Matthew Poole and continuators on Leviticus 8

1 AND the LORD spake unto Moses , saying,

This is here premised, to shew that Moses did not confer the Priesthood upon Aaron by vertue of his relation or affection to him, but by Gods appointment, which also appears from the following story.

3 And gather thou all the congregation together, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

The elders which represented all, and as many of the people, as would and could get thither, that all might be witnesses both of Aarons commission from God, and of his work and business▪

7 And he put upon him the coat and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the Ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the Ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.

The linen breeches prescribed Exod. 28. 42. are not here mentioned, because they were not to be put on at his consecration, but afterwards in the execution of his office.

9 And he put the mitre upon his head: also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront did he put the golden plate, the holy Crown , as the LORD commanded Moses.

Of which see Exod. 29. 6.

Marginal references: Exod. 28. 3[illegible: 1+ letters] &c.

11 And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times , and anointed the altar, and all his vessels, both the laver , and his foot, to sanctifie them.

To signifie the singular use and holiness of it, which it was not only to have in it self, but also to communicate to all the sacrifices laid upon it.

Where the Priests washed themselves and the sacrifices and vessels or instruments of the holy ministration. See Levit. 6. 28.

12 And he poured of the anointing oyl upon Aarons head, and anointed him, to sanctifie him.

In a plentiful manner, as appears from Psal. 133. 2. whereas other persons and things were onely anointed or sprinkled with it.

Marginal references: Exod. 29▪ Ecclus. 45. [illegible: 1+ letters]

14 And he brought the bullock for the sin-offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sinoffering.

There were indeed seven bullocks to be offered at his consecration, one every day, Exod. 29. 35, 36. but here he mentions onely one, either by a common Enallage of number, or because he here describes onely the work of the first day, and leaves the rest to be gathered from it: of which see ver. 33.

Marginal references: Exod. 29. [illegible: 1+ letters] 10.

17 But the bullock, and his hide , his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Which in the offerings for the people was not burnt, but given to the Priest.

Marginal references: Exod. 29. [illegible: 1 word]

19 And he killed it, and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

Either Moses, as in the following clause, the pronoun being put for the noun; or some other person by Moses 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, as the learned have observed.

23 And he slew it, and Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aarons right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

The lowest and softest part of the ear called the tip or lap of the ear. See Exod. 29. 20.

29 And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave-offering before the LORD: For of the ram of consecration it was Moses part , as the LORD commanded Moses.

Who at this time administring the Priests office was to receive the Priests wages; it being most just and reasonable that the work and wages should go together.

Marginal references: Exod. 29. 26.

31 And Moses said unto Aaron, and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.

That which was left of the ram, and particularly the breast, which was said to be Moses his part, ver. 29. and by him was given to Aaron, that he and his sons might eat of it in token that they and onely they should have the right to do so for the future.

Marginal references: Exod. 29. 32.

33 And ye shall not go out of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation in seven dayes, untill the dayes of your consecration be at an end: for seven dayes shall he consecrate you.

In which the same ceremonies were to be repeated, as the next verse implies▪ and other rites to be performed.

Either God; or [illegible: 1 word], for the words may be spoken by Moses either in Gods name or in his own▪ Moses speaking of himself in the third person, which is very common in Scripture.

Marginal references: Exod. 29. 30, 35.

35 Therefore shall ye abide at the door of the congregation day and night seven dayes, and keep the charge of the LORD , that ye die not , for so I am commanded.

What God hath commanded you concerning your consecration.

If the threatning seem too severe for the fault, it must be considered both that it is the usual practise of Lawgivers most severely to punish the first offences for the terrour and caution of others and for the maintenance of their own authority; and that this transgression was aggravated by many circumstances, being committed by sacred and eminent persons and that in the presence of the people▪ which made it a publick scandal, and in Gods worship, where he is very tender and jealous, and against a plain and easie command of God, and at a time when they were receiving high favours and priviledges from God. Nor is sin to be esteemed or measured by the idle fancies of men of corrupt minds and lives, whose interests and lusts easily blind their minds, but by the Authority, Majesty, and Will of the great, and wise, and iust Lawgiver.