Thursday 25 January 2018
Notes from Num 10
In this chapter we have,
I. Orders given about the making and using of silver trumpets, which seems to have been the last of all the commandments God gave upon mount Sinai, and one of the least, yet not without its significancy (v. 1-10).
II. The history of the removal of Israel's camp from mount Sinai, and their orderly march into the wilderness of Paran (v. 11-28).
III. Moses's treaty with Hobab, his brother-in-law (v. 29-32).
IV. Moses's prayer at the removing and resting of the ark (v. 33, etc.).
I. Orders given about the making and using of silver trumpets, which seems to have been the last of all the commandments God gave upon mount Sinai, and one of the least, yet not without its significancy (v. 1-10).
II. The history of the removal of Israel's camp from mount Sinai, and their orderly march into the wilderness of Paran (v. 11-28).
III. Moses's treaty with Hobab, his brother-in-law (v. 29-32).
IV. Moses's prayer at the removing and resting of the ark (v. 33, etc.).
Notes from Num 9
This chapter is,
I. Concerning the great ordinance of the passover;
1. Orders given for the observance of it, at the return of the year (v. 1-5).
2. Provisos added in regard to such as should be ceremonially unclean, or otherwise disabled, at the time when the passover was to be kept (v. 6-14).
II. Concerning the great favour of the pillar of cloud, which was a guide to Israel through the wilderness (v. 15, etc.).
I. Concerning the great ordinance of the passover;
1. Orders given for the observance of it, at the return of the year (v. 1-5).
2. Provisos added in regard to such as should be ceremonially unclean, or otherwise disabled, at the time when the passover was to be kept (v. 6-14).
II. Concerning the great favour of the pillar of cloud, which was a guide to Israel through the wilderness (v. 15, etc.).
Notes from Num 8
This chapter is concerning the lamps or lights of the sanctuary.
I. The burning lamps in the candlestick, which the priests were charged to tend (v. 1-4).
II. The living lamps (if I may so call them), The Levites, who as ministers were burning and shining lights. The ordination of the priests we had an account of, Lev. 8. Here we have an account of the ordination of the Levites, the inferior clergy.
1. How they were purified (v. 5-8).
2. How they were parted with by the people (v. 9, 10).
3. How they were presented to God in lieu of the firstborn (v. 11-18).
4. How they were consigned to Aaron and his sons, to be ministers to them (v. 19).
5. How all these orders were duly executed (v. 20-22). And, lastly, the age appointed for their ministration (v. 23, etc.).
I. The burning lamps in the candlestick, which the priests were charged to tend (v. 1-4).
II. The living lamps (if I may so call them), The Levites, who as ministers were burning and shining lights. The ordination of the priests we had an account of, Lev. 8. Here we have an account of the ordination of the Levites, the inferior clergy.
1. How they were purified (v. 5-8).
2. How they were parted with by the people (v. 9, 10).
3. How they were presented to God in lieu of the firstborn (v. 11-18).
4. How they were consigned to Aaron and his sons, to be ministers to them (v. 19).
5. How all these orders were duly executed (v. 20-22). And, lastly, the age appointed for their ministration (v. 23, etc.).
Notes from Num 7
God having set up house (as it were) in the midst of the camp of Israel, the princes of Israel here come a visiting with their presents, as tenants to their landlord, in the name of their respective tribes.
I. They brought presents,
1. Upon the dedication of the tabernacle, for the service of that (v. 1-9).
2. Upon the dedication of the altar, for the use of that (v. 10-88). And,
II. God graciously signified his acceptance of them (v. 89). The two foregoing chapters were the records of additional laws which God gave to Israel, this is the history of the additional services which Israel performed to God.
I. They brought presents,
1. Upon the dedication of the tabernacle, for the service of that (v. 1-9).
2. Upon the dedication of the altar, for the use of that (v. 10-88). And,
II. God graciously signified his acceptance of them (v. 89). The two foregoing chapters were the records of additional laws which God gave to Israel, this is the history of the additional services which Israel performed to God.
Notes from Num 6
In this chapter we have,
I. The law concerning Nazarites,
1. What it was to which the vow of a Nazarite obliged him (v. 1-8).
2. A remedial law in case a Nazarite happened to be polluted by the touch of a dead body (v. 9-12).
3. The solemnity of his discharge when his time was up (v. 13-21).
II. Instructions given to the priests how they should bless the people (v. 22, etc.).
I. The law concerning Nazarites,
1. What it was to which the vow of a Nazarite obliged him (v. 1-8).
2. A remedial law in case a Nazarite happened to be polluted by the touch of a dead body (v. 9-12).
3. The solemnity of his discharge when his time was up (v. 13-21).
II. Instructions given to the priests how they should bless the people (v. 22, etc.).
Notes from Num 5
In this chapter we have,
I. An order, pursuant to the laws already made, for the removing of the unclean out of the camp (v. 1-4).
II. A repetition of the laws concerning restitution, in case of wrong done to a neighbour (v. 5-8), and concerning the appropriating of the hallowed things to the priests (v. 9, 10).
