Leviticus 1:1--27:34
called <07121> [called.]
Tent <0168> [out of.]
someone <0120> [If any.]
offering ......... offering <07133> [an offering.]
{Korban,} from {karav} to approach, an introductory offering, or offering of access, in allusion to the present which is always required in the East, on being introduced to a superior.
burnt offering <05930> [a burnt.]
male <02145> [a male.]
acceptance <07522> [his own.]
entrance <06607> [at the.]
lay <05564> [put.]
accepted <07521> [be accepted.]
atonement <03722> [atonement.]
slaughter <07819> [kill.]
priests <03548> [the priests.]
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
fire .......... fire <0784> [fire.]
wood <06086> [lay.]
entrails <07130> [inwards.]
offer .......... altar <06999 04196> [burn all.]
aroma <05207> [a sweet.]
flock <06629> [of the flocks.]
burnt offering <05930> [a burnt sacrifice.]
{Olah,} a burnt offering, from {ƒlah,} to ascend, because this offering ascended, as it were, to God in flame and smoke, being wholly consumed; for which reason its is called in the Septuagint, [holo kaut¢ma,] a whole burnt offering. This was the most important of all the sacrifices; and no part of it was eaten either by the priest or the offerer, but the whole was offered to God. It has been sufficiently shown by learned men, that almost every nation of the earth, in every age, had their burnt offerings, from the persuasion that there was no other way to appease the incensed gods; and they even offered human sacrifices, because they imagined that life was necessary to redeem life, and that the gods would be satisfied with nothing less.
male <02145> [a male.]
slaughter <07819> [he shall.]
north <06828> [northward.]
priests <03548> [and the.]
birds <05775> [of fowls.]
pinch .... head <07218 04454> [wring off his head. or, pinch off the head with the nail.]
feathers <05133> [his feathers. or, the filth thereof.]
place <04725> [by the place.]
dividing <0914> [shall not.]
burnt offering <05930> [it is.]
grain offering ...... offering <07133 04503> [meat offering.]
{Minchah,} from the Arabic {manacha,} to give, especially as a reciprocal gift, a gift, oblation, or eucharistical or gratitude offering, for the bounties of providence displayed in the fruits of the earth. It is termed a meat offering by our translators, because the term meat in their time was the general name for food.
choice wheat flour <05560> [fine flour.]
pour olive oil <08081 03332> [pour oil.]
frankincense <03828> [frankincense.]
memorial portion <0234> [the memorial.]
remainder <03498> [the remnant.]
most holy <06944> [most holy.]
offering of grain <04503> [meat offering.]
oven <08574> [the oven.]
{Tannur}, probably such an oven as that described by D'Arvieux, as used by the Arabs. He states that they make a fire in a great stone pitcher, and when heated, mix meal and water, which they apply with the hollow of their hands to the outside, and this soft paste spreading itself upon it, is baked in an instant, and the bread comes of as thin as our wafers.
wafers <07550> [wafers.]
griddle <04227> [in a pan. or, on a flat plate, or slice.]
{Machavath,} a flat iron plate, such as the Arabs still use to bake their cakes on, and which is called a griddle in some of our counties.
pan <04802> [the frying-pan.]
{Marchesheth}, a shallow earthen vessel, like a frying pan, which the Arabs call a {tajen.}
choice wheat flour <05560> [of fine.]
memorial <0234> [a memorial.]
gift <0801> [an offering.]
yeast <07603> [no leaven.]
honey <01706> [honey.]
offering <07133> [the oblation.]
up <05927> [be burnt. Heb. ascend.]
salt ....... salt ......................... salt <04417> [with salt.]
salt ....... salt ......................... salt <04417> [the salt.]
offerings <07133> [with all thine.]
grain offering ............. grain offering <04503> [a meat offering.]
These first fruits seem to have been the voluntary oblation brought by individuals, of the finest ears of corn out of the field, before the harvest was ripe.
crushed bits <01643> [corn beaten.]
sacrifice <02077> [a sacrifice.]
flawless <08549> [without.]
lay <05564> [lay.]
slaughter ..... entrance <07819 06607> [kill it.]
fat ......... fat <02459> [the fat. or, suet.]
kidneys .......... protruding lobe .... liver .......... kidneys <03629 03516 03508> [caul above the liver, with the kidneys. or, midriff over the liver, and over the kidneys.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron's.]
burnt offering <05930> [upon the burnt.]
sacrifice <02077> [a sacrifice.]
flock <06629> [be of.]
male <02145> [male.]
present <07126> [he shall.]
presents ......... present ... before <07126 06440> [offer it.]
lay <05564> [he shall.]
slaughter ... before <07819 06440> [kill it.]
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
fatty ........... fat ........ fat <02459> [the fat.]
must ..... fatty tail <0451 08549> [the whole rump.]
To what has already been said on the tails of eastern sheep, we may add the testimony of Ludolf, who states that they are so very large, some of them weighing from twelve to fourteen pounds, "that the owners are obliged to tie a little cart behind them, whereupon they put the tail of the sheep, as well for the convenience of carriage, and to ease the poor creatures, as to preserve the wool from dirt, and the tail from being torn among the bushes and stones." The same is testified by Dr. Russell, who says, "In some other places where they feed in the fields, the shepherds are obliged to fix a piece of thin board to the under part of the tail, to prevent its being torn by bushes, thistles, etc., as it is not covered underneath with thick wool, like the upper part; and some have small wheels to facilitate the dragging of the board after them."
protruding lobe <03508> [the caul.]
smoke <06999> [burn.]
food <03899> [the food.]
goat <05795> [a goat.]
lay ... hand <03027 05564> [lay his hand.]
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
fat ... covers ....... fat <02459 03680> [the fat that covereth.]
food <03899> [it is the food.]
fat <02459> [all the fat.]
perpetual <05769> [a perpetual.]
eat ... fat <0398 02459> [eat neither.]
That is, neither the blood which is contained in the larger veins and arteries, nor the fat or suet which is within the animal, which exists in a separate or unmixed state, as the {omentum} or {caul,} the fat of the {mesentery,} or fatty part of the substance which connects the convolutions of the alimentary canal or small intestines, the fat of the kidneys, and whatever else of the internal fat was easily separable, together with the whole of the tail already described; for the blood which assumes the form of gravy, and the fat which is intermixed with the other flesh, might be eaten. This law not only related to the sacrifices, but to all the cattle which the Israelites slaughtered for food.
blood <01818> [blood.]
unintentionally <07684> [through.]
violated ... violates <06213> [which ought.]
priest <03548> [the priest.]
bull <01241 06499> [a young bullock.]
sin ................. sin offering <02403> [for a sin.]
bring <0935> [bring.]
lay ... hand <03027 05564> [lay his hand.]
dip <02881> [dip.]
seven times <07651 06471> [seven times.]
The number seven is what is called a number of perfection among the Hebrews; and is often used to denote the completion, fulness, or perfection of a thing.
horns <07161> [the horns.]
blood ........................... blood <01818> [all the blood.]
[without the camp. Heb. to without the camp.]
This was intended, figuratively, to express the enormity of this sin, and the availableness of the atonement. The sacrifice, as having the sin of the priest transferred from himself to it, by his confession and imposition of hands, was become unclean and abominable, and was carried, as it were, out of God's sight; and thus its own offensiveness was removed, with the sin of the person in whose behalf it was offered.
fatty ash .................. fatty ash <01880> [the ashes.]
burn ..... wood ...... burned <08313 06086> [burn him.]
to ...... to ... fatty ash pile ................. fatty ash pile <01880 08211 0413> [where the ashes are poured out. Heb. at the pouring out of the ashes.]
congregation <05712> [the whole congregation.]
This may refer to some oversight in acts of religious worship, or to some transgression of the letter of the law, which arose out of the peculiar circumstances in which they were found, as in the case mentioned in 1 Sa 14:32, et seq. The sacrifices and rites in this case were the same as in the preceding; only here the elders laid their hands on the head of the victim, in the name of all the congregation.
unintentionally <07686> [through ignorance.]
guilty <0816> [and are guilty.]
young bull <06499 01241> [young bullock.]
elders <02205> [the elders.]
lay <05564> [lay.]
horns <07161> [upon the.]
pour <08210> [and shall pour out.]
The reason for pouring out the blood, which is so constantly and strictly required by the law, was in opposition to an idolatrous custom of the ancient Zabii, who "were accustomed to eat of the blood of their sacrifices, because they imagined this to be the food of their gods, with whom they thought they had such communion, by eating their meat, that they revealed to them future things."--Maimonides
bull ........ bull <06499> [with the.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
burn ...... burned <08313> [as he.]
sin offering <02403> [a sin offering.]
leader ..... sins <02398 05387> [a ruler hath sinned.]
Under the term {nasi,} that is, one preferred or elevated above others, from {nasa,} to exalt, it is probable that any person is meant who held any kind of political dignity among the people; and it evidently means the head of a tribe as in Nu 1:4, 16; 7:2. But the Rabbins generally understand it of the prince of the great sanhedrin, who, when they were under the regal form of government, was the king. A kid of the goats was the sacrifice in this case; and the rites were nearly the same as in the preceding, only the fat was burnt as that of the peace offering. (ver. 26.)
violates ............... violated <06213> [and done.]
sin <02403> [if his sin.]
male <08163> [a kid.]
lay <05564> [And he.]
place <04725> [in the place.]
sin offering <02403> [it is a sin.]
put <05414> [put.]
fat .......... fat <02459> [the fat.]
[See on ch.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
[any one. Heb. any soul.]
<05971 0776> [common people. Heb. people of the land .]
{Am ha„retz;} that is, any individual who was not a priest, king, or ruler among the people; an ordinary person. Any of these having transgressed, was obliged to bring a lamb or kid, the ceremonies being nearly the same as in the preceding cases.
<08166> [a kid.]
female <05347> [a female.]
horns <07161> [upon the horns.]
pour <08210> [pour out.]
There may have been some place at the bottom of the altar to receive and carry off the blood.
fat .... fat <02459> [all the fat.]
aroma <05207> [a sweet.]
priest .................... priest <03548> [and the priest.]
sheep <03532> [a lamb.]
flawless <08549> [without blemish.]
horns .... altar ..................... altar <04196 07161> [the horns of the altar.]
remove ............. removed <05493> [And he.]
gifts <0801> [according.]
priest ...................... priest .... atonement <03548 03722> [and the priest shall make.]
person <05315> [a soul.]
hears <08085> [hear.]
curse <06963 0423> [the voice of swearing.]
{Kol alah,} rather, "the voice of adjuration," [ph¢n‚n orkismou,] as the LXX. render; for this does not relate to the duty of informing against a common swearer, but to the case of a person who, being adjured by the civil magistrate to answer upon oath, refuses to declare what he knows upon the subject--such an one shall bear his iniquity--shall be considered as guilty in the sight of God of the transgression which he has endeavoured to conceal, and must expect to be punished for hiding the iniquity with which he was acquainted.
bear <05375> [bear.]
touches <05060> [touch.]
realize <05956> [hidden.]
guilty <0816> [and guilty.]
uncleanness <02932> [the uncleanness.]
person <05315> [if a soul.]
This relates to rash oaths or vows, which a man was afterwards unable, or which it would have been sinful, to perform.
evil <07489> [to do evil.]
confess <03034> [confess.]
penalty for guilt <0817> [trespass offering.]
It is remarkable, that in this and the following verse, the sacrifice offered is indifferently called {asham,} a trespass offering, and {chattath,} a sin offering; yet the Marginal References show that these differ in several respects. Sin offerings were sometimes offered for the whole congregation; trespass offerings never, but only for particular persons. Bullocks were sometimes used for sin offerings, never for trespass offerings. The blood of the sin offerings was put on the horns of the altar, that of the trespass offerings was only sprinkled round the bottom of the altar. The sin offering seems to have been for the expiation of offences committed in matters of religion, from a mistake or inadvertency respecting the law; but the trespass offering was required for the casual deviations from the ritual law, when well known, or for crimes against moral precepts, implying injustice to man.
female <05347> [a female.]
priest <03548> [the priest.]
afford ...... flock <01767 05060 07716 03027> [he be not able to bring a lamb. Heb. his hand cannot reach to the sufficiency of a lamb.]
two turtledoves ... two <08147 08449> [two turtle-doves.]
one ....... one <0259> [one.]
pinch <04454> [wring off.]
sprinkle <05137> [sprinkle.]
remainder <07604> [the rest.]
make <06213> [offer.]
regulation <04941> [manner. or, ordinance.]
atonement <03722> [make.]
forgiven <05545> [it.]
afford <03027> [But if.]
tenth .... ephah <06224 0374> [the tenth part.]
choice wheat flour <05560> [fine flour.]
olive oil <08081> [no oil.]
sin offering ...................... sin offering <02403> [for it is.]
memorial portion <0234> [a memorial.]
gifts <0801> [according.]
priest ................................... priest <03548> [the priest.]
priest ......................... forgiven ........... priest <05545 03548> [shall be.]
person <05315> [a soul.]
holy .............................. sanctuary <06944> [in the.]
ram <0352> [ram.]
convertible <06187> [thy estimation.]
shekels ......... shekel <08255> [the shekel.]
thing ...... restore .................... atonement <07999 03722> [make.]
fifth <02549> [the fifth.]
priest .... priest <03548> [and the priest.]
person sins <02398 05315> [a soul sin.]
