Charles Ellicott Commentary Leviticus 9:22

"And Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people, and blessed them; and he came down from offering the sin-offering, and the burnt-offering, and the peace-offerings." — Leviticus 9:22 (ASV)

And Aaron lifted up his hand. — Having now completed the rites of the various sacrifices, and while still standing on the elevation leading to the altar, Aaron with uplifted hands solemnly pronounces over the assembled people the priestly benediction prescribed in Numbers 6:24-26.

As the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bless the people in His name (Deuteronomy 10:8; Deuteronomy 21:5), the descendants of Aaron to this day pronounce this benediction over the congregation in the synagogue at certain periods of the year.

In accordance with the remark in this passage, they are required to turn their faces to the people. In lifting up their hands above their shoulders, stretching them forward towards the worshippers, each priest joins his hands together by the thumbs and the two forefingers, separating the other two fingers to produce a triple division (see Numbers 6:24 and following).

And came down from offering. — This refers to the elevated standing-place by the side of the altar. It was ascended by a gently sloping earthen ramp, since no steps were allowed . During the Second Temple, this platform was three cubits high.