Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

This chapter seems to be added by way of appendix to the whole Book of Leviticus. For the preceding chapter summed up what had been enjoined in speaking of the rewards to the observance, and the penalties of punishments, to the neglect of the whole law. This chapter, however, is subjoined, and relates to the subject of vows, and the method to be observed, where the person vowing desires to redeem it.

Leviticus 27:1-2 Is there not somewhat in this subject of self-dedication to the LORD, which is designed to shadow forth him, who dedicated himself a voluntary self-devoted sacrifice for the deliverance of his people? Blessed JESUS! in all things it behoved thee to have the pre-eminence! Colossians 1:18.

Whatever difference was made in the Jewish church, blessed be GOD there is none in the Christian, for both male and female are all one in CHRIST JESUS. Galatians 3:28.

Samuel was dedicated even before his birth; and Jeremiah was sanctified from the womb. 1 Samuel 1:11; 1Sa_1:27-28; Jeremiah 1:5.

In the gospel church, the apostle speaks with honour of the aged woman. 1 Timothy 5:9-10.

The poor man in vowing, like the poor widow in giving, is not esteemed by the LORD, according to the greatness of the gift, but the mind with which it is given. Luke 21:1-4.

Certainly the doctrine of redemption by the LORD JESUS is all along veiled, under this doctrine of vows and dedications: so that in every gift an eye is supposed to be had to this. All things are the LORD'S by right, and the redemption implies our forfeiture of all pretensions. Ecclesiastes 5:1.

These dedications of house and field have the same allusions to spiritual things; and, in a gospel sense, may be supposed to convey this doctrine: that ourselves, and our houses, and all our possessions, should be holy unto the LORD. In allusion to this, it was said that in gospel days, holiness to the LORD should be upon the bells of the horses. Zechariah 14:20.

The same observations meet us here respecting the dedication of beasts and cattle. There is to be nothing blemished offered to the LORD. Malachi 1:13-14.

With this verse the book of Leviticus concludes, which briefly expresses, by way of sanction to the whole, that these are the commandments of the LORD. Happy our privilege, that we are not under the yoke of carnal ordinances, but are called to the knowledge of a gracious dispensation, which is after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:16.

REFLECTIONS

READER! how delightful in lesser things, as well as in greater, is it to see the law still pointing to the gospel; and every sacrifice, even those of vows, and dedications of the most minute kind, referring to the redemption by JESUS. May the LORD give you and me to see this; and while we are enabled by grace, to give chearfully and readily of our substance to him, still may we never lose sight of this leading doctrine of our holy faith; that it is JESUS, and he only, which sanctifieth both gift and giver!

Let us not close this precious book of GOD without once more taking a general and comprehensive view of it; and while we consider as we ought the state of the church in the wilderness, thus veiled under what the apostle calls the shadow of good things to come, which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation; let us thankfully contemplate the happiness of GOD'S people now, in being delivered from such a yoke of bondage, which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear.

But while we find cause thus to bless GOD, that we are come to this better dispensation, founded upon better promises; let us never forget that in those types and shadows the gospel was preached unto them, as well as unto us. CHRIST then was, as well as he is now, the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.

Dearest and ever-blessed JESUS! give me to see that all the ordinances in thy sacred book, and the numberless rites, both moral and ceremonial, there appointed, were the shadows of good things to come, but the body was and is CHRIST. Be thou the sanctuary, the altar, the mercy-seat, the sacrifice, the offering, the priest, the all in all of my poor oblations! And may this be my highest and most encouraging consideration in every approach to GOD my FATHER, that having such an High Priest over the house of GOD, I may draw nigh, through thy blood and righteousness, with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Amen and Amen.