III. A new law made concerning the trial of a wife suspected of adultery, by the waters of jealousy (v. 11, etc.).
I. An order, pursuant to the laws already made, for the removing of the unclean out of the camp (v. 1-4).
II. A repetition of the laws concerning restitution, in case of wrong done to a neighbour (v. 5-8), and concerning the appropriating of the hallowed things to the priests (v. 9, 10).
III. A new law made concerning the trial of a wife suspected of adultery, by the waters of jealousy (v. 11, etc.).
Notes from Num 4
In the former chapter an account was taken of the whole tribe of Levi, in this we have an account of those of that tribe who were in the prime of their time for service, betwixt thirty and fifty years old.
I. The serviceable men of the Kohathites are ordered to be numbered, and their charges are given them (v. 2-20).
II. Of the Gershonites (v. 24-28).
III. Of the Merarites (v. 29-33).
IV. The numbers of each, and the sum total at last, are recorded (v. 34, etc.)
I. The serviceable men of the Kohathites are ordered to be numbered, and their charges are given them (v. 2-20).
II. Of the Gershonites (v. 24-28).
III. Of the Merarites (v. 29-33).
IV. The numbers of each, and the sum total at last, are recorded (v. 34, etc.)
Notes from Num 3
This chapter and the next are concerning the tribe of Levi, which was to be mustered and marshalled by itself, and not in common with the other tribes, intimating the particular honour put upon them and the particular duty and service required from them. The Levites are in this chapter considered,
I. As attendants on, and assistants to, the priests in the temple-service. And so we have an account,
1. Of the priests themselves (v. 1-4) and their work (v. 10).
2. Of the gift of the Levites to them (v. 5-9), in order to which they are mustered (v. 14-16), and the sum of them taken (v. 39). Each particular family of them is mustered, has its place assigned and its charge, the Gershonites (v. 17-26), the Kohathites (v. 27-32), the Merarites (v. 33-39).
II. As equivalents for the first-born (v. 11-13).
1. The first-born are numbered, and the Levites taken instead of them, as far as the number of the Levites went (v. 40-45).
2. What first-born there were more than the Levites were redeemed (v. 46, etc.).
I. As attendants on, and assistants to, the priests in the temple-service. And so we have an account,
1. Of the priests themselves (v. 1-4) and their work (v. 10).
2. Of the gift of the Levites to them (v. 5-9), in order to which they are mustered (v. 14-16), and the sum of them taken (v. 39). Each particular family of them is mustered, has its place assigned and its charge, the Gershonites (v. 17-26), the Kohathites (v. 27-32), the Merarites (v. 33-39).
II. As equivalents for the first-born (v. 11-13).
1. The first-born are numbered, and the Levites taken instead of them, as far as the number of the Levites went (v. 40-45).
2. What first-born there were more than the Levites were redeemed (v. 46, etc.).
Notes from Num 2
The thousands of Israel, having been mustered in the former chapter, in this are marshalled, and a regular disposition is made of their camp, by a divine appointment. Here is,
I. A general order concerning it (v. 1, 2).
II. Particular directions for the posting of each of the tribes, in four distinct squadrons, three tribes in each squadron.
1. In the van-guard on the east were posted Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun (v. 3-9).
2. In the right wing, southward, Reuben, Simeon, and Gad (v. 10-16).
3. In the rear, westward, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, (v. 18-24).
4. In the left wing, northward, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali (v. 25-31).
5. The tabernacle in the centre (v. 17).
III. The conclusion of this appointment (v. 32, etc.).
I. A general order concerning it (v. 1, 2).
II. Particular directions for the posting of each of the tribes, in four distinct squadrons, three tribes in each squadron.
