Watches. They might be permitted to take a little sleep during part of this week. (Tirinus) --- In: Hebrew, "at the door of the tabernacle of the assembly, attentive to the ordinances of the Lord." (Haydock) --- Die, as Nadab did afterwards. Moses officiated as the consecrating priest. One of the most venerable of the order, consecrated the successors of Aaron. Some assert, that they only invested him with the pontifical robes. (Numbers xx. 25.; 1 Machabees x. 21.) (Calmet) --- The power of Moses was extraordinary; that of Aaron was ordinary, designed to continue in after ages. (St. Augustine, q. 23.) None must presume to take this office of priest, but such as are called by God, Hebrews v. Those of the old law, were initiated by sacred rites or sacraments, which signified the grace of God, requisite to perform their duties well. They were chosen from among men, to be more holy; of which their washing was a sign, as their splendid robes were to remind them of their sublime dignity and authority over the people. The high priest had seven special ornaments: 1. white linen, to denote purity; 2. a curious girdle, intimating that he must use discretion in all things; 3. the long tunic of various colours, with bells, &c., signifying heavenly conversation upon earth, union and harmony in faith and morals; 4. an ephod, with two precious stones on the shoulders, teaching him to support the failings of the multitude; 5. the rational, with its ornaments, shew that the pontiff should be solicitous to teach sound and profitable doctrine; 6. the mitre indicates, that all his actions should be referred to God above; and lastly, the plate of gold denotes that he should have God always in view, and never forget that consummate holiness which He requireth. See St. Jerome, ep. ad Fabiol. --- The three ornaments of the priests, put them in mind of purity, discretion, and a right intention, to be observed in all their conduct. On this occasion, a change was introduced in the priesthood, as the law was new; the first-born being obliged to give place to Aaron's family. Thus, when these were deprived of the exclusive privilege, and people from any family were chosen by Christ, the law of Moses ceased to exist, Hebrews vii. The ordination of the former was a figure of that sacrament, by which Christian priests still receive grace and power. (2 Timothy i.; Theodoret q. 48. Num.; St. Augustine, de bono conj. 24.) (Worthington) CHAPTER VIII. Come. From the consecration of the tabernacle, (Menochius) and of Aaron. --- Israel. The princes of the tribes. (Calmet) --- They were to offer sacrifice by the hands of their new priests. Calf. As they had formerly adored a calf, so now they sacrifice one to God. (St. Jerome in Jer. vii.) Children. Samaritan and Septuagint, "the ancients," or princes of the people, for whom a he-goat is sacrificed. --- Old. Not above, though they might be younger. Offering, &c. Hebrew simply, " and a flour-offering tempered with oil; for," &c. (Haydock) --- All these sacrifices were accompanied with an offering of this nature, as they were in imitation of a dinner presented to God. (Menochius) --- You. By the cloud, resting upon the tabernacle, or by fire proceeding thence. God will manifest his presence by miracles, ver. 24. Thy sin. Christ needed not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the people's, Hebrews vii. 27. The altar of holocausts; as he is yet considered only as a private person; afterwards he touches the altar of perfumes. (Calmet) Burnt, or placed in order to be burnt by the fire sent by God, ver. 24. (Menochius) Camp. According to the prescriptions given, chap. iv. 12. Water. Hebrew adds, "he burnt them upon the holocaust, upon the altar." And expiating the altar. Hebrew, "he offered it (the goat) for sin, as the first," for himself, placing the parts of the victim upon his own holocaust. (Haydock) --- The Chaldean says, "he expiated the altar with the blood of the he-goat, as he did before." Holocaust. Which were religiously observed every day. The law respecting the libations was given already, though it be related, Numbers xv. 4. (Menochius) Elevating them. After which they were used by the priest, chap. vii. 31. (Calmet) --- As. Samaritan and some Hebrew manuscripts read, "as the Lord had commanded Moses." (Kennicott) Hands. Thus representing the form of a cross, on which Christ redeemed us; in memory of which we still make the same sign. (Worthington) --- Them. The blessing is recorded, Numbers vi. 24. And the Lord bless thee, &c. (Menochius) --- In blessing an individual, the priest laid his hands upon him; but he stretched them out towards the multitude, as a mark of superiority. Testimony. To offer incense, which always preceded the morning holocaust. --- Glory; or fire, probably issuing from the tabernacle, and consuming the victims in a moment. Thus God was pleased to shew his approbation of the priests and victims, (Calmet) and at the same time, to impress a religious awe upon the minds of the spectators. (Haydock) --- This fire was carefully preserved and nourished by the priests with wood; though the Rabbins say, this was done only to conceal the miracle of its perpetual continuance. A fire of the same nature, came down upon the victims, when Solomon dedicated his temple, (2 Paralipomenon vii. 1,) and was kept burning till the captivity, when it was hidden in a cistern. Being found afterwards, like a muddy water, God rekindled it again, (2 Machabees i. 18; ii. 10,) and it was not lost till the persecution of Epiphanes. The Lord: 2 Machabees ii. 10, explains this text. Fire came down from heaven, appearing like a flash of lightning, in the midst of the victims. (Josephus, Antiquities iii. 9.) (Calmet)