The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 89

Vers. 1-5.-.A general view of offerings. A supplementary account of the manner io which the peace offerings are to be presented unto the Lord is contained in eh. vii. Heserving fuller distinct consideration of them till our arrival there, it may be in- dructive now to derive some general lessons from a. comparison between this present chapter and the preceding chapters, which tell us of the burnt and meat offerings. I. EACH BEASON A},"'l) CIRCUMSTANCE BAB ITS APPROPRIATE OFFEBJNG. Different names are bestowed upon the offerings. A general name for all is corban, a gift, a means of approach. It may be "a burnt offering" (eh. i. 3), significant of entire dedication; or "an offering of an oblation" (eh. ii. 1), a present of flour or grains, an acknowledgment of God's goodness, and an expression of desire to obtain his good will; or "a sacrifice of peace" (eh. iii. 1), denoting a wish to live in concord with Jehovah, recognizing his will and enjoying his favour. Thus the devout Israelite could never be without a fitting means of approach, whatever his state of mind or whatever the crisis in his life. So we may always have something to offer our heavenly Father, whether in suffering or health, in adversity or prosperity, in age or youth, desiring increased sanctification, or blessing, or usefulness, whether thankful for the past or requesting grace for the future. Even the one atonement of Jesus Uhrist, like a prism that exhibits different colours according to our position, may appear a diversified offering, according as the pressing need of the moment may seem to be deliverance from wrath, peace, happiness, self-dedication, temporal prosperity, or the light of God's countenance. 11. BY THE DIFFERENCE IN OFFERINGS GoD SEEMS TO DESIRE TO AWAKEN AND DEVELOP DIFFERENT MOBAL SENTIMENTS. Our chequered experience has its part to fulfil in calling into play every faculty of the mind and spirit. God likes a good" all- round" character, strong at all points, and only exercise can secure this. He would have his people attend to all the requirements of the Christian life, to manifest all the virtues, knowledge and faith, gratitude and hope, patience and vigour. We mus~ not deem any voyage or journey superfluous; no accident but may benefit us; the holme~s meeting, the evangelistic service, the workert;' confereuce,-cach may be profitable m turn. Ill. ONE OFFERING DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE PRESENTATION OF ANOTHER OP A PJFFERENT xnm. In ver. 6 we read that the fat of the peace offering is placid on. m.1-17.] THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. 45