1. In the van-guard on the east were posted Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun (v. 3-9).
2. In the right wing, southward, Reuben, Simeon, and Gad (v. 10-16).
3. In the rear, westward, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, (v. 18-24).
4. In the left wing, northward, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali (v. 25-31).
5. The tabernacle in the centre (v. 17).
III. The conclusion of this appointment (v. 32, etc.).
Notes from Num 1
Israel was now to be formed into a commonwealth, or rather a kingdom; for "the Lord was their King' (1 Sa. 12:12), their government a theocracy, and Moses under him was king in Jeshurun, Deu. 33:5. Now, for the right settlement of this holy state, next to the institution of good laws was necessary the institution of good order; and account therefore must be taken of the subjects of this kingdom, which is done in this chapter, where we have,
I. Orders given to Moses to number the people (v. 1-4).
II. Persons nominated to assist him herein (v. 5-16).
III. The particular number of each tribe, as it was given in to Moses (v. 17-43).
IV. The sum total of all together (v. 44-46).
V. An exception of the Levites (v. 47, etc.).
I. Orders given to Moses to number the people (v. 1-4).
II. Persons nominated to assist him herein (v. 5-16).
III. The particular number of each tribe, as it was given in to Moses (v. 17-43).
IV. The sum total of all together (v. 44-46).
V. An exception of the Levites (v. 47, etc.).
Notes from Lev 27
The last verse of the foregoing chapter seemed to close up the statute-book; yet this chapter is added as an appendix. Having given laws concerning instituted services, here he directs concerning vows and voluntary services, the free-will offerings of their mouth. Perhaps some devout serious people among them might be so affected with what Moses had delivered to them in the foregoing chapter as in a pang of zeal to consecrate themselves, or their children, or estates to him: this, because honestly meant, God would accept; but, because men are apt to repent of such vows, he leaves room for the redemption of what had been so consecrated, at a certain rate. Here is,
I. The law concerning what was sanctified to God, persons (v. 2-8), cattle, clean or unclean (v. 9-13), houses and lands (v. 14-25), with an exception of firstlings, (v. 26, 27).
II. Concerning what was devoted (v. 28, 29).
III. Concerning tithes (v. 30, etc.).
I. The law concerning what was sanctified to God, persons (v. 2-8), cattle, clean or unclean (v. 9-13), houses and lands (v. 14-25), with an exception of firstlings, (v. 26, 27).
II. Concerning what was devoted (v. 28, 29).
III. Concerning tithes (v. 30, etc.).
Notes from Lev 26
This chapter is a solemn conclusion of the main body of the levitical law. The precepts that follow in this and the following book either relate to some particular matters or are repetitions and explications of the foregoing institutions. Now this chapter contains a general enforcement of all those laws by promises of reward in case of obedience on the one hand, and threatenings of punishment for disobedience on the other hand, the former to work upon hope, the latter on fear, those two handles of the soul, by which it is taken hold of and managed. Here is,
I. A repetition of two or three of the principal of the commandments (v. 1, 2).
II. An inviting promise of all good things, if they would but keep God's commandments (v. 3-13).
III. A terrible threatening of ruining judgments which would be brought upon them if they were refractory and disobedient (v. 14-39).
IV. A gracious promise of the return of mercy to those of them that would repent and reform (v. 40, etc.). Deu. 28 is parallel to this.
I. A repetition of two or three of the principal of the commandments (v. 1, 2).
II. An inviting promise of all good things, if they would but keep God's commandments (v. 3-13).
III. A terrible threatening of ruining judgments which would be brought upon them if they were refractory and disobedient (v. 14-39).
IV. A gracious promise of the return of mercy to those of them that would repent and reform (v. 40, etc.). Deu. 28 is parallel to this.
Notes from Lev 25
The law of this chapter concerns the lands and estates of the Israelites in Canaan, the occupying and transferring of which were to be under the divine direction, as well as the management of religious worship; for, as the tabernacle was a holy house, so Canaan was a holy land; and upon that account, as much as any thing, it was the glory of all lands. In token of a peculiar title which God had to this land, and a right to dispose of it, he appointed,
I. That every seventh year should be a year of rest from occupying the land, a sabbatical year (v. 1-7). In this God expected from them extraordinary instances of faith and obedience, and they might expect from God extraordinary instances of power and goodness in providing for them (v. 18-22).
II. That every fiftieth year should be a year of jubilee, that is,
1. A year of release of debts and mortgages, and return to the possession of their alienated lands (v. 8-17). Particular directions are given,
(1.) Concerning the sale and redemption of lands (v. 23-28).
(2.) Of houses in cities and villages, with a proviso for Levite-cities (v. 29-34).
2. A year of release of servants and bond-slaves.
(1.) Here is inserted a law for the kind usage of poor debtors (v. 35-38).
(2). Then comes the law for the discharge of all Israelites that were sold for servants, in the year of jubilee, if they were not redeemed before.
