy of Holies. It is the Priest’s heart that is important to God, Shemos 28:29-30.
29 And Aharon shall bear the names of the Children of Yisrael in the breastplate (choshen) of judgment (mishpat) upon his heart (leb), when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial (zikkaron) before (paniym) Yehovah continually. 30 And you shall put in the breastplate (choshen) of judgment (mishpat) the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aharon’s heart (leb), when he goes in before Yehovah. And Aharon shall bear the judgment (mishpat) of the Children of Yisrael upon his heart (leb) before (paniym) Yehovah continually.
If the Priest’s heart is not pure, then he will not be able to intercede for the Children of Yisrael .
The first statute in Vayyiqra 21 is that the priests are not to be defiled for the dead. There will be some exceptions that will be subsequently listed. However, before we go any further; there is an interesting point for believers that should be discussed first, Ephesians 2:1-2.
1 And you, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.
Prior to one becoming born again, they are considered to be dead in trespasses and sins. Figuratively, a dead body represents someone that is not born again. Yet in 1 Peter 2:5.
5 You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Yeshua Messiah.
And in 1 Peter 2:9.
9 But a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
We as believers are called to be in the Priesthood. There are those that will tell you that male believers are to be the priests of their household. Sounds kind of nice; however, most if not all believers, male and female, have failed to be spiritually mature enough or even sanctified to be in the Priesthood. Besides which, no one has been selected to be in the priesthood prior to the first resurrection, Revelation 20:6.
6 Blessed and holy he that has part in the first resurrection. On such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Messiah and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Physical Yisrael had the same calling, Shemos 19:6.
6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These the words (davar) which you (Moshe) shall speak to the Children of Yisrael.
This is a calling that Yisrael never answered. We need to be honest with ourselves. Few including many of the so called greats of Christianity have met this calling. This is something we cannot decide for ourselves or anyone else, Hebrews 5:1-4.
1 For every High Priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as Aharon.
The point we need to understand is, one cannot decide for themselves. This will not be decided until the Judgment Seat of Messiah Romans 14:10-12.
10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you set at naught your brother? For we shall all stand before the Judgment Seat (bema) of Messiah. 11 For it is written, live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Until this time, no one is in the priesthood of Melchisedec, since the resurrection. Further no priests are in the order of Aharon, since destruction of the First Temple. The only exception to this is Yeshua Messiah, Hebrews 5:5-6.
5 So also Messiah glorified not Himself to be made an High Priest; but He that said to Him, You are My Son, to day have I begotten You. 6 As He said also in another, You a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
The idea that a male Christian or anyone is a priest is fantastical thinking. This brings an interesting point. If a believer is not in the priesthood today, what does anything in Vayyiqra 21 mean on a spiritual level?
One of the most important issues that people often miss is, one does not just become something. Even the Aharonic Priests had to be trained to become a priest. And they had to start applying that training long before they became a priest. No one will be in the future Priesthood just because they were believers. It will be the ones found worthy at the Judgment Seat of Messiah. What this all points to is, are you making preparation for the priesthood in this lifetime? As we continue, it should become clear how believers are qualified to be in the Priesthood and how some will be disqualified.
Paul calls the future priesthood the High Calling in Philippians 3:12-14.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect. But I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Messiah Yeshua. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended. But one thing forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Messiah Yeshua.
We should press towards the High Calling of God in Messiah Yeshua. Although this will not be decided until later, there are many benefits along the way for those that pursue this calling unwavering.
Again Ephesians 2:1.
1 And you, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Formerly, a believer was dead, now they are alive in Messiah Yeshua. What this means to us is that we can be defiled by dead people both physically and spiritually today. Realizing that a non-believer is considered dead, what are we to do? We cannot not just avoid contact with non-believers nor should we. This is not merely touching a person. It is having relationships with them. That is not only impossible, it is impractical. We are to minister to a fallen world as lead by the Spirit. As such, all believers will have relationships with non-believers to some degree. So what is a believer to do if they have a relationship with the non-believer? Simply, Yehuda 20-21.
