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II. The private worship of the Israelites chs. 17--27 >
B. Holiness of the priests, gifts, and sacrifices chs. 21-22 >
2. The second list of regulations for priests 21:16-24
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"This list is introduced by the expression And the LORD spoke to Moses saying, Speak to Aaron' (v. 16), and is concluded by the expression And Moses spoke to Aaron' (v. 24). There are fourteen (7 x 2) laws in the list."250
Certain restrictions applied to priests who were physically defective. They could not enter the holy place or offer sacrifices at the altar of burnt offerings. Handicapped priests were not inferior spiritually. However the priest's duties and office required completeness since the priest stood between God and people.
". . . the priests can be most effective in God's service only when they are in ordinary health and free from physical imperfections."251
Physical wholeness symbolized spiritual holiness.
