Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

This Chapter, in prosecuting the law of ordinances, relates the appointments respecting of the meat-offerings; which consisted of flour, with oil, and incense: the method to be used, in the preparation of the offerings, is also here pointed out; and some regulations noticed, respecting the of the first fruits in the ear of corn.

Leviticus 2:1

As there was to be a daily sacrifice, see Exodus 29:38-39. So it should seem, that the offering with frankincense, was also daily. Did not the one point to the daily efficacy of the blood of CHRIST? And did not the other set forth the necessity of his daily intercession? Revelation 8:3-4.

Was not this bringing of the offering to Aaron, typical of believers bringing all their offerings to JESUS for acceptance? John 14:6.

The presentation to the priest no doubt meant to imply, that all is the LORD'S. So in the gospel, the same is read to us in every ordinance; CHRIST is all, and in all. Of thine own LORD do we give thee. 1 Corinthians 9:13; Numbers 18:12.

All these directions, had no doubt, some spiritual signification, for the fire with which they were to be prepared and offered up, evidently pointed to the SPIRIT's work upon the heart, in the presentation of them. Hence the Apostle speaks, in allusion to those services; Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:15-16.

We read before of GOD'S solemn prohibition of leaven. Exodus 12:15. No doubt some important doctrine was veiled under this covering. And what more likely, than to teach, that a whole Savior, and not leavened with the supposed merit of our creature works, is the true, and only redemption, for the soul. Galatians 6:14. Perhaps, the prohibition, of the use of honey, in those offerings by fire, was, because it was so likely to ferment, and thereby of itself when mixed with flour, make leaven, without the intention of the Israelites.

The offering not burnt upon the Altar, might have honey in it, because this was for the priests. Leviticus 23:17; 2 Chronicles 31:5.

Was not this salt, a striking similitude, of the merits of the Redeemer. Observe the expression, the salt of the covenant of thy GOD. And where JESUS is wanting, what sacrifice can be acceptable? Is not this gracious salt, even the LORD JESUS himself, in his person, and offices, that alone which preserves our souls, from corruption? Mark 9:49.

All offerings to the LORD must be of the first and best. To offer otherwise is mockery. Malachi 1:14. And is not the LORD JESUS here again set forth? Was he not the first and best, and offered to GOD, an offering in the prime of life? And was he not presented with the sacrifice of fire? Hebrews 9:14.

REFLECTIONS

READER! In every offering, oblation, and sacrifice, seek for JESUS. Whether among the fruits of the earth, in the fine flour, the oil, and frankincense, or among the daily lamb of the Israelite: all pointed to him, and in him had their object completed. And while you pray, for the HOLY GHOST, thus to enlighten the eyes of your understanding, in the knowledge of him, pray no less for grace also, that in all your offerings to GOD by faith in him, no leaven may be mingled with the all-perfect oblation of JESUS. Seek nothing, bring nothing, depend upon nothing, know nothing, in a way of acceptance with GOD, but JESUS CHRIST, and him crucified. And while this grand and only means of salvation, is made the security of your soul, beg of the LORD also, that all your sacrifices, be salted with the salt of the covenant of your GOD. Oh! for the LORD JESUS, to preserve, by his purifying salt of spiritual grace, both your soul, and my soul, that we may have this salt in ourselves, and peace one with another.