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Observe here, The apostle describes an high priest serveral ways.
1. By his original, He is taken from amongst men: that is, of the same nature with themselves, otherwise, he had not been capable of those compassionate impressions which are required to the due discharge of his office. This Christ's participation of our nature was necessary to the discharge of his office as High Priest, and a manifest evidence that he will be tender and compassionate towards, then whose nature he sustains and bears.
2. He is described by the general nature of his office, he is ordained for men in things pertaining to God; that is, he was to act and negotiate, for the good of sinful men, in things wherein they have to do more immediately with Almighty God; particularly to offer gifts, oblations, and sacrifices for their sins.
Where note, That it was the entrance of sin that made the office of the priesthood necessary: Had it not been for sin, everyone might have gone to God in his own person, but now God will not be immediately treated with by any, but through the interposition of a Mediator; and he having first made an atonement for sin.
3. The high priest is here described by the exercise of his office, and the special discharge of his duty, which is to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins, that is, to give satisfaction and make atonement for sins.
Here note, That the light of nature dictates to us, that something ought to be offered unto God, in acknowledgement of his supreme dominion; and because men are guilty of sin, and God essentially just, sacrifices must be offered, and a priest ordained to offer those sacrifices for the averting of his wrath and procuring of his favour: But by what sacrifices God will be atoned, and by whom, and in what manner they must be offered, not the law of nature, but the light of Scripture, divine revelation, must teach us: Every high priest taken from among men, is ordained for men; that is, instituted and appointed of God, for the service of men in things pertaining to God.