Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Leviticus 16:23
And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy [place], and shall leave them there:
23. The high priest now removed the special garments in which he had performed the service of the day, and after again washing, put on the usual high priestly garments (Exodus 28) and offered the Burnt-Offerings. In Num 29:7-10 a young bullock and seven he-lambs of the first year are also prescribed. According to tradition these were offered after the ram for Aaron, and the ram for the people.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Aaron shall come, forthwith, not expecting the return of the man who carried the goat away, but securely committing that to Gods providence he shall go on in his work.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
23-28. Aaron shall come into thetabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linengarmentsOn the dismissal of the scapegoat, the high priestprepared for the important parts of the service which still remained;and for the performance of these he laid aside his plain linenclothes, and, having bathed himself in water, he assumed hispontifical dress. Thus gorgeously attired, he went to present theburnt offerings which were prescribed for himself and the people,consisting of the two rams which had been brought with the sinofferings, but reserved till now. The fat was ordered to be burntupon the altar; the rest of the carcasses to be cut down and given tosome priestly attendants to burn without the camp, in conformity withthe general law for the sin offerings (Lev 4:8-12;Lev 8:14-17). The personsemployed in burning them, as well as the conductor of the scapegoat,were obliged to wash their clothes and bathe their flesh in waterbefore they were allowed to return into the camp.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation,…. Having been into the most holy place a fourth time, as the Jews say, to fetch out the censer and the incense cup; wherefore the Jewish writers observe, that this verse is not in its proper place; so Jarchi from the Rabbins says, the whole section is in its order, excepting this, which was after the sacrifice of his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people; and the burning the inwards of the bullock and the goat, which were done without in the golden garments; and then he dipped himself, and washed his hands and feet, and stripped and put on the white garments, and went in to fetch the incense cup and the censer, with which he offered in the inmost place (the holy of holies):
and shall put off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the holy [place]; the holy of holies, that is, as Jarchi interprets it, after he had brought it (the censer) out, then he clothed himself with the golden garments for the daily evening sacrifice; and this was the order of the services (on the day of atonement); the daily morning sacrifice (was performed) in the golden garments; the service of the bullock and of the goat, and the incense of the censer, in the white garments; and his ram, and the ram of the people, and some of the additions, in the golden garments; and the bringing out of the incense cup and the censer in the white garments; and the rest of the additions, and the daily evening sacrifice, and the incense of the temple, on the inward altar, in golden garments; and the order of the Scripture, according to the services, so it was:
and shall leave them there; in one of the chambers of the tabernacle, as afterwards, in the temple, where they were laid up, never to be used more, as say the Jewish writers, Ben Gersom, and others; hence we learn, says Jarchi, that they were obliged to be laid up, and he, the high priest, might not minister in these four garments on another day of atonement.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
After the living goat had been sent away, Aaron was to go into the tabernacle, i.e., the holy place of the dwelling, and there take off his white clothes and lay them down, i.e., put them away, because they were only to be worn in the performance of the expiatory ritual of this day, and then bathe his body in the holy place, i.e., in the court, in the laver between the altar and the door of the dwelling, probably because the act of laying the sins upon the goat rendered him unclean. He was then to put on his clothes, i.e., the coloured state-dress of the high priest, and to offer in this the burnt-offerings, for an atonement for himself and the nation (see Lev 1:4), and to burn the fat portions of the sin-offerings upon the altar.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
Verses 23-28:
As the azazel was led away, Aaron returned to the Holy Place, where he put off the white linen garments, bathed, and then put on the traditional vestments of the high priest (Ex 28:1-30). He returned to the brazen altar where he completed the ritual of the Burnt Offering and the Sin Offering.
The man who led the azazel, (the scapegoat) into the wilderness then purified himself according to the prescribed ritual, and then returned to the camp.
Those Levites who attended at the altar then took the remaining portion of the sacrificial offerings outside the camp, where they were burned completely. Following this, they observed the ritual for cleansing before returning to the camp.
The precise instructions for ceremonial cleansing of all who participated in the rituals shows the necessity of purity and holiness in order to stand before God and be accepted of Him, Ps 24:3-6.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
THE OFFERING COMPLETED 16:2328
TEXT 16:2328
23
And Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:
24
and he shall bathe his flesh in water in a holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt-offering and the burnt-offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people.
