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The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:7
Sacrifice for sin. We may look first at our subject simply as an incident in human history, apart from the consideration of its place in the respired record. Then we have— I. A REPRESENTATIVE SCENE IN THE HISTORY OF MAN…
Matthew Henry on Leviticus 9:8-22
These being the first offerings that ever were offered by the levitical priesthood, according to the newly-enacted law of sacrifices, the manner of offering them is particularly related, that it might appear how exactly…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:8-24
Aaron's first priestly services. Moses officiated as the priest of the Lord until the consecration of Aaron and his sons was completed. Now they enter upon their functions, and the verses recited furnish us with an acco…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:8-23
The first act of the new priesthood is sacrifice, by which reconciliation was ceremonially effected; the second (Leviticus 9:22, Leviticus 9:23), a double benediction. As soon as the people are reconciled to him, God's…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:8-14
The high priest's sin offering and burnt offering for himself. The meat offering does not appear to have accompanied the burnt offering—the law having not yet been promulgated which ordered that the two sacrifices shoul…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:8-21
The priest at the altar. Aaron now enters on the great and high work to which he is appointed—that of God's chosen high priest. He "went unto the altar." As we follow him in that first official act (Leviticus 9:8) and s…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:15-21
The people's sin offering, burnt off, ring, meat offering, and peace offerings follow. The meat offering is said to have been burnt upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning. It is probable that, on this…
Matthew Henry on Leviticus 9:22-24
When the solemnity was finished, and the blessing pronounced, God testified his acceptance. There came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed the sacrifice. This fire might justly have fastened upon the people, a…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:22
Holy invocation. This was an imposing act of piety, one which our imagination easily presents to our minds, and which affects us as profoundly interesting. The high priest, after solemnly and with holy awe offering the…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:22
And Aaron lifted up his hand or (according to the more probable reading) hands. This was the first priestly benediction by Aaron, given from the elevated standing-place which he occupied by the side of the altar.
Matthew Henry on Leviticus 9:23-24
We are not told what Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle to do, Leviticus 9:23. Some of the Jewish writers say, "They went in to pray for the appearance of the divine glory;" most probably they went in that Moses m…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:23
Moses (for the last time) and Aaron (for the first time) went into the tabernacle in the character of priest. During this visit Moses committed to Aaron the care of the things within the tabernacle, as he had already gi…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:24
Miraculous confirmation of the new polity is given by a fire issuing from the presence of God. I. INSTANCES OF A LIKE KIND OF DIVINE AGENCY BY FIRE. 1. The case of Gideon. "And the angel of God said unto him, Take the f…
The Pulpit Commentary on Leviticus 9:24
And there came a fire out from before the Lord. The sacrifices were already smouldering on the altar, a ram, a calf, and a lamb, besides the internal fat of a young bull, a kid, a bullock, and a ram, and a handful of fl…
Matthew Henry on Leviticus 10:1-2
Next to Moses and Aaron, none were more likely to be honourable in Israel than Nadab and Abihu. There is reason to think that they were puffed up with pride, and that they were heated with wine. While the people were pr…
Death of Nadab and Abihu. (b. c. 1490.)
DEATH OF NADAB AND ABIHU. (B. C. 1490.) Here is, I. The great sin that Nadab and Abihu were guilty of: and a great sin we must call it, how little soever it appears in our eye, because it is evident by the punishment of…
Matthew Henry on Leviticus 10:3-7
The most quieting considerations under affliction are fetched from the word of God. What was it that God spake? Though Aaron's heart must have been filled with anguish and dismay, yet with silent submission he revered t…
Mourning for Nadab and Abihu. (b. c. 1490.)
MOURNING FOR NADAB AND ABIHU. (B. C. 1490.) We may well think that when Nadab and Abihu were struck with death all about them were struck with horror, and every face, as well as theirs, gathered blackness. Great conster…
Matthew Henry on Leviticus 10:8-11
Do not drink wine or strong drink. During the time they ministered, the priests were forbidden it. It is required of gospel ministers, that they be not given to wine, 1Ti 3:3. It is, Lest ye die; die when ye are in drin…
Cautions for the Priests. (b. c. 1490.)
CAUTIONS FOR THE PRIESTS. (B. C. 1490.) Aaron having been very observant of what God said to him by Moses, now God does him the honour to speak to him immediately (Leviticus 10:8): The Lord spoke unto Aaron, and the rat…
Matthew Henry on Leviticus 10:12-20
Afflictions should rather quicken us to our duty, than take us from it. But our unfitness for duty, when it is natural and not sinful, will have great allowances made for it; God will have mercy, and not sacrifice. Let…
Moses Angry with Eleazar and Ithamar. (b. c. 1490.)
MOSES ANGRY WITH ELEAZAR AND ITHAMAR. (B. C. 1490.) Moses is here directing Aaron to go on with his service after this interruption. Afflictions should rather quicken us to our duty than take us off from it. Observe (Le…
Matthew Henry on Leviticus 11:1-47
These laws seem to have been intended, 1. As a test of the people's obedience, as Adam was forbidden to eat of the tree of knowledge; and to teach them self-denial, and the government of their appetites. 2. To keep the…
Distinction of Meats. (b. c. 1490.)
DISTINCTION OF MEATS. (B. C. 1490.) Now that Aaron was consecrated a high priest over the house of God, God spoke to him with Moses, and appointed them both as joint-commissioners to deliver his will to the people. He s…