Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Leviticus
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 27
Overview:
The
Law concerning
Vows, Of persons and animals.
(1-13) Vows
concerning houses and land.
(14-25) Devoted things not to be
redeemed.
(26-33) Conclusion.
(34)
1-13 Zeal for the service of
God disposed the Israelites,
On
some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the
service of the
Lord, in his
House for
Life. Some persons who
thus dedicated themselves might be employed as assistants; in
general they were to be redeemed for a value. It is good to be
zealously affected and liberally disposed for the
Lord's
service; but the matter should be
Well weighed, and prudence
should direct as to what we do; else rash
Vows and hesitation in
doing them will dishonour
God, and trouble our own minds.
14-25 Our houses, lands,
Cattle, and all our substance, must be
used to the
Glory of
God. It is acceptable to him that a portion
be given to support his
Worship, and to promote his cause. But
God would not approve such a degree of zeal as ruined a
Man's
family.
26-33 Things or persons devoted, are distinguished from things
or persons that were only sanctified. Devoted things were most
holy to the
Lord, and could neither be taken back nor applied to
other purposes. Whatever productions they had the benefit of,
God
must be honoured with the tenth of, if it could be applied. Thus
they acknowledge
God to be the Owner of their land, the Giver of
its fruits, and themselves to be his tenants, and dependants
upon him. Thus they gave him thanks for the plenty they enjoyed,
and besought his favour in the continuance of it. We are taught
to honour the
Lord with our substance.
34 The last verse seems to have reference to this whole
Book.
Many of the precepts in it are moral, and always binding; others
are ceremonial, and
Peculiar to the Jewish nation; yet they have
a spiritual meaning, and
So teach us; for unto us,
By these
institutions, is the
Gospel preached, as
Well as unto them, Heb
4:2. The doctrine of reconciliation to
God By a
Mediator, is
not clouded with the smoke of burning
Sacrifice, but cleared
By
the knowledge of
Christ and him crucified. We are under the
sweet and easy institutions of the
Gospel, which pronounces
those true worshippers, who
Worship the
Father in
Spirit and
Truth,
By Christ only, and in his name. Yet, let us not think,
because we are not tied to the ceremonial rites and oblations,
that a little care, time, and expense, will serve to honour
God
with. Having boldness to enter into the holiest
By the
Blood of
Jesus, let us draw near with a true
Heart, and in full
Assurance
of
Faith, worshipping
God with the more cheerfulness and humble
confidence, still saying, BLESSED BE
God FOR
Jesus Christ.