The Pulpit Commentary — Leviticus — Section 444

PHYSICAL WANTS. Work ie the fundamental necessity, the burden laid upon us by the declaration, "In the sweat of thy face thou shalt 1st bread." Mere idleness is dis- graceful. Yet by this command of the text God 68Strts that real ii a duty a., well a., toil. The one does indeed fit us for the other. Recreation is by no means sinful, and that is a narrow, false view which deems it so. God's rest after the work of creation has for ever hallowed legitimate relaxation. Rest from afff'rn1e labour may ~ properly employed in holy service. It was during this sabbatical year that the Law was to be read in the hearing of tbe entire people. Man does not find his noblest end in the industrial pursuit of his daily occupation. He is not always to be surveying the same span of earth. He may lift up hie head, and rejoice in upward thoughts and wider prospects. This world iB not man's.final, ho,m, So we may without violence interpret the statement, "Ye are strangers and sojourners with me." It refers primarily to the placing of Israel in a land which did not belong to them, but it conveys a deeper lesson, one of pertinent application to modem circumstances. Many fancy that if they dili- gently attend to their business and pay their way, they do all that can be demanded of them. Such low-tbougbted action is here rebuked, Ill. TDrlID FORETHOUGHT INQUIRES AS TO THE FEASIBILITY OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE ENACTMENT. "What shall we eat the seventh year?" Man is expected to use his reason, and to anticipate the future. Ushered into the world the most helpless of animals, be is enabled to surround himself with ample might e.nd resources. One harvest suffices to fill his granaries till they are replenished by the stores of another year. Is he to run in the teeth of prndence, and to neglect the usual tillage operations? The requirement of the Law is superior to such scruples. It may seem unreasonable conduct, unbelief may suggest terrible eventualities, but if the will of God has been clearly expressed, the devout Israelite dares not falter. There are many Divine precepts which appear to impose trying obligations upon the faith of God's people. Some b:i.ve feared to risk the loss involved in renouncing Sunday trading. Some have refused to sacrifice any portion of their time or profits to engage in religious work. The livelihood of themselves and families bas been the one prominent object. Too often the necessary provision is rated too high, and luxuries are included among the essentials. There are others to whom the question suggests itself, "How can I compete with my rivals if I adhere to moral laws and discountenance all practices savouring of dishonesty? To make a profession of Christianity may entail the loss of position e.nd worldly esteem." IV. Gon PBO:IIISES THAT NOTHING SHALL BE LOST THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO ms STATUTES. "I will command my blessiug upon you." The sixth year shall bring forth fruit for three years. Of course, this supposes a supernatural association of conduct and prosperity which is not to be looked for in the ordinary course of providence. Yet the promise of blessing upon the faithful is for every generation. There is a full recompence guaranteed for all tribulation endured in the service of righteousness. Nor are the instances few in number where men have in modern times experienced the truth of the assertion that God withholds no good thing from them that walk uprightly, that the righteous are not forsaken, nor have their poor been obliged to beg for bread. Recently a Greek newspaper owned that since it had discontinued its Sunday issue, its profits had increased rather than diminished. This, o.t least, is certain, that be makes 11 good investment who takes shares in God's companies formed for ri;::bteous purposes. Such shnll realize the double assurance of" safety" and "abundance" (ver. 19). Note our Lord's reply to Peter asking, "What shall we have then?" Moses esteemed "tb& reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt." Let the promises of God's Word scatter all doubt and hesitation I His counsel may appear strange as it did to King Ze<lekiab (Jer. xxxviii. 20), but the result shall verify his wisdom. "What shall it profit a man, H he gain the whole world and lose bis own soul?" In keepiug his commandments there is great reward. It is good for this life, and even better for the life to come.-S. R. A. Ver. 42.-Servanta of God. The Law contains other than ceremonial regulations. Many of its precepts are moral in the highest degree, and breathe the spirit of purest Christianity. Indeed, the Christian Church, with the relationship of its members, its benefits, and obligations, is clearly outlined in the nation of Israel; rather, however, sad 410 'l'HE BOOK OF LEVITICUS. [oH. XXV, 1-55.