Bible Discussion Thread

Can you explain deuteronomy chapter 15 verse 22

Deuteronomy 15:19-23, speaks of the animals to be offered in sacrifice to God. The animal had to be the 'firstling' of the flock/herd, they were not to be put to work & after the sacrifice, they were to be eaten before the Lord. However, if that animal had any blemish or impediment, then it could not be sacrificed as only a pure offering was acceptable. This of course, speaks to us that Jesus was God's pure offering for the sins of the world & not at all like man's provision of an offering which showed contrition for his sins.

So any blemished animal should not be offered in sacrifice, but (in verse 22), it could still be eaten by both the clean & unclean person in their homes (this signifies whether a person was afflicted with disease or discharge, or for a woman after giving birth, etc.). All people could eat of a blemished animal, even of those that couldn't be sacrificed, like the roebuck or deer which are unclean animals. However, the blood of the animals couldn't be consumed, as some pagans were want to do with their food.

The Book of Leviticus gives an extensive dealing with this subject of sacrifice, the different animals that can or cannot be used & the condition of the priests & people who can participate in it.