The Pulpit Commentary — Exodus — Volume 2 — Section 282

thnn these introductory ceremonies, which yet, in connection with the symbolism ,,f the dross, rnennt n grent deal. They "filled the hand" of the priest with hi 8 nfli,·•J (ver. \J), declared the need of holiness in the discharge of his duties, and conveye•l to him tho gifts of hcnvenly grace necessary fr r their right performnnce. So Christ "glorified not himself to be mnde nn high priest" (Heh. v. 5), but wns formally installe,l in his office by the Father; was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from siouer; ·• (Heh. vii. 26); and is endued above measure with the Spirit (John iii. 34). II. To TlIE PRIESTHOOD, AS HELD BY SINFUL MEN (vers. 10---15). The direct in- stnllation to the priesthood is followed by ceremonies having reference to the personal sinfulness of the holders of the office. The fact could not be overlooked that the law WM making men priests that had infirmity (Heh. vii. 28). Themselves sinful, Aaron and his sons were not as yet fit to transact with God as mediators for others. The true High Priest, having no sin, laboured under no disqualification of this kind (Heh. vii. 27); but it was different with priests "taken from among men" (Heh. v. 1). They needed to ha"t/sacrifices offered for themselves. "This, therefore, was what was next provided; and through an entire series of sacrifices and offerings they were conducted as from the depths of guilt and condemnation to what indicated their possession of a state of blessed peace and most friendly intercourse with God" (Fairbairn). The sacrifices were three-- a sin-offering (vers. 10-15); a burnt-offering (vers. 15---19); and a peace-offering (vers. 19-22) ; and these sacrifices, with the accompanying ceremonies, were to be repeated on seven successive days (ver. 35). The altar, as defiled by the sin of those officiating at it, was likewise to be cleansed by the blood of the sin-offering (vers. 36, 37). This is the first appearance of the sin-offering in the law. III. To QUALIFICATIONS, DUTIES, AND EMOLUMENTS (vers. 15---38). The sin-olTerin~ had especially to do with the removal of guilt. The second sacrifice-the burnt-offering- denoted the duty of unconditional and entire surrender to Jehovah. The third-" the ram of consecration" (ver. 22)---,was that by which the newly-maae :::,riests were wholly put into the functions and rights of their office. 1. '1.'he ram's blood was significantly applied to different members of the person (ver. 20). It was put upon the tip of the right ear, upon the thumb of the right hand, and upon the great toe of the right foot, of Aaron and of his sons. 'fhis denoted, of course, entire dedication of the person to God's service, in hearing, in acting, and in the daily walk. It beautifully symbolises, not only the perfect consecration of him whose meat it was to do his Father's will (John iv. 34), but the completeness of devotion which ought to characterise each of his disciples, who also are priests to God. 2. The priests were sprinkled with the ram's blood and oil mingled (ver. 21). This symbolised the new life of God, in which the priest was "henceforth to move and have his being, in conjunction with the Spirit, on whose softening, pehetrating, invigorating influence all powers and movements of that Divine life depend" (Fairbairn). 3. The portions of the sacrifice which belonged to God, with a loaf, cake, and wafer, of the meat offering-symbolic of fruitfulness in good works-were next to be placed on the priests' hands, and waved before the Lord (ver. 24). This signified, (1) "The conveyal of the function which belongs to the priest to offer tho fat pieces of God's altar ; and (2) the infeoffment of the priests with the gift, which they receive in future for their service, but which they must now give over to Jehovah, because they are not yet fully dedicated, and therefore cannot yet themselves act as priests" (Oehler). The conclusion of the ceremony was a sacrificial meal, indicative of restored• fellowship, and happy communion with God (vers. 31-35). Vers. 29, 30, provide for the handing down of the high priest's office to Aaron's sons. The priest- hood continued till superseded by that of the greater Priest "after the order of Mel- chizedek" (Hob. vii.).-J. 0. EXPOSITION. Vera. 88-42.-THE DAILY SACRIFICE. The morning and the other in the evening, as consecration of the altar, which is made a "a. continual burnt-offering" (ver. -l2), in po.rt of the consecration of the priests, is to be acknowledgment th11t the life of the people followed immediately by the establishment of belonged to Jehovah (Cook), 1111d th11t they tho daily sacrifice. Two lrunbs are to be were bound to offer perpetually "themselves offerctl clny hy clny lo lho Lore!, one in the their souls nud bu,lies, to be ,1 reusonablc 300 THE DOOK OF EXODUS. [en. XXIX. 3R-42.