Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsLeviticus 8
English College of Douai–Rheims
Read Leviticus 8 in the BibleLeviticus 8:7
Revested.
[1] The high-Priest had seven special ornaments in his vesture. [2] First, a strait linen white garment; signifying purity of life most specially required in Priests. [3] Secondly, a girdle or Bawdrike of twisted silk and gold, of embroidered work, in colours yellow, blue, purple, and scarlet; signifying discreet moderation of his acts, to the spiritual profit of all sorts of people. [4] Thirdly, a Tunic or long robe down to the foot, of hyacinth, or blue silk, at the skirt thereof like pomegranates wrought of twisted silk, blue, purple and scarlet, and little bells of purest (yellow) gold interposed one by the other round about [5], of each sort seventy two; signifying heavenly conversation upon earth, also union and concord in faith and manners, with edification by good works. [6] Fourthly, an ornament upon his shoulders, called an Ephod, of gold and twisted silk, embroidered of the former colours, reaching before to the girdle, with two precious Onyx stones closed in gold, one having engraven six names of the tribes of Israel, set on one shoulder, that he must support and meekly bear the infirmities of the people. [7] Fifthly, a breast-plate called Rationale, of the same precious matter, the measure of a palm, four square, embroidered with the same four colours, with four rews of twelve precious stones, and therein engraven the names of the twelve tribes. Besides which were engraven also Vrim and Thvmmim, Illuminations and Perfections, or Doctrine and Verity, because the high-Priest must have knowledge of the truth, and sincere intention. Likewise in the Ephod and Rationale were rings, hooks, and chains of purest gold, to join them fast together. All signifying the perpetual solicitude and care which he ought to have in his heart, to know and teach the truth, that the people may truly serve God, to his honour and their own salvation. [8] Sixthly, a Mitre of twisted silk, with little crowns of embroidered work, set on his head, to signify that he must direct all his actions to God's glory, that sitteth above all. [9] Seventhly, A plate of sacred veneration, made of the finest gold, with the most holy name of God engraven, set on his forehead; to put him still in remembrance to contemplate God and his works.
- 1 Seven precious vestments for the high-Priest signifying:
- 2 1. Purity.
- 3 2. Discretion.
- 4 3. Good works of edification.
- 5 S. Hierom. Epist. ad Fabiol.
- 6 4. Toleration of other's infirmities.
- 7 5. Knowledge and sincerity.
- 8 6. Intention directed to God.
- 9 7. Contemplation of God & his works.
Leviticus 8:10
Took oil.
A third thing that Moyses was bid to take, besides the men and vestiments, was the holy oil of unction, which he poured only upon the high-Priest's head [1], not on other Priests; to signify that power descended from him to the rest. [2] But both he and they, and other holy vestiments were sprinkled with this oil, and with blood taken from the altar; their right ears also were touched with the blood of a ram, sacrificed, and their right thumbs, and great toes of their right hands, and feet; to signify prompt obedience, and right intention, in offering sacrifice, according to God's ordinance, and not after the manner of infidels, or human invention, nor to any sinister intent or purpose.
- 1 Aaron anointed high-Priest
- 2 His sons also consecrated.
Leviticus 8:13
His sons.
◦ The other Priests had three special ornaments: a Linen white garment, a Bawdrike, and a Mitre, for glory and beauty; to signify the qualities above mentioned, purity, discretion, and direct intention also required in them.
- ◦ Other Priests had also three ornaments.
Leviticus 8:14
He offered the calf.
[1] Other things which Moyses was here commanded to take, at the consecration of Priests, were a calf, to be offered in sacrifice for sin; two rams, the one in holocaust, the other in pacific sacrifice, for the consecration of Priests; and a basket of unleavened bread, to be offered with the two rams All for the greater solemnity of this Sacrament of Orders. By which Aaron and his sons were made the lawful and ordinary Priests of the law newly delivered by Moyses. [2] [3] And so Priesthood was changed from the first born of every family, and established only in Aaron and his sons, and their issue male, to be in like sort consecrated. And the rest of the Levites to assist them. By this also was prefigured the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the Church of Christ, with another change of Priesthood from the family & order of Aaron, to Priests of the new Testament [4], of what family or nation soever. And withal another change of the law For the Priesthood being translated, it is necessary (saith S. Paul) that a translation of the Law be also made. [5] And this Sacrament indeed giveth grace (as by the other it was only signified) to those that are rightly ordered. As the same Apostle testifieth, willing Timothy to resuscitate the grace given him by imposition of hands. 2. Timot. 1. S. Ambrose in 1 Timot. 4. S. August. lib. de bono coniugali c. 24. & lib. 2. contra Epist. Parmen. Theodoret q. 48. in lib. Num.
Original Douay–Rheims Annotations — English College of Douai–Rheims. CC0 1.0
Leviticus 8:6
Offered Aaron
[1] By this manner of taking, offering, and consecrating Aaron High-Priest, S. Paul sheweth that none may challenge to themselves, nor presume to exercise priestly offices, or any authority in spiritual causes, but such as be orderly called thereto. Yea that Christ himself would not have exercised this function. but that he was also called of God unto it, saying: [2] Every High-Priest taken from among men, is appointed for men, in those things that pertain to God. Neither doth any man take the honour to himself, but he that is called of God, as Aaron. So Christ also did not glorify himself, that he might be made a High-Priest: but he that spake to him: Thou art a Priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech [3]. Aaron's sons were also called, but to lower offices, dignity, and authority. And both he and they were ordained and consecrated by a peculiar Sacrament [4], to wit, by certain determinate external ceremonies and rites, signifying grace given them by God, for the due performing of their function. For first, they were taken from the common state of men, whereby is designed their ordinary vocation; then purified by certain washings and sacrifice for sin, signifying special purity required in them; afterwards invested with holy and precious garments, which signified their sacred function, and great dignity, excelling all temporal dominion and principality; finally, consecrated in solemn manner with holy ointment, and blood of pacific sacrifice offered for this purpose, other sacrifice of holocaust also offered in the same solemnity.