The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 55

accomplishing the will of God, sanctifies all who make mention of his name. Who \\ill hesitate to appear before the Most High? Let faith lay her hand upon the Saviour, rejoicing in the conviction that " while we were yet sir.ners Christ died for us." 2. .A priesthood. The Levites were set apart for the servioe of Jehovah, instead of all the firstborn of IsraeL And of the Levites, the sons of Aaron were to minister continually before the Lord, observing all his regulations and maintaining constant purification of themselves, so that without insulting the holiness of God they might interpose between him and his people. Priesthood bridged the chasm between sinful .creatures and a pure Creator. 'l'he priesthood sanctified the entire nation, which was theoretically a" kingdom of priests." Jesus Christ has concentred tLe priestly func- tions in himself. He has entered into the heaven as our Forerunner, to sprinkle the atoning blood on the altar. And now with true heart in full assurance of faith we may draw nigh to God. IV. MAN 18 CONDITION VARIES: THE GRACE OF GoD PROVIDES FOB IT8 INEQUALITIES. 1. Notict: is taken of the poor, and appropriate offerings permitted. Oriental monarchs often despised and rejected the subjects who were unable to enrich their royal coffers. But God is no respecter of persons. It is one of the glories of the gospel that it has been preached to the poor, and is adapted to their needs. God expects every man to come and testify his respect and affection. The poor may bring " turtle-doves or young pigeons." The way was thus opened for the parents of him who "became poor for our sakes." It is to be feared that many withhold a contribution because it seems so insignificant. But the Lord is as sorry to see the mite retained in the pocket as the gold which the wealthy refuse to part with. "If there be first a willing mind it is accepted according to that a man hath." Do not decline to engage in Christian work .:m the plea of defective ability I Surely some fitting department of service can be found. It is often the one talent that is hid in a napkin. 2. The offering of the poor is pronounced equally acceptable. Note the repetition of" it is a sacrifice, of a sweet savour unto the Lord" after the 17th verse. It is rather the spirit than the action itself which God regards. Not the results of labour so much as its motives and the proportion of ability to accomplishment.-S. R. A. Vera. 1-9.-The greatness of God. Too wide a field lessens the thoroughness of observation. Hence it is allowable and advantageous to distinguish in thought what is in reality inseparable, in order, by fixing the attention upon certain parts, to acquire a better knowledge of the whole. Such a method recommends itself in dealing with the attributes of God. To attempt to comprehend them all in one glance is, if not impos- sible, at least of little result in increasing our acquaintance with His character. Let JJS observe how the hints in this chapter present us with the greatness of God in varied aspects. L THE HOLINESS OF GoD DEMANDS A SACRIFICIAL OFFERING FROM ALL WHO WOULD BEEK BIB FAV0UB.. The offerings here spoken of were spontaneous free-will offerings. They indicated a desire on the part of man to draw nigh to Jehovah, and they also manifested a sense of disturbance wrought by sin in man's relations with his Maker. Once man walked with God in uninterrupted harmony. Then transgression chased innocence away, and shame drove man to hide himself from the presence of God among the trees of the garden. The consciousness of sin renders an offering necessary, under cover of which (" to make atonement for him") we may venture to an audi- ence with the Holy One. Thus can fellowship be resumed. '!'he Antitype of these sacrifices, Jesus Christ, is now our peace. He was " once offered to bear the sins of many." 11 By one offering he bath for ever perfected them that are sanctified." The -old cry, 11 How shall man be just with God?" is still uttered, and the response comes, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that i8 in Christ Jesus." II. THE MAJESTY OF GoD REQUIRES THAT THE REGULATIONS FOR APPROACH WBICll DE BAB APPOINTED BE STRICTLY OBSERVED. The condescension of God in manifesting himself to the Israelites might be fraught with danger if it led to presumption and to holding in light esteem his awe-inspiring attributes. Instructions are consequently ,given relating to the minutest details; everything is prescribed. God is pleased with the free-will offering, and it will be accepted if the precepts are adhered to; but it must in no wise be supposed that the sincere expression of affection can excuse wilfnl  10 THE BOOK OF LEVITIOUS. :[en. r. 1-17.