an epithet applied to those who abuse and contemn holy things.
The Scripture calls Esau profane, because he sold his birthright, which
was considered a holy thing, not only because the priesthood was annexed
to it, but also because it was a privilege relating to Christ, and a
type of the title of believers to the heavenly inheritance, Heb. xii,
16. The priests of the race of Aaron were enjoined to distinguish
between sacred and profane, between pure and polluted, Lev. x, 10; xix,
7, 8. Hence they were prohibited the use of wine during their attendance
on the temple service, that their spirits might not be discomposed by
excitement. To profane the temple, to profane the Sabbath, to profane
the altar, are common expressions to denote the violation of the rest of
the Sabbath, the entering of foreigners into the temple, or the want of
reverence in those that entered it, and the impious sacrifices that were
offered on the altar of the Lord.
The Scripture calls Esau profane, because he sold his birthright, which
was considered a holy thing, not only because the priesthood was annexed
to it, but also because it was a privilege relating to Christ, and a
type of the title of believers to the heavenly inheritance, Heb. xii,
16. The priests of the race of Aaron were enjoined to distinguish
between sacred and profane, between pure and polluted, Lev. x, 10; xix,
7, 8. Hence they were prohibited the use of wine during their attendance
on the temple service, that their spirits might not be discomposed by
excitement. To profane the temple, to profane the Sabbath, to profane
the altar, are common expressions to denote the violation of the rest of
the Sabbath, the entering of foreigners into the temple, or the want of
reverence in those that entered it, and the impious sacrifices that were
offered on the altar of the Lord.