Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Leviticus Ch.17 / 27 Ch.s
LE:17
* All sacrifices to be offered at the tabernacle. (1-9) Eating
of blood, or of animals which died a natural death, forbidden.
(10-16)
#1-9 All the cattle killed by the Israelites, while in the
wilderness, were to be presented before the door of the
tabernacle, and the flesh to be returned to the offerer, to be
eaten as a peace-offering, according to the law. When they
entered Canaan, this only continued in respect of sacrifices.
The spiritual sacrifices we are now to offer, are not confined
to any one place. We have now no temple or altar that sanctifies
the gift; nor does the gospel unity rest only in one place, but
in one heart, and the unity of the Spirit. Christ is our Altar,
and the true Tabernacle; in him God dwells among men. It is in
him that our sacrifices are acceptable to God, and in him only.
To set up other mediators, or other altars, or other expiatory
sacrifices, is, in effect, to set up other gods. And though God
will graciously accept our family offerings, we must not
therefore neglect attending at the tabernacle.
#10-16 Here is a confirmation of the law against eating blood.
They must eat no blood. But this law was ceremonial, and is now
no longer in force; the coming of the substance does away the
shadow. The blood of beasts is no longer the ransom, but
Christ's blood only; therefore there is not now the reason for
abstaining there then was. The blood is now allowed for the
nourishment of our bodies; it is no longer appointed to make an
atonement for the soul. Now the blood of Christ makes atonement
really and effectually; to that, therefore, we must have regard,
and not consider it as a common thing, or treat it with
indifference.