This case is supposed to differ from the preceding, merely in that the person concerned was not certain whether he had or had not committed the trespass. It is therefore called by the Hebrews a doubtful trespass offering.
know <03045> [though.]
guilty <0816> [yet is he.]
bring <0935> [And he.]
guilt offering <0817> [for a trespass.]
priest .... priest <03548> [and the priest.]
guilty <0816> [trespassed.]
[commit,]
deceiving <03584> [lie.]
in <06487> [in that.]
pledge <08667> [in fellowship. or, in dealing. Heb. in putting of the hand.]
extorting <06231> [deceived.]
found <04672> [have found.]
swears <07650> [sweareth.]
sins <02398> [because.]
stolen ...... extorted .................. found <01497 06231 04672> [which he.]
restore <07999> [restore.]
full <07218> [in the principal.]
The property itself, if still remaining, or its full value, to which a fifth part more was to be added, to compensate the owner for the loss he had sustained by being deprived of the use of his goods. He must also bring a trespass offering to the Lord; which was intended to show that disobedience to God is the great evil, even of those crimes which are injurious to man, and that repentance, and even restitution, though needful in order to forgiveness, cannot atone for sin.
guilty <0819> [of his trespass offering. or, of his being found guilty.]
Heb. of trespass.
ram <0352> [a ram.]
atonement <03722> [make.]
forgiven <05545> [it shall be.]
At this verse the Jews begin the twenty-fifth section of the law, and also, in the best Hebrew Bibles, the sixth chapter, which undoubtedly ought to begin here, as the inspired writer enters upon a new subject; the former part of the book being intended for the instruction of the people relative to the several sacrifices to be brought; but this for the instruction of the priests respecting some particulars of their official services.
burnt offering ... burnt offering <05930> [of the burnt.]
hearth <04169> [because of the burning. or, for the burning.]
linen robe ..... linen <04055 0906> [linen garment.]
consumed <0398> [consumed.]
beside <0681> [beside.]
off <06584> [put off.]
outside <02351> [without.]
fire <0784> [the fire.]
kindle wood <06086 01197> [burn wood.]
The efficacy of the priesthood and mediation of Christ is perpetual, and we can never approach to God in his name, by day or night, unseasonably. The ministers of Christ should have the fire of their zeal constantly burning.
grain offering <04503> [the meat offering.]
memorial <0234> [the memorial.]
left over <03498> [the remainder.]
unleavened <04682> [unleavened.]
eat ........... eaten .......... eat <0398> [shall it.]
baked <0644> [baken.]
given <05414> [I have.]
most holy <06944> [it is most holy.]
male <02145> [the males.]
portion <02706> [It shall.]
touches <05060> [every one.]
{Kol asher yiggÆ’ bahem yikdash,} "all (whether person or thing) that toucheth them shall be (or must be) holy;" that is, the priests must not eat of these oblations when under any ceremonial defilement, and the sacred utensils used about them must not be employed for any other purpose, or in any other way.
offering <07133> [the offering.]
This oblation, which the Jews call a {mincha} of initiation, seems to have been required of the high priest alone "on the day in which he was anointed," and from that time, every morning and evening, as long as he continued in office, and then in like manner of his successor; for, by "the sons of Aaron," may be understood his descendants and successors in the high priesthood, in their generations.
day <03117> [in the day.]
The word {beyom} signifies not only in the day, but from that day forward; for it was a daily oblation, and for them and their successors, a statue for ever.
tenth <06224> [the tenth.]
grain offering <04503> [a meat offering.]
high <04899> [is anointed.]
whole offering <03632> [wholly.]
whole offering <03632> [shall be.]
The meat offering of the people was eaten by the priests, who typically bore and expiated their sins; but as no priest, being a sinner, could make atonement for himself, his meat offering must not be eaten, but wholly burnt on the altar, which was a typical transfer of his guilt to the great antitype who actually bore and expiated it.
eaten <0398> [it shall not be.]
law <08451> [the law.]
place <04725> [In the.]
most holy <06944> [it is.]
priest <03548> [priest.]
holy <06918> [in the holy.]
court <02691> [in the court.]
touches <05060> [touch.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
male <02145> [the males.]
most holy <06944> [it is.]
law <08451> [the law.]
most holy <06944> [it is.]
place <04725> [in the place.]
must .... blood <01818> [and the.]
male <02145> [male.]
most holy <06944> [it is most holy.]
guilt offering <0817> [the trespass.]
priest .................. him <03548> [even the priest.]
All the flesh of the burnt offerings being consumed upon the altar, as well as the fat, there could nothing fall to the share of the priest but the skin; which must have been very valuable, as they were used as mattresses (ch. 15:17,) or as carpets to sit upon in the day. They are still used for the same purpose by some of the inhabitants and dervishes of the East. Bishop Patrick remarks, that Adam himself offered the first sacrifice, and had the skin given him by God, to make garments for him and his wife; in conformity with which, the priests ever after had the skin of the whole burnt offerings for their portion.
hide <05785> [skin.]
grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
pan <04227> [in the pan. or, on the flat plate, or slice.]
priest <03548> [shall be.]
each <0376 0251> [one as much.]
thanksgiving ..... thank offering <08426> [a thanksgiving.]
unleavened ....... unleavened wafers <04682 07550> [unleavened wafers.]
leavened <02557> [leavened.]
contribution <08641> [an heave.]
priest <03548> [the priest's.]
eaten <0398> [be eaten.]
[See on]
set <03240> [he shall not.]
Mr. Harmer supposes that this law refers to the custom of drying flesh, that had been devoted to a religious purpose, which is practised among the Mohammedans at the present day, on the their pilgrimage to Mecca. "It would not have suited," he observes, "the genius of the Mosaic dispensation, to have allowed them to have dried the flesh of their peace offerings, whether in thanksgiving, in consequence of a vow, or merely voluntary, and have afterwards eaten the flesh very commonly in a sparing manner, or communicated only some small portion of it to their particular friends: their peace offerings were to be eaten, on the contrary, with festivity, communicated to their friends with liberality, and bestowed on the poor with great generosity, that they might partake with them of these sacred repasts with joy before the Lord."
votive <05088> [be a vow.]
freewill <05071> [a voluntary.]
leftovers <03498> [also the.]
third <07992> [on the third.]
burned up <08313> [burnt.]
accepted ................ spoiled .......... bear <07521 06292 05375> [it shall.]
accounted <02803> [be imputed.]
spoiled <06292> [an abomination.]
bear <05375> [bear.]
uncleanness <02932> [having.]
cut off <03772> [shall be.]
uncleanness <02932> [the uncleanness.]
uncleanness <02932> [any unclean.]
detestable <08263> [abominable.]
cut off <03772> [cut off.]
fat <02459> [fat.]
Any other fat they might eat; but the fat of these was sacred, because they were the only animals which were offered in sacrifice, though many others ranked among the clean animals as well as these. This prohibition may, however, be understood of these animals when offered in sacrifice, and then only in reference to the inward fat, described in ver. 4. Of the fat in any other circumstances, it cannot be intended, as it was one of the especial blessings which God gave to his people.--"Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats," were the provision which he graciously bestowed on his followers. (See De 32:12-14.)
died of natural causes <05038> [beast. Heb. carcase.]
cut off <03772> [shall be cut off.]
eat <0398> [ye shall eat.]
The prohibition of the fat or suet, which was restricted to animals offered in sacrifice, taught reverence to the altar and ordinances of God; but that of blood, which was extended to all land animals, had especial respect to the atoning blood of the sacrifice, and of the great antitype which the sacrifice prefigured.
person <05315> [that soul.]
cut off <03772> [shall be.]
Shall be excommunicated or cut off from the people of God, and so deprived of any part of their inheritance or of their blessings.
hands <03027> [own hands.]
breast ..... breast <02373> [with the breast.]
[See on]
priest <03548> [the priest.]
breast <02373> [the breast.]
presents <07126> [that offereth.]
wave offering <08573> [the wave.]
[by a statue.]
allotment ...... allotment <04888> [portion.]
presented <07126> [he presented.]
day <03117> [in the day.]
law <08451> [the law.]
grain offering <04503> [meat.]
sin offering <02403> [sin.]
guilt offering <0817> [trespass.]
ordination <04394> [consecrations.]
sacrifice <02077> [sacrifice.]
commanded .......... commanded <06680> [commanded.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
garments <0899> [garments.]
anointing <04888> [anointing.]
bull <06499> [bullock.]
Lord ... commanded .... done <06680 06213 03068> [Lord commanded to be done.]
washed <07364> [washed.]
put ................... put <05414> [he put.]
ephod ................. ephod <0646> [the ephod.]
The {ephod} seems to have been a garment worn by persons of distinction of various characters (2 Sa 6:4); the description of which in the book of Exodus (ch. 28:6, etc.) relates only to its materials. As to its shape, the LXX. calls it [ep¢mis,] which signifies that it was worn on the shoulders. So also Josephus, who says it was a cubit long. St. Jerome compares it with the Roman {caracalla,} which was a sort of short cloak, only that it had a head or hood, which the ephod had not.
[the breast plate.]
Urim <0224> [the Urim.]
Moses .......................... Moses <04872> [Moses.]
tunics <03801> [coats.]
The {kethoneth,} or coat, was made of linen; but the form of it is no where described in Scripture, except in the visionary appearance of Christ to St. John, in the form and habit of a priest (Re 1:13); where he is said to be [endedumenos podere,] "clothed with a garment down to the feet," which perfectly agrees with the description the Jewish writers give of it; who also say, that it had sleeves which came down to the wrist, and was tied about the neck; so that it was not unlike a long shirt. It was common to all the priests; but the tunic of the high priest was made of finer linen, or wove in a more curious manner. (Ex 28:4.)
clothed .......... wrapped <03847 02280> [put. Heb. bound. bonnets.]
The {migba“th}, or bonnets, are described by Josephus as being like helmets of linen, one wreath being plaited and folded over another and a thin cap, suited to its shape, put over all, to prevent its unfolding.
near <05066> [he brought.]
his ... laid their hands <05564> [laid.]
slaughtered ... Moses <07819 04872> [he slew it.]
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
atonement <03722> [to make.]
The beginning of this verse may be rendered, "And Moses slew it, and took the blood," etc. We find it expressly said in Exodus, that Moses slew the sacrifices. .# Ex 29:11 Yet, in general, the offerer seems to have killed his own sacrifice.
soothing aroma <07381 05207> [a sweet savour.]
ram ... ram ... ordination ............... ram <0352 04394> [the ram of consecration.]
"The ram of consecration" was evidently a sacrifice of peace offering though presented on a particular occasion. Part of the blood was applied, not as that of the sin offering, to the horns of the altar, but to Aaron and his sons; to the tips of their right ears, the thumbs of their right hands, and the great toes of their right feet: implying their obligation to hearken diligently to the word of God--to do his work in the best manner which they could, and to walk in his ways with steady perseverance; and also, that they could not do these things acceptably except through the atoning blood, received and applied by faith. Then part of the blood reserved upon the altar, probably in a basin for that purpose, was mingled with the holy anointing oil, and sprinkled on the garments both of Aaron and his sons, to hallow them to the Lord. "This may be looked upon as a lively representation of our purification by the blood of Jesus Christ, through his Holy Spirit."--Bp. Patrick
Moses ... took <03947 04872> [Moses took.]
Moses ......................... Moses splashed <02236 04872> [Moses sprinkled.]
Aaron <0175> [upon Aaron's.]
waved <05130> [and waved.]
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
ordination <04394> [they were.]
anointing <04888> [the anointing.]
consecrated <06942> [and sanctified.]
Boil <01310> [Boil.]
eat ..... bread ..................... eat <0398 03899> [eat it.]
seven days .... day .... days ............. seven-day period <03117 07651> [seven days.]
Tent <0168> [the tabernacle.]
keep <08104> [keep.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
This was necessary to be added, to show the exact fulfilment of the commandments delivered to Moses, and which are recorded in Exodus, ch. 29; and consequently the complete consecration and preparation of Aaron and his sons to fill the awfully important office of priests and mediators between God and the children of Israel, to offer sacrifices, and make atonement for the sins of the people.
On ... eighth day <03117 08066> [the eighth day.]