20 But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Yeshua Messiah to eternal life.
A believer must continuously build themselves up in their most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. This is referring to 1 Corinthians 14:14-18.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you say? 17 For you verily give thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all.
We must seek to pray in the spirit that we are built up. Paul did this more often than most. It explains why he moved so powerfully in the Spirit. It is how he was able to endure the things he did and why he had such great revelation. We need to come to the realization that the power of the spirit and tongues is a gift we should not take lightly.
Secondly, we must keep ourselves in the love of God. Yochanan tells us in 2 Yochanan 6.
6 And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
Yochanan tells us that love is that we walk after the commandments, the ones from the beginning. This is referring all the way back to Bereishis and forward. This includes all of Torah. It is the law that the Apostles followed and more.
We need to continually do these two things to build ourselves up. Coming in contact with spiritual dead people is just one of the reasons.
Vayyiqra 21:2-3
2 But for his kin, that is near to him, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother, 3 And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh to him, which has had no husband; for her may he be defiled.
So the Priest can be defiled for his closest relatives. When it states, that is near to him, this is referring to his wife. Additionally, this includes his parents, children, brother and unmarried sister that is a virgin. This may seem restrictive; however, this is the requirement on the priesthood. They are extremely busy.
What this actually means is that if an individual dies, the priest is not to be the one touching the body. This should be taken care of by other Yisraeli not in the priesthood.
What this means spiritually is fairly significant. Whether non-believers or believers, we are to have our closest relationships with our family members specified above. Unfortunate as this may be if they are nonbelievers or carnal Christians, this can be taxing to one’s spirit. How one maintains this relationship is for the individual to be lead of the Spirit. In all cases, one needs to build themselves up in their most holy faith and keep themselves in the love of God, so that they can have these relationships.
Vayyiqra 21:4
4 He shall not defile himself, a chief (baal) man among his people, to profane himself.
The priest is not to defile themselves with other relationships. However, it will happen. Then one must go through the sanctification process before they are allowed to approach the Altar of Burnt Offerings.
Believers may find that they may want to limit their interaction with certain defiled individuals. It can adversely affect their spiritual walk. Either way they ought to build themselves up in their most holy faith keeping themselves in the love of God.
What we are never to do is cut ourselves off from the world. However, as a Christian, one is never to be a door mat or allow others to defile the faith. We are never to be the one causing the separation; however, we are not to compromise the faith. Paul reminded Timothy of this in 2 Timothy 3:12.
12 Yes, and all that will live godly in Messiah Yeshua shall suffer persecution.
The minute one attempts to live a more holy life, others will be offended. Not because you have done anything wrong, but because the world wants to be able to either normalize everyone or be able to offend others as they please. Although this may happen, we are to remember Romans 12:17-18.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
We are not to be the reason for the adversity nor are we to let it continue indefinitely. When this happens, the Spirit will lead in the next steps. As we go through life and are offended take hold of Matityahu 10:16.
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be you therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Persecutions will come, people will cause conflict, but Yochanan 16:33 will always be true.
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation. But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
In the midst of everything happening around us, we can always have peace.
Vayyiqra 21:5
5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
It is believed that baldness often referred to cutting hair for the dead. Neither is one to shave off the corner of their beard. Although many believe that this means Jewish men should have beards, this is a misunderstanding. Most individuals, this includes both Jews and non-Jews, do not know the real reason why many religious Jews have beards. The Rabbis do not even specify that every male is to have a beard based on Vayyiqra 21:5. What is sometimes specified is that one is not to use a sharp razor to shave, one should use scissors. I am not inclined to believe this, although the end of the verse may support it. I believe that shaving off the corner of the beard has more to do with having a pointy beard. Finally, do not have any cuttings in the flesh. All these are either related to mourning for the dead or practices by heathens.
This verse is somewhat similar to Vayyiqra 19:27-28.
27 You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shall you mar the corners of your beard. 28 You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you. I Yehovah.
The priests are required to follow that of Vayyiqra 19 and those in Vayyiqra 21. However, the common Yisraeli is not required to follow the requirements of Vayyiqra 21.