25
And the fat of the sin-offering shall he burn upon the altar.
26
And he that letteth go the goat for Azazel shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
27
And the bullock of the sin-offering, and the goat of the sin-offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall be carried forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.
28
And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 16:2328
358.
Why put off the linen garments? Were they ever used again? Discuss.
359.
What kind of bathing? Where? Why? Why offer the burnt offering now?
360.
The fat represented what?
361.
Why was there a need for cleansing on the part of the man who led the scapegoat?
362.
Show how Heb. 13:11-13 relates to Lev. 16:27.
363.
God wanted man to feel clean or unclean? Which?
PARAPHRASE 16:2328
Then Aaron shall go into the Tabernacle again and take off the linen garments he wore when he went behind the veil, and leave them there in the Tabernacle. Then he shall bathe in a sacred place, put on his clothes again, and go out and sacrifice his own burnt offering and the burnt offering for the people, making atonement for himself and for them. He shall also burn upon the altar the fat for the sin offering. (The man who took the goat out into the desert shall afterwards wash his clothes and bathe himself and then come back into the camp.) And the young bull and the goat used for the sin offering (their blood was taken into the Holy Place by Aaron, to make atonement) shall be carried outside the camp and burned, including the hides and internal organs. Afterwards, the person doing the burning shall wash his clothes and bathe himself and then return to camp.
COMMENT 16:2328
Lev. 16:23-28 After the living goat had been sent away, Aaron was to go into the tabernacle, i.e. the holy place of the dwelling, and there take off his white clothes and lay them down, i.e. put them away, because they were only to be worn in the performance of the expiatory ritual of this day, and then bathe his body in the holy place, i.e. in the court, in the laver between the altar and the door of the dwelling, probably because the act of laying the sins upon the goat rendered him unclean. He was to put on his clothes, i.e. the coloured state-dress of the high priest, and offer in this the burnt-offerings, for an atonement for himself and the nation (Cf. Lev. 1:4), and to burn the fat portions of the sin-offerings upon the altar. (Lev. 16:26) The man who took the goat into the wilderness, and those who burned the two sin-offerings outside the camp (Cf. Lev. 4:11; Lev. 4:21) had also to wash their clothes and bathe their bodies before they returned to the camp, because they had been defiled by the animals laden with sin. (Keil and Delitzsch)
We found the words of Andrew Bonar so beautifully descriptive and instructive we reproduce them for your edification:[1]
[1] Bonar evidently exerpted them from J. A. Seiss
It has been a wondrous day from the very first dawn to the last streak of setting sun. At the third hour of the morning (nine oclock) every street or way of the camp had been trodden by a people going up to peculiar serviceeach moving along serious and awe-struck. As many as the courts could contain enterspecially aged men and fathers of Israel; the rest stand near in thousands, or sit in groups under green bushes and on little eminences that overlook the enclosing curtains. Some are in the attitude of prayer; some are pondering the book of the law; some, like Hannah, move their lips, though no word is heard; all are ever and again glancing at the altar, and the array of the courts. Even children sit in wonder, and whisper their inquiries to their parents. The morning sacrifice is offered; the priests bullock and ram standing by, and other victims besides. They wait in expectation of what is to follow when the smoke of the morning lamb has melted into the clouds. They see the lots cast on the two goats, the priest enter the sanctuary with his own offering, and return amid the tremblings of Israel, who all feel that they are concerned in his acceptance. They see one goat slain and its blood carried in by Aaron. The scape-goat is then led down through their trembling ranks, out of the camp; and soon Aaron reappears to their joy. The murmur of delight now spreads along, like the pleasant ruffling of the waters surface in the breeze of a summers evening. The silver trumpets soundthe evening lamb is offered; Israel feels the favour of their God, and returns home to rest under His shadow. O Lord, Thou wast angry with me, but Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortest me.
