Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Numbers Ch.28 / 36 Ch.s
NU:28
* Offerings, The daily sacrifice. (1-8) The offering on the
sabbath and new moons. (9-15) Offerings at the passover, and on
the day of first-fruits. (16-31)
#1-8 God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a
new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their
peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily
sacrifice is called a continual burnt-offering; when we are bid
to pray always, at least every morning and evening we should
offer up solemn prayers and praises to God. Nothing is added
here but that the wine poured out in the drink-offering is to be
strong wine, to teach us to serve God with the best we have. It
was a figure of the blood of Christ, the memorial of which is
still left to the church in wine; and of the blood of the
martyrs, which was poured out as a drink-offering on the
sacrifice and service of our faith, #Php 2:17|.
#9-15 Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the
daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered. This
teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the
duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in
order more closely to apply ourselves to the sabbath work, which
ought to fill up the sabbath time. The offerings in the new
moons showed thankfulness for the renewing of earthly blessings:
when we rejoice in the gifts of providence, we must make the
sacrifice of Christ, that great gift of special grace, the
fountain and spring-head of our joy. And the worship performed
in the new moons is made typical of gospel solemnities, #Isa
66:23|. As the moon borrows light from the sun, and is renewed
by its influences; so the church borrows her light from Jesus
Christ, who is the Sun of righteousness, renewing the state of
the church, especially under the gospel.
#16-31 By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are
reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and
of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying
employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous
circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious
exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in
seeking help from, or giving thanks to the Lord. And all is to
be accompanied with repentance, faith is the Lord Jesus, and
love to him, and to produce true holiness in our conduct towards
all men; otherwise God will abhor our most solemn services and
abundant devotions. And Christ is able to supply the wants of
every day, every week, every month, every year, every ordinance,
every case.