Not on the eighth day of the month, but on the first day after their consecration, which occupied seven days, and before which they were deemed unfit to minister in holy things, being considered in a state of imperfection. All creatures, for the most part, were considered as in a state of uncleanness and imperfection, seven days, and perfected on the eighth. (see ch. 12:2, 3; 14:8-10; 15:13, 14; 22:27; Nu 6:9, 10.)
bull <01241> [a young.]
ram <0352> [and a ram.]
Take ... male <03947 08163> [Take ye.]
male <08163> [a kid.]
As the offering here is a kid, which was the sacrifice of the sin of the ruler, some think that the reading of the Samaritan and the LXX. is to be preferred: "Speak unto the Elders of Israel."
calf <05695> [a calf.]
Israelites ................ a <01121> [both.]
ox <07794> [a bullock.]
grain offering <04503> [and a meat.]
today <03117> [to-day.]
congregation <05712> [and all the congregation.]
glory <03519> [and the glory.]
make ... sin offering ..................... make <06213 02403> [offer thy.]
make ........................ make .... offering <06213 07133> [offer the.]
fat <02459> [the fat.]
Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
regulation <04941> [manner. or, ordinance.]
grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
filled ... hand <03709 04390> [took an handful thereof. Heb. filled his hand out of it. beside.]
sacrifices <02077> [a sacrifice.]
set <07760> [they put.]
smoke <06999> [burnt.]
breasts <02373> [the breasts.]
Moses ... commanded <04872 06680> [as Moses commanded.]
The Samaritan text, and thirty MSS. have, {kaasher tzivvah yehowah eth Moshe,} "as Jehovah commanded Moses;" which is also the reading of the LXX., Arabic, and Targum of Onkelos, and seems to be the true reading, being supported, not only by these authorities, but by the whole chapter itself.'
hands <03027> [his hand. or, as the Greek has it, "his hands."]
Menachem gives reason why it is written hand, to signify the right hand, because that was lifted up higher than the left. The lifting up of the hand was a gesture used in speaking, and signifying any weighty thing, Isa 49:22; and particularly in swearing, Ge 14:22; praying, Ps 28:2; and blessing, either of God, Ps 134:2, or of men, as in this place. Paul, speaking of prayer, uses the phrase, "lifting up holy hands;" as also David: "Let the lifting up of my hands be as the evening sacrifice."
out <03318> [came out.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
fire ... out <0784 03318> [there came a fire.]
These victims were consumed by a fire of no human kindling. Josephus says that "a fire proceeded from the victims themselves, of its own accord, which had the appearance of a flash of lightning, and consumed all that was upon the altar."
shouted <07442> [they shouted.]
Nadab <05070> [Nadab.]
fire pan <04289> [censer.]
set incense <07004 07760> [put incense.]
strange <02114> [strange.]
commanded <06680> [which.]
Bp. Hall says, "It is a dangerous thing, in the service of God, to decline from his institutions; we have to do with a God, who is wise to prescribe his own worship--just to require what he has prescribed--and powerful to avenge what he has not prescribed."
fire <0784> [fire.]
died <04191> [they died.]
This fire, which destroyed the sacrificers, came from the same source with that which had consumed the sacrifices.
[See ch.]
Note. They died.--The wages of sin is death.--They died suddenly--they died before the Lord; that is, before the vail that covered the mercy-seat.--They died by fire, as by fire they sinned. The fire did not burn them to ashes, as it had done the sacrifices, nor so much as singe their coats, (ver. 5) but struck them dead in an instant. By these different effects of the same fire, we learn that it was no common fire, but kindled by the breath of the Almighty. .# Isa 30:33
holy ............. honored <06942 03513> [I will be.]
presence <06440> [before.]
Aaron ................................ Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
Uzziel <05816> [Uzziel.]
carry <05375> [carry.]
dishevel <06544> [Uncover.]
wrath <07107> [lest wrath.]
out <03318> [ye shall.]
anointing <04888> [the anointing.]
drink <08354> [Do not.]
strong drink <07941> [strong drink.]
The Hebrew {shecher,} Arabic {sakar,} or {sukr,} Greek [sikera,] from {shachar,} to inebriate, signifies any kind of fermented and inebriating liquor beside wine. So St. Jerome informs us, that {sicera} in Hebrew denotes any inebriating liquor, whether made of corn, the juice of apples, honey, dates, or any other fruit. These different kinds of liquors are described by Pliny, who calls then {vina factitia}. One of the four prohibited drinks among the Mohammedans in India is called {sakar,} which denotes inebriating liquor in general, but especially date wine.
statute <02708> [it shall be.]
Take <03947> [Take.]
most holy <06944> [for it is most.]
eat <0398> [ye shall.]
commanded <06680> [for so I.]
thigh .... contribution <07785 08641> [heave shoulder.]
perpetual <05769> [for ever.]
male goat <08163> [the goat.]
angry <07107> [angry.]
eat <0398> [Wherefore.]
bear <05375> [to bear.]
blood <01818> [the blood.]
commanded <06680> [as I commanded.]
today .............................. today <03117> [this day.]
pleased <03190> [should.]
explanation <03190> [he was content.]
Of the laws relative to clean and unclean beasts, which are recorded in this chapter and Deut. ch. 14 the following may be found a useful abstract. 1. In regard to quadrupeds, all beasts that have their feet completely cloven, above as well as below, and at the same time chew the cud, are clean. Those which have neither, or indeed want one of these distinguishing marks, are unclean. This is a systematic division of quadrupeds so excellent, as never yet, after all the improvements in natural history, to have become obsolete, but, on the contrary, to be still considered as useful by the greatest masters of the science. 2. With regard to fishes, Moses has in like manner, made a very simple systematic distinction. All that have scales and fins are clean; all others unclean. 3. Of birds, he merely specifies certain sorts as forbidden, thereby permitting all others to be eaten. 4. Insects, serpents, worms, etc., are prohibited; but with regard, however to those winged insects, which besides four walking legs, also have two longer springing legs, (Pedes saltatorii,) Moses makes an exception, and under the denomination of locusts, declares them clean in all four stages of their existence. In Palestine, Arabia, and the adjoining countries, locusts are one of the most common articles of food, and people would be very ill of if they durst not eat them: For, when a swarm of them desolates the fields, they prove in some measure themselves an antidote to the famine which they occasion. They are not only eaten fresh, immediately on their appearance, but the people collect them, and know a method of preserving them for a long time for food, after they have dried them in an oven. --Niebuhr's Description of Arabia, pp. 170-175.
divided <06536> [parteth.]
chews <05927> [cheweth.]
rock badger <08227> [the coney.]
{Shaphan,} most probably an animal resembling the rabbit, called by Dr. Shaw, {daman} (probably for {ganam}) Israel, "Israel's lamb," and by Bruce, {ashkoko,} which name he imagines is "derived from the singularity of these long herenacious hairs, which, like small thorns, grow about his back, and which an Amhara are called {ashok.}" This curious animal abounds in Judea, Palestine, Arabia, and Ethiopia; and is described as being about seventeen inches when sitting. It has no tail; and at first sight gives the idea of a rat. Its colour is grey, mixed with reddish brown; the belly white, the body covered with strong polished hairs, for the most part about two inches in length; the ears round, and not pointed; the feet round, of a soft, pulpy, tender substance; the toes projecting beyond the nails, which are rather broad than sharp; the upper jaw is longer than the other; it lives upon grain, fruit, and roots, and certainly chews the cud; and it does not burrow like the hare and rabbit, but lives in clefts of the rocks.
divided <06536> [but divideth.]
hare <0768> [the hare.]
pig <02386> [swine.]
unclean <02931> [they are unclean.]
detestable <08263> [they shall be.]
griffon vulture <05404> [the eagle.]
In Hebrew, {nesher,} Chaldee, {neshar,} Syriac, {neshro,} and Arabic, {nishr,} the eagle, one of the largest, strongest, swiftest, fiercest, and most rapacious of the feathered race. His eye is large, dark, and piercing; his beak powerful and hooked; his legs strong and feathered; his feet yellow and armed with four very long and terrific claws; his wings very large and powerful; his body compact and robust; his bones hard; his flesh firm; his feathers coarse; his attitude fierce and erect; his motions lively; his flight extremely rapid and towering; and his cry the terror of every wing.
the ossifrage. {Peres,} from {paras} to break, probably the species of eagle anciently called {ossifraga} or bone-breaker, (from {os,} a bone, and {frango,} to break,) because it not only strips off the flesh, but breaks the bone, in order to extract the marrow. the ospray. Hebrew {¢zniyah,} Arabic {azan,} and Chaldee {azyah,} (from {azaz,} to be strong,) a species of eagle, probably the black eagle, so remarkable for its strength.
wash ... clothes ..... unclean <0899 02930 03526> [wash his clothes, and be unclean.]
carries <05375> [beareth.]
wash <03526> [shall wash.]
swarming things ... swarm <08317 08318> [creeping things that creep.]
immersed ... water <0935 04325> [it must be put into water.]
break <07665> [ye shall break it.]
smashed <05422> [they shall be.]
spring <04599> [a fountain.]
collects water <04723 04325> [wherein there is plenty of water. Heb. a gathering together of waters.]
sowing seed <02233 02221> [sowing seed.]
eats <0398> [eateth.]
wash ................ wash <03526> [shall wash.]
crawls .... belly ..... walks <01512 01980> [goeth upon the belly.]
number ... legs <07272 07235> [hath more feet. Heb. doth multiply feet.]
detestable <08262> [Ye shall.]
yourselves ................. become unclean <05315 02933> [yourselves. Heb. your souls.]
Lord <03068> [I am the.]
sanctify ..... holy ..... holy <06942 06918> [ye shall.]
up <05927> [that bringeth.]
holy ..... holy <06918> [be holy.]
law <08451> [This.]
The distinction of clean and unclean animals, (see note on Le 11:2) existed even before the flood, though it probably then only related to sacrifices; but at this time we find there were very particular laws enacted respecting the diet of the people, and the ceremonial uncleanness contracted by touching the carcases of unclean animals. The reasons for the enactment of these laws seem to be--1. As a test of obedience, and to teach the Israelites habits of self-denial, and the government of their appetites. 2. To keep them distinct from other nations, and consequently from their idolatrous usages, by throwing hindrances in the way of their social intercourse; for these distinctions were applicable both to persons and things. The Canaanites not only ate the animals prohibited by Moses, which we usually eat, but others also, among which dogs were one. Besides, many of those declared unclean were sacred among the heathen, and sacrificed to their gods. 3. Because those prohibited were innutritive and unwholesome; as the swine, the flesh of which being strong and difficult to digest, affords a very gross aliment, and produces, especially in hot climates, cutaneous, scrophulous, and scorbutic disorders, as the itch, leprosy, etc.
woman <0802> [If a woman.]
days ........ days <03117> [according.]
lamb <03532> [a lamb.]
son ........... year ... lamb ........ young <01121 08141> [of the first year. Heb. a son of his year.]
atonement <03722> [make.]
clean <02891> [be cleansed.]
male <02145> [a male.]
afford ... sheep <07716 04672> [she be not able to bring a lamb. Heb. her hand find not sufficiency of a lamb.]
atonement <03722> [make an atonement.]
When burnt offerings and sin offerings were brought together, the sin offerings were first offered.
swelling <07613> [rising. or, swelling. a scab.]
diseased infection <06883 05061> [the plague of leprosy.]
{Tzar„ƒth,} the Leprosy, from the Greek [lepra,] from [lepis,] a scale; so called, because in this disease the body is covered with thin white scales, so as to give it the appearance of snow. The leprosy is a dreadful, contagious disorder, common in Egypt and Syria, and generally manifests itself at first in the manner described in the text. Its commencement is imperceptible; there appearing only a few reddish spots on the skin, which are not attended with pain or any other symptom, but cannot be removed. It increases imperceptibly, and continues for some years to be more and more manifest. The spots become larger, spread over the whole skin, and are sometimes rather raised, though generally flat. When it increases the upper part of the nose swells, the nostrils distend, the nose becomes soft, swellings appear on the under jaws, the eyebrows are elevated, the ears grow thick, the ends of the fingers, feet, and toes, swell, the nails grow scaly, the joints of the hands and feet separate, the palms of hands and soles of the feet are ulcerated, and in its last stage the patient becomes horrible, and falls to pieces.
brought <0935> [he shall.]
examine ........................................ when .... examines <07200> [shall look.]
turned <02015> [turned.]
deeper <06013> [deeper.]
unclean <02930> [pronounce.]
quarantine ...... infection <05462 05061> [shut up.]
clean .............. clean <02891> [pronounce.]
scab <04556> [a scab.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
examine ....... swelling ................... swelling <07200 07613> [shall see him.]
raw flesh <02416 01320 04241> [quick raw flesh. Heb. the quickening of living flesh.]
skin ...... covers .... skin <03680 05785> [cover all.]
disease <06883> [if the leprosy.]