[1.] If they were sold to Israelites (v. 39-46). And,
[2.] If sold to proselytes (v. 47-55). All these appointments have something moral and of perpetual obligation in them, though in the letter of them they were not only peculiar to the Jews, but to them only while they were in Canaan.
I. That every seventh year should be a year of rest from occupying the land, a sabbatical year (v. 1-7). In this God expected from them extraordinary instances of faith and obedience, and they might expect from God extraordinary instances of power and goodness in providing for them (v. 18-22).
II. That every fiftieth year should be a year of jubilee, that is,
1. A year of release of debts and mortgages, and return to the possession of their alienated lands (v. 8-17). Particular directions are given,
(1.) Concerning the sale and redemption of lands (v. 23-28).
(2.) Of houses in cities and villages, with a proviso for Levite-cities (v. 29-34).
2. A year of release of servants and bond-slaves.
(1.) Here is inserted a law for the kind usage of poor debtors (v. 35-38).
(2). Then comes the law for the discharge of all Israelites that were sold for servants, in the year of jubilee, if they were not redeemed before.
[1.] If they were sold to Israelites (v. 39-46). And,
[2.] If sold to proselytes (v. 47-55). All these appointments have something moral and of perpetual obligation in them, though in the letter of them they were not only peculiar to the Jews, but to them only while they were in Canaan.
Saturday 6 January 2018
Notes from Lev 24
In this chapter we have,
I. A repetition of the laws concerning the lamps and the show-bread (v. 1-9).
II. A violation of the law against blasphemy, with the imprisonment, trial, condemnation, and execution, of the blasphemer (v. 10-14, with v. 23).
III. The law against blasphemy reinforced (v. 15, 16), with sundry other laws (v. 17, etc.).
I. A repetition of the laws concerning the lamps and the show-bread (v. 1-9).
II. A violation of the law against blasphemy, with the imprisonment, trial, condemnation, and execution, of the blasphemer (v. 10-14, with v. 23).
III. The law against blasphemy reinforced (v. 15, 16), with sundry other laws (v. 17, etc.).
Notes from Lev 23
Hitherto the levitical law had been chiefly conversant about holy persons, holy things, and holy places; in this chapter we have the institution of holy times, many of which had been mentioned occasionally before, but here they are all put together, only the new moons are not mentioned. All the rest of the feasts of the Lord are,
I. The weekly feast of the sabbath (v. 3).
II. The yearly feasts,
1. The passover, and the feast of unleavened bread (v. 4-8), to which was annexed the offering of the sheaf of firstfruits (v. 9-14).
2. Pentecost (v. 15-22).
3. The solemnities of the seventh month. The feast of trumpets on the first day (v. 23-25), the day of atonement on the tenth day (v. 26-32), and the feast of tabernacles on the fifteenth (v. 33, etc.).
I. The weekly feast of the sabbath (v. 3).
II. The yearly feasts,
1. The passover, and the feast of unleavened bread (v. 4-8), to which was annexed the offering of the sheaf of firstfruits (v. 9-14).
2. Pentecost (v. 15-22).
3. The solemnities of the seventh month. The feast of trumpets on the first day (v. 23-25), the day of atonement on the tenth day (v. 26-32), and the feast of tabernacles on the fifteenth (v. 33, etc.).
Notes frmo Lev 22
In this chapter we have divers laws concerning the priests and sacrifices all for the preserving of the honour of the sanctuary.
I. That the priests should not eat the holy things in their uncleanness (v. 1-9).
II. That no stranger who did not belong to some family of the priests should eat of the holy things (v. 10-13), and, if he did it unwittingly, he must make restitution, (v. 14-16).
III. That the sacrifices which were offered must be without blemish (v. 17-25).
IV. That they must be more than eight days old (v. 26-28), and that the sacrifices of thanksgiving must be eaten the same day they were offered (v. 29, etc.).
I. That the priests should not eat the holy things in their uncleanness (v. 1-9).
II. That no stranger who did not belong to some family of the priests should eat of the holy things (v. 10-13), and, if he did it unwittingly, he must make restitution, (v. 14-16).
III. That the sacrifices which were offered must be without blemish (v. 17-25).
IV. That they must be more than eight days old (v. 26-28), and that the sacrifices of thanksgiving must be eaten the same day they were offered (v. 29, etc.).
Notes from Lev 21
This chapter might borrow its title from Mal. 2:1, "And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you.' It is a law obliging priests with the utmost care and jealousy to preserve the dignity of their priesthood.
I. The inferior priests are here charged both concerning their mourning and concerning their marriages and their children (v. 1-9).
