mhcc - offerings

mhcc@Genesis:4:1-7 @ Verse 1-7 - When Cain was born, Eve said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. Perhaps she thought that this was the promised seed. If so, she was wofully disappointed. Abel signifies vanity: when she thought she had the promised seed in Cain, whose name signifies possession, she was so taken up with him that another son was as vanity to her. Observe, each son had a calling. It is the will of God for every one to have something to do in this world. Parents ought to bring up their children to work. Give them a Bible and a calling, said good Mr. Dod, and God be with them. We may believe that God commanded Adam, after the fall, to shed the blood of innocent animals, and after their death to burn part or the whole of their bodies by fire. Thus that punishment which sinners deserve, even the death of the body, and the wrath of God, of which fire is a well-known emblem, and also the sufferings of Christ, were prefigured. Observe that the religious worship of God is no new invention. It was from the beginning; it is the good old way, Jeremiah strkjv@6:16. The offerings of Cain and Abel were different. Cain showed a proud, unbelieving heart. Therefore he and his offering were rejected. Abel came as a sinner, and according to God's appointment, by his sacrifice expressing humility, sincerity, and believing obedience. Thus, seeking the benefit of the new covenant of mercy, through the promised Seed, his sacrifice had a token that God accepted it. Abel offered in faith, and Cain did not, Hebrews strkjv@11:4. In all ages there have been two sorts of worshippers, such as Cain and Abel; namely, proud, hardened despisers of the gospel method of salvation, who attempt to please God in ways of their own devising; and humble believers, who draw near to him in the way he has revealed. Cain indulged malignant anger against Abel. He harboured an evil spirit of discontent and rebellion against God. God notices all our sinful passions and discontents. There is not an angry, envious, or fretful look, that escapes his observing eye. The Lord reasoned with this rebellious man; if he came in the right way, he should be accepted. Some understand this as an intimation of mercy. "If thou doest not well, sin, that is, the sin-offering, lies at the door, and thou mayest take the benefit of it." The same word signifies sin, and a sacrifice for sin. "Though thou hast not done well, yet do not despair; the remedy is at hand." Christ, the great sin-offering, is said to stand at the door, Revelation strkjv@3:20. And those well deserve to perish in their sins, that will not go to the door to ask for the benefit of this sin-offering. God's acceptance of Abel's offering did not change the birthright, and make it his; why then should Cain be so angry? Sinful heats and disquiets vanish before a strict and fair inquiry into the cause.

mhcc@Genesis:31:43-55 @ Verse 43-55 -...A sacrifice of peace offerings was...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Exodus:30:11-16 @ Verse 11-16 - The tribute was half a shekel, about fifteen pence of our money. The rich were not to give more, nor the poor less; the souls of the rich and poor are alike precious, and God is no respecter of persons, Acts strkjv@10:34. Job strkjv@34:19. In other offerings men were to give according to their wordly ability; but this, which was the ransom of the soul, must be alike for all. The souls of all are of equal value, equally in danger, and all equally need a ransom. The money raised was to be used in the service of the tabernacle. Those who have the benefit, must not grudge the necessary charges of God's public worship. Money cannot make atonement for the soul, but it may be used for the honour of Him who has made the atonement, and for the maintenance of the gospel by which the atonement is applied.

mhcc@Exodus:35:20-29 @ Verse 20-29 -...a willing mind, costly offerings would...-hearted, because they did it heartily to the Lord. Thus the labourer, mechanic, or servant who attends to his work in the faith and fear of God, may be as wise, for his place, as the most useful minister, and he equally accepted of the Lord. Our wisdom and duty consist in giving God the glory and use of our talents, be they many or few.

mhcc@Exodus:38 @ ****** Exodus 38 ****** *** Outline of Exodus 38 *** The brazen altar and laver. (_1-8.) The court. (_9-20.) The offerings of the people. (_21-31.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Leviticus:1:1-2 @ Verse 1,2 - The offering of sacrifices was an ordinance of true religion, from the fall of man unto the coming of Christ. But till the Israelites were in the wilderness, no very particular regulations seem to have been appointed. The general design of these laws is plain. The sacrifices typified Christ; they also shadowed out the believer's duty, character, privilege, and communion with God. There is scarcely any thing spoken of the Lord Jesus in Scripture which has not also a reference to his people. This book begins with the laws concerning sacrifices; the most ancient were the burnt-...be willing to bring offerings to...

