he offerings of the princes at the dedication of the
tabernacle. (1-9) The offerings of the princes at the dedication
of the altar. (10-89)
Verses 1-9: The offering of the princes to the service of the
tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary
observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The
more any are advanced, the greater opportunity they have of
serving God and their generation. No sooner was the tabernacle
set up, than provision is made for the removal of it. Even when
but just settled in the world, we must be preparing for changes
and removes, especially for the great change.
Verses 10-89: The princes and great men were most forward in the
service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of
the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power,
their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service
of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of
joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices,
we find a sin-offering. As, in our best services, we are
conscious that there is sin, there should be repentance, even in
our most joyful services. In all approaches to God we must by
faith look to Christ as the Sin-offering. They brought their
offerings each on a day. God's work should not be done
confusedly, or in a hurry; take time, and we shall have done the
sooner, or, at least, we shall have done the better. If services
are to be done for twelve days together, we must not call it a
task and a burden. All their offerings were the same; all the
tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal
interest in the sacrifices offered upon it. He who now spake to
Moses, as the Shechinah or Divine Majesty, from between the
Cherubim, was the Eternal Word, the second Person in the
Trinity; for all God's communion with man is by his Son, by whom
he made the world, and rules the church, who is the same
yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
he offerings of the princes at the dedication of the
tabernacle. (1-9) The offerings of the princes at the dedication
of the altar. (10-89)