Leviticus 9
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Commentaries
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On the eighth day - This was the first day after their consecration, before which they were deemed unfit to minister in holy things, being considered as in a state of imperfection. "All creatures," says Ainsworth, "for the most part were in their uncleanness and imperfection seven days, and perfected on the eighth; as children by circumcision, Lev 12:2, Lev 12:3; young beasts for sacrifice, Lev 22:27; persons that were unclean by leprosies, issues, and the like, Lev 14:8-10; Lev 15:13, Lev 15:14; Num 6:9, Num 6:10. So here, the priests, until the eighth day, were not admitted to minister in their office."
Open source ↗THE PRIESTS' ENTRY INTO OFFICE. (Lev. 9:1-24) Moses called . . . Take thee a young calf for a sin offering--The directions in these sacred things were still given by Moses, the circumstances being extraordinary. But he was only the medium of communicating the divine will to the newly made priests. The first of their official acts was the sacrifice of another sin offering to atone for the defects of the inauguration services; and yet that sacrifice did not consist of a bullock--the sacrifice appointed for some particular transgression, but of a calf, perhaps not without a significant reference to Aaron's sin in the golden calf [Exo 32:22-24]. Then followed a burnt offering, expressive of their voluntary and entire self-devotement to the divine service. The newly consecrated priests having done this on their own account, they were called to offer a sin offering and burnt offering for the people, ending the ceremonial by a peace offering, which was a sacred feast. This injunction, "to make atonement for himself and for the people" (Septuagint, "for thy family"), at the commencement of his sacred functions, furnishes a striking evidence of the divine origin of the Jewish system of worship. In all false or corrupt forms of religion, the studied policy has been to inspire the people with an idea of the sanctity of the priesthood as in point of purity and favor with the Divinity far above the level of other men. But among the Hebrews the priests were required to offer for the expiation of their own sins as well as the humblest of the people. This imperfection of Aaron's priesthood, however, does not extend to the gospel dispensation: for our great High Priest, who has entered for us into "the true tabernacle," "knew no sin" (Heb 10:10-11).
Open source ↗And it came to pass on the eighth day,.... When the seven days of consecration were ended, as Ben Gersom, the day following them, so soon was Aaron called to the execution of his office; and so both the Targum of Jonathan and Jarchi make it to be the eighth day of the consecration, or the day after the anointing of Aaron and his sons, and which they both say was the beginning, or first day of Nisan, the day the tabernacle was erected by Moses: but that seems to have been set up before the consecration; rather this was, as Aben Ezra says, the eighth day of the month Nisan or March, and was the eighth day of the consecration, which began at the first day, on which day the tabernacle was set up, Exo 40:2, that Moses, called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel; Aaron and his sons to enter upon their office, by offering sacrifices for themselves, and for the people, and the elders to be witnesses thereof.
Open source ↗And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel; Entrance of Aaron and his Sons upon their Office. - Lev 9:1-7. On the eighth day, i.e., on the day after the seven days' consecration, Aaron and his sons entered upon their duties with a solemn sacrifice for themselves and the nation, to which the Lord had made Himself known by a special revelation of His glory, to bear solemn witness before the whole nation that their service at the altar was acceptable to Him, and to impress the divine seal of confirmation upon the consecration they had received. To this end Aaron and his sons were to bring to the front of the tabernacle a young calf as a sin-offering for themselves, and a ram for a burnt-offering; and the people were to bring through their elders a he-goat for a sin-offering, a yearling calf and yearling sheep for a burnt-offering, and an ox and ram for a peace-offering, together with a meat-offering of meal mixed with oil; and the congregation (in the persons of its elders) was to stand there before Jehovah, i.e., to assemble together at the sanctuary for the solemn transaction (Lev 9:1-5). If, according to this, even after the manifold expiation and consecration, which Aaron had received through Moses during the seven days, he had still to enter upon his service with a sin-offering and burnt-offering, this fact clearly showed that the offerings of the law could not ensure perfection (Heb 10:1.). It is true that on this occasion a young calf was sufficient for a sin-offering for the priests, not a mature ox as in Lev 8:14 and Lev 4:3; and so also for the burnt-offerings and peace-offerings of the people smaller sacrifices sufficed, either smaller in kind or fewer in number than at the leading feasts (Num 28:11.). N…
Open source ↗Orders are here given for another solemnity upon the eighth day; for the newly-ordained priests were set to work immediately after the days of their consecration were finished, to let them know that they were not ordained to be idle: He that desires the office of a bishop desires a good work, which must be looked at with desire, more than the honour and benefit. The priests had not so much as one day's respite from service allowed them, that they might divert themselves, and receive the compliments of their friends upon their elevation, but were busily employed the very next day; for their consecration was the filling of their hands. God's spiritual priests have constant work cut out for them, which the duty of every day requires; and those that would give up their account with joy must redeem time; see Eze 43:26, Eze 43:27. Now, 1. Moses raises their expectation of a glorious appearance of God to them this day (Lev 9:4): "To day the Lord will appear to you that are the priests." And when all the congregation are gathered together, and stand before the Lord, he tells them (Lev 9:6), The glory of the Lord shall appear to you. Though they had reason enough to believe God's acceptance of all that they had done according to his appointment, upon the general assurance we have that he is the rewarder of those that diligently seek him (even if he had not given them any sensible token of it), yet that if possible they and theirs might be effectually obliged to the service and worship of God, and might never turn aside to idols, the glory of God appeared to them, and visibly owned what they had done. We are not now to expect such appearances; we Christians walk more by faith, and less by sight, than they did. But we may be sure that God draws nigh to those who draw nigh to him,…