It may seem strange that the partial leper should be pronounced unclean, and the person totally covered with the disease clean. This was probably owing to a different species or stage of the disease; the partial being contagious, the total not. That there are two different species, or degrees, of the disease described here, is sufficiently evident: in one, the person was all covered with a white enamelled scurf; in the other, there was a quick raw flesh in the risings. On this account, the one was deemed unclean, or contagious, the other not; for contact with the quick raw flesh would be more likely to communicate the disease, than the touch of the hard dry scurf. The ichor proceeding from the former, when brought into contact with the flesh of another, would soon be taken into constitution by means of the absorbent vessels; but where the surface was perfectly dry; the absorbent vessels of another, coming in contact with the diseased man, could imbibe nothing, and there was consequently but little or no danger of infection. This is the learned Dr. Mead's view of the subject; who thus accounts for the circumstances mentioned in the text.
clean <02889> [he is clean.]
boil <07822> [a boil.]
appears <04758> [in sight.]
quarantine .... seven <05462 07651> [shut him.]
infection <05061> [a plague. i,e., "The plague of leprosy."]
burn ........... burn <04348 0784> [a hot burning. Heb. a burning of fire.]
This is supposed to state the case of such as had been hurt by fire; which would leave a scar, in which the leprosy might appear, and which was to be distinguished by the rules here given.
turned white <03836 02015> [turned white.]
priest ........................... priest <03548> [then the priest.]
diseased infection <05061 06883> [it is the plague of leprosy. See on ver.]
scall <05424> [scall.]
seven days <07651 03117> [seven days.]
yellow hair <08181 06669> [yellow hair.]
seventh <07637> [the seventh.]
spread <06581> [be not.]
wash <03526> [and he shall.]
bright spots <0934> [if the bright.]
harmless <0933> [a freckled spot.]
The word {bohak,} from the Syriac {behak,} to be white, or shining, here rendered "a freckled spot," is used by the Arabs to denote a kind of leprosy, of which Niebuhr says, "{Bohak} is neither contagious nor dangerous. A black boy at Mocha, who was affected with this eruption, had here and there upon his body white spots. We were told that the use of sulphur had relieved this boy for a time, but had not entirely removed the disease." He adds subsequently from Forskal's papers, "The Arabs call a sort of leprosy, in which some little spots shew themselves here and there on the body, {behaq;} and it is without doubt the same as is named {bohak,} (Le ch. 13). They believe it to be so far from contagious, that one may sleep with a person affected without danger." "On the 15th day of May, 1765, I myself first saw the {Bohak} leprosy in a Jew at Mocha. The spots in this disease are of an unequal size. They do not shine; are not perceptibly higher than the skin; and do not change the colour of the hair. Their colour is an obscure white, inclining to red. The rest of the skin of the patient was darker than that of the people of the country in general; but the spots were not so white as the skin of an European, when not sun-burnt. The spots in this leprosy do not appear on the hands, or near the navel, but on the neck and face, yet not on that part where the hair grows thick. They gradually spread, and continue sometimes only about two months, but in some cases one or two years, and then disappear by degrees, of themselves. This disorder is neither contagious nor hereditary, nor does it occasion any inconvenience." Hence a person infected with the {bohak} is declared clean.
head <07218 04803> [hair is fallen off his head. Heb. head is pilled.]
unclean because <02930> [utterly unclean.]
infection <05061> [his plague.]
clothes <0899> [his clothes.]
head <07218> [and his head.]
cover <05844> [put.]
Unclean Unclean <02931> [Unclean.]
time <03117> [the days.]
outside <02351> [without.]
garment ............. garment <0899> [The garment.]
This leprosy in garments appears so strange to us, that it has induced some, with Bp. Patrick, to consider it as an extraordinary punishment inflicted by God upon the Israelites, as a sign of his high displeasure; while others consider the leprosy in clothes (and also houses) as having no relation to the leprosy in man. When Michaelis was considering the subject, he was told by a dealer in wool, that the wool of sheep which die of a disease, if it has not been shorn from the animal while living, is unfit to manufacture cloth, and liable to something like what Moses here describes, and which he imagines to be the plague of leprosy in garments. The whole account, however, as Dr. A. Clarke observes, seems to intimate that the garment was fretted by the contagion of the real leprosy; which it is probable was occasioned by a species of {animacula,} or vermin, burrowing in the skin, which we know to be the cause of the itch; these, by breeding in the garments, must necessarily multiply their kind, and fret the garments, i.e., corrode a portion of the finer parts, after the manner of moths, for their nourishment. The infection of garments has frequently been known to cause the worst species of scarlet fever, and even the plague; and those infected with {psora}, or itch animal, have communicated the disease even in six or seven years after the infection.
leather .... made ... leather <04399 05785> [thing made of. Heb. work of.]
leather ........ article ... leather <05785 03627> [thing of skin. Heb. vessel, or instrument. it is.]
malignant disease <06883 03992> [fretting leprosy.]
burn .................................. burned up <08313> [burn.]
malignant disease <06883 03992> [fretting leprosy.]
after <0310> [after.]
back side ... front side <01372 07146> [it be bare within or without. Heb. it be bald in the head thereof, or in the forehead thereof.]
burn up <08313> [shalt burn.]
wash .......... washed <03526> [be washed.]
The plague of leprosy was inflicted immediately from the hand of God, and came not from natural causes, as other diseases; and therefore must be managed according to a divine law. Miriam's leprosy, and Gehazi's and King Uzziah's were all the punishments of particular sins; and if generally it was so, no marvel there was so much care taken to distinguish it from a common distemper, that none might be looked upon as lying under this extraordinary token of Divine displeasure, but those that really were so.
law <08451> [the law.]
day <03117> [in the day.]
brought <0935> [He shall.]
go <03318> [go forth.]
Lepers were obliged to live in a detached situation, separate from other people, and to keep themselves actually at a distance from them. They were distinguished by a peculiar dress; and if any person approached, they were bound to give him warning, by crying out, Unclean! unclean!
outside ... camp <02351 04264> [out of.]
healed <07495> [be healed.]
two .... birds <08147 06833> [two birds. or, sparrows.]
The word {tzippor,} from the Arabic {zaphara,} to fly, is used in the Scriptures to denote birds of every species, particularly small birds. But it is often used in a more restricted sense, as the Hebrew writers assert, to signify the sparrow. Aquinas says the same; and Jerome renders it here the sparrow. So the Greek [strouthia,] in Matthew and Luke, which signifies a sparrow, is rendered by the Syriac translator {tzipparin}, the same as the Hebrew {tzipporim}. Nor is it peculiar to the Hebrews to give the same name to the sparrow and to fowls of the largest size; for Nicander calls the hen [strouthos katoikados,] the domestic sparrow, and both Plautus and Ausonius call the ostrich, {passer marinus,} "the marine sparrow." It is evident, however, that the word in this passage signifies birds in general; for if the sparrow was a clean bird, there was no necessity for commanding a clean one to be taken, since every one of the species was ceremonially clean; but if it was unclean, then it could not be called clean.
cedar <0730> [cedar.]
crimson <08144> [scarlet.]
hyssop <0231> [hyssop.]
clay vessel <03627 02789> [earthen vessel.]
live bird ........................... live bird ....... bird ..... fresh <06833 02416> [the living bird.]
live ........................ dip ..... live ............ fresh <02881 02416> [dip them.]
sprinkle <05137> [sprinkle.]
seven times <07651 06471> [seven times.]
cleansed ....... clean <02891> [pronounce.]
live <02416> [let.]
open countryside <06440 07704> [into the open field. Heb. upon the face of the field.]
wash ... clothes <03526 0899> [wash his.]
bathe ... water <07364 04325> [wash himself.]
live <03427> [and shall.]
seven days <07651 03117> [seven days.]
shave .... hair .......... hair ... he <01548 08181> [shave all.]
bathe ... body <01320 07364> [wash his flesh.]
Lictenstein states that "among the Koossas, (a nation of South Africa,) there are certain prevailing notions respecting moral [ceremonial] uncleanness. All children are unclean till they are admitted among grown-up persons (which happens with the males through the various ceremonies attending circumcision); all lying-in women are unclean for the first month; all men who have lost their wives, for a fortnight, and all widows for a month; a mother who has lost a child, for two days; all persons who have been present at a death, the men returning from a battle, etc. No one may have intercourse with such an unclean person, till he has washed himself, rubbed his body with fresh paint, and rinsed his mouth with milk. But he must not do this till after the lapse of a certain time, fixed by general consent for each particular case, and during this time he must wholly refrain from washing, painting, or drinking milk."
eighth day <03117 08066> [eighth day.]
take <03947> [take.]
lambs <03532> [he lambs.]
lamb <03535> [ewe lamb.]
yearling female <01323 08141> [of the first year. Heb. the daughter of her year. three tenth.]
grain offering <04503> [a meat offering.]
olive oil .... log ... olive oil <03849 08081> [log of oil.]
guilt offering <0817> [trespass.]
them .... wave offering <05130 08573> [wave them.]
place .............. sanctuary <04725> [in the place.]
sin offering .............. sin offering <02403> [as the sin.]
sanctuary ................ most holy <06944> [it is most holy.]
remainder <03498> [the remnant.]
atonement <03722> [make an atonement.]
poor <01800> [poor.]
sufficient <03027> [cannot. Heb. his hand reach not. one lamb.]
wave offering <08573> [to be waved. Heb. for a waving.]
two .... two <08147> [two turtle doves.]
{Tor,} the turtle or ring-dove, so called by an onomatopoeia from its cooing, as in Greek [trugon], Latin, {turtur} and English, turtle. It is a species of the dove or pigeon, here called {yonah,} and in the Syriac {yauno,} from the verb to oppress, afflict, because of its being particularly defenceless, and exposed to rapine and violence. The dove is a genus of birds too well known to need a particular description; and of which there are several species besides the turtle-dove; as the wood pigeon, tame pigeon, and others. The dove is universally allowed to be one of the most beautiful objects in nature. The brilliancy of her plumage, the splendour of her eye, the innocence of her look, the excellence of her dispositions, and the purity of her manners, have been the theme of admiration and praise in every age. To the snowy whiteness of her wings, and the rich golden hues that adorn her neck, the inspired Psalmist alludes in most elegant strains. (Ps 68:13.) The voice of the dove is particularly tender and plaintive, and bears a striking resemblance to the groan of a person in distress; to which the inspired bards frequently allude. (Isa 38:14; 59:11; Eze 7:16.) Her native dwelling is in the caves or hollows of the rock; allusions to which fact also occur in the Sacred Writings, (So 2:14; Jer 48:28.) Her manners are as engaging as her form is elegant, and her plumage rich and beautiful. She is the chosen emblem of simplicity, gentleness, chastity, and feminine timidity, and for this reason, as well as from their abounding in the East, they were probably chosen as offerings by Jehovah.
<03027> [whose hand.]
enter <0935> [When.]
give ......... put <05414> [which I.]
give ......... put ... diseased infection <05061 06883 05414> [I put the plague of leprosy.]
It was probably from this text, that the leprosy has been in general considered to be a supernatural disease, inflicted immediately by God himself; but it cannot be inferred from this expression, as it is well known, that in Scripture, God is frequently represented as doing what, in the course of his providence, he only permits to be done.
infection <05061> [a plague.]
that ..... cleared <06437> [empty. or, prepare. be not made.]
The consideration of the circumstances will exhibit the importance and the propriety of the Mosaic ordinance on the subject of the house leprosy. 1. Moses ordained that the owner of a house, when any suspicious spots appeared on the walls, should be bound to give notice of it, in order that the house might be inspected; and that person, as in the case of the human leprosy, was to be the priest, whose duty it was. Now this would serve to check the mischief at its very origin, and make every one attentive to observe it. 2. On notice being given, the priest was to inspect the house, but the occupant had liberty to remove everything previously out of it; and that this might be done, the priest was empowered to order it ex officio; for whatever was found within a house declared unclean, became unclean along with it. 3. If, on the first inspection, the complaint did not appear wholly without foundation, but suspicious spots or dimples were actually to be seen, the house was to be shut up for seven days and then to be inspected anew. If, in this interval, the evil did not spread, it was considered as have been a circumstance merely accidental, and the house was not polluted; but if it had spread, it was not considered a harmless accident, but the real house leprosy; and the stones affected with it were to be broken out of the wall, and carried to an unclean place without the city, and the walls of the whole house here scraped and plastered anew. 4. If, after this, the leprosy broke out afresh, the whole house was to be pulled down, and the materials carried without the city. Moses therefore, never suffered a leprous house to stand. 5. If, on the other hand, the house being inspected a second time, was found clean, it was solemnly so declared, and offering made on the occasion; in order that every one might know for certain that it was not infected, and the public be freed from all fears on that score. By this law many evils were actually prevented--it would check the mischief in its very origin, and make every one attentive to observe it: the people would also guard against those impurities whence it arose, and thus the health be preserved and not suffer in an infected house. These Mosaic statues were intended to prevent infection by the sacred obligations of religion. Ceremonial laws many keep more conscientiously and sacredly than moral precepts.
stones ......... pulled <02502 068> [take away.]
outside ... city <02351 05892> [without the city.]
unclean place <02931 04725> [into an unclean place.]
tear <05422> [break down.]
unclean place <02931 04725> [into an unclean place.]
unclean <02930> [shall be unclean.]
wash ... clothes ......... wash ... clothes <0899 03526> [wash his clothes.]
enters <0935> [shall come in. Heb. in coming in shall come in, etc. because.]
law <08451> [the law.]
scall <05424> [scall.]
diseased <06883> [the leprosy.]
house <01004> [of a house.]
swelling <07613> [a rising.]
teach <03384> [teach.]
when .... unclean ... when .... clean <03117 02931 02889> [when it is unclean, and when it is clean. Heb. in the day of the unclean, and in the day of the clean. this is.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
Israelites <01121> [unto the.]
any man <0376> [when any man.]
