He that is the high-priest— The former laws related to the priests in general; the high-priest, as being more peculiarly holy, is restrained by laws more peculiarly exact: he is not permitted to defile himself for any dead, nor to leave his attendance upon the sanctuary, (Leviticus 21:12.) even on the demise of his nearest and dearest relations. The reason of which has been by some thought to be, that though the lower priests, being many, might delegate others to serve in their room; yet the high-priest being one, there was no other to officiate in his stead. What we render the crown of the anointing oil, in the 12th verse, some render, the consecration of the anointing oil. Houbigant—for he hath been consecrated by the oil of anointing of his God. The word נזר nezer signifies separation; and therefore Aquila very justly renders the passage, because the separation, [or mark of separation] the anointing oil of his God is upon him. The equity of this law has been justified by the conduct of some of the greatest men of antiquity, particularly in the remarkable example of Xenophon quoted on a former occasion. We are told of Minos, that as he was offering sacrifices to the graces at Paros, the news came to him of his son's death: upon which he pulled off the crown from his head, and caused the music to cease; but nevertheless finished the sacrifice which he had begun.
Related Commentaries of Leviticus 21:10
Leviticus 21:10
10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;