Exodus 19:22 - Exposition

Let the priests also . It has been objected, that no priests had been as yet appointed, and that we have here therefore an anachronism. But every nation in ancient times had priests, appointed on one principle or another: and the Levitical priesthood must be regarded as having superseded one previously existent, not as the first priesthood known to Israel. We have a second mention of priests, previous to the appointment of Aaron's sons to the office (in Exodus 24:5 ), which confirms the present passage. Sanctify themselves. The verb used is identical with that which occurs in Exodus 19:10 ; and there is no reason to believe that any different sanctification was intended. The natural inference is that the priests had neglected to sanctify themselves. (See the introductory paragraph.) Lest the Lord break forth . Compare 2 Samuel 6:8 , where we have an instance of such a "breaking forth" upon Uzzah.