Aaron having completed the offerings, before he came down from the stage surrounding the altar on which the priests used to stand to officiate (see Exodus 27:8), turned toward the people, and blessed them; probably using the form which became the established one for the priests Numbers 6:24-26, and which is still maintained in the synagogues. read more
Leviticus 9:22. Aaron lifted up his hand Which was the usual rite of blessing. By this posture he signified both whence he expected the blessing, and his hearty desire of it for them. And blessed them In some such manner as is related Numbers 6:24, &c., though not in the same form, for it is not probable that he used it before God delivered it. And this was an act of his priestly office, no less than sacrificing. And herein he was a type of Christ, who came into the world to bless us,... read more
The priests begin their duties (9:1-24)Immediately after the seven-day ordination period, Aaron and his sons began their duties. Before acting as the representatives of others, they offered a sin offering for their own cleansing and a burnt offering for their own dedication (9:1-14). After this they offered four sacrifices on behalf of Israel: a sin offering, to indicate that the people were cleansed from sin; a burnt offering, to indicate that they were dedicated to God; a cereal offering, to... read more
blessed them: i.e. according to the precept in Numbers 6:24-26 . Compare Deuteronomy 10:8 ; Deuteronomy 21:5 . came down. Does not imply "steps", which were forbidden (Exodus 20:26 ). Probably = the margin or edge. See note on Exodus 27:5 . read more
"And Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people, and blessed them; and he came down from offering the sin-offering, and the burnt-offering, and the peace-offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and came out and blessed the people: and the glory of Jehovah appeared unto all the people. And there came forth fire from before Jehovah, and consumed upon the altar the burnt-offering and the fat; and when all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.""Aaron ...... read more
Leviticus 9:22. Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them— Laying on of hands was the usual sign of blessing; but this being impossible where there was so great a multitude, the elevation of hands was used as a sign of imploring the Divine blessing. See Psa 28:2 and Luk 24:50 where we read, that our great High-Priest lifted up his hands, and blessed his disciples. Blessing has always been a part of the sacerdotal office from the beginning. See Genesis 14:19. Deuteronomy 10:8.... read more
22. Aaron lifted up his hand . . . and blessed them—The pronouncing of a benediction on the people assembled in the court was a necessary part of the high priest's duty, and the formula in which it was to be given is described ( :-). came down from offering—The altar was elevated above the level of the floor, and the ascent was by a gentle slope (Exodus 20:26). read more
Fire from the Lord 9:22-24After offering these sacrifices, Aaron blessed the people (Leviticus 9:22). He "stepped down" perhaps from a platform near the altar of burnt offerings on which he may have been standing to address the people. Probably Moses took Aaron into the holy place to present him to the Lord and to pray for God’s blessing with him (Leviticus 9:23)."The appearance of the glory of Jehovah is probably to be regarded in this instance, and also in Numbers 16:19; Numbers 17:7 [sic 8];... read more
Installation of Aaron and his SonsThe ceremonial of consecration is repeated daily for seven days (Leviticus 8:33 see Exodus 29:35). On the eighth day Aaron and his sons formally assume office. Aaron first sacrifices for himself (Leviticus 9:7-14) and then for the people (Leviticus 9:15-21). The solemn blessing of the people follows (Leviticus 9:22-23), after which fire from the Lord descends and consumes the sacrifices upon the altar (Leviticus 9:24).7. Aaron did not approach the altar till... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 9:22
Holy invocation. This was an imposing act of piety, one which our imagination easily presents to our minds, and which affects us as profoundly interesting. The high priest, after solemnly and with holy awe offering the sacrifices of himself and the people, comes forth from the Divine presence, and with hands lifted up to heaven, utters, amid intense silence, the sacred words, "The Lord bless thee and keep thee," etc. ( Numbers 6:23-26 ). It was a scene fitted to subdue and sanctify the... read more