6 'They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God , for they present the offerings by fire to the Lord , the food of their God ; so they shall be holy . 7 ' They shall not take a woman who is profaned by harlotry , nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband ; for he is holy to his God . 8 'You shall consecrate him, therefore, for he offers the food of your God ; he shall be holy to you; for I the Lord , who sanctifies you, am holy .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 21:6-8
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.