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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, Leviticus 12:2, Leviticus 12:3; young beasts for sacrifice, Leviticus 22:27; persons that were unclean by leprosies, issues, and the like, Leviticus 14:8-10; Leviticus 15:13, Leviticus 15:14; Numbers 6:9, Numbers 6:10. So here, the priests, until the eighth day, were not admitted to minister in their office."

Verses 1-6

Leviticus 9:1

On the eighth day - i. e., on the first day after the week of consecration.

Leviticus 9:2

A young calf - A bull calf, which might have been what we should call a yearling ox.

Leviticus 9:3

A kid of the goats - A shaggy he-goat. See Leviticus 4:23 note.

Leviticus 9:6

The glory of the Lord - Compare Exodus 16:7.

These many sacrifices, which were all done away by the death of Christ, teach us that our best services need washing in his blood, and that the guilt of our best sacrifices needs to be done away by one more pure and more noble than they. Let us be thankful that we have such a High Priest. The priests had not a day's respite from service allowed. God's spiritual priests have constant work, which the duty of every day requires; they that would give up their account with joy, must redeem time. The glory of God appeared in the sight of the people, and owned what they had done. We are not now to expect such appearances, but God draws nigh to those who draw nigh to him, and the offerings of faith are acceptable to him; though the sacrifices being spiritual, the tokens of the acceptance are spiritual likewise. When Aaron had done all that was to be done about the sacrifices, he lifted up his hands towards the people, and blessed them. Aaron could but crave a blessing, God alone can command it.