He said of his father, and of his mother, ‘I have not seen him.’ He didn’t acknowledge his brothers, nor did he know his own children; for they have observed your word, and keep your covenant.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 9. Who hath said, and so forth It is the duty of the priestly tribe to prefer God’s honour and service before all considerations of flesh and blood: in such manner as to behave as strangers to their nearest akin, when these would withdraw them from the business of their calling. Challoner.—The Levites shew no mercy to such of their brethren as had adored the golden calf. Exodus 32:28. 29. The Chaldee, and many able interpreters, consider them here as judges, who must not be biased in passing sentence, by any natural affection. Vatab.—Others think they must not assist at the funerals of their relations. Leviticus 21:10. Calmet.—But the two former opinions seem much better. Bible.—Covenant. Priests ought to be more exemplary in their conduct than other men. Worthington.—It is their duty also to instruct others, and to inculcate the observance of the law, as Hebrew and Septuagint more clearly specify. “They shall teach thy judgments to Jacob, and thy law to Israel.” Bible.—They were appointed judges (Calmet. 17:8 and 19:17,) and monitors. Ose. 4:6, and so forth