mhcc@Leviticus:1:10-17 @ Verse 10-17 - Those who could not offer a bullock, were to bring a sheep or a goat; and those who were not able to do that, were accepted of God, if they brought a turtle-...a man's power, scanty offerings will...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Leviticus:2:12-16 @ Verse 12-16 -...required in all the offerings. God...-...by which all our offerings must...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Leviticus:5:14-19 @ Verse 14-19 - Here are offerings to atone for trespasses against a neighbour. If a man put to his own use unwittingly, any thing dedicated to God, he was to bring this sacrifice. We are to be jealous over ourselves, to ask pardon for the sin, and make satisfaction for the wrong, which we do but suspect ourselves guilty of. The law of God is so very broad, the occasions of sin in this guilty of. The law of God is so very broad, the occasions of sin in this world are so numerous, and we are so prone to evil, that we need to fear always, and to pray always, that we may be kept from sin. Also we should look before us at every step. The true Christian daily pleads guilty before God, and seeks forgiveness through the blood of Christ. And the gospel salvation is so free, that the poorest is not shut out; and so full, that the most burdened conscience may find relief from it. Yet the evil of sin is so displayed as to cause every pardoned sinner to abhor and dread it. **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Leviticus:8 @ ****** Leviticus 8 ****** *** Outline of Leviticus 8 *** The consecration of Aaron and his sons. (_1-13.) The offerings of consecration. (_14-36.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Leviticus:9 @ ****** Leviticus 9 ****** *** Outline of Leviticus 9 *** The first offerings of Aaron for himself and the people. (_1-21.) Moses and Aaron bless the people, Fire cometh upon the altar from the Lord. (_22-24.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Leviticus:9:1-21 @ Verse 1-21 -...to him, and the offerings of...

mhcc@Leviticus:14:10-32 @ Verse 10-32 -...both we and our offerings must...-offering, some of the blood, and some of the oil, was to be put upon him that was to be cleansed. Wherever the blood of Christ is applied for justification, the oil of the Spirit is applied for sanctification; these two cannot be separated. We have here the gracious provision the law made for poor lepers. The poor are as welcome to God's altar as the rich. But though a meaner sacrifice was accepted from the poor, yet the same ceremony was used for the rich; their souls are as precious, and Christ and his gospel are the same to both. Even for the poor one lamb was necessary. No sinner could be saved, had it not been for the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God with his blood.

mhcc@Leviticus:23:4-14 @ Verse 4-14 - The feast of the Passover was to continue seven days; not idle days, spent in sport, as many that are called Christians spend their holy-days. Offerings were made to the Lord at his altar; and the people were taught to employ their time in prayer, and praise, and godly meditation. The sheaf of first-fruits was typical of the Lord Jesus, who is risen from the dead as the First-fruits of them that slept. Our Lord Jesus rose from the dead on the very day that the first-fruits were offered. We are taught by this law to honour the Lord with our substance, and with the first-fruits of all our increase, Proverbs strkjv@3:9. They were not to eat of their new corn, till God's part was offered to him out of it; and we must always begin with God: begin every day with him, begin every meal with him, begin every affair and business with him; seek first the kingdom of God.

mhcc@Numbers:7 @ ****** Numbers 7 ****** *** Outline of Numbers 7 *** The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle. (_1-9.) The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar. (_10-89.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Numbers:7:10-89 @ Verse 10-89 - The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-offering. As, in our best services, we are conscious that there is sin, there should be repentance, even in our most joyful services. In all approaches to God we must by faith look to Christ as the Sin-...a burden. All their offerings were...-day, and for ever. **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Numbers:28 @ ****** Numbers 28 ****** *** Outline of Numbers 28 *** Offerings, The daily sacrifice. (_1-8.) The offering on the sabbath and new moons. (_9-15.) Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits. (_16-31.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Numbers:28:9-15 @ Verse 9-15 - Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-...the sabbath time. The offerings in...-head of our joy. And the worship performed in the new moons is made typical of gospel solemnities, Isaiah strkjv@66:23. As the moon borrows light from the sun, and is renewed by its influences; so the church borrows her light from Jesus Christ, who is the Sun of righteousness, renewing the state of the church, especially under the gospel.

mhcc@Numbers:29 @ ****** Numbers 29 ****** *** Outline of Numbers 29 *** The offering at the feats of trumpets, and on the day of atonement. (_1-11.) Offerings at the feast of tabernacles. (_12-40.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@1Chronicles:21 @ Henry'_1__20 ****** 1st Chronicles 21 ****** *** Outline of 1st Chronicles 21 *** David's numbering the people. -...his acceptance of David's offerings on...__Outline Henry'_1__22 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@2Chronicles:29:20-36 @ Verse 20-36 - As soon as Hezekiah heard that the temple was ready, he lost no time. Atonement must be made for the sins of the last reign. It was not enough to lament and forsake those sins; they brought a sin-offering. Our repentance and reformation will not obtain pardon but in and through Christ, who was made sin, that is, a sin-...for us. While the offerings were..._2__30 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@Ezra:1:1-4 @ Verse 1-4 - The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus. The hearts of kings are in the hand of the Lord. God governs the world by his influence on the spirits of men; whatever good they do, God stirs up their spirits to do it. It was during the captivity of the Jews, that God principally employed them as the means of calling the attention of the heathen to him. Cyrus took it for granted, that those among the Jews who were able, would offer free-will offerings for the house of God. He would also have them supplied out of his kingdom. Well-wishers to the temple should be well-doers for it.

