The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 282

Vers. 1-34.-.77ie great Day of .Atonement (vere. 29-34). One day In the year 11et apart to the most solemn representation possible of the two facts-the sin- fulness of man, the righteous love of God. Atonement underlying the whole of the ceremonial Law, but the insufficiency of the daily sacrifices, set forth by the separation of one day for the special sacrifice, thus pointing to one atonement in which all other atone- ments should be perfected. Solemn warning in the death of the two sons of Aaron, pro- claiming the unchangeableness of Divine Law, and unapproa.chableness of God in his infinite righteousness. Necessity that, while the cloud upon the mercy-seat spoke of holiness and majesty, there should be a more emphatic testimony to love and mercy. Yet that testimony must be in the way of Law and ordinance, therefore itself main- taining that God is just while he is merciful. '.L'hese preliminary considerations prepare us to take the "great Day of Atonement" as a typical prophecy fulfilled in the reve- lation of Christ. Notice- !. THE MEDIATION BETWEEN GoD AND MAN MUST DE A PERFECT MEDIATION. 1. Personal p~fection. For ordinary ministration, washing feet and hands sufficient. For the great day, entire cleansing. This must be. A fellow-creature, imperfect and sinful, may be employed as a channel of communication between God and us, but not as the efficient Mediator undertaking for both. '.L'he spotlessness of Jesus must be more than relative, more than character; it must be absolute, therefore, only as we see it in the Incarnation. Nor can we find satisfaction in the humanity of Christ unless we believe that it was capable of rendering to God an infinitely acceptable sacrifice; therefore, while it was flesh, it must have been free from all taint of sin. We lay our siDI! on him; then he must be himself absolutely sinless, or else our sins will be increased by his. Only in the pre-existence of the Second Person in the Trinity can we find a support for this doctrine of personal perfection in the man Christ Jesus. 2. Official perfection. The high priest must be clothed in spotless garments. "Holy garments." He put off his "golden garments," and put on the white linen, e~blematical of official perfection. '.l.'he continual repetition of the sacrifices and the priestly ablutions, together with the special priestly offerings, represented the necessary l~pe_rfec~ion of the ceremonial atonement. The priest's office was seen in its height of dignity m the high priest's office ; the high priest's office in its most solemn duty, to enter the holiest once a year and make atonement for all. But the true High Priest OH, XVI. 1-34.] THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS.