View Leviticus 8 in the note window.
This chapter gives an account of the consecration of Aaron and his sins
before the congregation, Moses washes and dresses them, ver. 1 - 9.
Anoints the tabernacle with its utensils, and Aaron, ver. 10 - 12.
Clothes his sons, ver. 13.
Offers for them a sin - offering, ver. 14 - 17.
A burnt - offering, ver. 18 - 21.
The ram of consecration, ver. 22 - 30.
Declares to them God's charge, which they perform, ver. 31 - 36.
3: All the congregation - The elders who represented all, and as many
of the people as would, and could get thither, that all might be witnesses
both of Aaron's commission from God, and of his work and business.
12: He poured - In a plentiful manner, as appears from(Ps 133:2), whereas other persons and things were only sprinkled
with it: because his unction was to typify the anointing of Christ with
the Spirit, which was not given by measure to him. A measure of the
same anointing is given to all believers.
14: The bullock - There were indeed seven bullocks to be offered at
his consecration, one every day; but here he mentions only one, because he
here describes only the work of the first day.
17: His hide - Which in the offerings for the people was not burnt,
but given to the priest.
18: He brought the ram - Hereby they gave to God the glory of this
great honour which was put upon them: and also signified the devoting
themselves and all their service to God.
19: He - Either Moses, as in the following clause, or some other
person by his appointment; which may be the reason why he is not named here,
as he is to the sprinkling of the blood, which was an action more proper to
the priest, and more essential to the sacrifice.
29: Moses's part - Who at this time administering the priest's office
was to receive the priest's wages.
31: The flesh - That which was left of the ram, and particularly the
breast, which was said to be Moses's part, (Le 8:29), and by him
was given to Aaron, that he and his sons might eat of it, in token that
they and only they should have the right to do so for the future.
33: Seven days - In each of which the same ceremonies were to be
repeated, and other rites to be performed. He - Either God or Moses;
for the words may be spoken by Moses, either in God's name or in his
own; Moses speaking of himself in the third person, which is very common
in scripture.
36: So Aaron and his sons did all things - And thus the covenant
of life and peace, (Mal 2:5), was made with them. But after all the
ceremonies used in their consecration, one point was reserved for the honour
of Christ's priesthood. They were made priests without an oath; but
Christ with an oath, (Heb 7:21). For neither these priests, nor their
priesthood was to continue. But His is a perpetual and unchangeable
priesthood.
