Leviticus 22:26-33

The time intervals of sacrifices 22:26-33

Seven additional laws specified the time periods that governed the offering of some sacrifices. The Israelites were not to offer oxen, sheep, and goats as sacrifices before these animals were eight days old (Leviticus 22:27). It took these animals this long to attain the strength and maturity necessary for them to represent the offerer adequately. The people were not to slay parent animals on the same day as their offspring (Leviticus 22:28). The reason may have been ". . . to keep sacred the relation which God had established between parent and offspring." [Note: Keil and Delitzsch, 2:437.] Another explanation is that this ruling simply conserved the animal stock that would have become depleted otherwise. [Note: Wenham, The Book . . ., p. 296; and Ross, pp. 393-94.]

Moses repeated reasons for these regulations again (Leviticus 22:31-33) so the Israelites would know why God instructed them as He did (cf. 1 Timothy 3:2).

"These chapters like many others in this book form the background to much NT teaching. Christ is both perfect priest (Leviticus 21:17-23; Hebrews 7:26) and perfect victim (Leviticus 22:18-30; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:19; 1 Peter 2:22). His bride (cf. Leviticus 21:7-15) is the Church, whom he is sanctifying to make her ’without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish’ (Ephesians 5:27; cf. Revelation 19:7-8; Revelation 21:2)." [Note: Wenham, The Book . . ., p. 296.]

"Those who worship the redeeming, sanctifying LORD God must come into his presence with acceptable offerings." [Note: Ross, p. 394.]