he meat-offering of flour. (1-11) The offering of
first-fruits. (12-16)
Verses 1-11: Meat-offerings may typify Christ, as presented to God for
us, and as being the Bread of life to our souls; but they rather
seem to denote our obligation to God for the blessings of
providence, and those good works which are acceptable to God.
The term "meat" was, and still is, properly given to any kind of
provision, and the greater part of this offering was to be eaten
for food, not burned. These meat-offerings are mentioned after
the burnt-offerings: without an interest in the sacrifice of
Christ, and devotedness of heart to God, such services cannot be
accepted. Leaven is the emblem of pride, malice, and hypocrisy,
and honey of sensual pleasure. The former are directly opposed
to the graces of humility, love, and sincerity, which God
approves; the latter takes men from the exercises of devotion,
and the practice of good works. Christ, in his character and
sacrifice, was wholly free from the things denoted by leaven;
and his suffering life and agonizing death were the very
opposites to worldly pleasure. His people are called to follow,
and to be like him.
Verses 12-16: Salt is required in all the offerings. God hereby
intimates to them that their sacrifices, in themselves, were
unsavoury. All religious services must be seasoned with grace.
Christianity is the salt of the earth. Directions are given
about offering their first-fruits at harvest. If a man, with a
thankful sense of God's goodness in giving him a plentiful crop,
was disposed to present an offering to God, let him bring the
first ripe and full ears. Whatever was brought to God must be
the best in its kind, though it were but green ears of corn. Oil
and frankincense must be put upon it. Wisdom and humility soften
and sweeten the spirits and services of young people, and their
green ears of corn shall be acceptable. God takes delight in the
first ripe fruits of the Spirit, and the expressions of early
piety and devotion. Holy love to God is the fire by which all
our offerings must be made. The frankincense denotes the
mediation and intercession of Christ, by which our services are
accepted. Blessed be God that we have the substance, of which
these observances were but shadows. There is that excellency in
Christ, and in his work as Mediator, which no types and shadows
can fully represent. And our dependence thereon must be so
entire, that we must never lose sight of it in any thing we do,
if we would be accepted of God.
he meat-offering of flour. (1-11) The offering of
first-fruits. (12-16)