II. The high priest is restrained more than any of them (v. 10-15).
III. Neither the one nor the other must have any blemish (v. 16, etc.).
I. The inferior priests are here charged both concerning their mourning and concerning their marriages and their children (v. 1-9).
II. The high priest is restrained more than any of them (v. 10-15).
III. Neither the one nor the other must have any blemish (v. 16, etc.).
Notes from Lev 20
The laws which before were made are in this chapter repeated and penalties annexed to them, that those who would not be deterred from sin by the fear of God might be deterred from it by the fear of punishment. If we will not avoid such and such practices because the law has made them sin (and it is most acceptable when we go on that principle of religion), surely we shall avoid them when the law has made them death, from a principle of self-preservation. In this chapter we have,
I. Many particular crimes that are made capital.
1. Giving their children to Moloch (v. 1-5).
2. Consulting witches (v. 6, 27).
3. Cursing parents (v. 9).
4. Adultery (v. 10).
5. Incest (v. 11, 12, 14, 17, 19-21).
6. Unnatural lusts (v. 13, 15, 16, 18).
II. General commands given to be holy (v. 7, 8, 22-26).
I. Many particular crimes that are made capital.
1. Giving their children to Moloch (v. 1-5).
2. Consulting witches (v. 6, 27).
3. Cursing parents (v. 9).
4. Adultery (v. 10).
5. Incest (v. 11, 12, 14, 17, 19-21).
6. Unnatural lusts (v. 13, 15, 16, 18).
II. General commands given to be holy (v. 7, 8, 22-26).
Notes from Lev 19
Some ceremonial precepts there are in this chapter, but most of them are moral. One would wonder that when some of the lighter matters of the law are greatly enlarged upon (witness two long chapters concerning the leprosy) many of the weightier matters are put into a little compass: divers of the single verses of this chapter contain whole laws concerning judgment and mercy; for these are things which are manifest in every man's conscience; men's own thoughts are able to explain these, and to comment upon them.
I. The laws of this chapter, which were peculiar to the Jews, are,
1. Concerning their peace-offerings (v. 5-8).
2. Concerning the gleanings of their fields (v. 9, 10).
3. Against mixtures of their cattle, seed, and cloth (v. 19).
4. Concerning their trees (v. 23-25).
5. Against some superstitious usages (v. 26-28). But,
II. Most of these precepts are binding on us, for they are expositions of most of the ten commandments.
1. Here is the preface to the ten commandments, "I am the Lord,' repeated fifteen times.
2. A sum of the ten commandments. All the first table in this, "Be you holy,' (v. 2). All the second table in this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour' (v. 18), and an answer to the question, "Who is my neighbour?' (v. 33, 34).
3. Something of each commandment.
(1.) The first commandment implied in that which is often repeated here, "I am your God.' And here is a prohibition of enchantment (v. 26) and witchcraft (v. 31), which make a god of the devil.
(2.) Idolatry, against the second commandment, is forbidden, (v. 4).
(3.) Profanation of God's name, against the third (v. 12).
(4.) Sabbath-sanctification is pressed (v. 3, 30).
(5.) Children are required to honour their parents (v. 3), and the aged (v. 32).
(6.) Hatred and revenge are here forbidden, against the sixth commandment (v. 17, 18).
(7.) Adultery (v. 20-22), and whoredom (v. 29).
(8.) Justice is here required in judgment (v. 15), theft forbidden (v. 11), fraud and withholding dues (v. 13), and false weights (v. 35, 36).
(9.) Lying (v. 11). Slandering (v. 14). Tale-bearing, and false-witness bearing (v. 16).
(10.) The tenth commandment laying a restraint upon the heart, so does that (v. 17), "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart.' And here is a solemn charge to observe all these statutes (v. 37). Now these are things which need not much help for the understanding of them, but require constant care and watchfulness for the observing of them. "A good understanding have all those that do these commandments.'
I. The laws of this chapter, which were peculiar to the Jews, are,
1. Concerning their peace-offerings (v. 5-8).
2. Concerning the gleanings of their fields (v. 9, 10).
3. Against mixtures of their cattle, seed, and cloth (v. 19).
4. Concerning their trees (v. 23-25).
5. Against some superstitious usages (v. 26-28). But,
II. Most of these precepts are binding on us, for they are expositions of most of the ten commandments.
1. Here is the preface to the ten commandments, "I am the Lord,' repeated fifteen times.
2. A sum of the ten commandments. All the first table in this, "Be you holy,' (v. 2). All the second table in this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour' (v. 18), and an answer to the question, "Who is my neighbour?' (v. 33, 34).