It is not necessary to consider particularly the laws contained in this chapter, the letter of the text being in general sufficiently plain. It may, however, be observed, that from the pains which persons rendered unclean were obliged to take, the ablutions and separations which they must observe, and the privations to which they must in consequence be exposed, in the way of commerce, traffic, etc., these laws were admirably adapted to prevent contagion of every kind, by keeping the whole from the diseased, and to hinder licentious indulgences and excesses of every description.
discharge <02100> [running issue. or, running of the reins.]
furniture <03627> [thing. Heb. vessel. be unclean.]
means of riding <04817> [saddle.]
The word {merchav,} from {rachav,} to ride, here rendered by our translators saddle, and frequently chariot. Mr. Harmer thinks rather means a litter, or {coune,} of which we have already given a description in Ge 31:34.
touches <05060> [whomsoever.]
It is rather doubtful whether the words hath not rinsed his hands in water refer to him who was diseased, or to him who had his hands touched. Most understand it of the former, that if the person who had the issue rinsed his hands in water, just before he touched any one, he did not communicate any pollution; otherwise, he did. But the Syriac refers it to the person touched by him, though it seems strange that he should be cleansed by washing his hands, when perhaps some other part was touched.
vessel ............... utensil <03627> [vessel.]
broken <07665> [shall be broken.]
seven days <03117 07651> [seven days.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
one ......... other <0259> [the one.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
leather <05785> [skin.]
The poorer class of Arabs of our times make use of mats in their tents; and other inhabitants of these countries, who affect ancient simplicity of manners, make use of goat-skins. Dr. R. Chandler, in his Travels in Greece, tells us, that he saw some dervishes at Athens sitting on goat-skins; and that he was afterwards conducted into a room furnished in like manner, with the same kind of carpeting, where he was treated with a pipe and coffee by the chief dervish. Those that are at all acquainted with Oriental manners, in these later times, know that their dervishes (who are a sort of Mohammedan devotees, a good deal resembling the begging friars of the church or Rome) affect great simplicity, and even sometimes austerity, in their dress and way of living. As these dervishes that Dr. Chandler visited sat on goat-skins, and used no other kind of carpet for the accommodation of those who visited them: so it should seem that the Israelites in the wilderness made use of skins for mattresses to lie upon, and consequently, we may equally suppose to sit upon in the day time, instead of a carpet.
woman <0802> [the woman.]
unclean <02930> [unclean.]
discharge <02101> [and her issue.]
menstruation <05079> [put apart. Heb. in her separation.]
Thus <05144> [Thus shall.]
die <04191> [that they.]
These laws were principally intended to impress the minds of the Israelites with reverence for the sanctuary; and, on the one hand, to shew them what need they had of circumspection, and purity of heart and life, in order to worship the holy God with acceptance; and, on the other hand, that being sinners in a world full of temptations and defilements, they would continually need forgiveness, through the great atonement typified by all the sacrifices, and the sanctification of the Spirit, showed forth by all the purifications. While they were encamped in the desert, it would not be very burdensome to bring the prescribed oblations; but after they were settled in Canaan, many of them at a great distance from the tabernacle, this would become much more difficult. We may, however, observe, continues Mr. Scott, that many of the cases stated only required such washings as might any where be performed, and that those, respecting which sacrifices were appointed, would more rarely occur. We may also suppose, that provided these were brought, when the person who had been unclean first came to the sanctuary, it would suffice: though distance or other hindrances prevented its being done immediately, at the expiration of the seven days.
sick .... menstruation <01739 05079> [of her.]
man <02100 0376> [and of him.]
enter .... time <0935 06256> [he come not.]
die ..... appear <04191 07200> [that he die not.]
cloud <06051> [in the cloud.]
atonement plate ...................... atonement plate <03727> [the mercy seat.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
young <01121> [a young.]
ram .... burnt offering <05930 0352> [a ram for a burnt-offering.]
holy ... tunic ............................. holy <03801 06944> [holy line coat. Heb. of holiness. Greek. a sanctified linen coat.]
This and the other vestures were peculiar for this day, and for the services of this day; that is, for making atonement: the other service, which was ordinary, he performed this day in his other priestly garments. The eight ornaments usually worn by the high priest are enumerated in Exodus xxviii ver.4, etc., and the four that were for this day are here expressed, and are called the white garments, while the others were designated the golden garments, because some were made with gold thread woven in them. These four were made of six double twisted threads, and of flax only.
bathe <07364> [therefore.]
on behalf <01157> [which.]
[an atonement, for himself.]
lots ....... lot ....... lot <01486 05414> [cast lots.]
Azazel <05799> [scape goat. Heb. Azazel, that is, the goat-gone-away.]
The Hebrew [ ] has been supposed by some to be the name of a place, either a mountain or cliff, to which the goat was led. But no place of that name has ever been pointed out, except a mountain near Sinai, which was too distant for the goat to be conducted there from Jerusalem. Other learned men think it was the name of the devil, who was worshipped by the heathen in the form of a goat. But Bp. Patrick justly objects to this opinion; for it is difficult to conceive, that when the other goat was offered to God, this should be sent among demons. The more probable opinion seems to be, that it was name given to the goat itself, on account of his being let go; from {aiz,} a goat, and {azal,} to depart. So LXX. [\~apopompaov\~,] and Vulgate {emissarius,} sent away; Aquila and Symmachus [\~tragov apercomenov\~,] or [\~apolelumenov\~:] the goat going away, or dismissed.
Lord <03068> [upon which.]
designated <05927> [fell. Heb. went up.]
Azazel .................... Azazel <05799> [the scape-goat.]
atonement <03722> [to make.]
sending <07971> [let him.]
altar <04196> [from off.]
fragrant incense <07004 05561> [sweet incense.]
He .... put <05414> [And he.]
cloud <06051> [the cloud.]
slaughter <07819> [Then shall.]
bring <0935> [bring.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
resides <07931> [remaineth. Heb. dwelleth.]
Nobody <0120> [no man.]
atonement .............. atonement <03722> [and have made.]
purifying <03722> [reconciling.]
live goat <08163 02416> [live goat.]
lay <05564> [lay.]
confess ...... iniquities <03034 05771> [confess over.]
put <05414> [putting.]
man ... ready <0376 06261> [a fit man. Heb. a man of opportunity.]
The man that took the scape-goat into the wilderness, and they that burned the sin offering, were to be looked upon as ceremonially unclean, and must not come into the camp till they had washed their clothes and bathed their flesh in water, which signified the defiling nature of sin; even the sacrifice which was made sin, was defiling: also the imperfection of the legal sacrifices, they were so far from taking away sin, that they left some stain even upon those that touched them.
bear ...... iniquities <05375 05771> [bear upon.]
inaccessible <01509> [not inhabited. Heb. of separation.]
bathe <07364> [wash.]
clothes <0899> [his garments.]
burnt offering ..... burnt offering <05930> [his burnt.]
atonement <03722> [and make.]
sent <07971> [he that.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
bull <06499> [bullock.]
outside <02351> [without.]
seventh <07637> [in the seventh.]
humble <06031> [shall afflict.]
priest ...... ordained <03548 03547> [the priest.]
<04390> [consecrate. Heb. fill his hand.]
ordained <03547> [to minister.]
put on ... linen <0906 03847> [put on the linen.]
perpetual <05769> [an everlasting.]
once ... year <0259 08141> [once a year.]
house <01004> [be of.]
slaughters ... ox <07819 07794> [that killeth an.]
brought <0935> [bringeth.]
shed blood <01818 02803> [blood shall.]
shed <08210> [he hath.]
cut off <03772> [be cut off.]
field <06440> [in the open.]
sacrificing .................... sacrifice ..... peace offering <02076 08002> [and offer them.]
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
offer <06999> [burn.]
goat <08163> [unto devils.]
goat <08163> [devils.]
{Seirim,} properly signifies hairy or hairy ones; and hence is used not only for he-goats, but also for some fabulous beings or sylvan gods, to whom was ascribed the form of goats. Maimonides says that the Zabian idolaters worshipped demons under the form of goats; and that this custom being spread among other nations, gave occasion to this precept. He-goats, however, are probably intended here, which were objects of divine honour among the Egyptians under the name of honour among the Egyptians under the name of Mendes. Herodotus says that all goats were worshipped in Egypt; but particularly he-goats. From these seem to have sprung Pan, Silenus, and the innumerable herd of those imaginary beings, fauns, satyrs, dryads, etc., all woodland gods, and held in veneration by the Greeks and Romans.
prostitutes <02181> [gone a whoring.]
Though this phrase is equivalent, in Scripture, to that of committing idolatry, yet it is to be taken sometimes in a literal sense. Baalpeor and Ashtaroth were worshipped with obscene rite; and public prostitution formed a great part of the worship among the Egyptians, Moabites, Canaanites, Greeks, and Romans.
offers <05927> [that offereth.]
eats ............. eats <0398> [that eateth.]
I will set <05414> [I will.]
life .......................... lives ........... life <05315> [the life.]
This sentence, which contains a most important truth, had existed in the Mosaic writings for more than 3,000 years, before the attention of any philosopher was drawn to the subject. That the blood actually possesses a living principle, and that the life of the whole body is derived from it, is a doctrine of revelation, and a doctrine which the experiments of the most accurate anatomists have served strongly to confirm. The proper circulation of this important fluid through the whole human system was first taught by Solomon in figurative language, (Ec 12:6,) and discovered, as it is called, and demonstrated by Dr. Harvey in 1628; though some Italian philosophers had the same notion a little before. This accurate anatomist was the first who fully revived the Mosaic notion of the vitality of the blood; which was afterwards adopted by the justly celebrated Dr. John Hunter, professor of anatomy, and established by him, by a great variety of strong reasoning and accurate experiments.
assigned <05414> [I have.]
resident foreigner <01616> [neither.]
hunts <06679> [which hunteth.]
hunts <06679> [hunteth. Heb. hunteth any hunting. pour out.]
person <05315> [every soul.]
died of natural causes ..... torn <05038 02966> [that which died of itself. Heb. a carcase. both wash.]
do .... do ................... do <04639> [the doings.]
do .... do ................... do <04639> [and after.]
anyone ... does <0834 0120 06213> [which if a man do.]
Lord <03068> [I am the Lord.]
close relative <07607> [near to kin. Heb. remainder of his flesh.]
Not withstanding the prohibitions here, it must be evident, that in the infancy of the world, persons very near of kin, and even brothers and sisters, must have joined in matrimonial alliances; and therefore we cannot pronounce them immoral in themselves. But, in these first instances, necessity required it; but when this necessity no longer existed, the thing became inexpedient and improper: for 1. As human nature now is, it is very expedient that those who are so much together in youth, should, by such a restriction be taught to look upon all such intercourse as prohibited and incestuous; for unless such restrictions are made, it would be impossible to prevent the prevalence of very early corruption among young persons. (See Michaelis on the laws of Moses, Art. 108.) 2. That the duties owing by nature to relatives might not be confounded with those of a social or political kind; for could a man be a brother and a husband, or a son and a husband at the same time, and fulfil the duties of both? Impossible. 3. That by intermarrying with other families, relationship and its endearments might be diffused. These prohibitions are, therefore, to be considered so eminently moral obligations as to be observed by all mankind.
sexual intercourse <01540> [to uncover.]
woman <0802> [a woman.]
lewdness <02154> [it is wickedness.]
woman <0802> [wife. or, one wife to another.]
rival <06887 01540> [to vex her.]
Molech <05674 04432> [pass through.]
