Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. Like the precious ointment ] The composition of this holy anointing oil may be seen, Exod. xxx. 23; sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia lignea, and olive oil. The odour of this must have been very agreeable, and serves here as a metaphor to point out the exquisite excellence of brotherly love.
Ran down upon the beard ] The oil was poured upon the head of Aaron so profusely as to run down upon his garments. It is customary in the east to pour out the oil on the head so profusely as to reach every limb.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The excellency of brotherly love.
--We cannot say too much, it were well if enough could be said, to persuade people to live together in peace. It is good for us, for ou honour and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. The pleasantness of this is likened to the holy anointing oil This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ and adorns his gospel. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it bring blessings numerous as the drops of dew. It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the dews cool the air and refresh the earth. I moistens the heart, and makes it fit to receive the good seed of the word, and to make it fruitful. See the proof of the excellency of brotherly love: where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lor commands the blessing. God commands the blessing; man can but beg blessing. Believers that live in love and peace, shall have the God of love and peace with them now, and they shall shortly be with him for ever, in the world of endless love and peace. May all who love the Lor forbear and forgive one another, as God, for Christ's sake, hat forgiven them _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew כשׁמן8081 הטוב2896 על5921 הראשׁ7218 ירד3381 על5921 הזקן2206 זקן2206 אהרן175 שׁירד3381 על5921 פי6310 מדותיו׃4060
