21:1-4
This and the following chapter contain rules for priests, and the emphasis is on maintaining ceremonial cleanness. The first set of instructions focus around the dead. To touch a dead body rendered someone unclean. The priest must be most careful to avoid doing this, except in the case of very close relatives. So, in general, the priest must ensure that he is able to perform his duties for the community. However, family responsibilities were allowed to overrule this.
21:5,6
21:5 repreats 19:27. The reason for the prohibition is that these practices of cutting oneself, and shaving were carried out by pagan religions. Then we get the reason for the rule. The priests were God’s servants, they were to be wholly devoted to the Lord.
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