Bible Commentaries
Leviticus 17

Verse 1

CONTENTS

The substance of this chapter, respects the appointed method of making the offerings. The blood of all slain beasts, must be presented at the door of the tabernacle. The blood is not to be eaten, neither must the flesh of what dieth alone, or is torn by beasts, be taken for food.

Verses 1-6

It is delightful, even in our most common concerns, to trace somewhat of the ever-blessed JESUS. And it is delightful to the true believer in CHRIST, to trace in the church's history in the wilderness, that the faithful in those days were taught of GOD the HOLY GHOST, to be doing somewhat in all their transactions, that had either a near or remote view to him. As the children of Israel were enjoined to bring their slaughtered animals unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest; was not this in express reference to JESUS, who is the true tabernacle which the LORD pitched, and not man? Hebrews 8:2 .

Verse 7

It is probable, that Israel had acquired from long sojourning in Egypt the horrid custom of sacrificing to devils. The sacred writer gives a melancholy account of Israel on this occasion. Numbers 25:3 ; Deuteronomy 32:17 .

Verses 8-9

It had been permitted of GOD in the patriarchal age, that masters of houses and heads of families, might erect altars and offer sacrifices wherever they found occasion. See Gen_22:13; Gen_28:18 . Probably this indulgence had been abused, and therefore during the wilderness state it was restrained. Yet in gospel days one of the sweet promises was, that in every place incense should be offered unto the LORD, and a pure offering. Malachi 1:11 . Reader! JESUS is our altar, by whom, and upon whom, we have access to GOD, to offer up spiritual sacrifices in all places continually. Hebrews 13:15 .

Verses 10-12

This precept was given as early as in the days of Noah. So leading a doctrine was the atonement, that even then it was held forth in these distant allusions. See Genesis 9:4-5 ; Leviticus 3:17 .

Verses 13-16

What a precious consideration is it to a true believer in JESUS, that CHRIST hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. Observe, what those two great apostles Peter and Paul, have said on this subject of the Mosaic law in general. Peter observes the heaviness of the yoke: Acts 15:10-11 . And Paul the unprofitableness of it, Romans 14:14-17 .

Verse 16

REFLECTIONS

BLESSED JESUS! help me by the leadings and influences of thy good SPIRIT to be continually bringing all my offerings unto thee, and in thee, and through thee, may they be presented to GOD, even thy FATHER. Thou art the true tabernacle and the altar, and the sacrifice, and the offering, and the great high priest by whom alone they are accepted. Oh! may everything center in thee, as every good gift and every perfect gift cometh from thee. And while I find cause to bless the Author of all my mercies, that I am not under a covenant of works, but of grace; may I still have respect unto all thy commandments, when thou hast taught my soul thy statutes: never forgetting what thy servant the apostle hath said, that we are not without law to GOD, but under the law to CHRIST. Dearest LORD! how delightful is the thought, that thou art the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.