Open source ↗9:1 eighth day: The priests had finished the seven-day period of probation commanded in 8:35. • elders: See study note on 4:15.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
שְׁמִינִי (shᵉmîynîy, H8066) — eight יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… זָקֵן (zâqên, H2205) — old יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) בָּקָר (bâqâr, H1241) — beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing);… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… עֵגֶל (ʻêgel, H5695) — a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e. a steer) חַטָּאָה (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) — an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or… אַיִל (ʼayil, H352) — properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) תָּמִים (tâmîym, H8549) — entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) שָׂעִיר (sâʻîyr, H8163) — shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun עֵז (ʻêz, H5795) — a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for… חַטָּאָה (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) — an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or… עֵגֶל (ʻêgel, H5695) — a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e. a steer) כֶּבֶשׂ (kebes, H3532) — a ram (just old enough to butt) שָׁנֶה (shâneh, H8141) — a year (as a revolution of time) תָּמִים (tâmîym, H8549) — entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
Open source ↗שׁוֹר (shôwr, H7794) — a bullock (as a traveller) אַיִל (ʼayil, H352) — properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a… שֶׁלֶם (shelem, H8002) — properly, requital, i.e. a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks זָבַח (zâbach, H2076) — to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God מִנְחָה (minchâh, H4503) — a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually… בָּלַל (bâlal, H1101) — to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder שֶׁמֶן (shemen, H8081) — grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,…
Open source ↗לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֹהֶל (ʼôhel, H168) — a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance) מוֹעֵד (môwʻêd, H4150) — properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival;… עֵדָה (ʻêdâh, H5712) — a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd) קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd, H3519) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,…
Open source ↗מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application חַטָּאָה (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) — an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) כָּפַר (kâphar, H3722) — to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… קׇרְבָּן (qorbân, H7133) — something brought near the altar, i.e. a sacrificial present יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin
Open source ↗אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar שָׁחַט (shâchaṭ, H7819) — to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre) עֵגֶל (ʻêgel, H5695) — a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e. a steer) חַטָּאָה (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) — an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or…
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose דָּם (dâm, H1818) — blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice… טָבַל (ṭâbal, H2881) — to dip, to immerse אֶצְבַּע (ʼetsbaʻ, H676) — something to sieze with, i.e. a finger; by analogy, a toe נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) קֶרֶן (qeren, H7161) — a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's… מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar יָצַק (yâtsaq, H3332) — properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as… יְסוֹד (yᵉçôwd, H3247) — a foundation (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗חֶלֶב (cheleb, H2459) — fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part כִּלְיָה (kilyâh, H3629) — a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self) יֹתֶרֶת (yôthereth, H3508) — the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging) מִן (min, H4480) — properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses כָּבֵד (kâbêd, H3516) — the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera) חַטָּאָה (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) — an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or… קָטַר (qâṭar, H6999) — to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship) מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver
Open source ↗בָּשָׂר (bâsâr, H1320) — flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the… עוֹר (ʻôwr, H5785) — skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather שָׂרַף (sâraph, H8313) — to be (causatively, set) on fire אֵשׁ (ʼêsh, H784) — fire (literally or figuratively) חוּץ (chûwts, H2351) — properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors מַחֲנֶה (machăneh, H4264) — an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or…
Open source ↗שָׁחַט (shâchaṭ, H7819) — to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre) עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… דָּם (dâm, H1818) — blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice… זָרַק (zâraq, H2236) — to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles) סָבִיב (çâbîyb, H5439) — (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without… מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar
Open source ↗מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) נֵתַח (nêthach, H5409) — a fragment רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… קָטַר (qâṭar, H6999) — to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship) מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar
Open source ↗רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial… כָּרָע (kârâʻ, H3767) — the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual) קָטַר (qâṭar, H6999) — to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship) עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
On the eighth day he is to bring two unblemished male lambs, an unblemished ewe lamb a year old, a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with olive oil, and one log of olive oil.
You must not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are complete; for it will take seven days to ordain you.
On the eighth day he is to take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, come before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the priest.
On the eighth day he is to bring them for his cleansing to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD.
On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
On the eighth day she is to take two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.