1._Speak unto the priests. _All these things which follow tend to the same end, _i.e., _that the priests may differ from the rest of the people by notable marks, as if separated from ordinary men; for special purity became those who represented the person of Christ. It seems, indeed, as if God here... [ Continue Reading ]
7._They shall not take a wife. _The third kind of purity is in marriage itself, that the priests’ home may be chaste and free from all dishonor. At this time also God commands by the mouth of Paul, that pastors should be chosen, who rule well their own houses, whose wives are chaste and modest, and... [ Continue Reading ]
9._And the daughter of any priest. _The moderation and chastity (required in the priest (191)) is extended also to his daughter; and by _synecdoche _all that relates to good discipline is comprised under a single head; viz., that his children should be educated in the study of virtue, and in decent... [ Continue Reading ]
13._And he shall take a wife in her virginity. _More is required in the high priest, viz., that he should not marry a widow, nor a woman of any other tribe than his own. A question may indeed arise as to the latter clause, whether the plural word ought to be restricted to one tribe, (189) whereas it... [ Continue Reading ]
17._Speak unto Aaron, saying. _Priests in whom there was any notable bodily defect are here forbidden from approaching the altar. I will not curiously inquire into the defects which Moses enumerates, since the same rule is here laid down, which is afterwards applied to the sacrifices, whereof none b... [ Continue Reading ]
22._He shall eat the bread of his God. _He permits them indeed to eat of the sacrifices, because no uncleanness on account of their natural defects could prevent them from partaking of the sacred meals; (192) they are only forbidden to appear in God’s presence as mediators to propitiate Him. And her... [ Continue Reading ]