Positive Mitzvah Thirty-Two Honoring the Kohanim
We are commanded to exalt the descendants of Aharon, to show honor and deference, and to assign to them a high degree of holiness and dignity, even overriding their own objections. All this is for the glory of Hashem (exalted be He), since He has taken them for His service and the offering of His sacrifices. The Sages interpret this verse thus:
"You shall sanctify him in all matters appertaining to holiness: that is to say, he shall be first in all holy matters (e.g. the reading of the Torah); he shall have the first right to recite the Benediction at a meal; and he shall be first to receive a seemly portion." (Git.
59b)
The Sifra also says:
Moreh Nevuchim 3, 44
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