The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 146

not to delay observance of hie precepts until their design is fully manifest. That servant is slothful who refuses to work by candle-light, and waits for the brightnees of the sun. IlL p ARTIAL DISOBEDIENCE NEUTRALIZES THB EFFECT OJ' A BBLIGIOUS OBBERV ANCE, AND MAY APPEAR MORE OFFENSIVE THAN TOTAL NEGLECT OF THE DIVINE COMMANDS, Let the worshipper trifle with the Law and venture to eat the flesh on the third day, and he shall find to his cost that the whole of his offering is rejected; it is not pleasing to God, and will not procure him favour. His effort proves useless, it shall not be reckoned to his credit. Worse still, his offering "shall be an abomination" in the eyes of God; there shall be no grateful odour ex.haled, but it shall be a stench in his nostrils. Sin has not been obliterated but augmented by the sacrifice. When the Earl of Oxford would hononr King Henry VII. by the presence of a large body of retainers, the king only saw in the men an infraction of the law, and could not consent to have his laws broken in his sight. Honour and dishonour are an ill-assorted pair. The partially obedient worshipper shows himself as knowing God's will and doing it not. Total abstinence might havo proclaimed him sinful through ignorance. Half- heartedness is often as productive of evil effects as flat rebellion. It is not for us to presume to say what may be disregarded_ and what not. To follow the Lord fully is the path of duty and of safety.-S. R. A. Vers. 29-34.-The threefold participation. In the case of the peace offerings, there was a recognition of rights due to God, to his priests, and to the people presenting the victims. I. THE PORTION RESERVED FOB Goo. The fat parts and the blood were not to be eaten by man; the former must be burnt upon the altar, the latter poured out at its foot. '1.'here are claims God will not waive. The homage man owes to his Maker can never be remitted. Full trust and unfaltering obedience can be demanded only by an Infinite Being. Life must be acknowledged as dependent upon him. "The blood is the life," and for the Israelite to drink it is to be cut off from the congregation. The choicest portions belong to God. He will not put up with inferior parts. They mock him who fancy that a remnant of time and money and strength will suffice for his service. II. Tm: BHARE ALLOTTED TO THE PRIESTS, God takes care of his chosen servants, provides amply for their wants. The priests devoted wholly to the work of the tabernaclo shall not be forgotten, but considered as one with their Master, so that whenever he is honoured they shall be likewise thought of. To wear God's uniform is to be well cared for, to receive good wages, to be sure of a pension. Once taken into his employ, our future comfort is assured. And those who preach the gospel may claim to live by it, See this principle enunciated and inculco.ted in 1 Cor. ix. 7-14. Variety is secured. Food to eat, skins to wear. The o.tonemcnt of the priest "covered" the sinner, and the covering of the animal was naturally o.ppropriated to the use of the officiating priest. Both flour and flesh fell to the lot of the priests. The quality shall not be inferior. Portions are selected, the breast and the shoulder, which were counted as most delicate in flavour and nutritious in substance. Why should God's messengers yield to fear lest they should be neglected? He feedeth the mvens, clothes the lilies in splendour, and will not forsake those whom he has called to do his work in the world. III. THE REMAINDER HANDED BACK TO TIIE PEOPLE. We have not to do with an avaiicious, unreasonable God. He might justly have claimed the nbsolute disposal of all brought to his shrine as an offering, but he graciously received a "memorial" for himself and a portion for his ministers, antl the rest was returned to tl,e worshippers, consecrated, and for their festal enjoyment. Let us but acknowledge God's require- ments, and we shall find that we are not debarred from the innocent pleasures of life, but can enter upon them with sacred enhancing zest. Dy spending money iu the purchase of ointmr.nt for the Saviour, Mary did not deprive herself of all her store, but rather increased the satisfaction with which she indulged in the customary household expenses. \Ve are sure that the widow who cast her all into the treasury was not allowed to remain utterly destitute. She had really made a profit.able investment of \ler little capital. Emptying her hands was only preJ:10.ratory to having them filled.  106 THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. [oH, VU. 1-38.