3. Something of each commandment.
(1.) The first commandment implied in that which is often repeated here, "I am your God.' And here is a prohibition of enchantment (v. 26) and witchcraft (v. 31), which make a god of the devil.
(2.) Idolatry, against the second commandment, is forbidden, (v. 4).
(3.) Profanation of God's name, against the third (v. 12).
(4.) Sabbath-sanctification is pressed (v. 3, 30).
(5.) Children are required to honour their parents (v. 3), and the aged (v. 32).
(6.) Hatred and revenge are here forbidden, against the sixth commandment (v. 17, 18).
(7.) Adultery (v. 20-22), and whoredom (v. 29).
(8.) Justice is here required in judgment (v. 15), theft forbidden (v. 11), fraud and withholding dues (v. 13), and false weights (v. 35, 36).
(9.) Lying (v. 11). Slandering (v. 14). Tale-bearing, and false-witness bearing (v. 16).
(10.) The tenth commandment laying a restraint upon the heart, so does that (v. 17), "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart.' And here is a solemn charge to observe all these statutes (v. 37). Now these are things which need not much help for the understanding of them, but require constant care and watchfulness for the observing of them. "A good understanding have all those that do these commandments.'
Notes from Lev 18
Here is,
I. A general law against all conformity to the corrupt usages of the heathen (v. 1-5).
II. Particular laws,
1. Against incest (v. 6-18).
2. Against beastly lusts, and barbarous idolatries (v. 19-23).
III. The enforcement of these laws from the ruin of the Canaanites (v. 24-30).
I. A general law against all conformity to the corrupt usages of the heathen (v. 1-5).
II. Particular laws,
1. Against incest (v. 6-18).
2. Against beastly lusts, and barbarous idolatries (v. 19-23).
III. The enforcement of these laws from the ruin of the Canaanites (v. 24-30).
Notes from Lev 17
After the law concerning the atonement to be made for all Israel by the high priest, at the tabernacle, with the blood of bulls and goats, in this chapter we have two prohibitions necessary for the preservation of the honour of that atonement.
I. That no sacrifice should be offered by any other than the priests, nor any where but at the door of the tabernacle, and this upon pain of death (v. 1-9).
II. That no blood should be eaten, and this under the same penalty (v. 10, etc.).
I. That no sacrifice should be offered by any other than the priests, nor any where but at the door of the tabernacle, and this upon pain of death (v. 1-9).
II. That no blood should be eaten, and this under the same penalty (v. 10, etc.).
Notes from Lev 16
In this chapter we have the institution of the annual solemnity of the day of atonement, or expiation, which had as much gospel in it as perhaps any of the appointments of the ceremonial law, as appears by the reference the apostle makes to it, Heb. 9:7, etc. We had before divers laws concerning sin-offerings for particular persons, and to be offered upon particular occasions; but this is concerning the stated sacrifice, in which the whole nation was interested. The whole service of the day is committed to the high priest.
I. He must never come into the most holy place but upon this day (v. 1, 2).
II. He must come dressed in linen garments (v. 4).
III. He must bring a sin-offering and a burnt-offering for himself (v. 3), offer his sin-offering (v. 6-11), then go within the veil with some of the blood of his sin-offering, burn incense, and sprinkle the blood before the mercy-seat (v. 12-14).
IV. Two goats must be provided for the people, lots cast upon them, and,
1. One of them must be a sin-offering for the people (v. 5, 7-9), and the blood of it must be sprinkled before the mercy-seat (v. 15-17), and then some of the blood of both the sin-offerings must be sprinkled upon the altar (v. 18, 19).
2. The other must be a scape-goat (v. 10), the sins of Israel must be confessed over him, and then he must be sent away into the wilderness (v. 20-22), and he that brought him away must be ceremonially unclean (v. 26).
V. The burnt-offerings were then to be offered, the fat of the sin-offerings burnt on the altar, and their flesh burnt without the camp (v. 23-25, 27, 28).
VI. The people were to observe the day religiously by a holy rest and holy mourning for sin; and this was to be a statute for ever (v. 29, etc.).
I. He must never come into the most holy place but upon this day (v. 1, 2).
II. He must come dressed in linen garments (v. 4).
III. He must bring a sin-offering and a burnt-offering for himself (v. 3), offer his sin-offering (v. 6-11), then go within the veil with some of the blood of his sin-offering, burn incense, and sprinkle the blood before the mercy-seat (v. 12-14).
