MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Leviticus 1
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Leviticus 1
1. The Lord spoke to Moses from the tabernacle, delivering the remaining laws of God to him.
2. Speak to the Israelites and say: If any man brings an offering to the Lord, it must be a voluntary gift, not one required by law or custom. This rule excluded animals that were used for other purposes, such as horses, dogs, swine, camels, and asses, which were sacrificed by some heathen nations.
3. A burnt sacrifice was a type of offering where the entire animal was consumed on the altar, with no part eaten by the priests or the offerer. This sacrifice was designed to atone for sin and demonstrate the self-dedication of the offerer. The animal must be a male without blemish, indicating its purity and fitness for sacrifice.
4. To make the offering acceptable, the offerer would place his hand on the head of the animal, symbolizing his confession of sin and request that God transfer his guilt to the victim.
5. The offerer was responsible for killing the animal at the door of the tabernacle, where the altar of burnt offering stood. The priests would then sprinkle the blood on the altar, applying the atonement and making the sacrifice acceptable to God.
6. The fat around the kidneys, known as "suet," was a key part of the sacrifice, representing the offerer's inner purity and devotion.
7. After killing the animal, the offerer would wash its inwards and legs with water, symbolizing his desire for inward purity and holy living.
8. The sacrifice was to be offered as a sweet aroma to the Lord, demonstrating the offerer's piety and devotion.
9. If an individual could not afford a bullock, they might offer a ram or a he-goat, following the same procedures as described above.
10-13. For those who were poor, the offering of fowl was appointed, with two turtledoves or young pigeons being acceptable. The reason for this was not merely convenience but also to ensure that the birds were in season and suitable for eating.
14-17. The selection of doves and pigeons as offerings was due to their gentle nature and cleanliness. Since these small animals did not have enough blood for waste, the priests would prepare them at the altar and sprinkle the blood, making the sacrifice acceptable to God.