Molech signifies a king, or governor, of similar import with BaÆ’l, lord, or governor; and it is generally supposed that the sun was worshipped under this name; and more particularly as the fire appears to have been so much employed in his worship. It seems clear that children were not only consecrated to him by passing through the fire, which appears to be alluded to here, but that they were actually made a burnt offering to him. (See the parallel passages.) That the several abominations afterwards mentioned were actually practised by many heathen nations is abundantly attested by their own writers.
Molech <04432> [to Molech.]
[Moloch.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
animal ............... animal <0929> [any beast.]
perversion <08397> [confusion.]
defile ...................... defiled <02930> [Defile.]
nations <01471> [for.]
land ................... land <0776> [the land.]
punishment <06485> [therefore.]
vomited <06958> [vomiteth.]
obey <08104> [keep.]
foreigner <01616> [nor any stranger.]
[See on]
abominable <08441> [abominable.]
defile <02930> [that ye defile.]
Lord <03068> [I am.]
holy ......... holy <06918> [Ye shall.]
respect <03372> [fear.]
keep <08104> [keep.]
idols <0457> [not unto.]
[See on]
gods ... cast metal ....... God <0430 04541> [molten gods.]
sacrifice <02077> [a sacrifice.]
sacrifice ........... sacrifice <02076> [ye shall.]
accepted <07522> [your own will.]
The Hebrews had several kinds of offerings, which they called {corban}. Some were free-will offerings, and others were of obligation. The first fruits, the tenths, the sin-offerings, were of obligation; the peace-offerings, vows, offerings of oil, wine, bread, and other things which were made to the temple, or to the ministers of the Lord, were offerings of devotion; these constituted the greater part. They indeed were a shadow of good things to come, which we enjoy in full fruition through THE ONE great SACRIFICE, even Jesus Christ. "Aaron must lay his robes away, His mitre and his vest, When God himself comes down to be The offering and the priest."
spoiled <06292> [abominable.]
accepted <07521> [it shall.]
gather .... harvest ......................... harvest <07105 07114> [ye reap the harvest.]
In what code of laws merely human, is a requisition to be found so counteracting to selfishness, so encouraging to liberality, and so beneficently considering to the poor and needy? But the Mosaic dispensation, like the Christian, breathed with love to God, and benevolence to man. To the honour of the public and charitable spirit of the English, this merciful law is, in general, as much attended to as if it had been incorporated with the gospel.
pick <05953> [glean.]
pick ................... leave <05953 05800> [thou shalt.]
[shalt not.]
falsely .... fellow <0376 08266> [lie one.]
swear <07650> [ye shall.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
oppress <06231> [shalt not.]
wages <06468> [the wages.]
curse <07043> [not curse.]
fear <03372> [fear.]
slanderer <07400> [tale-bearer.]
stand <05975> [stand.]
hate <08130> [hate.]
reprove <03198> [rebuke.]
incur sin <05375 02399> [and not suffer sin upon him. or, that thou bear not sin for him.]
vengeance <05358> [not avenge.]
vengeance ............... love <05358 0157> [thou shalt.]
animals ... breed <07250 0929> [thy cattle gender.]
These practices might have been considered as altering the original constitution of God in creation; and this is the view which the Jews, and also Josephus and Philo, take of the subject. There were, probably, also both moral and political reasons for these prohibitions. With respect to heterogenous mixtures among cattle, it was probably forbidden, to prevent excitements to the abominations condemned in the preceding chapter. As to seeds, in many cases, it would be highly improper to sow different kinds in the same plot of ground. If oats and wheat, for instance, were sown together, the latter would be injured, and the former ruined. This prohibition may therefore be regarded as a prudential agricultural maxim. As to different kinds of garments, the prohibition might be intended against pride and vanity in clothing.
two different kinds .............. two different kinds ... seed ........... two different kinds <03610> [mingled.]
man ................. man <02778 0376> [betrothed to an husband. or, abused by any. Heb. reproached by, or, for man. she shall be scourged. or, they. Heb. there shall be a scourging. they shall.]
sin ............. sin <02403> [and the sin.]
enter <0935> [And when.]
forbidden ....... forbidden <06188 06189> [uncircumcised.]
fruit <06529> [all the.]
holy praise ..... Lord <01974 03068 06944> [holy to praise the Lord withal. Heb. holiness of praises to the Lord.]
blood <01818> [with the blood.]
divination <05172> [use.]
still ....... practice ..... soothsaying <06049> [nor.]
slash <08296> [cuttings.]
incise <05414> [print.]
profane <02490> [prostitute. Heb. profane. to cause.]
keep <08104> [keep.]
fear <03372> [reverence.]
foreigner <01616> [And if.]
oppress <03238> [vex him. or, oppress him.]
injustice <05766> [no unrighteousness.]
measures <04060> [in meteyard.]
honest balances honest .... honest ..... honest <06664 03976> [Just balances.]
weights <068> [weights. Heb. stones. I am. See on]
Any man <0376> [Whosoever.]
gives <05414> [giveth.]
[Moloch. Molech.]
The Rabbins describe this idol as made of brass sitting upon a throne of the same metal, in the form of a man, with the head of a calf, adorned with a royal crown, and his arms extended as if to embrace any one. When they offered any children to him, they heated the statue by a great fire kindled within, and the victim was put into his arms, and thus consumed. Others relate, that the idol, which was hollow, was divided into seven compartments within; in one of which they put flour, in the second turtles, in the third a ewe, in the fourth a ram, in the fifth a calf, in the sixth an ox, and the seventh a child; which were all burnt together by heating the statue inside. The account which Diodorus (l. xx.) gives of the statue of Saturn, to which the Carthaginians, descendants of the Canaanites, sacrificed their children, is very similar. For they had a brazen stature of Saturn, stretching out his hands towards the ground, in such a manner that the children placed within them tumbled down into a pit full of fire. To this account Milton alludes, in Paradise Lost, B. 1. 392.
people <05971> [the people.]
will set .................... given <05414> [I will set.]
defiled <02930> [to defile.]
profaned <02490> [profane.]
however ....... shut <05956> [hide.]
death <04191> [and kill.]
set <07760> [I will.]
clan <04940> [against his.]
prostitution .... prostitution <02181> [whoring.]
spirits <0178> [familiar.]
prostitution <02181> [go.]
cut ... off <03772> [cut him.]
In the days of Moses, superstition was almost the {sensus communis} of the human race, which then made severe punishment necessary: by means of the Christian dispensation such errors are now exploded, the cultivation of philosophy and natural history having harmonised and contributed their feebler share of light, so that we no longer have to deplore mischiefs occasioned by the silly curiosity attempting to unfold future events.
sure <08104> [And ye.]
sanctifies <06942> [sanctify.]
curses .............. cursed <07043> [curseth.]
The term {yekallel} signifies not only to curse, but to speak contemptuously, disrespectfully, or to make light of a person: so that all speeches which have a tendency to lessen our parents in the eyes of others, or to render their judgment, piety, etc., suspected or contemptible, is here included; though the act of cursing, or of treating the parent with injurious or opprobrious language, is what is particularly intended. He who conscientiously keeps the fifth commandment, can be in no danger of the judgment here denounced.
blood <01818> [his blood.]
commits adultery ........ adulterer .... adulteress <05003> [the adulterer.]
blood <01818> [their.]
sexual <07901> [lie.]
perversion <08397> [confusion.]
woman <0802> [a wife.]
burned <08313> [burnt.]
woman ............... woman <0802> [And if a woman.]
We are assured by Herodotus (in Euterp.) that the abominations here referred to existed among the Egyptians, and even formed part of their superstitious religious system, and we have reason to believe that they were not uncommon among the Canaanites. (See ch. 18:24, 25). Need we wonder then, that God should have made laws of this nature, and appointed the punishment of death for these crimes? This one observation will account for many of those strange prohibitions which we find in the Mosaic law.
animal ............... animal <0929> [and the beast.]
menstruating <01739> [having.]
laid bare <06168> [discovered. Heb. made naked.]
mother's <0517> [mother's.]
has laid bare .......... punishment <06168> [uncovereth.]
aunt <01733> [uncle's wife.]
childless <06185> [childless.]
brother's .......... brother's <0251> [his brother's.]
indecency <05079> [an unclean thing. Heb. a separation.]
[statues.]
regulations <04941> [judgments.]
vomit <06958> [spue you.]
statutes <02708> [in the manners.]
disgust <06973> [therefore.]
said <0559> [But I. See on]
land <0776> [a land.]
Milk and honey were the chief dainties of the ancients as they are now among the Arabs, particularly the Bedouins. Hence not only the Hebrews, but also the Greeks and Romans, painted the highest pleasantness and fertility by an abundance of milk and honey. The image used in the text, and frequently by ancient authors on similar subjects, is a metaphor, derived from a breast, producing copious streams of milk.
apart <0914> [which.]
distinguish ......................................... distinguished <0914> [put difference.]
detestable <08262> [abominable.]
creeps <07430> [creepeth. or, moveth.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
apart <0914> [severed.]
spirit <0178> [a familiar.]
blood <01818> [their blood.]
said .... Say ......... say <0559> [Speak.]
defile <02930> [There.]
[or, the verse may be read, being an husband among his people, he shall not defile himself for his wife, etc.]
bald spot shaved <07144 07139> [not make baldness.]
This custom is also called rounding the corners of the head, (ch. 19:27,) and seems to have been performed in honour of some idol.
corner <06285> [the corner.]
The Hebrew {peath zakon}, may denote the whiskers; as the Syriac {phatho} signifies. These are by the Arabs, according to Niebuhr, still cut entirely off, or worn quite short; and hence they are called by Jeremiah, [qtswtsy p'h,] those with cropped whiskers. Perhaps some superstition, of which we are ignorant, was connected with this; but whether or not, it was the object of Moses to keep the Israelites distinct from other nations.
holy .................................. holy <06944 06918> [holy.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
food <03899> [bread.]
holy <06918> [therefore.]
prostitution <02181> [that is a whore.]
divorced <01644> [put away.]
sanctify ...................... sanctifies <06942> [sanctify.]
Lord <03068> [for I.]
daughter <01323> [the daughter.]
burned <08313> [she shall be burnt.]
head ....................... head <07218> [upon.]
ordained <04390> [consecrated.]
dishevel <06544> [uncover.]
[not rend.]
All human corpses were considered as unclean. Whoever touched one was unclean for seven days, and was obliged on the third and seventh day to purify himself according to the Mosaic instructions. In the case of the priest it went still farther; insomuch, that even mourning for the dead by any external sign, such as tearing their clothes, defiled them. Hence such mournings were absolutely forbidden to be used in any case, and by the other priests also, except in the case of their very nearest relations, for whom they were allowed to mourn. This statue is founded on the importance of sustaining the decency and purity of Divine worship. The servants of the Deity were to keep themselves at a distance from every thing that in the least degree savoured of uncleanness.
father <01> [his father.]
go out <03318> [go out.]
dedication <05145> [for the crown.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
<03068> [for I the.]
physical flaw <03971> [blemish.]
approach ... present <07126> [let him.]
food <03899> [bread. or, food.]
man ........... blind man <05787 0376> [a blind man.]
limb too long <08311> [superfluous.]
dwarf <01851> [a dwarf. or, too slender. or hath.]
physical flaw ............. physical flaw <03971> [a blemish.]
In the above list of blemishes, we meet with some that might render the priest contemptible in the eyes of men; and others that would be very great impediments in the discharge of his ministerial duties.
present ................. present <07126> [to offer.]
most holy .... holy <06944> [both.]
most holy .... holy <06944> [and of the holy.]
go <0935> [go in.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
Lord <03068> [for I the Lord.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
holy ................ profane ... holy <02490 06944> [that they profane not.]
This is the very ground of the prohibition, that they might preserve in their minds a holy reverence for the Divine Majesty. Hence when they approached unto him, they must be free from every legal impurity. If great men are to be approached with respect, how much more must Jehovah be approached with holy reverence!
consecrate <06942> [hallow.]
impure <02932 05315> [having his uncleanness upon him.]
That is, in other words, "when he is unclean."
<05315> [that soul.]
That is, according to some, thrust out of the priest's office, or from officiating at the altar; or, according to others, cut off by some immediate stroke of divine justice, like Nadab and Abihu.
before <06440> [from my.]
descendants ........................................ emission <02233> [the seed.]
These words include the daughters as well as the sons of Aaron.
diseased <06879> [a leper.]
discharge <02100> [running issue. Heb. running of the reins.]
holy offerings <06944> [holy things.]
clean <02891> [until.]
unclean <02931> [unclean.]
descendants ........................................ emission <02233> [whose.]
man <0376> [whosoever.]
person <0120> [or a man.]
incur sin <02399 05375> [bear sin for it.]
That is, be punished if he break it.
The word {zar,} a stranger, does not mean one of another nation, a foreigner, which is expressed by {hechar,} but one who is not of the seed of Aaron, or does not belong to his family.
money <03701> [his money. Heb. the purchase of his money.]
