Leviticus 22:9
Read Leviticus 22:9 Using Other Translations
What does Leviticus 22:9 mean?
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.
