Leviticus 21:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I recognize that both the physical flaws of the priests and the sacrificial animals underwent careful scrutiny (See Leviticus 22:19-24), with the stipulation that only those without blemish should be presented for sacrifice, which I believe represents a state of spiritual purity.

A person may be described as blind or lacking vision, illustrating someone whose sight is clouded by the desire for worldly pleasures. When referred to as "rooted," this signifies an individual whose ability to discern is overwhelmed by the repugnant odors of sinful desires, closing off their awareness of the sweet aroma of divine remembrance. The term "ear-scarred" portrays a person whose ability to hear is impaired, marked by a forgetfulness of God's commandments, easily swayed by the influences of those who dwell in wickedness.

Even today, when the Old Testament is examined, a veil remains over Moses' face (2 Cor. 3:15). He communicates in a glorified manner, and the people struggle to endure the radiance of his words (Ex. 34:29-35). However, when we turn toward the Lord, the veil is removed, the obsolete letter ceases, and the life-giving Spirit emerges. For the Lord embodies the Spirit, and the law is indeed spiritual. Furthermore, it is commanded that no sign of weakness should be present: neither mutilated ears, nor impaired vision, nor distorted nostrils, nor a limping gait, nor any blemish of the skin; all these elements relate back to the flaws of the soul. It is important to note that what is to be condemned in humanity is not its essence, but rather its will.

Due to the complaints of the Jews, the Lord restricts the priesthood for individuals with physical impairments (Leviticus 21:17). However, what may appear as non-arbitrary restrictions actually encompass arbitrary ones as well. For instance, the blindness of the eye signifies a lack of understanding, the severing of the ear represents disobedience, the removal of the nose indicates a failure of discernment, and the amputation of the hand reflects a deficiency in action.