Leviticus 22:9

9 And they shall keep my ordinances, that they do not bear iniquity because of them, and die because of them, if they shall profane them: I the Lord God that 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 and the sun go down, and then he shall be clean; and then shall he eat of all the holy things, for they are his bread.

8 He shall not eat that which dies of itself, or is taken of beasts, so that he should be polluted by them: I the Lord.

9 And they shall keep my ordinances, that they do not bear iniquity because of them, and die because of them, if they shall profane them: I the Lord God that sanctifies them.

10 And no stranger shall eat the holy things: one that sojourns with a priest, or a hireling, shall not eat the holy things.

11 But if a priest should have a soul purchased for money, he shall eat of his bread; and they that are born in his house, they also shall eat of his bread.