How intensely interesting, to have seen this day kept in Jerusalem! The night before, you would have noticed the city become silent and still, as the sun set. No lingerers in the market; no traders; no voice of business. The watchmen that go about the city sing the penitential Psalms, reminding themselves of their own and the citys secret sins, seen through the darkness by an all-seeing God; and the Levites from the temple sing responsively as they walk round the courts. When next morning the sun has risen over the Mount of Olives, none go forth to the streets; no smoke rises from any dwelling; no hum of busy noise; for no work is done on a holy convocation day. The melody of joy and health ascends from the tabernacles of the righteous. But at the hour of morning sacrifice, the city pours out its thousands, who move solemnly toward the temple, or repair to the heights of Zions towers, of the grassy slopes of Olivet, that they may witness as well as join in all the days devotion. They see the service proceedthey see the scape-goat led awaythey see the priest come out of the Holy Place; and at this comforting sight every head in the vast, vast multitude is bowed in solemn thankfulness, and every heart moves the lips to a burst of joy. The trumpet for the evening sacrifice sounds; Olivet re-echoes; the people on its bosom see the city and the altar, and weep for very gladness; all know it is the hour for the evening blessing. When the sun set, an angel might have said to his fellow, Look upon Zion, the city of solemnities! behold Jerusalem, a quiet habitation!
FACT QUESTIONS 16:2328
372.
In what place was Aaron to remove his linen clothes?
373.
What was he to do with them? Why do this?
374.
Where did Aaron bathe himself? Why?
375.
What was his first act after putting his high priestly robes back on?
376.
The man who led the goat into the desert and the men who burned the bodies of the sin offerings could not get back into camp until they did what?
377.
Discuss Bonars pictorial descriptions of the Day of Atonement.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(23) Shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation.Better, shall come into the tent of meeting. This was the fourth time that the high priest entered into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. The object of his going into the most Holy was to fetch the censer and the incense cup which he had left between the two staves (see Lev. 16:12). To do this he had again to bathe, which always accompanied the change of garments, and to put on his white robes. As it was no part of the actual service, but was simply a necessary act subsequent to the service, it is not fully described in the text. This was the last act on the Day of Atonement which the high priest performed in his white robes.
And shall leave them there.The robes were now deposited in a chamber in the sanctuary especially set apart for this purpose, and the high priest was never allowed to minister in them again.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
23. Put off the linen garments The distinctive work of atonement having now been accomplished, the garments of humiliation are laid aside and the gorgeous and costly robes of the high priest are put on. Thus Jesus, after saying “It is finished,” laid aside the robes of mortal flesh soon to put on the vesture of a glorified humanity.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
“And Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there,”
The work of atonement having been completed for another year, Aaron divests himself of the holy garments, which remain in the Holy Place. These are too holy to leave that place.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Did not the frequent washing, mentioned in this chapter of the High Priest, and the change of garments, carry with them somewhat expressive of the person of JESUS, and the operations of the HOLY GHOST on the minds of his people? Tit 3:5-6 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Lev 16:23 And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy [place], and shall leave them there:
Ver. 23. Shall leave them there. ] As afterwards the priests did, in some of the holy chambers about the sanctuary. Eze 44:16
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Lev 16:4, Eze 42:14, Eze 44:19, Rom 8:3, Phi 2:6-11, Heb 9:28
Reciprocal: Lev 6:11 – put off
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Lev 16:23. He shall put off the linen garments Having finished the solemn expiatory and deprecatory offering, he was to put off those garments which were appropriated to this service, and to leave them there.
And Maimonides and others say they were never to be used more, either by him or any one else, and that new ones were prepared every year.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Lev 16:23-28. Conclusion of the Ceremony.The High Priest must leave his robes in a holy place, so as not to communicate their character to the people, who, of course, would not be allowed to enter there (cf. Eze 44:19*, Isa 66:5*). He must then bathe, as having been in contact with sin (cf. Lev 16:26; Lev 16:28). Finally, he must offer the burnt offering, the reconciliation having now been made by the sin offering. The sin offering itself is not burnt at the altarneither the bullock nor the goatbut carried away and burnt outside the camp or city. The fat, however, is burnt by the priest (cf. Lev 4:8-10) (RS2, p. 351).
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
The cleansing of the participants 16:23-28
The rituals for cleansing those who had had contact with the sacrifices conclude this section.
This entire ceremony pointed out very clearly the holiness of God and, in contrast, the sinfulness of man. Those involved in procuring atonement had to follow scrupulously the directions God gave for approaching Him in worship.