Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Leviticus
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 8

Overview:
The Consecration of Aaron and his sons. (1-13) The offerings
of Consecration. (14-36)

1-13 The Consecration of Aaron and his sons had been delayed
until the Tabernacle had been prepared, and the laws of the
sacrifices given. Aaron and his sons were washed with water, to
signify that they ought to purify themselves from all sinful
dispositions, and ever after to keep themselves pure. Christ
washes those from their sins in his own Blood whom he makes
Kings and priests to our God, Re 1:5,6; and those that draw
near to God must be washed in pure water, Heb 10:22. The
anointing of Aaron was to typify the anointing of Christ with
the Spirit, which was not given By Measure to him. All believers
have received the anointing.

14-36 In these types we see our great High Priest, even Christ
Jesus, solemnly appointed, anointed, and invested with his
sacred office, By his own Blood, and the influences of his Holy
Spirit. He sanctifies the ordinances of religion, to the benefit
of his people and the honour of God the Father; who for his sake
accepts our Worship, though it is polluted with Sin. We may also
rejoice, that he is a merciful and Faithful High Priest, full of
compassion to the feeble-minded and tempest-tossed soul. All
true Christians are consecrated to be spiritual priests. We
should seriously ask ourselves, whether in our daily walk we
study to maintain this character? and abound in spiritual
sacrifices, acceptable to God through Christ? If So, still there
is No cause for boasting. Let us not despise our fellow-sinners;
but remembering what we have done, and how we are saved, let us
seek and pray for their Salvation.