‏ 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)

1-9 The offering of the princes to the service of the

tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary

observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The

more any are advanced, the greater opportunity they have of

serving God and their generation. No sooner was the tabernacle

set up, than provision is made for the removal of it. Even when

but just settled in the world, we must be preparing for changes

and removes, especially for the great change. 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-offering. They brought their

offerings each on a day. God's work should not be done

confusedly, or in a hurry; take time, and we shall have done the

sooner, or, at least, we shall have done the better. If services

are to be done for twelve days together, we must not call it a

task and a burden. All their offerings were the same; all the

tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal

interest in the sacrifices offered upon it. He who now spake to

Moses, as the Shechinah or Divine Majesty, from between the

Cherubim, was the Eternal Word, the second Person in the

Trinity; for all God's communion with man is by his Son, by whom

he made the world, and rules the church, who is the same

yesterday, to-day, and for ever.