Leviticus 8:12

12 He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, thereby anointing him to make him holy.

Leviticus 8:12 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 8:12

And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head
Which ran down to his beard, and to the collar of his coat, the robe of the ephod, but not to the skirts of his garments, as we wrongly render it, ( Psalms 133:2 ) . Jarchi says it was first poured on his head, and after that he put it between his eyebrows, and drew it with his finger here and there, or from one eyebrow to another: Maimonides F23 gives a like account, with some addition; he says, the oil was poured on his head, and he was anointed between the eyebrows, in the form of the Greek letter (c) , "chi": a greater profusion of oil was used in the anointing of Aaron than of the tabernacle, altar, and laver, and their vessels, he being so eminent a type of Christ, our high priest, anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows:

and anointed him to sanctify him;
to signify that he was set apart and devoted to the sacred office of the priesthood. The Targum of Jonathan observes, that this anointing was after he had clothed him; though some have thought it was done before the mitre and holy crown were put on: but if they were put on to complete the investiture, they might be taken off while the ceremony of anointing was performed.


FOOTNOTES:

F23 In Misn. Ceritot, c. 1. sect. 1.

Leviticus 8:12 In-Context

10 Moses then took the anointing oil and anointed the dwelling and everything in it, making them holy by doing so.
11 He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its equipment, as well as the basin and its base, to make them holy.
12 He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, thereby anointing him to make him holy.
13 Then Moses brought Aaron's sons forward, dressed them in tunics, tied sashes around them, and wrapped headbands on them, just as the LORD had commanded him.
14 Next Moses brought forward the bull for the purification offering. Aaron and his sons pressed their hands on its head.
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