CHAPTER XI A far severer punishment awaits the sins of priests than those of common men
CHAPTER XI
A far severer punishment awaits the sins of priests than those of common men
574. Therefore by accusing the Israelites more vehemently, He shows that they were deserving of greater chastisement through sinning after so many honours had come to them from Him; at one time saying, “I have known of all the tribes of the earth only you; therefore will I be avenged upon you for your iniquities:” And at another time, “I took of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for sanctification.”
575. And earlier than the prophets, willing to show that sins receive a far greater punishment when committed by priests than when by private persons, He ordains as great a sacrifice to be offered for the priests as for all the people. Now this signifies nothing else than that the wounds of a priest require greater assistance, as much indeed as those of all the people: but they would not require more if they were not worse. And they are worse, not of their own nature, but through the dignity of the priest who presumes to do that which lies heavy upon him.
576. And why do I speak of the men who follow this ministration? For the daughters of the priests, who have no part in the priestly office, yet on account of their father’s dignity suffer a much severer punishment for their sins. Their transgression and that of the daughters of private persons is equal indeed, for both are fornication, but the punishment of the one is far more severe than that of the others.