Leviticus 3:1-17 And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female… Few ordinances were more blessed than these peace-offerings. Yet, like the Lord's Supper with us, often were they turned to sin. The lascivious woman in Proverbs 7:14 comes forth saying, "I have peace-offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows." She had actually gone up among the devoutest class of worshippers to present a thank-offering, and had stood at the altar as one at peace with God. Having now received from the priest those pieces of the sacrifice that were to be feasted upon, lo! she hurries to her dwelling and prepares a banquet of lewdness. She quiets her conscience by constraining herself to spend some of her time and some of her substance in His sanctuary. She deceives her fellow-creatures, too, and maintains a character for religion; and then she rushes back to sin without remorse. Is there nothing of this in our land? What means Christmas mirth after pretended observance of Christ's being born? What means the sudden worldliness of so many on the day following their approach to the Lord's Table? What means the worldly talk and levity of a Sabbath afternoon or evening after worship is done? Contrast with this the true worshipper, as he appears in Psalm 66. He has received mercies and is truly thankful. He comes Up to the sanctuary with his offerings, singing, "I will go into Thy house with burnt-offerings: I will pay Thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble." In the "burnt-offering" we see his approach to the altar with the common and general sacrifice; and next, in his "paying vows" we see he has brought his peace-offerings with him. Again, therefore, he says at the altar, "I will offer to Thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings." This is the general offering, brought from the best of his flock and herd. Then follow the peace-offerings. "With the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats." Having brought his offerings, he is in no haste to depart, notwithstanding; for his heart is full. Ere, therefore, he leaves the sanctuary he utters the language of a soul at peace with God (vers. 16-20). (A. A. Bonar.) Parallel Verses KJV: And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. |
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