Vayyiqra 21:6
6 They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God. For the offerings of Yehovah made by fire, the bread of their God, they do offer. Therefore they shall be holy.
One would think that this is unnecessary to state. However, we need to be continuously reminded of the great responsibility God has placed in our hands. From the smallest child to those in the priesthood, we can never neglect the importance of what God is trying to accomplish through us. If we neglect this or even do not render due reverence to this responsibility, we may find that we have been passed over for another. Not that one loses salvation or citizenship, but that we may find ourselves retired early to a position of less importance.
The priesthood was to carefully observe all Yehovah had entrusted them with. To do any differently would profane His name. All the offerings were to be performed as specified. We do not have to fully understand the reason for the order or procedure, we were to comply as stated. This is especially important related to the grain offering (mincha).
As believers today, we are to follow the same guidelines. As much as possible, We are to follow the pattern that is set before us. Perfection is desired, but sometimes the intents of the heart is far more important than every little rule. Not that one’s heart is an excuse for ever violating a statute or for not trying. If one defaults to simply having a good heart, they will discover that all too often they have fallen short of His glory, Yirmeyahu 17:9-10.
9 The heart deceitful above all and desperately wicked. Who can know it? 10 I Yehovah search the heart, try the reins (kilyah), even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.
This will not be well pleasing in His sight. If one has a heart for God, they will always strive to do His best. King David may not have been perfect in many ways; however, he never quit trying to fulfill God’s best in his lifetime. He never gave up pursuing God. Today, we can have an even greater heart for God that is regenerated by the Spirit. This is what we should strive for.
Vayyiqra 21:7
7 They shall not take a wife a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband. For he holy to his Redeemer.
The wife of the priest cannot be a whore, profaned woman or a divorced woman. Spiritually, these women represent non-believers or believers that are part of the Harlot church. The believer should not marry an individual that is not born again or not spiritually aligned, 2 Corinthians 6:14.
14 Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness?
Marriage needs to be evenly yoked. Just being married to another believer may be insufficient. One should ensure that their future spouse has the same spiritual maturity, moving in the same spiritual direction. If not, one may hinder the other and find themselves eventually going in the opposite direction than they intended.
Some believers realize later that their spouse is not equally yoked with them; or one becomes a believer and their spouse is not. For these believers, this presents a problem for them. This actually does not present a problem, these are thoughts of an immature believer. In most cases, when this happens the believer is not as spiritually mature as they assume. Nor, is the spouse as far behind them as they assume. Paul discusses the basic concept in 1 Corinthians 7:12-13.
12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord. If any brother has a wife that believes not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which has a husband that believes not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
The basic concept is if the unbelieving spouse is not overtly preventing the believing spouse from their pursuit of God, then there really are no grounds for divorce or separation. In all cases, one needs to follow the Spirit. Today people are too quick to cut off the relationship, when they need to learn some patience, long suffering and lot more love.
Vayyiqra 21:8
8 You shall sanctify him therefore; for he offers the bread (lechem) of your Redeemer. He shall be holy to you. For I Yehovah, which sanctify you, holy.
Moshe is told to sanctify the priest. They are the ones that perform the grain offerings (mincha).
For the believer, a grain offering is themselves and other believers, those we present to God as we help them both to become saved and spiritually mature. We must pursue holiness at all costs within the guidance God provides. We must sanctify our lives. If one is defiled, then so is their offering and it will not be accepted. We need to take this seriously. This is not referring to bread, this is people’s lives that are affected by the things we do. We must apply due reverence to Yehovah’s words. It is not just ourselves that are involved, it the lives of others. Too many believers have been hurt by those that were not giving due reverence to the Word. If we pursue the priesthood, we will greatly affect many people along the way. We ought to try to make all interactions based on God’s love and righteousness.
Vayyiqra 21:9
9 And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profanes her father, She shall be burnt with fire.
This particular statute may seem like it is for the daughter of the priest, but it is actually for the priest to observe. One cannot be so absorbed in their ministry that they forget to take care of business at home. Paul states this in the qualifications of the elder in 1 Timothy 3:4-5.