mhcc@Ezra:2 @ ****** Ezra 2 ****** *** Outline of Ezra 2 *** The numbers that returned. (_1-35.) The numbers of the priests and Levites. (_36-63.) The offerings for the temple. (_64-70.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Ezra:2:64-70 @ Verse 64-70 -...nothing, compared with the offerings of...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Ezra:3:1-7 @ Verse 1-7 - From the proceedings of the Jews on their arrival, let us learn to begin with God, and to do what we can in the worship of God, when we cannot do what we would. They could not at once have a temple, but they would not be without an altar. Fear of danger should stir us to our duty. Have we many enemies? Then it is good to have God our Friend, and to keep up communion with him. Our fears should drive us to our knees. The sacrifices for all these solemnities were a heavy expense for so poor a company; yet besides those expressly appointed, many brought free-will offerings to the Lord. And they made preparation for the building of the temple without delay: whatever God calls us to do, we may depend upon his providence to furnish us with the needful means.

mhcc@Jeremiah:24 @ ****** Jeremiah 24 ****** *** Outline of Jeremiah 24 *** Good and bad figs represent the Jews in captivity, and those who remain in their own land. -...before the temple, as offerings of...-fruits. The figs in one basket were very good, those in the other basket very bad. What creature viler than a wicked man? and what more valuable than a godly man? This vision was to raise the spirits of those gone into captivity, by assuring them of a happy return; and to humble and awaken the proud and secure spirits of those yet in Jerusalem, by assuring them of a miserable captivity. The good figs represents the pious captives. We cannot determine as to God's love or hatred by what is before us. Early suffering sometimes proves for the best. The sooner the child is corrected, the better effect the correction is likely to have. Even this captivity was for their good; and God's intentions never are in vain. By afflictions they were convinced of sin, humbled under the hand of God, weaned from the world, taught to pray, and turned from sins, particularly from idolatry. God promises that he will own them in captivity. The Lord will own those who are his, in all conditions. God assures them of his protection in trouble, and a glorious deliverance in due time. When our troubles are sanctified to us, we may be sure that they will end well. They shall return to him with their whole heart. Thus they should have liberty to own him for their God, to pray to him, and expect blessings from him. The bad figs were Zedekiah and those of his party yet in the land. These should be removed for their hurt, and forsaken of all mankind. God has many judgments, and those that escape one, may expect another, till they are brought to repent. Doubtless, this prophecy had its fulfilment in that age; but the Spirit of prophecy may here look forward to the dispersion of the unbelieving Jews, in all the nations of the earth. Let those who desire blessings from the Lord, beg that he will give them a heart to know him. __Outline Henry'__25 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Hosea:9:1-6 @ Verse 1-6 -...their idols, in the offerings presented...-floor better than a reward in the favour of God and in eternal life. They are full of the joy of harvest, and have no disposition to mourn for sin. When we make the world, and the things of it, our idol and our portion, it is just with God to show us our folly, and correct us. None may expect to dwell in the Lord's land, who will not be subject to the Lord's laws, or be influenced by his love. When we enjoy the means of grace, we ought to consider what we shall do, if they should be taken from us. While the pleasures of communion with God are out of the reach of change, the pleasant places purchased with silver, or in which men deposit silver, are liable to be laid in ruins. No famine is so dreadful as that of the soul.

mhcc@Acts:26:1-11 @ Verse 1-11 -...youth; the sacrifices and offerings appointed...

mhcc@Hebrews:4:11-16 @ Verse 11-16 -...cause, and presenting the offerings of...-feeling which no being but a fellow-creature could possibly have; and therefore it was necessary he should actual experience of all the effects of sin that could be separated from its actual guilt. God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, Romans strkjv@8:3. but the more holy and pure he was, the more he must have been unwilling in his nature to sin, and must have had deeper impression of its evil; consequently the more must he be concerned to deliver his people from its guilt and power. We should encourage ourselves by the excellence of our High Priest, to come boldly to the throne of grace. Mercy and grace are the things we want; mercy to pardon all our sins, and grace to purify our souls. Besides our daily dependence upon God for present supplies, there are seasons for which we should provide in our prayers; times of temptation, either by adversity or prosperity, and especially our dying time. We are to come with reverence and godly fear, yet not as if dragged to the seat of justice, but as kindly invited to the mercy-seat, where grace reigns. We have boldness to enter into the holiest only by the blood of Jesus; he is our Advocate, and has purchased all our souls want or can desire. **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Hebrews:13:16-21 @ Verse 16-21 -...God will accept these offerings with...

CONCORD offerings