John Gill Commentary Leviticus 22:23

John Gill Commentary

Leviticus 22:23

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
John Gill
John Gill

John Gill Commentary

Leviticus 22:23

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"Either a bullock or a lamb that hath anything superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill-offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted." — Leviticus 22:23 (ASV)

Either a bullock, or a lamb that has anything superfluous ,
or lacking in its parts

That has either more members than it should have, as five feet, or two gristles in an ear, as Gersom says, or has fewer than it should have; or, as Jarchi, that has one member longer or shorter than another, as the leg or thigh; according to the Targum of Jonathan, that is redundant in its testicles, or deficient therein; the Septuagint version is, that has its ear or its tail cut; and so the Vulgate Latin version:

that you may offer [for] a freewill offering :

for the repair of the sanctuary or temple, as Jarchi and Gersom; money, or the value of the sacrifices, might be given to the priests for that use, but according to them might not be offered upon the altar: but it rather seems to be an exception to the above law, and allows of the sacrifice of them for freewill offering, though not for a vow, as it follows

but for a vow it shall not be accepted ;

because the other was according to a man's will and pleasure, and he might bring what he would on that account; but when he made a vow that he would offer such a sacrifice, it must be of creatures that were perfect, and without blemish.