4 One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the assembly of God?
Depending on how one views the words subjection, gravity and rule, it will determine how they will rule their house. One can ensure that their children are in subjection and gravity; yet not do this with love. A strict disciplinarian can force these behavior in their children. Possibly this is why pastors’ children are known to be some of the wildest children.
What the priest and elder must learn to do is raise their kids with love and be led by the Spirit. The conduct of the child is a reflection on the parent. However, there will always be exceptions. The prodigal son left but returned. We need to learn the meaning of Mishlei 22:6.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
If we raise our children up in the Lord with the love of God, the child will return. Unfortunately, too few are being taught how to raise a child properly with love. It is an ever changing situation that will require one to meditate, seek God’s guidance and make changes in their relationship to their children as appropriate. If we follow the Spirit and purse righteousness, we will have a better chance of succeeding.
Vayyiqra 21:10
10 And the High Priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
What follows next is a list of statutes of the Hight Priest. He is absolutely held to a higher standard than even the common priest. None of us will ever fulfill the position of the High Priest. So one may wonder why is this even that important to discuss? We have a High Priest, Hebrews 4:14.
14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Yeshua the Son of God, let us hold fast profession.
All believers regardless of their spiritual position in the faith are to do everything possible to fully support the High Priest. So that the High Priest can effectively administer the office of the Hight Priest. Believers are to avoid doing anything that may cause defilement to occur in the Temple. We are to carefully consider the following passages, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20.
15 Know you not that your bodies are the members of Messiah? Shall I then take the members of Messiah and make the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? Know you not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? For two, says He, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. 19 What? Know you not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit in you, which you have of God and you are not your own? 20 For you are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
And 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
14 Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what agreement has Messiah with Belial? Or what part has he that believes with an infidel? 16 And what agreement has the Temple of God with idols? For you are the Temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
The first thing that needs to be understood about these passages is the meaning of body. It is not referring to an individual’s body, it is referring to the body of believers. These passages are trying to get us to carefully consider everything we do. Our defilement is not just against ourselves, it is against the entire body of believers. When a believer brings defilement into the body of believers, it will spread, Galatians 5:9.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
When one does this, it makes the job of the High Priest that much more difficult. We are not to bring any defilement or spiritual fornication into the body of believers. We are not to bring our unscriptural understandings into the body of believers to satisfy our own ego. We are to work towards the sanctification of the body and cleansing of the believers. Such that the body would seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then we could see more of the reality of Romans 14:17 throughout the body of believers.
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Let us not make the cleansing of the body any harder than it has to be. Let us not bring defilement into the body. We all have a responsibility to uphold the sanctity of the High Priest.
Vayyiqra 21:11
11 Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;
In the case of the High Priest, they cannot be defiled even for their parents.
As believers, this is a significant subject. The father and mother represent far more than our biological parents. The subject of the father and mother were discussed in detail in reference to Vayyiqra 20:9
9 For every one that curses (qalal) his father or his mother shall be surely put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother; his blood upon him.
If one curses their father or mother, they should be put to death. The question is how can the blood be on them if they have salvation? To curse father or mother is more that one’s earthly parents. Father refers to our Father in heaven. Mother refer to the faith as Paul states in Galatians 4:26.
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Our faith comes from Heaven above. It is not a faith of the Tradition of the Fathers. To curse either of these today or in the millennium would be to reject the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the substitutionary sacrifice of Yeshua. If one does that, they pay for their own sin with their blood. Therefore, it is on them. As for Vayyiqra 21:11, we cannot let either of these go into a death state or even become dormant. We need to do as Yehuda exhorts in Yehuda 3.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you and exhort that should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
We need to contend for the faith. Since the early days of Christianity, it has been under attack. So far the aggressors have won the hearts of most believers and non-believers to the point that Christianity has become a powerless and unsanctified group of people. It is time to take back ground in these last days and contend for the faith. To bring back the faith that was delivered in the First Century. We should cleanse the body of all defilement and unrighteousness. So that when He returns, there will be less cleansing required.
Vayyiqra 21:12
12 Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God upon him. I Yehovah.
