211 And the Lord said to Moses, Say to the priests, the sons of Aaron, Let no man make himself unclean for the dead among his people; 2 But only for his near relations, for his mother or his father, his son or his daughter, and his brother; 3 And for his sister, a virgin, for she is his near relation and has had no husband, he may make himself unclean. 4 But let him, being a chief among his people, not make himself unclean in such a way as to put shame on himself. 5 They are not to have their hair cut off for the dead, or the hair on their chins cut short, or make cuts in their flesh.
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.