‏ Leviticus 24

* Oil for the lamps, The shew-bread. (1-9) The law of blasphemy,

blasphemer is stoned. (10-23)

1-9 The loaves of bread typify Christ as the Bread of life, and

the food of the souls of his people. He is the Light of his

church, the Light of the world; in and through his word this

light shines. By this light we discern the food prepared for our

souls; and we should daily, but especially from sabbath to

sabbath, feed thereon in our hearts with thanksgiving. And as

the loaves were left in the sanctuary, so should we abide with

God till he dismiss us. 10-23 This offender was the son of an Egyptian father, and an

Israelitish mother. The notice of his parents shows the common

ill effect of mixed marriages. A standing law for the stoning of

blasphemers was made upon this occasion. Great stress is laid

upon this law. It extends to the strangers among them, as well

as to those born in the land. Strangers, as well as native

Israelites, should be entitled to the benefit of the law, so as

not to suffer wrong; and should be liable to the penalty of this

law, in case they did wrong. If those who profane the name of

God escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not

suffer them to escape his righteous judgments. What enmity

against God must be in the heart of man, when blasphemies

against God proceed out of his mouth. If he that despised Moses'

law, died without mercy, of what punishment will they be worthy,

who despise and abuse the gospel of the Son of God! Let us watch

against anger, do no evil, avoid all connexions with wicked

people, and reverence that holy name which sinners blaspheme.