The High Priest was required to stay in the sanctuary when making atonement for Yisrael. We need to support this effort and make preparation for the millennium in the Restitution of All Things, Amos 9:13-14.
13 Behold, the days come, says Yehovah, That the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him that sows seed and the mountains shall drop sweet wine and all the hills shall melt. 14 And I will bring again the captivity of My people (am) of Yisrael and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
Today is the time, when the plowman is overtaking the reaper. The majority of believers are under the false belief that the great harvest will occur before the second coming. Unfortunately, they have missed what scriptures have been telling us for over 3500 years. The great harvest will not occur until the return of Yeshua in the Restitution of All Things. Today we are to be plowing the ground and making preparation for the planting and reaping for His return.
Vayyiqra 21:13-14
13 And he shall take a wife in her virginity. 14 A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take. But he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.
The High Priest is to marry a virgin of Yisrael. It cannot be a widow, divorced woman, one that is profaned or a harlot. The wife of the High Priest is to be free of any sexual immorality.
This follows too for our High Priest, 2 Corinthians 11:2.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present a chaste virgin to Messiah.
All believers are considered to be virgins. But even a spiritual virgin can be defiled. That is why the call of today is Revelation 18:4.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that you be not partakers of her sins and that you receive not of her plagues.
This is the call to come out of the Harlot Churches. It is not to become a believer. This is a call to believers who have allowed their walk to be defiled. We have to leave harlot traditions behind. Many will be surprised when they discover that they follow traditions of the Catholic Church, Harlot worship and other traditions that were not of the First Century Faith, the Doctrine of Messiah.
When considering the Bride of Messiah, Yochanan is told to write in Revelation 14:4.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
It is not possible for a virgin to be defiled and remain a virgin in the physical world; however, it is very much possible in the spiritual realm. We must ensure that we are cleansed of all worship that is foreign to the Doctrine of Messiah. If not, we may find we have disqualified ourselves from the Bride of Messiah.
Vayyiqra 21:15
15 Neither shall he profane his seed among his people. For I Yehovah do sanctify him.
If the High Priest marries a virgin then it will avoid the seed of the High Priest from being profane. Additionally, the High Priest must ensure that his children are properly raised up in the faith, so that they would only follow the faith of Yehovah.
For the believer, seed represents the word, Mark 4:14.
14 The sower sows the word (logos).
We must ensure that the seed we use is not defiled in any way. That we have proper reverence for the Word and its meaning. We must not come up with these understandings that are strange and diverse, Hebrews 13:8-9.
8 Yeshua Messiah the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For a good thing that the heart be established with grace (charis); not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
We must ensure that the consistency of the Word is safeguarded. We must not fall trap to 2 Peter 1:20.
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
We must not fall victim to a private interpretation nor should we violate 1 Corinthians 4:6.
6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that you might learn in us not to think above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
We must not go beyond what is written nor should we take away as we see fit. Too many have a cafeteria mentality when it comes to the Word. It should not be like that. Any one of these will cause the seed to be defiled. It results in powerless and ineffective believers. It may even fool one into believing that they are saved, when they are not. Be careful, this is people’s lives. We are to properly minister as the Holy Spirit leads us into all understanding.
Vayyiqra 21:16-17
16 And Yehovah spoke to Moshe, saying, 17 Speak to Aharon, saying, Whosoever of your seed in their generations that has blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread (lechem) of his God.
The remainder of Vayyiqra 21 relates to descendants of Aharon who will be disqualified from the priesthood. These are various physical conditions that are considered a blemish, thereby disqualifying an individual from the Priesthood. For each physical blemish, there is a corresponding spiritual one. Now is the time to correct these before the Judgment Seat of Messiah. If one waits until then, it will be too late. As a result, one may be disqualified from the Bride of Messiah, the priesthood after the order of Melchisedec.
Vayyiqra 21:18-20
18 For whatsoever man (ish) that has a blemish, he shall not approach a blind man, or a lame, or he that has a flat nose, or any thing superfluous, 19 Or a man that is broken footed, or brokenhanded, 20 Or crookback, or a dwarf, or that has a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or has his stones broken;
The following physical blemishes would disqualify one from the Priesthood:
- Blind.
