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The revelations contained in the preceding chapters, and commencing with the words, "And the Lord called unto Moses," etc., appear to have been given at one diet, and now we are introduced to a new series by similar words, "And the Lord spake unto Moses," etc. The offerings described in the earlier series, viz. the burnt offering, the meat offering, and the peace offering, were similar to those offered by the patriarchs; but these now to be described seem to be characteristic of the Levitical dispensation. In the verses more immediately before us we have to contemplate -

I. THE PRIEST AS A SINNER.

1. May he be viewed in this character as a type of Christ?

(1) He is distinguished as "the priest that is anointed." Some suppose this determines him to be the high priest. That the high priest was a remarkable type of Christ there can be no question (Hebrews 3:1).

(2) But Christ wan sinless. By the miracle in his birth he avoided original sin (Luke 1:35). In his life he "fulfilled all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26).

(3) Yet so was our sin laid to his account that he vicariously stood forth as the universal sinner. "The Lord made to meet upon him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6, margin).

2. He may be viewed as a type of the Christian

(1) He was not necessarily the high priest because "anointed" Aaron's sons were consecrated with Aaron (Leviticus 8:2). This expression may, therefore, simply import that he was a priest who had come to official years, and therefore had received consecration (see Leviticus 7:6, where minors and females are reputed to be "among the priests").

(2) The priests in general were representatives of the nation of Israel, who were, in consequence, viewed as a "kingdom of priests "(Exodus 19:6).

(3) And they typified the Christians (1 Peter 2:9). We do not exercise our priesthood by proxy, but ourselves "draw nigh unto God." This supplies a good reason for their being "anointed," for "Christians," as their name imports, are anointed ones (see 2 Corinthians 1:21; Hebrews 1:9; 1 John 2:20, 27).

II. THE PRIEST AS NEEDING A SIN OFFERING.

1. His sin is that of ignorance.

(1) The case of Eli could not be brought within this statute (see 1 Samuel 3:14). For obstinate sin there is no mercy (see Numbers 15:30, 31; Hebrews 10:26-29). True Christians do not willfully sin (see Matthew 13:38; John 8:44; 1 John 3:6-10). Not all who profess the Christian name have a right to the title.

(2) There are sins that are not willful: sins of surprise; sins of inattention; sins of neglect in consequence (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19, 20). But these are sins.

(3) The sin offering is the only remedy for these. Though ignorance may be pleaded in extenuation, it cannot be pleaded in exculpation (see 1 John 1:7-9).

2. The priest must bring a bullock.

(1) The common people may bring a kid (verse 28). Even a ruler may bring a kid (verse 23). But the priest must bring the larger animal. He has to bring the same which is offered for the whole congregation.

(2) Much is expected of professors of religion; and more especially so of office-bearers and ministers. They should have more perfect knowledge in that which is the principal business of their life. They may, from their position, more easily misguide the people. The words in the text rendered "If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people," some construe "If the anointed priest shall lead the people to sin." It is a fearful thing to be a "blind leader of the blind" (see Romans 2:21).

(3) Conspicuous men should consider this. Churchwardens in Episcopal Churches; deacons in Congregationalist Churches; leaders in Methodist Churches; ministers in all; they should watch; they should pray; they should seek the prayers of their Churches (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). - J.A.M.

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KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

WEB: Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,