Verse 3
3. And will make an offering There are two theories respecting the origin of sacrifices: (1.) An express command of God, and (2.) The promptings of the soul under its sense of dependence and guilt. On this question Moses is entirely silent. A command to offer sacrifices may have been given, though it is not recorded. Moses was evidently studious of brevity, omitting the prophecy of Enoch, the preaching of Noah, and the vexation of Lot’s spirit in view of the iniquities of Sodom. But it must be confessed that in this verse and in Leviticus 1:2, the traditional sacrifices seem to be spoken of as optional and not required. If this be true, it argues that sacrifices are not essentially at variance with the laws of our moral nature, and that worship can be paid by sacrificing whatever each one holds most precious. Similar views are entertained by the rabbins. Chrysostom affirms that Abel was persuaded to offer true sacrifices, not as being taught by any one, not from obedience to any express statute, but by the dictates of reason and conscience. These remarks do not apply to the law-created sin offerings and trespass offerings. See Isaiah 1:12, and Introduction to Leviticus, (2.)
Burnt offering See Leviticus 1:3; Leviticus 6:9, notes.
A vow… free-will offering See Leviticus 27:2; Leviticus 22:18; Leviticus 7:11; Leviticus 7:16, notes.
Sweet savour See Leviticus 1:9, note.
Herd… flock See Leviticus 1:2, note.
Be the first to react on this!