- Lame.
- Flat nose.
- Any thing superfluous, broken footed, brokenhanded, crookback or a dwarf.
- Blemish in his eye.
- Scurvy or scabbed.
- Stones broken.
Most of these physical ailments are easy to understand. Their corresponding spiritual conditions are not that hard to understand.
For the blind, Yeshua states in Matityahu 13:13-15.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables. Because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Yeshayahu, which says, By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive. 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with eyes and hear with ears, and should understand with heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
To be spiritually blind is to be unable to see in the Spirit. These cannot understand the deeper mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Their spirit has not been properly exercised, Hebrews 5:14.
14 But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
These individuals are not able to discern evil from good. They have not exercised themselves in the spirit and built themselves up.
The lame represents those that do not have a proper walk in the faith. They have not spent the time necessary to properly walk by faith. As such, when they do walk, it is not smooth and deliberate.
Flat nose believers are unable to discern the spirit. Then have been easily fooled into following the crowd or themselves. They are unable to fulfill 1 Yochanan 4:1.
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. Because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
They cannot sense the false prophets that have gone into the world.
Any thing superfluous, broken footed, brokenhanded, crookback or a dwarf are individuals that have not matured properly in the faith. They are not necessarily immature, they have allowed false doctrine to affect their growth. As a result, they are deformed spiritually.
Blemish in his eye is one who can see in the spirit. However, it is always off somewhat. They have not developed a proper spiritual relationship with Messiah. They are affected by a doctrine that has colored their view of the spirit. As result, they are not accurate in the spirit and spout out false prophesies.
Scurvy or scabbed are related to a skin condition. This is similar to the conditions listed in the Vayyiqra 13 and 14 that affect the skin. It refers to an individual that is practicing a particular sin that is an abomination to the priesthood.
Stones broken refers to one’s ability to reproduce properly. Unfortunately, many are attempting to reproduce believers in a way that is resulting in deformed babies in the faith. There are times when it is questionable if the results of many people’s efforts is even producing believers at all. When one considers the words of Yeshua in Matityahu 7:16-21.
16 You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. 21 Not every one that says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven.
People can claim to be saved all they want. But their fruits better be the right fruits and they must have done the will of the Father. There will be many lacking in the day of His return. Now is not the time to relax. Now is the time to correct conditions and ensure that our faith is the proper faith.
Vayyiqra 21:21-24
21 No man that has a blemish of the seed of Aharon the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of Yehovah made by fire. He has a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. 22 He shall eat the bread of his God, of the most holy, and of the holy. 23 Only he shall not go in to the veil, nor come nigh to the Altar, because he has a blemish; that he profane not My sanctuaries. For I Yehovah do sanctify them. 24 And Moshe told to Aharon, and to his sons, and to all the Children of Yisrael.
If anyone has any of the blemish that disqualifies them, they cannot approach the Altar of Burnt Offerings. If they cannot do this, then in the millennium they will be disqualified from being in the Bride of Messiah. They may partake in the offering once it is done, but that is all. They are not a participant; they are a spectator of sorts or low level help. Neither will they be allowed to enter the Mishkan. As such, they will not be able to draw close to Yehovah in the millennium. They will be outside the inner circle of God. They will serve in the Temple in a minor capacity. This may not mean much to many now; however, when He returns it will be a great disappointment to many. They will discover that their own stubbornness and laziness has held them back from something that could have been easily obtained. By the time they realize this, they will be like the virgins in Matityahu 25:10-13.
10 And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage. And the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But He answered and said, Verily I say to you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.
Now is the time.
Vayyiqra 21 can be divided into 3 sections and has the following future fulfillments.
| Vayyiqra 21 | Future Fulfilment | |
| Vayyiqra 21:1-9 | Priesthood | Bride of Messiah |
| Vayyiqra 21:10-15 | High Priest | Yeshua |
| Vayyiqra 21:16-24 | Blemished Descendent of Aharon | Great Multitude |
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