Leviticus 16:32

And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, [even] the holy garments:

And the priest {H3548}, whom he shall anoint {H4886}, and whom he shall consecrate {H4390}{H3027} to minister in the priest's office {H3547} in his father's {H1} stead, shall make the atonement {H3722}, and shall put on {H3847} the linen {H906} clothes {H899}, even the holy {H6944} garments {H899}:

The cohen anointed and consecrated to be cohen in his father's place will make the atonement; he will put on the linen garments, the holy garments;

The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest shall make atonement. He will put on the sacred linen garments

And the priest, who shall be anointed and who shall be consecrated to be priest in his fatherโ€™s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen garments, even the holy garments:

Commentary

Leviticus 16:32 is part of the extensive instructions given for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which was the most solemn day in the ancient Israelite calendar. This particular verse specifies the qualifications and responsibilities of the High Priest concerning the annual atonement ritual.

Context

This verse appears within Leviticus chapter 16, which meticulously details the procedures for the annual Day of Atonement. The ritual was designed to cleanse the sanctuary, the priests, and the entire congregation of Israel from their sins, allowing God's holy presence to remain among them. The High Priest, uniquely chosen and consecrated, was the central figure in this elaborate ceremony. Leviticus 16:32 emphasizes that it is specifically the anointed and consecrated High Priest who performs this critical act of atonement, setting him apart from other priests and highlighting the immense weight of his role in mediating between God and the people. The mention of "linen clothes" refers to the special, simple white garments the High Priest wore when entering the Most Holy Place, symbolizing humility and purity, distinct from his usual ornate vestments. This ritual is crucial for understanding the cleansing and atonement described in Leviticus 16:30.

Key Themes

  • Atonement: The primary theme is the provision for the forgiveness and covering of sins, essential for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The High Priest's actions were vicarious, acting on behalf of the entire nation.
  • High Priesthood: The verse underscores the unique and indispensable role of the High Priest. He was the only one permitted to enter the Most Holy Place on this specific day to perform the purification rites.
  • Consecration and Authority: The terms "anoint" and "consecrate" highlight the divine appointment and spiritual authority bestowed upon the High Priest, qualifying him for such sacred duties.
  • Holiness and Purity: The requirement for the High Priest to wear "holy garments" (the linen clothes) signifies the absolute purity and reverence demanded for approaching God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "atonement" is kฤphar, meaning "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." It implies a covering of sin that makes reconciliation possible, rather than erasing sin from existence.
  • "Consecrate" is translated from the Hebrew phrase mฤla' yad, literally "to fill the hand." This idiom refers to the act of ordination or installation into the priesthood, often involving specific sacrifices and offerings placed into the hands of the one being consecrated, symbolizing their endowment with priestly authority and responsibility.
  • The "linen clothes" (Hebrew: bigdei haqqodesh, "holy garments") were plain white linen, worn specifically for the solemn rituals within the Most Holy Place, contrasting with the High Priest's more elaborate golden garments worn at other times. This emphasized humility and purity before God.

Cross-References & Connections

The Old Testament's Day of Atonement, and the High Priest's role within it, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the work of Jesus Christ. The Book of Hebrews extensively draws parallels between the Levitical priesthood and Christ's superior priesthood:

  • The High Priest's annual entrance into the Most Holy Place with blood points to Christ's once-for-all entrance into the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
  • Unlike the earthly high priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Christ was sinless and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27).
  • Jesus is our ultimate and eternal High Priest, who "made atonement" for sins not by the blood of animals, but by His perfect sacrifice on the cross, making a way for direct access to God (Hebrews 10:19-20).

Practical Application

Understanding Leviticus 16:32 deepens our appreciation for several truths:

  • It highlights the seriousness of sin and the absolute necessity of atonement for humanity to approach a holy God.
  • It underscores the immense privilege and responsibility of spiritual leadership, particularly in mediating God's truth to people.
  • Most importantly, it magnifies the finished work of Jesus Christ. The temporary, repetitive atonement performed by the Levitical High Priest points to the complete, perfect, and everlasting atonement accomplished by Christ, our true High Priest, who has fully satisfied God's righteous demands and opened the way for all to come to Him.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 16:4

    He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these [are] holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and [so] put them on.

  • Exodus 29:29

    And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.

  • Exodus 29:30

    [And] that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he cometh into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy [place].

  • Leviticus 4:16

    And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:

  • Exodus 29:9

    And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.

  • Numbers 20:26

    And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered [unto his people], and shall die there.

  • Numbers 20:28

    And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.
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