Matthew 12:5 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? The priests - profane the Sabbath - Profane, i.e. put it to what might be called a common use, by slaying and offering up sacrifices, and by doing the services of the temple, as on common days, Exodus 29:38; Numbers 28:9.