Bible Commentaries
Poor Man's Commentary
Leviticus 19
CONTENTS
This Chapter is a continuation of the same subject as the former. Here are many precepts of a moral and religious nature.
It is worthy observation, that the fear and reverence due to parents, is connected with that the LORD hath appointed to his Sabbaths. Wherever we see children living in the observance of these precepts, these things afford hopeful signs of grace. If the LORD our GOD be a covenant GOD to our fathers, may we not hope that he will be so to us, and to our children? Genesis 17:7.
These are all so many repetitions of the laws, on the same points, which had been given before. Leviticus 7:16-18.
These are gracious precepts, teaching and implying the LORD'S love to acts of mercy. Reader! is there not also somewhat spiritual in them? While we have JESUS for our substance, the poorest of his people will have their gleanings, Ruth 2:8-9.
All these precepts explain themselves. The argument made use of for the enforcing them is striking; the LORD'S authority. Cursing the deaf, putting a stumbling block in the way of the blind; and the like; these are crimes which, perhaps, the one might not be hurt by, nor the other offended: but the LORD hears, and the LORD observes; and that is enough. And one universal feature shows what must be the consequence. 1 Samuel 12:5.
Certainly there is a spiritual meaning in this prohibition of mingling seed, and of wearing a motly garment. The question is what is it? Perhaps, (for I do not take upon me to decide) the mystical intention might be, to show that we cannot wear our own woollen garment of nature, the very best of our own spinning, in a way of justifying righteousness, with the linen garment of JESUS'S righteousness and salvation. LORD, grant that my soul may be found clothed with his robe, which may make me all glorious within. Psalms 45:13.
The apostle to the Galatians, hath given us so much authority to consider the law and the gospel as shadowed out in the Old Testament, that I venture to think we are, in many cases like the present, allowed to interpret it spiritually. See Galatians 4:23-24.
Besides the evident intention of this precept, in testifying thereby, that we hold all we have, as tenants of will, under the LORD and therefore it is but justice and equity that we should pay the rent with the first fruits: no doubt this precept reached further, and had respect to the offering of the body of JESUS, who in the prime of his days, was offered unto GOD for his people. It is said, that the Jews were so tender of this precept, that in order to prevent the violation of it, they carefully gathered the first settings of the fruit, during the three years prescribed by the law, as early as they appeared. And certain it is, even now, that gardeners expert in their science, generally prevent young trees from fruiting too soon, such as the first two or three years.
These precepts are rather obscure. It is probable, that they refer to the heathenish practices of the idolatrous neighbours around Israel. And if so, they serve to teach, that everything which hath the remotest tendency to the unfruitful works of darkness, is to be cautiously abstained from. Ephesians 5:11-12.
These precepts are to the same effect as the former, in point of plainness and tendency. And they are enforced by the same authority. It is very interesting to the true believer in CHRIST, while reading the extensiveness of the divine laws, to call to mind how faithfully they are fulfilled in JESUS. He hath indeed magnified the law, and made it honourable. He hath proved himself to be our great Law Fulfiller. In his life he answered all its righteous demands. By his death he hath confirmed it; in his resurrection he hath proved the validity of his obedience; and in his return to glory, he hath shown that the Father is well pleased for his righteousness sake Yes! thou blessed law-fulfilling, sin-bearing, sin-expiating LAMB of GOD! thou hast gotten thyself the victory; and brought in an everlasting righteousness; which is unto all and upon all that believe. Daniel 9:24; Romans 3:22.
REFLECTIONS
MY soul! learn hence thy noble privileges, in the contemplation of that gracious state, into which thou art brought by faith. Oh! for faith, in full exercise, from the SPIRIT's work in the heart, to live wholly upon JESUS'S fulness. And since thou, LORD, hast prohibited, by so many precepts, everything that hath a tendency to seduce the soul from thyself, LORD, I beseech thee to put thy fear in my heart, that I may not depart from thee. Keep me, blessed SPIRIT of truth, and lead me into all truth; enable me to crucify the flesh, with its affections and lusts, and since he who hath called me is holy, may I be holy in all manner of conversation and godliness.
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