II. The manner in which it was presented —
Many offerings were only occasional ; but this was stated, and was renewed daily throughout the year. The things to which we would more particularly call your attention are,
1. The union of the different materials —
[Meat-offerings and drink-offerings were indeed sometimes offered with other sacrifices ; and sometimes also by them- selves : but here they were constantly presented and consumed with the lamb. Now, if we regard them as expressions of gra- titude to God, they shew, that with our acknowledgments of guilt we should invariably render unto God a tribute of praise. If, on the other hand, we regard them as presented unto God in order that by the consumption of them on his altar he may express, as it were, his communion with us, and his acceptance of us, then they shew, that, in our applications for mercy through the Redeemer's sacrifice, we should draw nigh to God with a confidence of finding favour in his sight. Now such an union of feelings and dispositions in our hearts is most de- sirable. We are not so to lean to the side of humiliation as to encourage despondency, nor so to confide in God as to lose all our tenderness and contrition : but we should at all times " rejoice with trembling0," and tremble with rejoicing.]
2. The frequency with which they were offered —
[Every morning and every evening were they to be offered throughout the year ; and from this circumstance they were called " a continual burnt-offering." Now there were two things in particular, which this circumstance was calculated to impress on the people's minds ; the one was their continual need of an atoning sacrifice ; the other was, the continued efficacy of that which should in due time be offered. Not a day passed but they were repeatedly reminded, even the whole congregation, that they were sinners before God, and must seek salvation through Him whom this offering typified : (O that we also might bear in mind that salutary lesson !) they were re- minded too that there was in this sacrifice a sufficiency for the sins of the whole world. Not the greatest sinner in all Israel was excepted, if he did but really with penitential sorrow seek for pardon in this way : nor, as long as the world shall stand, shall any one plead the merits of the Redeemer's sacrifice in vain. The shadows were repeated, because they were shadows : but Christ who is the substance, has made a complete atone- ment for the sins of the whole world, and " by one offering of himself hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified"."]
0 Ps. ii. 11. p Heb. x. 14.