When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy [place] into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they [are] holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to [those things] which [are] for the people.
Ver. 14. Then shall they not go out of the holy place.] Ministers may not leave their station, lay aside their holy calling, entangle themselves with worldly cares and businesses; but hoc agere, make their ministry their business, giving themselves wholly to it. Verbi minister es, hoc age; this was Mr Perkins's motto. And "say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it." Col 4:17
But there they shall lay their garments.] And not go among the people in them, lest they make themselves overly cheap, or the people superstitious, by placing holiness in their seeing or touching those holy vestments.
And shall put on other garments.] Ministers, as in doing their office, they must use all becoming gravity and authority, as the ambassadors of Christ; a so, at other times, they must familiarise themselves with their people, becoming all things to all men, in Paul's sense, that they may win some.
a Oecolamp.