‏ Leviticus 2

* The meat-offering of flour. (1-11) The offering of

first-fruits. (12-16)

1-11 Meat-offerings may typify Christ, as presented to God for

us, and as being the Bread of life to our souls; but they rather

seem to denote our obligation to God for the blessings of

providence, and those good works which are acceptable to God.

The term "meat" was, and still is, properly given to any kind of

provision, and the greater part of this offering was to be eaten

for food, not burned. These meat-offerings are mentioned after

the burnt-offerings: without an interest in the sacrifice of

Christ, and devotedness of heart to God, such services cannot be

accepted. Leaven is the emblem of pride, malice, and hypocrisy,

and honey of sensual pleasure. The former are directly opposed

to the graces of humility, love, and sincerity, which God

approves; the latter takes men from the exercises of devotion,

and the practice of good works. Christ, in his character and

sacrifice, was wholly free from the things denoted by leaven;

and his suffering life and agonizing death were the very

opposites to worldly pleasure. His people are called to follow,

and to be like him. 12-16 Salt is required in all the offerings. God hereby

intimates to them that their sacrifices, in themselves, were

unsavoury. All religious services must be seasoned with grace.

Christianity is the salt of the earth. Directions are given

about offering their first-fruits at harvest. If a man, with a

thankful sense of God's goodness in giving him a plentiful crop,

was disposed to present an offering to God, let him bring the

first ripe and full ears. Whatever was brought to God must be

the best in its kind, though it were but green ears of corn. Oil

and frankincense must be put upon it. Wisdom and humility soften

and sweeten the spirits and services of young people, and their

green ears of corn shall be acceptable. God takes delight in the

first ripe fruits of the Spirit, and the expressions of early

piety and devotion. Holy love to God is the fire by which all

our offerings must be made. The frankincense denotes the

mediation and intercession of Christ, by which our services are

accepted. Blessed be God that we have the substance, of which

these observances were but shadows. There is that excellency in

Christ, and in his work as Mediator, which no types and shadows

can fully represent. And our dependence thereon must be so

entire, that we must never lose sight of it in any thing we do,

if we would be accepted of God.