Lev 4:3, 6:22, 21:10 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 3. If the priest that is anointed ] Meaning, most probably, the high priest. According to the sin of the people ; for although he had greater advantages than the people could have, in being more conversant with the law of God, and his lips should understand and preserve knowledge, yet it was possible even for him, in that time in which the word of God had not been fully revealed, to transgress through ignorance; and his transgression might have the very worst tendency, because the people might be thereby led into sin. Hence several critics understand this passage in this way, and translate it thus: If the anointed priest shall lead the people to sin ; or, literally, if the anointed priest shall sin to the sin of the people ; that is, so as to cause the people to transgress, the shepherd going astray, and the sheep following after him.

‏ Leviticus 4:3

Verse 3. If the priest that is anointed] Meaning, most probably, the high priest. According to the sin of the people; for although he had greater advantages than the people could have, in being more conversant with the law of God, and his lips should understand and preserve knowledge, yet it was possible even for him, in that time in which the word of God had not been fully revealed, to transgress through ignorance; and his transgression might have the very worst tendency, because the people might be thereby led into sin. Hence several critics understand this passage in this way, and translate it thus: If the anointed priest shall lead the people to sin; or, literally, if the anointed priest shall sin to the sin of the people; that is, so as to cause the people to transgress, the shepherd going astray, and the sheep following after him.

‏ Leviticus 6:22

‏ Leviticus 21:10

Verse 10. He that is the high priest] This is the first place where this title is introduced; the title is very emphatic, haccohen haggadol, that priest, the great one. For the meaning of cohen, see the note on "Ge 14:18". As the chief or high priest was a representative of our blessed Lord, therefore he was required to be especially holy; and he is represented as God's king among the people.