Bible Commentaries

Leviticus 9:1. On the eighth day. The eighth day was the period mostly prescribed for the removal of impurities. A son was circumcised on the eighth day. A lamb or a kid was with its dam till the eighth day; and then it might be sacrificed. Leviticus 22:27. The healed leper was shut up for that time, preparatory to his cleansing. Leviticus 14:15. Our Saviour also, on the eighth day after his resurrection, in a particular manner set apart the apostles for their work. The rabbins say that this additional calf was offered, because Aaron had made the golden calf.

Leviticus 9:23. Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle. Moses here accompanied the priest to sprinkle the blood, to instruct him, and to pray for the holy fire.

Leviticus 9:24. A fire from before the Lord. See on Leviticus 27:20. It is said that Moses prayed for this fire to descend. 2 Maccabees 2:10. The Lord also answered Solomon’s prayer in the same manner, as well as the united prayers of the apostles on the day of Pentecost. 1 Kings 8:10. Acts 2:3-4. This should greatly encourage faithful ministers to pray for the influences of the Holy Spirit, to accompany and to bless all their labours.

REFLECTIONS.

Aaron and his sons now enter on the hallowed functions of the tabernacle: and the first object which strikes us is, his unspeakable inferiority to our great Highpriest, the Son of God, who is entered into the heavens for us. Aaron was obliged to offer sacrifice for his own sin, before he could officiate for the people; and ministers cannot face their congregations till their iniquities are removed. Our Saviour was indeed reproached with sin, but the reproach was misapplied: he was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities.

Moses and Aaron being blessed themselves, now came forth and blessed the people. The Lord having treasured up in Christ a fulness of felicity, it is the first duty of ministers to pray for the people, to bless them, and to do them good.

The Lord who had honoured the tabernacle with his glory, now honoured the altar with the fire of his presence. It kindled the wood, and consumed the victims. This fire was to Israel full proof that God accepted their offerings, and consequently, their persons. It was the visible seal of the covenant to which they had subscribed. The fire was figurative of the gift of the Holy Ghost, and consequently a test of true religion. It was a visible emblem of the divine presence shining forth in the ancient way, as with Abraham when a deep sleep fell upon him, and when the Lord’s presence was like the smoke of a burning lamp. Genesis 15. So the Holy Spirit comes into the heart prepared for his reception, and consumes the desires of the flesh and of the mind, which are contrary to holiness. So he comes to sanctify and consecrate the soul to his glory, that it may resemble him in purity and every virtue. Oh my soul, never, never be satisfied that thou art in full covenant with God, unless while thou art in the means of grace, or musing and meditating in solitude, the fire kindle from heaven on the altar of thy heart. It is the love of God shed abroad there which expels fear, and hallows and consecrates thy soul for his service. Thus sealed with the divine presence, the incense of devotion shall ever ascend before the throne of God.