Lev. 8 Moses by God’s command calls together Aaron and his sons, and the whole congregation, Lev. 8:1–5. Washes Aaron and his sons, Lev. 8:6. Puts on the priestly garments, Lev. 8:7–9. Anoints the tabernacle, with the altar and laver, to sanctify them, Lev. 8:10–11. Anoints Aaron, Lev. 8:12.

The elders which represented all, and as many of the people as would and could get thither, that all might be witnesses both of Aaron’s commission from God, and of his work and business.

The linen breeches prescribed Ex. 28:42 are not here mentioned, because they were not to be put on at his consecration, but afterwards in the execution of his office.

This here added, either because Nadab and Abihu had been led to their error by drinking too much, which might easily fall out when they were feasting and full of joy for their entrance into so honourable and profitable an employment; or at least because others might thereby be drawn to commit the…

Seven times, to signify the singular use and holiness of it, which it was not only to have in itself, but also to communicate to all the sacrifices laid upon it. The laver, where the priests washed themselves, and the sacrifices, and vessels or instruments of the holy ministration. See Lev. 6:28.

He poured of the anointing oil in a plentiful manner, as appears from Ps. 133:2, whereas other persons and things were only anointed or sprinkled with it.

There were indeed seven bullocks to be offered at his consecration, one every day, Ex. 29:35–36; but here he mentions only one, either by a common enallage of number, or because he here describes only the work of the first day, and leaves the rest to be gathered from it; of which see Lev. 8:33.

In the offerings for the people the hide was not burnt, but given to the priest.

He killed it; either Moses, as in the following clause, the pronoun being put for the noun; or some other person by Moses’s appointment; which may be the reason why he is not named here, as he is to the sprinkling of the blood, which was an action more proper to the priest, and more essential to…

The lowest and softest part of the ear is called the tip or lap of the ear. See Ex. 29:20.

Moses at this time administering the priest’s office was to receive the priest’s wages; it being most just and reasonable that the work and wages should go together.

Boil the flesh, that which was left of the ram, and particularly the breast, which was said to be Moses’s part, Lev. 8:29, and by him was given to Aaron, that he and his sons might eat of it, in token that they, and only they, should have the right to do so for the future.

For seven days the same ceremonies were to be repeated, as the next verse implies, and other rites to be performed. He consecrate you; either God or Moses; for the words may be spoken by Moses, either in God’s name, or in his own; Moses speaking of himself in the third person, which is very common…

The charge of the Lord; what God hath commanded you concerning your consecration. If the threatening seem too severe for the fault, it must be considered both that it is the usual practice of lawgivers most severely to punish the first offences for the terror and caution of others, and for the…