Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Leviticus Ch.7 / 27 Ch.s
LE:7
* Concerning the trespass-offering. (1-10) Concerning the
peace-offering. (11-27) The wave and heave offerings. (28-34)
The conclusion of these institutions. (35-38)
#1-10 In the sin-offering and the trespass-offering, the
sacrifice was divided between the altar and the priest; the
offerer had no share, as he had in the peace-offerings. The
former expressed repentance and sorrow for sin, therefore it was
more proper to fast than feast; the peace-offerings denoted
communion with a reconciled God in Christ, the joy and gratitude
of a pardoned sinner, and the privileges of a true believer.
#11-27 As to the peace-offerings, in the expression of their
sense of mercy, God left them more at liberty, than in the
expression of their sense of sin; that their sacrifices, being
free-will offerings, might be the more acceptable, while, by
obliging them to bring the sacrifices of atonement, God shows
the necessity of the great Propitiation. The main reason why
blood was forbidden of old, was because the Lord had appointed
blood for an atonement. This use, being figurative, had its end
in Christ, who by his death and blood-shedding caused the
sacrifices to cease. Therefore this law is not now in force on
believers.
#28-34 The priest who offered, was to have the breast and the
right shoulder. When the sacrifice was killed, the offerer
himself must present God's part of it; that he might signify his
cheerfully giving it up to God. He was with his own hands to
lift it up, in token of his regard to God as the God of heaven;
and then to wave it to and fro, in token of his regard to God as
the Lord of the whole earth. Be persuaded and encouraged to feed
and feast upon Christ, our Peace-offering. This blessed
Peace-offering is not for the priests only, for saints of the
highest rank and greatest eminence, but for the common people
also. Take heed of delay. Many think to repent and return to God
when they are dying and dropping into hell; but they should eat
the peace-offering, and eat it now. Stay not till the day of the
Lord's patience be run out, for eating the third day will not be
accepted, nor will catching at Christ when thou art gone to
hell!
#35-38 Solemn acts of religious worship are not things which we
may do or not do at our pleasure; it is at our peril if we omit
them. An observance of the laws of Christ cannot be less
necessary than of the laws of Moses.