Lev 9:2-3, 7-8, 10, 15, 22 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 2. Take thee a young calf, &c. ] As these sacrifices were for Aaron himself, they are furnished by himself and not by the people, for they were designed to make atonement for his own sin. See . And this is supposed by the Jews to have been intended to make an atonement for his sin in the matter of the golden calf . This is very probable, as no formal atonement for that transgression had yet been made.

‏ Leviticus 9:2-3

Verse 2. Take thee a young calf, &c.] As these sacrifices were for Aaron himself, they are furnished by himself and not by the people, for they were designed to make atonement for his own sin. See Le 4:3. And this is supposed by the Jews to have been intended to make an atonement for his sin in the matter of the golden calf. This is very probable, as no formal atonement for that transgression had yet been made.

Verse 3. Take ye a kid] In Le 4:14 a young bullock is commanded to be offered for the sin of the people; but here the offering is a kid, which was the sacrifice appointed for the sin of the ruler, Le 4:22,23, and hence some think that the reading of the Samaritan and the Septuagint is to be preferred. Speak unto the ELDERS of Israel, these being the only princes or rulers of Israel at that time; and for them it is possible this sacrifice was designed. It is however supposed that the sacrifice appointed Le 4:14 was for a particular sin, but this for sin in general; and that it is on this account that the sacrifices differ.

‏ Leviticus 9:7-8

Verse 7. Make an atonement for thyself] This showed the imperfection of the Levitical law; the high priest was obliged to make an expiation for his own sins before he could make one for the sins of the people. See the use made of this by the apostle, Heb 5:3; 7:27; 9:7.

‏ Leviticus 9:10

‏ Leviticus 9:15

‏ Leviticus 9:22

Verse 22. And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them] On lifting up the hands in prayer, see Ex 9:29. The form of the blessing we have in Nu 6:23, &c.: "The LORD bless thee and keep thee! The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee! The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace!" See the notes on these passages. See Clarke on Nu 6:23.

And came down from offering of the sin-offering, &c.] A sin-offering, a burnt-offering, a meat-offering, and peace-offerings, were made to God that his glory might appear to the whole congregation. This was the end of all sacrifice and religious service; not to confer any obligation on God, but to make an atonement for sin, and to engage him to dwell among and influence his worshippers.