The sense seems to be that, owing to his position in the nation, the priest is not to defile himself in any cases except those named in Leviticus 21:2. The Septuagint appear to have followed a different reading of the text which would mean, “he shall not defile himself for a moment.” The explanation... [ Continue Reading ]
These prohibitions given to the people at large (compare the margin reference.) had a special fitness for the Hebrew priests. They were the instruments of the divine will for averting death, all their sacrifices were a type of the death of Christ, which swallowed up death in victory 1 Corinthians 15... [ Continue Reading ]
The word here and in Leviticus 21:8 rendered “bread”, is the same as is rendered food in Leviticus 3:11, Leviticus 3:16, etc., and meat in Leviticus 22:11. The reader of the English Bible should keep in view that bread, meat, and food, were nearly equivalent terms when our translation was made, and... [ Continue Reading ]
PROFANE - A woman who has been seduced, or one of illegitimate birth. A somewhat stricter rule for the priests’ marriages was revealed to the prophet in later times, Ezekiel 44:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
The people of Israel are now addressed. They are commanded to regard the priests, who perform for them the service of the altar, as holy in respect of their office.... [ Continue Reading ]
BURNT WITH FIRE - See the Leviticus 20:14 note.... [ Continue Reading ]
It was the distinguishing mark of the anointing of the high priest, that the holy oil was poured upon his head like a crown (compare Leviticus 8:12). UNCOVER HIS HEAD - Rather, let his hair be disheveled. See the note at Leviticus 10:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
GO OUT OF THE SANCTUARY - i. e. not for the purpose to which reference is here made. The words do not mean, as some have imagined, that his abode was confined to the sanctuary.... [ Continue Reading ]
PROFANE HIS SEED - i. e. by a marriage which was not in keeping with the holiness of his office.... [ Continue Reading ]
He was not treated as an outcast, but enjoyed his privileges as a son of Aaron, except in regard to active duties. Leviticus 21:20 A DWARF - One who is small and wasted, either short, as in the text, or slender, as in the margin. It is hardly likely that dwarfishness would be overlooked in this en... [ Continue Reading ]