21:1–24 Ceremonial cleanliness regulations specific to the priests are recorded. These deal with priests in general (vv. 1–9), the high priest (vv. 10–15), and priests suffering from defects (vv. 16–24). All priests represented man as restored to the image of God and therefore had to show God’s holiness in their character and in their bodies. Holiness in restored man ultimately involves his perfection and health (fullness of life; freedom from mortality, perishableness, decay), so priests with certain handicaps were forbidden to offer sacrifice (vv. 17–21). But handicapped priests still enjoyed a full share of priestly dues (v. 22).