The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 164

racts ls requisite. The putting on of garments represented the bestowment upon Aaron of the qualities essential to the proper discharge of l:ls dutieR, This was the apparel respecting which the Lord said unto Moses, "Thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, for glory and for beauty." Looking at the high priest thus arr:ayed, w~ see symbols . of the orna~ents and graces of Jesus Christ. Not.e the ch01ce quality of the attire. Everything of the best, fine linen, gold unalloyed, stones precious and rare. The oil is "costly ointment." Search out all that is best in human nature, all that challenges admiration and excites esteem, and an example of all is found in Jesus Christ. Possessed of every gift, power, and skill, loveliness and majesty, perfect in intellect, emotion, and will, he was victorious over every temptation, and unscathed by every trial. This dress of Aaron emblematized positive virtue; so Christ was upright, not only like Adam as he left the hands of God, but as acquiring and exhibiting every grace that can adorn humanity. There was virtue in exercise, virtue visible and potent. The tree put forth its leaves, its blossoms, and its fruit. IIL The high priest maintained A CONSTANT BEMEMBBANOE OF THE PEOPLE. Hence the breast-plate bearing the names of the twelve tribes, which were also inscribed upon the onyx stones of the shoulder. The people were borne in the positions that indicated power and sympathy. What the bosom desires the arms accomplish. Let others write their names upon lofty pillars or granite rocks ; let statesmen, warriors, nobles, inscribe themselves upon the roll of fame; "Give me," says the Christian, "a place upon the Saviour's breast ; for there on the heart of Christ, under the glance of infinite mercy, where the love of God delights to rest, are the names of all his followers graven for ever." IV. In the breast-plate were put the Urim and Thum.mim, by means of which was ascertained and made known the will of God. REVELATION OF GoD was thus part of the high priest's functions. The priestly and prophetic offices were intertwined. Though we may :single out an office of Christ for distinct consideration, as we may distinguish one of the hues of the rainbow, yet let us not forget that it is the combi- nation which is of sucb surpassing excellence and glory. It has been well said that Christ is called the Wisdom of God in the Old 'l'estament, and the Word in the New. Full vocal expression was reserved for the time when he could joy to say," I have declared unto them thy Name, and will declare it." It is by the priesthood of Christ that we learn in particular the grace of God. It is written on all creation, but to our blurred vision the tletters are oft obscure. On the cross of Christ, where he becomes at once the Offerer and Victim, these words glisten with heavenly radiance, luminous not only in noontide prosperity, but in the dark midnight of affliction, "God is love." V. The high priesthood is AN OFFICE OF AUTHORITY, and this authority is THE SUPREMACY OF HOLINESS. Upon the head is placed the mitre, a cap or turban, and upon the mitre is fastened a golden plate or diadem, inscribed "Holiness unto the Lord." Christ's is a royal priesthood, and his sway is the result of his consecration to God. He rules by right of character, by right of rank, by right of work. The" holy crow!1" is the guarantee for the acknowledgment of his claims to hearty, unreserved obedience. If to-day men demand authority as priests, at least let the holiness of their lives support their pretensions. VI. By the pouring of the oil upon Aaron's head we see intimated ENTIBE DEDICA• TION TO GoD's SERVICE. 'l'his holy unction set apart the high prie~t for hallowed toil, and became an emblem of the fortifying, sustaining, vitalizing presence of the Spirit of God. "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he hath anointed me." It is the oil of gladness, the dew of the blessing of the Lord. It is a token of perpetuity. 'l'he brightest pageant fades, the show of to-day is forgotten ere the morrow dawns, bn~ the priesthood of Christ knows neither ebb nor flow...:..S. R. A. Vers. 14--30.-Tl,e triple offering, Under the Christian dispensation only two classes of priests remain-the real High Priest, Jesus Christ, and his people who are figurative priests offering up spiritual sacrifices. The ceremonies described in this chapter may throw light upon our position and duties as the followers of Christ, and remind us of the superiority of Christ to Aaron. L OUB BEBE114BLANOE TO AARON IN THE TRIPLE OFFERING WE ABE BEQUIBED TO OH. VIII. 1-88.] THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. 126