IV. Two goats must be provided for the people, lots cast upon them, and,
1. One of them must be a sin-offering for the people (v. 5, 7-9), and the blood of it must be sprinkled before the mercy-seat (v. 15-17), and then some of the blood of both the sin-offerings must be sprinkled upon the altar (v. 18, 19).
2. The other must be a scape-goat (v. 10), the sins of Israel must be confessed over him, and then he must be sent away into the wilderness (v. 20-22), and he that brought him away must be ceremonially unclean (v. 26).
V. The burnt-offerings were then to be offered, the fat of the sin-offerings burnt on the altar, and their flesh burnt without the camp (v. 23-25, 27, 28).
VI. The people were to observe the day religiously by a holy rest and holy mourning for sin; and this was to be a statute for ever (v. 29, etc.).
Notes from Lev 15
In this chapter we have laws concerning other ceremonial uncleannesses contracted either by bodily disease like that of the leper, or some natural incidents, and this either,
I. In men (v. 1-18). Or,
II. In women (v. 19-33). We need not be at all curious in explaining these antiquated laws, it is enough if we observe the general intention; but we have need to be very cautious lest sin take occasion by the commandment to become more exceedingly sinful; and exceedingly sinful it is when lust is kindled by sparks of fire from God's altar. The case is bad with the soul when it is putrefied by that which should purify it.
I. In men (v. 1-18). Or,
II. In women (v. 19-33). We need not be at all curious in explaining these antiquated laws, it is enough if we observe the general intention; but we have need to be very cautious lest sin take occasion by the commandment to become more exceedingly sinful; and exceedingly sinful it is when lust is kindled by sparks of fire from God's altar. The case is bad with the soul when it is putrefied by that which should purify it.
Notes from Lev 14
The former chapter directed the priests how to convict a leper of ceremonial uncleanness. No prescriptions are given for his cure; but, when God had cured him, the priests are in this chapter directed how to cleanse him. The remedy here is only adapted to the ceremonial part of his disease; but the authority Christ gave to his ministers was to cure the lepers, and so to cleanse them. We have here,
I. The solemn declaration of the leper's being clean, with the significant ceremony attending it (v. 1-9).
II. The sacrifices which he was to offer to God eight days after (v. 10-32).
III. The management of a house in which appeared signs of a leprosy (v. 33-53). And the conclusion and summary of this whole matter (v. 54, etc.).
I. The solemn declaration of the leper's being clean, with the significant ceremony attending it (v. 1-9).
II. The sacrifices which he was to offer to God eight days after (v. 10-32).
III. The management of a house in which appeared signs of a leprosy (v. 33-53). And the conclusion and summary of this whole matter (v. 54, etc.).
Notes from Lev 13
The next ceremonial uncleanness is that of the leprosy, concerning which the law was very large and particular; we have the discovery of it in this chapter, and the cleansing of the leper in the next. Scarcely any one thing in all the levitical law takes up so much room as this.
I. Rules are here given by which the priest must judge whether the man had the leprosy or no, according as the symptom was that appeared.
1. If it was a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot (v. 1-17).
2. If it was a bile (v. 18-23).
3. If it was in inflammation (v. 24-28).
4. If it was in the head or beard (v. 29-37).
5. If it was a bright spot (v. 38, 39).
6. If it was in a bald head (v. 40-44).
II. Direction is given how the leper must be disposed of (v. 45, 46).
III. Concerning the leprosy in garments (v. 47, etc.).
I. Rules are here given by which the priest must judge whether the man had the leprosy or no, according as the symptom was that appeared.
1. If it was a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot (v. 1-17).
2. If it was a bile (v. 18-23).
3. If it was in inflammation (v. 24-28).
4. If it was in the head or beard (v. 29-37).
5. If it was a bright spot (v. 38, 39).
6. If it was in a bald head (v. 40-44).
II. Direction is given how the leper must be disposed of (v. 45, 46).
III. Concerning the leprosy in garments (v. 47, etc.).
Notes from Lev 12
After the laws concerning clean and unclean food come the laws concerning clean and unclean persons; and the first is in this chapter concerning the ceremonial uncleanness of women in child-birth (v. 1-5). And concerning their purification from that uncleanness (v. 6, etc.).
