The Holiness of the Priests

211 God spoke to Moses: "Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron. Tell them, A priest must not ritually contaminate himself by touching the dead, 2 except for close relatives: mother, father, son, daughter, brother, 3 or an unmarried sister who is dependent on him since she has no husband; for these he may make himself ritually unclean, 4 but he must not contaminate himself with the dead who are only related to him by marriage and thus profane himself. 5 "Priests must not shave their heads or trim their beards or gash their bodies.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 21:1-5

Chapter Contents

Laws concerning the priests.

As these priests were types of Christ, so all ministers must be followers of him, that their example may teach others to imitate the Saviour. Without blemish, and separate from sinners, He executed his priestly office on earth. What manner of persons then should his ministers be! But all are, if Christians, spiritual priests; the minister especially is called to set a good example, that the people may follow it. Our bodily infirmities, blessed be God, cannot now shut us out from his service, from these privileges, or from his heavenly glory. Many a healthful, beautiful soul is lodged in a feeble, deformed body. And those who may not be suited for the work of the ministry, may serve God with comfort in other duties in his church.