Not to slaughter it (blemished animal)

This mitzvah prohibits slaughtering an animal with a blemish for sacrificial use. Even if one did not consecrate the animal personally, slaughtering it for the altar disrespects the sanctity of the Mikdash. The Torah requires that the entire sacrificial process — from consecration to offering — reflect perfection.

Rambam distinguishes between prohibitions: consecrating blemished animals (Mitzvah 337), slaughtering them (this mitzvah), sprinkling their blood (Mitzvah 339), and burning their fats (Mitzvah 340). Each stage is guarded by its own prohibition to highlight the sanctity of every step of avodah.

Sefer HaChinuch explains that blemished animals symbolize imperfection and dishonor. Slaughtering them for Hashem’s altar undermines the lesson of offering the choicest and most honorable. The Talmud explores the precise boundaries of what constitutes a blemish and the liability attached. Ramban stresses that offering an unfit animal disregards Hashem’s command to sanctify His service with wholeness and reverence.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 1:6–8): Lists slaughtering blemished animals as a distinct prohibition, separate from consecrating or offering.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 287): Teaches that Hashem deserves only the finest, and slaughtering blemished animals shows indifference.
• Rashi (Lev. 22:22): Notes that the Torah forbids slaughtering such animals because they are not acceptable for the altar.
• Talmud (Zevachim 24a): Analyzes liability for slaughtering blemished animals and whether it differs from other prohibited stages of avodah.
• Ramban: Interprets that every step of avodah must reflect perfection; slaughtering flawed animals desecrates Hashem’s honor.