‏ Numbers 29

* The offering at the feats of trumpets, and on the day of

atonement. (1-11) Offerings at the feast of tabernacles. (12-40)

1-11 There were more sacred solemnities in the seventh month

than in any other. It was the space between harvest and

seed-time. The more leisure we have from the pressing

occupations of this life, the more time we should spend in the

immediate service of God. The blowing of the trumpets was

appointed, #Le 22:24|. Here they are directed what sacrifices to

offer on that day. Those who would know the mind of God in the

Scriptures, must compare one part with another. The latter

discoveries of Divine light explain what was dark, and supply

what was wanting, in the former, that the man of God may be

perfect. 12-40 Soon after the day of atonement, the day in which men

were to afflict their souls, followed the feast of Tabernacles,

in which they were to rejoice before the Lord. Their days of

rejoicing were to be days of sacrifices. A disposition to be

cheerful does us good, when it encourages our hearts in the

duties of God's service. All the days of dwelling in booths they

must offer sacrifices; while we are here in a tabernacle state,

it is our interest, as well as our duty, constantly to keep up

communion with God. The sacrifices for each of the seven days

are appointed. Every day there must be a sin-offering, as in the

other feasts. Our burnt-offerings of praise cannot be accepted

of God, unless we have an interest in the great sacrifice which

Christ offered, when he made himself a Sin-offering for us. And

no extraordinary services should put aside stated devotions.

Every thing here reminds us of our sinfulness. The life that we

live in the flesh must be by the faith of the Son of God; until

we go to be with him, to behold his glory, and praise his mercy,

who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

To whom be honour and glory for ever. Amen.