The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 76

places in a strong light bis condescension in making an agreement by which he binds himself as well as the people. Every covenant implies mutual obligations. G,,d promised to guide and bless the Israelites if they, in their tum, kept his commandments and held him in proper esteem. To put salt, therefore, in compliance with his behest, was to acknowledge that the covenant remained in force, and the act became a present instance of the existence of the covenant. It was as much as to say, "I present this gift. becaU5e of the covenanted relationship in which I stand to Jehovah.n The covenant of the gospel is ratified in Christ for all his faithful seed, who are made partakers of the blessing promised to Abraham (Gal. iii. 16). Hence whatever we do is in the name of Christ, recognizing our sonship, heirship, and co-heirship. The covenant influences, embraces all thoughts and deeds. ,II. SALT, AS THE EMBLEM OF HOSPITALITY, SHOWS THAT SERVICE TO GOD 18 A FEAST OF FRIENDSHIP. The offering of flour on which oil was poured was itself indicative of a frienrlly meal, and this view was strengthened by adding salt to the sacrifice. So surpriEing is the intimacy to which the Most High admits his people, that they may be said to feed daily at his table; all the fruits of the earth are the product of his bounty, which hononrs men as his guests. \Ve do but render to God what he first •bestowed, and in thus approaching we enjoy his presence aud favour. It is permitted us to make ready for the Passover, whereat the Lord shall sit down with bis disciples. Ill. SALT, AS A PRESERVATIVE, REMINDS US OF THE PURITY WHICH SHOULD cmARAC- TERIZE OUR LIVES. Nothing that partakes of corruption is fit to be brought unto the ever-living God. "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit." ·" Flesh and blood" tend to impurity and death, and "cannot iuberit the kingdom of God." Our speech must be with grace, seasoned with salt, lest anything destructive of peace or edification should issue from our lips. Apart from the life that is instilled through faith in Christ, man is dead, and decay is loathsome. Without faith our walk and conversation cannot please God, nor are we " the salt of the earth." Christians are salted with the purifying fire of trial (Mark ix. 49). IV. SALT TEACHES us THE PERPETUITY OF OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH GoD. A covenant of salt is for ever. (See Numb. xviii. 19 and 2 Chron. xiii. 6.) It lasts as long as the conditions are observed by us, for God will never change, nor desire on his part to revoke his blessing. Let us rejoice in the truth that he abideth faithful, and in the thought of the indissoluble alliance thereby created. He does not wish to treat us as playthings, invented to amuse him temporarily, and then to be tossed aside. We are put in possession by the great Healer and Life-restorer of imperishable principles, seeds of righteousness, that avert corruvtion and defy decay. Our devotion is not a hireling service that may soon terminiite, but a consecration for the everlasting ages.-8. R. A,