Vayikra 8:12

12 And he poured of the Shemen HaMishchah upon Aharon’s head, and anointed him, to set him apart as kodesh.

Vayikra 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.

Vayikra 8:12 In-Context

10 And Moshe took the Shemen HaMishchah, and anointed the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and all that was therein and he set them apart as kodesh.
11 And he sprinkled thereof upon the Mizbe’ach seven times, and anointed the Mizbe’ach and all its utensils, both the Kiyor (Laver) and its stand, to set them apart as kodesh.
12 And he poured of the Shemen HaMishchah upon Aharon’s head, and anointed him, to set him apart as kodesh.
13 And Moshe brought the Bnei Aharon, and put Kuttonot upon them, and girded them with Sashes, and put Migba’ot (headbands) upon them; as Hashem commanded Moshe.
14 And he brought the bull for the chattat (sin offering); and Aharon and his Banim laid their hands upon the head of the bull for the chattat (sin offering).
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