17:1 blemish . . . defect. It was repeatedly commanded that any flaw or defect would make an animal unsuitable for sacrifice (15:21; Lev. 22:19–25; Num. 19:2). Also, Lev. 21:16–23 specifies that any priest with a physical deformity could not officiate. The symbolism is clear: God is holy (Lev. 21:23), and He demands perfection. As symbols of the coming perfect Savior and His worthy sacrifice, the sacrificial animals were to be without defect.