Peace-offering is not for the priests only, for saints of the highest rank and greatest eminence, but
for the common people also. Take heed of delay. Many think to repent and return to God when
they are dying and dropping into hell; but they should eat the peace-offering, and eat it now. Stay
not till the day of the Lord's patience be run out, for eating the third day will not be accepted, nor
will catching at Christ when thou art gone to hell! (Le 7:35-38)
Verses 35–38
Solemn acts of religious worship are not things which we may do or not do at our pleasure; it
is at our peril if we omit them. An observance of the laws of Christ cannot be less necessary than
of the laws of Moses.
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
The consecration of Aaron and his sons. (1–13)
The offerings of consecration. (14–36)Verses 1–13
The consecration of Aaron and his sons had been delayed until the tabernacle had been prepared,
and the laws of the sacrifices given. Aaron and his sons were washed with water, to signify that
they ought to purify themselves from all sinful dispositions, and ever after to keep themselves pure.
Christ washes those from their sins in his own blood whom he makes kings and priests to our God,
Re 1:5, 6; and those that draw near to God must be washed in pure water, Heb 10:22. The anointing
of Aaron was to typify the anointing of Christ with the Spirit, which was not given by measure to
him. All believers have received the anointing.
Verses 14–36
In these types we see our great High Priest, even Christ Jesus, solemnly appointed, anointed,
and invested with his sacred office, by his own blood, and the influences of his Holy Spirit. He
sanctifies the ordinances of religion, to the benefit of his people and the honour of God the Father;
who for his sake accepts our worship, though it is polluted with sin. We may also rejoice, that he
is a merciful and faithful High Priest, full of compassion to the feeble-minded and tempest-tossed
soul. All true Christians are consecrated to be spiritual priests. We should seriously ask ourselves,
whether in our daily walk we study to maintain this character? and abound in spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God through Christ? If so, still there is no cause for boasting. Let us not despise our
fellow-sinners; but remembering what we have done, and how we are saved, let us seek and pray
for their salvation.