4-9. Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the
tabernacle--as occupying the intermediate space between the court
where the people stood, and the dwelling-place of Israel's king, and
therefore the fittest spot for the priests being duly prepared for
entrance, and the people witnessing the ceremony of inauguration.
wash them with water. And . . . take the garments--The
manner in which these parts of the ceremonial were performed is
minutely described, and in discovering their symbolical import, which
indeed, is sufficiently plain and obvious, we have inspired authority
to guide us. It signified the necessity and importance of moral purity
or holiness
(Isa 52:11;
Joh 13:10;
2Co 7:1;
1Pe 3:21).
In like manner, the investiture with the holy garments signified their
being clothed with righteousness
(Re 19:8)
and equipped as men active and well-prepared for the service of God;
the anointing the high priest with oil denoted that he was to be filled
with the influences of the Spirit, for the edification and delight of
the church
(Le 10:7;
Ps 45:7;
Isa 61:1;
1Jo 2:27),
and as he was officially a type of Christ
(Heb 7:26;
Joh 3:34;
also
Mt 3:16; 11:29).
JFB.
Picture Study Bible