§ 18. Of the honour of the High-priests function.
THe High-priesthood is here styled an houour. For the Relative, a 1.1 This, hath reference thereunto.
Of the Greek word translated b 1.2 honour, See Ch. 2. v. 10. §. 60.
It here declareth, that the High-priests function was an honourable function, wh•…•…ch is thus manifested.
- 1. The solemn manner of inaugurating, or setting them apart thereto. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 29. 1.
- 2. His glorious apparel, Exod. 28.
- 3. The great retinue that attended him: as all sorts of Levites, together with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 inferiour Priests, Num. 3. 9. & 8. 19.
- 4. The liberall provision made for him out of the Meat-offerings, Sacrifi∣ces, First-fruits, Tenths, and other Oblations, Levit. 2. 3. & 5. 13. & 7. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 18. 3.
- 5. The difficult cases that were referred to him.
- 6. The obedience that was to be yielded to him.
- 7. The punishment to be inflicted on such as rebelled against him, Deut. 17. 8, 9, 10, &c.
- 8. The sacred services which they performed, as to be for men in things pertai∣ning to God: to offer up what was brought to God, v. 1. and to do other particu∣lars set down, Chap. 2. v. 11. §. 173.
- In such honourable esteem were High-priests, as Kings thought them fit matches for their daughters, 2 Chron. 22. 11.
- 10. The most principall honour intended under this word [Honour] was, that the High-priest, by vertue of his calling, was a kinde of Mediator betwixt God and man. For he declared the answer of the Lord to man, and offered up Sa∣crifices to God for man.
Hereby it appeareth, that it is an honourable emploiment to deal between God and man.
Hence it followeth, That the Ministerial function is an honourable function: For Ministers of the Word are by vertue of their office for God to men, and for men to God.