Notes from Lev 11
The ceremonial law is described by the apostle (Heb. 9:9, 10) to consist, not only "in gifts and sacrifices,' which hitherto have been treated of in this book, but "in meats, and drinks, and divers washings' from ceremonial uncleanness, the laws concerning which begin with this chapter, which puts a difference between some sorts of flesh-meat and others, allowing some to be eaten as clean and forbidding others as unclean. "There is one kind of flesh of men.' Nature startles at the thought of eating this, and none do it but such as have arrived at the highest degree of barbarity, and become but one remove from brutes; therefore there needed no law against it. But there is "another kind of flesh of beasts,' concerning which the law directs here (v. 1-8), "another of fishes' (v. 9-12), "another of birds' (v. 13-19), and "another of creeping things,' which are distinguished into two sorts, flying creeping things (v. 20-28) and creeping things upon the earth (v. 29-43). And the law concludes with the general rule of holiness, and reasons for it (v. 44, etc.).
Notes from Lev 10
The story of this chapter is as sad an interruption to the institutions of the levitical law as that of the golden calf was to the account of the erecting of the tabernacle. Here is,
I. The sin and death of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron (v. 1, 2).
II. The quieting of Aaron under this sore affliction (v. 3).
III. Orders given and observed about the funeral and mourning (v. 4-7).
IV. A command to the priests not to drink wine when they went in to minister (v. 8-11).
V. The care Moses took that they should go on with their work, notwithstanding the agitation produced by this event (v. 12, etc.).
I. The sin and death of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron (v. 1, 2).
II. The quieting of Aaron under this sore affliction (v. 3).
III. Orders given and observed about the funeral and mourning (v. 4-7).
IV. A command to the priests not to drink wine when they went in to minister (v. 8-11).
V. The care Moses took that they should go on with their work, notwithstanding the agitation produced by this event (v. 12, etc.).
Notes from Lev 9
Aaron and his sons, having been solemnly consecrated to the priesthood, are in this chapter entering upon the execution of their office, the very next day after their consecration was completed.
I. Moses (no doubt by direction from God) appoints a meeting between God and his priests, as the representatives of his people, ordering them to attend him, and assuring them that he would appear to them (v. 1-7).
II. The meeting is held according to the appointment.
1. Aaron attends on God by sacrifice, offering a sin-offering and burnt-offering for himself (v. 8-14), and then the offerings for the people, whom he blessed in the name of the Lord (v. 15-22).
2. God signifies his acceptance,
(1.) Of their persons, by showing them his glory (v. 23).
(2.) Of their sacrifices, by consuming them with fire from heaven (v. 24).
I. Moses (no doubt by direction from God) appoints a meeting between God and his priests, as the representatives of his people, ordering them to attend him, and assuring them that he would appear to them (v. 1-7).
II. The meeting is held according to the appointment.
1. Aaron attends on God by sacrifice, offering a sin-offering and burnt-offering for himself (v. 8-14), and then the offerings for the people, whom he blessed in the name of the Lord (v. 15-22).
2. God signifies his acceptance,
(1.) Of their persons, by showing them his glory (v. 23).
(2.) Of their sacrifices, by consuming them with fire from heaven (v. 24).
Notes from Lev 8
This chapter gives us an account of the solemn consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priest's office.
I. It was done publicly, and the congregation was called together to be witnesses of it (v. 1-4).
II. It was done exactly according to God's appointment (v. 5).
1. They were washed and dressed (v. 6-9, 13).
2. The tabernacle and the utensils of it were anointed, and then the priests (v. 10-12).
3. A sin-offering was offered for them (v. 14-17).
4. A burnt-offering (v. 18-21).
5. The ram of consecration (v. 22-30).
6. The continuance of this solemnity for seven days (v. 31, etc.).
I. It was done publicly, and the congregation was called together to be witnesses of it (v. 1-4).
II. It was done exactly according to God's appointment (v. 5).
1. They were washed and dressed (v. 6-9, 13).
2. The tabernacle and the utensils of it were anointed, and then the priests (v. 10-12).
3. A sin-offering was offered for them (v. 14-17).
4. A burnt-offering (v. 18-21).
5. The ram of consecration (v. 22-30).
6. The continuance of this solemnity for seven days (v. 31, etc.).
Notes from Lev 7
Here is,
I. The law of the trespass-offering (v. 1-7), with some further directions concerning the burnt-offering and the meat-offering (v. 8-10).
II. The law of the peace-offering. The eating of it (v. 11-21), on which occasion the prohibition of eating fat or blood is repeated (v. 22-27), and the priests' share of it (v. 28-34).
III. The conclusion of those institutions (v. 35, etc.).
I. The law of the trespass-offering (v. 1-7), with some further directions concerning the burnt-offering and the meat-offering (v. 8-10).
II. The law of the peace-offering. The eating of it (v. 11-21), on which occasion the prohibition of eating fat or blood is repeated (v. 22-27), and the priests' share of it (v. 28-34).
III. The conclusion of those institutions (v. 35, etc.).
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