<0376> [a stranger. Heb. a man, a stranger.]
returns ...... father's house ........... father's <01 01004 07725> [returned unto her father's house.]
A widow in Bengal not unfrequently returns to her father's house on the death of her husband: the union between her and her own family is never so dissolved as among European nations.
youth <05271> [as in her.]
incur ... penalty <05771 05375> [suffer them to bear the iniquity of the trespass. or, lade themselves with the iniquity of trespass in their eating. bear.]
Lord <03068> [for I.]
When any man <0376> [Whatsoever.]
foreigners <01616> [of the strangers.]
votive <05088> [vows.]
freewill offerings <05071> [freewill.]
peace offering <08002> [peace.]
for ... special <06381> [to accomplish.]
flock <06629> [sheep. or, goats. it shall be perfect.]
This law is so founded on the nature of the thing itself, that it has been in force among all nations that sacrificed victims to their deities.
blind <05788> [Blind.]
gift <0801> [an offering.]
sheep <07716> [lamb. or, kid. superfluous.]
torn <05423> [broken. or, cut.]
foreigner <05236> [a stranger's.]
food <03899> [the bread.]
ruined <04893> [because.]
seven days ...... day <03117 07651> [seven days.]
It was necessary for the mother's health that the young one should suck so long; and prior to this time, the process of nutrition in a young animal can scarcely be considered as completely formed. Besides this, it may justly be asserted, that the flesh of very young animals is comparatively innutritive. There is something brutish in eating the young of beast or fowl, before the hair and hoofs are perfect in the one, and feathers and claws in the other; and before this period, their flesh is not good for food, consequently they were not fit for sacrifice, which is termed the bread or food of God, (ver. 25.)
sheep <07716> [ewe. or, she goat. ye shall not kill it.]
This law was certainly intended to inculcate mercy and tenderness of heart; and so the Jews have understood it.
sanctified ............. sanctifies <06942> [I will.]
sanctified ............. sanctifies <06942> [hallow you.]
appointed times .......... appointed times <04150> [the feasts.]
God appointed several festivals among the Jews. The Passover was celebrated on the 14th, or rather 15th day of the first month in the ecclesiastical year, which was the seventh of the civil year, and lasted seven days. The Pentecost was celebrated on the fiftieth day after the passover, in memory of the law's being given to Moses on Mount Sinai, fifty days, or seven weeks after the departure out of Egypt. The word is derived from the Greek word [Pentekoste,] which signifies the fiftieth. The Hebrews call it the feast of weeks, Ex 34:22. The feast of trumpets, celebrated on the first day of the civil year, when a trumpet was sounded, to proclaim its commencement, which was in the month {Tisri,} answering to our September, Le 23:24, 25. The new moons, or first days of every month, were, in some sort, a consequence of the feast of trumpets. God ordained that, by giving him the first-fruits of every month they should acknowledge him as the Lord of all their time, and own his providence, by which all times and seasons are ordered. The feast of expiation or atonement was kept on the 10th day of {Tisri} or September: the Hebrews call it Kippur, i.e., pardon or expiation, because it was instituted for the expiation of their sins. The feast of tents or tabernacles was so called, because the Israelites kept it under green tents or arbours, in memory of their dwelling in their passage through the wilderness. It was celebrated on the 15th day of {Tisri,} and continued eight days: the first and last days are the most solemn. Besides the feasts mentioned by Moses, we find the feast of {lots,} or {Purim,} which was celebrated among the Jews of Shushan on the 14th of {Adar,} which answers to our February. The feast of the dedication of the temple, or rather, of the restoration of the temple, which had been profaned by Antiochus Epiphanes, which is thought to be the feast mentioned in the gospel Joh 10:22, was celebrated in the winter. {MoÆ’dim,} properly means assemblies, convened at an appointed time and place.
proclaim <07121> [proclaim]
enter ..................... bring <0935> [When.]
gather <07114> [and shall.]
sheaf <06016> [sheaf. or, handful. Heb. omer. the first fruits.]
This offering was a public acknowledgement of the bounty and goodness of God for the kindly fruits of the earth. From the practice of the people of God, the heathen borrowed a similar one, founded on the same reason.
grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
drink offering <05262> [the drink.]
fourth <07243> [the fourth.]
eat <0398> [eat.]
statute <02708> [it shall be.]
two ....... wave offering ....... two <08147 08573> [two wave.]
yeast <02557> [leaven.]
first fruits <01061> [the first-fruits.]
seven .... lambs <07651 03532> [seven lambs.]
grain offering <04503> [with their.]
male .... a <0259 08163> [one kid.]
two ... lambs <03532 08147> [two lambs.]
wave ......... bread <05130 03899> [wave them.]
Lord ..... holy .... Lord <06944 03068> [holy to.]
On ....... proclaim <07121> [proclaim.]
statute <02708> [a statute.]
To the institution of the feast of pentecost is annexed a repetition of that law, by which they were required to leave the gleanings of their fields, and the corn that grew on the ends of the butts, for the poor. It may come in here as a thing which the priests must take occasion to remind the people of, when they brought their first-fruits, intimating to them, that to obey even in this small matter was better than sacrifice; and that unless they were obedient, their offerings should not be accepted. It also taught them that the joy of harvest should express itself in charity to the poor, who must have their due out of what we have, as well as God his. They that are truly sensible of the mercy they receive from God, will without grudging shew mercy to the poor.
seventh <07637> [In the seventh.]
memorial <02146> [a memorial.]
{Zichron terooÆ’h,} here rendered "a memorial of blowing the trumpets" properly signifies a memorial of triumph or shouting for joy. This festival is generally called the feast of trumpets; and, though the Scriptures have not expressly declared the reason of its celebration, yet, as it fell in the seventh month of the sacred year, which was the first of the civil year, that is, the month {Tisri,} answering to our September, the opinion very generally embraced by both Jews and Christians is, that it was a memorial of the creation of the world, at which "the sons of God shouted for joy," (Job 38:7;) and which is supposed, not altogether without reason, to have been at this season of the year. The month {Tisri} was not only anciently, but still is, reckoned by the Jews the first month of the year; and the feast of tabernacles, kept in this month, was said to be, as it is correctly rendered in the margin, "at the revolution of the year," (Ex 34:22;) importing, that at this season the year had revolved, and was beginning anew. So that this feast was the new year's day, on which the people rejoiced in a grateful remembrance of God's benefits, and implored his blessing for the future year.
tenth <06218> [the tenth.]
humble <06031> [afflict.]
present <07126> [offer.]
humility <06031> [that shall.]
cut off <03772> [he shall be.]
Sabbath .............................. Sabbath <07676> [a sabbath.]
humble <06031> [afflict.]
Sabbath ............................ observe ... Sabbath <07676 07673> [celebrate your sabbath. Heb. rest.]
fifteenth <02568> [The fifteenth.]
Festival .... Shelters <05521 02282> [the feast of tabernacles.]
This feast was celebrated in commemoration of the Israelites' dwelling in tents in the wilderness for forty years; and was kept with greater hilarity than any of the other festivals. Hence, in the Talmud, it is often called {chag,} the feast, by way of excellence; and by Philo, [heorton megisten,] the greatest of the feasts; it was therefore more noticed by the heathen than any other. It is probable that Cecrops borrowed from it the law which he made in Athens, "that the master of every family should after harvest make a feast for his servants, and eat together with them who had taken pains with him in tilling his grounds."
seven <07651> [Seven.]
eighth <08066> [the eighth.]
assembly <06116> [solemn. Heb. day of restraint.]
appointed times <04150> [the feasts.]
<01697> [every thing.]
Sabbaths <07676> [the sabbaths.]
gifts votive offerings ... freewill offerings <04979 05088 05071> [and beside.]
gather <0622> [when.]
first <07223> [on the first.]
branches ....... branches <06529 06057> [the boughs. Heb. fruit.]
trees palm ... branches .... trees <06086 08558 06057> [of palm trees.]
rejoice <08055> [rejoice.]
bring <03947> [that they.]
lamp <05216> [the lamps.]
burn continually <08548 05927> [burn continually. Heb. ascend.]
pure <02889> [the pure.]
The loaves of bread which the officiating priest placed every sabbath day upon the golden table in the Sanctum, before the Lord, were twelve in number, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The loaves must have been large, since two tenth deals (about six pints) of flour were used for each, Le 24:3, 6, 7. They were served up hot on the sabbath day in the Sanctum, when the stale ones, which had been exposed the whole week, were taken away, and none but the priests were allowed to eat them. In an extraordinary extremity, David and his men partook of the shew-bread, (see 1 Sa 21:6,) the urgent necessity alone justifying the act. The Hebrew signifies bread of faces, or, of the face.
[See]
two rows <04634 08147> [in two rows.]
pure <02889> [pure.]
pure <02134> [pure.]
bread <03899> [the bread.]
memorial <0234> [a memorial.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron's.]
eat <0398> [they shall.]
misused <05344> [blasphemed.]
Name ............. name <08034> [the name.]
Houbigant and others think that the name which this man blasphemed was the name of the god of his native land. But that {hashshem} THE NAME, denotes Jehovah, appears from its being used in the latter part of verse 16, as equivalent to "the name of Jehovah," in the former part. The Jews also frequently use {hashshem} for Jehovah.
cursed <07043> [cursed.]
brought .... Moses <0935 04872> [brought him.]
clear ........... mouth <06310 03068 06567> [that the mind of the Lord might be shewed them. Heb. to expound unto them according to the mouth of the Lord.]
outside <02351> [without.]
heard <08085> [all that.]
congregation <05712> [let all the.]
bear ..... sin <02399 05375> [bear his sin.]
misuses ............................... misuses <05344> [blasphemeth.]
As the word {nakav} not only signifies to curse, or blaspheme, but also to express, or distinguish by name, (Nu 1:17. 1 Ch 12:31. Isa 62:2,) hence the Jews, at a very early period, understood this law as prohibiting them from uttering the name Jehovah, on any other than sacred occasions. The Septuagint, which was made at least 250 years before Christ, renders it [Onomazon de to onoma Kyriou, thanato thanatoustho,] "Whosoever nameth the name of the Lord, let him die;" from which we see that the Jews at this time were accustomed to pronounce {adonay,} or Lord, instead of Jehovah; for in place of it the Septuagint always put [Lo Kyrios.]
man <0376> [And he.]
beats ... person <05315 0120 05221> [killeth any man. Heb. smiteth the life of a man.]
beats <05221> [that killeth.]
death ....... life ... life <05315> [beast for beast. Heb. life for life.]
animal <0929> [a beast.]
person <0120> [a man.]
enter <0935> [When ye.]
observe <07673> [keep. Heb. rest.]
Sabbath <07676> [a sabbath.]
aftergrowth <05599> [groweth.]
unpruned vines <05139> [thy vine undressed. Heb. the separation.]
[of the jubilee to sound. Heb. loud of sound.]
[jubilee.]
Day <03117> [the day.]
proclaim <07121> [proclaim.]
each ........... each <0376> [every man.]
return ........... return <07725> [ye shall return.]
[A jubilee.]
Respecting the literal meaning of the word [ywbl,] {yobel,} or {yovel,} critics are not agreed. The most natural derivation of the word seems to be from [hwbyl,] {hovil,} the {Hiphil} form of [ybl,] {yaval,} to recall, restore, or bring back, because this year restored all slaves to their liberty, and brought back all alienated estates to their primitive owners. Accordingly the LXX. render it here [aphesis,] a "remission"; and Josephus says it signifies [eleutherian,] liberty.
sow <02232> [ye shall.]
oppress <03238> [shall not.]
fear <03372> [fear.]
obey ............ keep ... so <06213> [Wherefore.]
live ... in <03427> [and ye.]
command <06680> [I will.]
As it is here graciously promised, that the sixth year was to bring forth fruits for three years, not merely for two, it is evident that both the sabbatical year and the year of jubilee were distinctly provided for. They were not to sow from the sixth to the eighth year, omitting two seed times; nor reap from the sixth to the ninth, omitting two harvests. No legislator, unless conscious of being divinely commissioned, would have committed himself by enacting such a law as this; nor would any people have submitted to receive it, except in consequence of the fullest conviction that a divine authority had dictated it. It therefore stands as a proof that Moses acted by the express direction of the Almighty, and that the people were fully persuaded of the reality of his divine mission by the miracles he wrought.
year .......... three years <08141 07969> [three years.]
eighth <08066> [eighth.]
produce old .......... produce ..... old <08393 03465> [old fruit.]
land .......... land <0776> [The land.]
without reclaim <06783> [for ever. or, to be quite cut off. Heb. for cutting off. for the land.]
foreigners <01616> [for ye are.]
right of redemption <01353> [redemption.]
prospers ... gains enough <01767 04672 03027> [himself be able to redeem it. Heb. his hand hath attained, and found sufficiency.]
jubilee ......... jubilee <03104> [and in the.]
refund ...... then ............................. return <07725> [he shall. See on]
A very proper difference is here made between houses in a city and houses in the country. The former might be redeemed any time in the course of a year; but after that time could not be redeemed, or go out with the Jubilee: the latter might be redeemed at any time; and if not redeemed must go out with the jubilee. The reason in both cases is sufficiently evident; the house in the city might be built merely for the purposes of trade or traffic--the house in the country was builded on, or attached to, the inheritance which God had divided to the respective families. It was therefore necessary that the same law should apply to the house as to the inheritance; which necessity did not exist with regard to the house in the city. And, as the house in the city might be purchased for the purpose of trade, it would be very inconvenient for the purchaser, when his business was established, to be obliged to remove.
right of redemption <01353> [they may be redeemed. Heb. redemption belongeth unto it.]
cities ......... cities <05892> [the cities.]
