Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Leviticus Ch.24 / 27 Ch.s
LE:24
* Oil for the lamps, The shew-bread. (1-9) The law of blasphemy,
blasphemer is stoned. (10-23)
#1-9 The loaves of bread typify Christ as the Bread of life, and
the food of the souls of his people. He is the Light of his
church, the Light of the world; in and through his word this
light shines. By this light we discern the food prepared for our
souls; and we should daily, but especially from sabbath to
sabbath, feed thereon in our hearts with thanksgiving. And as
the loaves were left in the sanctuary, so should we abide with
God till he dismiss us.
#10-23 This offender was the son of an Egyptian father, and an
Israelitish mother. The notice of his parents shows the common
ill effect of mixed marriages. A standing law for the stoning of
blasphemers was made upon this occasion. Great stress is laid
upon this law. It extends to the strangers among them, as well
as to those born in the land. Strangers, as well as native
Israelites, should be entitled to the benefit of the law, so as
not to suffer wrong; and should be liable to the penalty of this
law, in case they did wrong. If those who profane the name of
God escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not
suffer them to escape his righteous judgments. What enmity
against God must be in the heart of man, when blasphemies
against God proceed out of his mouth. If he that despised Moses'
law, died without mercy, of what punishment will they be worthy,
who despise and abuse the gospel of the Son of God! Let us watch
against anger, do no evil, avoid all connexions with wicked
people, and reverence that holy name which sinners blaspheme.