The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 152

then moving them in a. horizontal direction for the wavfng and in a vertical one for the heaving . , , the wa.ving was peculiarly connected with the breast, which is thence called the wa.ve brea.st (ver. 34), and the heaving with the shoulder, for this rea.son called the hea.ve shoulder" (ver. 34). The main truth to which this symbolic act pointed wa.s proba.bly- I. GoD'B UNlVERBAL SOVEREIGNTY. As these parl8 of the animal were solemnly directed upwards and downwards and latera.lly, in all directions, the offerer intimated his belief that the realm of Jehovah was a boundless kingdom, reaching to the heaven3 a.bove, to t.he dark regions below, to every corner and quarter of the earth. We do well to meditate on the truth thus pictorially presented; but in so doing we are necessarily reminded how much more we have learned both from revela.tion and human science of the wide reach of his reign. We may think of his Divine kingdom as including: I. Heaven and all its worlds and inhabitants. 2. Ha.des-the grave and those who have "gone to the grave." 3. The earth and all that is thereon: (1) all human beings; (2) all unintelligent creatures ; (3) all vegetable life; ( 4) a.II inanimate treasure-gold, silver, etc. We are reminded of the propriety of- II. OUR FORMAL RE0OGNITION OF THIS FAOT, 'l'he Hebrew worshipper was encouraged to bring his peace offering to the altar, and then to go through this simple but suggestive ceremony, thus formally acknowledging the truth. No similar provision is made for our utterance of it; but it is open to us to declare it in sacred words and in most solemn forms: 1. In adoration. " 'l'hine, 0 Lord, is the greatness and the power , . , for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine," etc. (1 Chron. :nix. 10, 11; 1 Tim, i. 17; Dent. x. 14; Ps. xxiv. 1). 2. In praise. When we "sing unto the Lord," there should be full and frequent ascription of everything "in the heanns above a.nd the earth beneath" to him a.s the Author a.nd Owner a.nd Ruler of a.ll. We also see- III. OUB APPBOPBIATE .ACTION THEREUPON, The Jewish worshipper was directed to "wa.ve" and "heave" the brea.st and shoulder; these joints in particular and in prefer- ence to a.ny other, "probably from their being considered the more excellent parts." When the fat had been burned upon the altar (ver, 31), these joints were reserved "unto .Aaron the priest and unto bis sons for ever" (ver, 34). We ga.tber therefrom that we are to make practica.l recognition of the truth that God's kingdom extends everywhere, and includes every one, by: 1. Dedicating our best to his service: our affections (suggested by the breast); our strength (suggested by the shoulder). 2. Bringing our offerings to his cause-for the support of those who minister in holy things, and for the ma.intenance of those various a.gencies which are working for the glory of his Name.-C. Vars. 11-18, 30.-Four thoughts on sacred service. We gather from these words- I. THAT THERE IS .A JOYOUS .AND SOCIAL ELEMENT IN SACRED SERVICE, There were not only sin and burnt offerings, but a.lso meat and peace offerings, in the Hebrew ritual. Those ,vho were reconciled unto God might rejoice, and might rejoice together, before him. They might hold festive ga.therings as his servants and a.s his worshippers; they might eat flesh which had been dedicated to him, and bread, even leavened bread (ver, 13), and they were to" rejoice in their feast" (Deut. xvi. 14). The prevailing tono of the true Christia.n life is that of sacred joy, Even at the remembrance of tho Saviour's dea.th humility and faith are to rise into holy joy. " Around a. table, not a tomb, He willed our gathering-plaoe should ~ When going to propore our home, Our Saviour llllid, 'Remember me.' " Whether in ordinary worship, or at" the table of the Lord," or in a.ny other Christian festival, we are to "rejoice before the Lord " together. II. TH.AT THERE IS .A SPONTANEOUS .AS WELL .AS A STATUTORY element in sacred service. "If he offer it for a thanksgiving then he shall offer," etc. (ver. 12). "If the sacrifice . . . be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten," etc. (ver 16). God's Law says, "thou shalt," but it finds room for "if thou shalt." There are many things compulsory, and we have nothing to do hut cheerfully and unquestioningly obey. '!'here are also many things optional, and we ma.y allow ourselves to act as devotiona.l and  119 THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. LoH. VII, 1-38.