As the Levites had no inheritance in Israel, but only cities to dwell in; and consequently the houses in these cities were all they could call their own, therefore they could not be ultimately alienated.
Levites ... redeem ........................... Levites <03881 01350> [a man purchase of the Levites. or, one of the Levites redeem them. shall go.]
house ................ houses <01004> [for the houses.]
brother <0251> [thy brother.]
indebted to you <04131> [fallen in decay. Heb. his hand faileth. then.]
support <02388> [relieve. Heb. strengthen. a stranger.]
interest <05392> [usury.]
fear <03372> [fear.]
out <03318> [which.]
God ..................... God <0430> [and to be.]
sells <04376> [be sold.]
subject ..... service <05656 05647> [compel him to serve as. Heb. serve thyself with him with the service of, etc.]
go <03318> [then shall.]
return <07725> [shall return.]
servants .................. slave <05650> [my servants.]
sale <04466> [as bondsmen. Heb. with the sale of a bondman.]
rule <07287> [rule.]
fear <03372> [but shalt.]
inheritance <05157> [And ye shall.]
may enslave ... perpetually <05647 05769> [they shall be your bondmen for ever. Heb. ye shall serve yourselves with them.]
rule <07287> [ye shall not rule.]
resident foreigner ...... prospers .................. resident foreigner ............ foreigner's <08453 05381 01616> [sojourner or stranger wax rich. Heb. the hand of a stranger, etc. obtain, etc.]
prospers <05381> [or if he be.]
He ... calculate <02803> [reckon.]
cost .... sale <04465 03701> [price of his sale.]
This was a very equitable law, both to the sojourner to whom the man was sold, and to the Israelite who had been sold. The Israelite might redeem himself, or one of his kindred might redeem him; but this must not be done to the prejudice of his master. They were therefore to reckon the years he must have served, from that time till the jubilee; and then taking the current wages of a servant, per year, at that time, multiply the remaining years by that sum, and the aggregate was to be given to his master for his redemption. The Jews hold that the kindred of such a person were bound, if in their power, to redeem him, lest he should be swallowed up among the heathen; and we find (Ne 5:8) that this was done by the Jews on their return from the Babylonish captivity.
rate <03117> [according to the time.]
[jubilee.]
The jubilee was a wonderful institution, and of great service to the religion, freedom, and independence of the Hebrews. It was calculated to prevent the rich from oppressing the poor, and reducing them to perpetual slavery; and to hinder their obtaining possession of all the lands by purchase, mortgage, or usurpation. It was further intended, that debts should not be multiplied too much, lest the poor should be entirely ruined; that slaves should not always continue in servitude; that personal liberty, equality of property, and the regular order of families might, as much as possible, be preserved; and that the people might thus be strongly attached to their country, lands, and inheritances.
go free <03318> [in these years. or, by these means. then.]
servants ..... servants <05650> [my servants.]
make <06213> [Ye shall.]
pillar <04676> [standing image. or, pillar. image of stone. or, figured stone. Heb. a stone of picture.]
give ............. give .......... will produce <05414> [Then I.]
land <0776> [the land.]
Threshing <01786> [threshing.]
eat ... bread <0398 03899> [eat your.]
live <03427> [dwell.]
grant .................... remove <05414 07673> [I will.]
sleep <07901> [ye shall.]
remove <07673> [rid. Heb. cause to cease.]
sword <02719> [shall the sword.]
turn <06437> [for I.]
fruitful <06509> [make you.]
maintain <06965> [establish.]
put <05414> [I will.]
abhor <01602> [abhor.]
walk <01980> [I will.]
be ....... be <01961> [will be.]
Lord <03068> [I am.]
[See on]
broke <07665> [and I have.]
reject <03988> [despise.]
you <05315> [soul.]
break <06565> [break.]
inflict <06485> [appoint.]
horror <0928> [over you. Heb. upon you. terror.]
consumption <07829> [consumption.]
diminish <03615> [consume.]
sow <02232> [and ye shall.]
enemies <0341> [for your.]
I will set <05414> [set.]
struck <05062> [ye shall be.]
flee <05127> [shall flee.]
seven <07651> [seven times.]
break <07665> [will break.]
make <05414> [make.]
strength <03581> [your strength.]
land ............ land <0776> [for your land.]
hostility ....... willing <07147 014> [contrary unto me. or, at all adventures with me: and so ver.]
wild <07704> [wild.]
bereave <07921> [rob you.]
roads <01870> [your high.]
bring <0935> [will bring.]
avenging <05358> [avenge.]
send <07971> [I will send.]
rage <02534> [in fury.]
This was literally fulfilled at the siege of Jerusalem. Josephus gives a dreadful detail respecting a woman named Mary, who, in the extremity of the famine, during the seige, killed her sucking child, roasted, and had eaten part of it, when discovered by the soldiers!
destroy <08045> [I will destroy.]
you <05315> [my soul.]
lay <05414> [And I will make.]
desolate <08074> [and bring.]
smell <07306> [I will not smell. See on]
will make .... desolate ........... appalled <08074> [And I.]
enemies <0341> [and your.]
This was fulfilled during the Babylonish captivity: for, from Saul to the captivity are about 490 years, during which period there were 70 sabbaths of years neglected by the Hebrews. Now the Babylonish captivity lasted 70 years, and during that time the land of Israel rested.
bring <0935> [I will send.]
sound <06963> [and the.]
<05086> [shaken. Heb. driven.]
stumble <03782> [they shall.]
stand <08617> [and ye shall.]
rot ................. rot <04743> [shall pine.]
iniquity .................. iniquities <05771> [and also.]
confess <03034> [confess.]
walked <01980> [and that.]
uncircumcised <06189> [their uncircumcised.]
humbled <03665> [humbled.]
make up <07521> [and they.]
remember ..................... remember <02142> [will I.]
remember ..................... remember <02142> [and I will.]
make ................ make up <07521> [shall enjoy.]
make ................ make up <07521> [and they.]
rejected <03988> [they despised.]
<05315> [their soul.]
reject <03988> [I will.]
abhor <01602> [abhor.]
break <06565> [break.]
remember <02142> [for their.]
out <03318> [whom I.]
[See on]
sight <05869> [in the sight.]
As this verse appears to be the proper concluding verse of the whole book, Dr. A. Clarke thinks that the 27th chapter originally followed the 25th. Others suppose that the 27th chapter was added after the book was finished; and, therefore, there is apparently a double conclusion, one at the end of this, and another at the end of the 27th chapter. All the ancient versions agree in concluding both chapters in nearly the same way.
[the statues.]
Mount Sinai <02022 05514> [in mount Sinai.]
through <03027> [by the hand.]
man <0376> [When.]
special votive offering <05088 06381> [a singular vow.]
A vow is a religious promise made to God, for the most part with prayer, and paid with thanksgiving. Vows were either of abstinence (Nu 6:30), or the devoting of something to the Lord, as sacrifices (Le 7:16,) or the value of persons, beasts, houses, or lands, concerning which the law is here given. A man might vow or devote himself, his children, his domestics, his cattle, his goods, etc.; and respecting the redemption of all these, rules are laid down in this chapter. But if, after consecrating these things, he refused to redeem them, they then became the Lord's property forever. The persons continued all their lives devoted to the sanctuary, the goods were sold for the profit of the temple, or the priests; and the animals, if clean, were offered in sacrifice; and if not proper for sacrifice, were sold, and the proceeds devoted to sacred uses. This is a general view of the different laws relative to vows, mentioned in this chapter.
conversion value <06187> [And thy estimation.]
fifty shekels ........ shekel <08255 02572> [fifty shekels. i.e, At three shillings each, 7Å“. 10s. sterling.]
shekels ........ shekel <08255> [after the.]
thirty shekels <08255 07970> [thirty shekels. i.e., 4Å“. 10s. sterling, A little more than one-half the value of a man; for this obvious reason, that a woman, if employed, would not be of so much use in the sanctuary as the man.]
# Zec 11:12,13 Mt 26:15 27:9,10
twenty ........... twenty shekels ....... shekels <06242 08255> [twenty shekels. i.e., 3Å“. sterling. ten shekels. i.e., 1Å“.]
10s. sterling
month <02320> [from.]
male <02145> [the male.]
The male five shekels, 15s., the female three shekels, 9s. Being both in infancy they were nearly of an equal value.
sixty <08346> [from.]
fifteen <02568> [fifteen.]
The old man and the old woman, being almost past labour, were nearly of an equal value; the former being estimated at 15 shekels, and the latter at 10.
too poor <04134> [poorer.]
according <06310> [according.]
According to the assessed conversion value <06187> [as thou valuest it, who art the priest. Heb. according to thy estimation, O priest, etc.]
consecrates <06942> [sanctify.]
priest .............. priest <03548> [as the priest.]
add <03254> [then he shall add.]
landed <07704> [some part.]
Though the words "some part" are not expressed, yet it is generally allowed that they should be supplied here; as it was not lawful for a man to alienate in this manner his whole patrimony: he might express his good will for the house of God but he must not impoverish his own family.
landed <07704> [of a field.]
homer <02563> [an homer. or, the land of an homer, etc., i.e, as much land as required a homer of barley to sow it.]
The {homer} was very different from the {omer;} the latter held about three quarts, the former seventy-five gallons three pints.
reverts <03318> [when.]
dedicated <02764> [devoted.]
It is {cherem,} a thing so devoted to God, as never more to be capable of being redeemed.
priest's <03548> [priest's.]
property <0272> [his possession.]
conversion value <06187> [And all.]
shekel ...... shekel <08255> [to the shekel.]
A standard shekel; the standard being kept in the sanctuary, to try and regulate all the weights in the land by.
twenty <06242> [twenty.]
firstborn <01060> [the firstling. Heb. first born, etc.]
As these firstlings were the Lord's before, it would have been a solemn mockery to pretend to make them a matter of a singular vow; for they were already appointed, if clean, to be sacrificed.
Lord .................... Lord <03068> [which.]
add <03254> [and shall add.]
This was probably intended to prevent rash vows and covetous redemptions. The priest alone was to value the thing; and to whatever his valuation was, a fifth part must be added by him who wished to redeem it.
dedicates ........................... dedicated <02764> [no devoted.]
This is the {cherem,} the absolute, irredeemable grant to God.
dedicated <02764> [None.]
<03808 02763> [which shall be devoted.]
That is, either that every person devoted to the service of God shall not be redeemed, but die in that devoted state, or, that such as were devoted to death by appointment and law of God, as the Canaanites were, shall be put to death.
passes .... rod <07626 05674> [passeth under the rod.]
The Rabbins say, that when a man gave the tithe of his sheep or calves, he shut them in one fold, in which was a narrow door, to let out but one at a time. He then stood by the door, with a rod dipped in vermilion in his hand, and as they passed he counted them with the rod; and when the tenth came he touched it, by which it was distinguished as the tithe calf, sheep, etc.
commandments <04687> [commandments.]
Mount <02022> [in mount.]
CONCLUDING REMARKS. Thus terminates this most interesting and important book; a book containing a code of sacrificial, ceremonial, civil, and judicial laws, which, for the purity of their morality, the wisdom, justice, and beneficence of their enactments, and the simplicity, dignity, and impressive nature of their rites, are perfectly unrivalled, and altogether worthy of their Divine Author. All the rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic law are at once dignified and expressive. They point out the holiness of their Author, the sinfulness of man, the necessity of an atonement, and the state of moral excellence to which the grace and mercy of the Creator have destined to raise the human soul. They include, as well as point out, the gospel of the Son of God; from which they receive their consummation and perfection. The sacrifices and oblations were significant of the atonement of Christ; the requisite qualities of these sacrifices were emblematical of his immaculate character; and the prescribed mode in the form of these offerings, and the mystical rites ordained, were allusive institutions, calculated to enlighten the apprehensions of the Jews, and to prepare them for the reception of the Gospel. The institution of the high priesthood typified Jesus, the Great High Priest, called and prepared of God, who hath an unchangeable priesthood, and is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him.
