Aaron lifted up his right hand, which the Jews say was lifted up highest; or his hands, according to the other reading, which was the usual rite of blessing. See Luke 24:50. By this posture he signified both whence he expected the blessing, and his hearty desire of it for them. Blessed them, in some such manner as is related Numbers 6:24, &c., though not in the same form, as some suppose, for it is not probable that he used it before God delivered it. And this blessing was an act of his priestly office no less than sacrificing. See Genesis 14:18,19 Num 6:23 Deuteronomy 10:8 Deuteronomy 21:5 Luke 24:50. Came down, to wit, from the altar; whence he is said to come down, either,
1. Because the altar stood upon raised ground, to which they went up by an insensible ascent. Compare Exodus 20:26. Or,
2. Because it was nearer the holy place, and the holy of holies, which was the upper end.