Leviticus 8:12

12 Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, anointing him and making him holy for his work.

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 Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the Tabernacle and everything in it, making them holy.
11 He sprinkled the oil on the altar seven times, anointing it and all its utensils, as well as the washbasin and its stand, making them holy.
12 Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, anointing him and making him holy for his work.
13 Next Moses presented Aaron’s sons. He clothed them in their tunics, tied their sashes around them, and put their special head coverings on them, just as the LORD had commanded him.
14 Then Moses presented the bull for the sin offering. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the bull’s head,
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