Leviticus 22:9

9 The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Leviticus 22:9 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 22:9

They shall therefore keep mine ordinance
The observance of my word, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, of his word of command; either respecting the not eating of such creatures that died of themselves, or were torn by beasts; or else the not eating holy things in uncleanness, so Jarchi and Gersom; but Aben Ezra thinks the sanctuary is referred to, which was to be kept by the priests, and which seems to agree with what follows: lest they bear sin for it:
the sanctuary, by neglecting it, and so be charged with the guilt of sin, and be obliged to bear the punishment of it: and die therefore if they profane it;
by going into it in their uncleanness, and eating of the most holy things there when in such circumstances, and die by the hand of God, as Jarchi and Ben Gersom interpret it, as Nadab and Abihu did, and even in like manner, by fire, ( Leviticus 10:1 Leviticus 10:2 ) ; and so the Targum of Jonathan,

``lest they die by flaming fire:''
I the Lord do sanctify them;
the priests, who were separated from others, and devoted to his service, and therefore ought to be holy; or the holy things separated for the use of the priests, but not to be eaten in their uncleanness; the Arabic version renders it, "do sanctify that", the sanctuary, and therefore it should not be profaned, but be kept pure and holy.

Leviticus 22:9 In-Context

7 When the sun has set, he will become clean, and then he may eat from the sacred offerings, for they are his food.
8 He must not eat anything found dead or torn by wild animals, which would make him unclean. I am the LORD.
9 The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
10 No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it.
11 But if a priest buys a slave with his own money, or if a slave is born in his household, that slave may eat his food.
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