‏ Leviticus 7

* Concerning the trespass-offering. (1-10) Concerning the

peace-offering. (11-27) The wave and heave offerings. (28-34)

The conclusion of these institutions. (35-38)

1-10 In the sin-offering and the trespass-offering, the

sacrifice was divided between the altar and the priest; the

offerer had no share, as he had in the peace-offerings. The

former expressed repentance and sorrow for sin, therefore it was

more proper to fast than feast; the peace-offerings denoted

communion with a reconciled God in Christ, the joy and gratitude

of a pardoned sinner, and the privileges of a true believer. 11-27 As to the peace-offerings, in the expression of their

sense of mercy, God left them more at liberty, than in the

expression of their sense of sin; that their sacrifices, being

free-will offerings, might be the more acceptable, while, by

obliging them to bring the sacrifices of atonement, God shows

the necessity of the great Propitiation. The main reason why

blood was forbidden of old, was because the Lord had appointed

blood for an atonement. This use, being figurative, had its end

in Christ, who by his death and blood-shedding caused the

sacrifices to cease. Therefore this law is not now in force on

believers. 28-34 The priest who offered, was to have the breast and the

right shoulder. When the sacrifice was killed, the offerer

himself must present God's part of it; that he might signify his

cheerfully giving it up to God. He was with his own hands to

lift it up, in token of his regard to God as the God of heaven;

and then to wave it to and fro, in token of his regard to God as

the Lord of the whole earth. Be persuaded and encouraged to feed

and feast upon Christ, our Peace-offering. This blessed

Peace-offering is not for the priests only, for saints of the

highest rank and greatest eminence, but for the common people

also. Take heed of delay. Many think to repent and return to God

when they are dying and dropping into hell; but they should eat

the peace-offering, and eat it now. Stay not till the day of the

Lord's patience be run out, for eating the third day will not be

accepted, nor will catching at Christ when thou art gone to

hell! 35-38 Solemn acts of religious worship are not things which we

may do or not do at our pleasure; it is at our peril if we omit

them. An observance of the laws of Christ cannot be less

necessary than of the laws of Moses.