Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible · Leviticus Kapitel 9

Leviticus 9:3. A kid of the goats for a sin-offering— In ch. Lev 4:14 the matter of the sin-offering for the congregation is ordered to be a calf or bullock; but that is to be understood of an offering for a particular determinate sin: this for sin in general. It is thought that goats were so frequently appointed for sacrifice in the Jewish ritual, because the daemons of idolatry were most frequently worshipped under this form. See ch. Leviticus 17:7. The young calf enjoined for Aaron's sin-offering, Lev 9:2 is supposed by many of the Jews to have reference to the affair of the golden calf.

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Leviticus 9:7. Make an atonement for thyself, and for the people— See Hebrews 5:3; Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:7. Houbigant renders this clause, for thyself and for thy family; following and approving the LXX, who give the same interpretation.

REFLECTIONS.—They who are ordained for the service of the ministry must know no idleness. Woe to the slumbering shepherds! Aaron and his sons must immediately on their consecration enter on the service.

1. They must begin the work of sacrificing. As their own sin would be their first concern, a calf of atonement is offered, and a ram for a burnt-offering. To save ourselves will best enable us to save those that hear us. The people also are enjoined to bring their offering to Aaron, that he may offer it up as an atonement for them. Note; It is among the deepest concerns of a faithful minister to bring the people committed to his care into a state of reconciliation with God.

2. God promises to manifest an especial display of his glory to them as a token of his good pleasure towards them. Note; (1.) When we go forth to the work of the ministry under a divine call, God will sensibly own our labours to our unspeakable comfort. (2.) When God's people assemble in his worship they shall see his glory. He will manifest himself to them as he does not to the world.

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Leviticus 9:15. And offered it for sin, as the first— See Leviticus 9:8; Leviticus 9:12.

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Leviticus 9:17. Beside the burnt-sacrifice of the morning— Hence we learn, that Aaron began his sacred function with the daily morning-sacrifice: this sacrifice was accompanied with a bread-offering; Exodus 29:40. Numbers 15:2-4.

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Leviticus 9:22. Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them— Laying on of hands was the usual sign of blessing; but this being impossible where there was so great a multitude, the elevation of hands was used as a sign of imploring the Divine blessing. See Psa 28:2 and Luk 24:50 where we read, that our great High-Priest lifted up his hands, and blessed his disciples. Blessing has always been a part of the sacerdotal office from the beginning. See Genesis 14:19. Deuteronomy 10:8. In Num 6:24-26 the reader will find a form of benediction which the Lord, by Moses, gave to Aaron, and which, many think, was used upon the present solemn occasion: and it is not improbable, that immediately after Mores and Aaron coming out of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:23.) had pronounced the words, The Lord make his face shine upon thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee; that the glory of the Lord which filled the tabernacle, Exo 40:34-35 appeared without, and shone upon the people with a peculiar brightness. It is imagined that Moses went into the tabernacle with Aaron to instruct him in the duty to be discharged there, respecting the sprinkling of the blood, burning the incense, setting the shew-bread in order, &c. &c.

REFLECTIONS.—Aaron here begins his ministrations, and offers the several different kinds of sacrifice according to the commandment of the Lord. Note; In all our ministrations we must make God's word our rule.—The daily burnt-sacrifice was offered, besides these extraordinary ones. Our stated seasons of worship must never be neglected because of any extraordinary services or business. When the whole was finished, he, as high-priest on God's behalf, gave his benediction to the people. Where God accepts our offerings he will leave a blessing behind him.

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