Definition: Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 21:23. It's a really important and somewhat serious passage about how to treat sacred spaces and people. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that anyone who breaks the rules for entering or interacting with God’s holy places is a sinner and will be punished. It’s a warning against disrespecting what God has made special. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar…” – This refers to the Tabernacle and the Altar . The “vail” is a covered area that held sacred items like the Ark of the Covenant. The "altar" was where God’s people would offer sacrifices. These places were considered very important for God's presence. “…because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.” – This is the most important part. “A blemish” means something wrong or imperfect. “Profane” means to disrespect or break the rules. “Sanctify” means to make something holy and special, a place dedicated to God. The verse says that this person has a blemish (they’re not perfect) and is therefore violating God's laws. They are acting in a way that breaks the sacredness of these places. So, what does it mean practically? It means: Don't be disrespectful to the holy spaces of God. Respectful behavior – like being careful about where you go, how you treat others, and what you do – is crucial. It’s a reminder that God values his presence and wants us to act in a way that honors him. Why is this important? This verse is part of a larger system of rules given by God in the Old Testament. These rules were designed to keep the Israelites (and later, all people) connected to God and to ensure they didn’t become like the enemy. It's about recognizing that we are made in God’s image and should treat him with reverence. In short: This verse is a strong message of responsibility – we must be mindful of how we behave around sacred places, because our actions can have consequences for our relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give some examples of what that "blemish" could be (without getting too complicated)? Talk about the significance of the Tabernacle and Altar?