Hereby Moses declareth that he taught nothing to the people but that which he received of God. Because in this book is chiefly entreated of the Levites, and of things pertaining to their office.
This book begins with the laws concerning sacrifices, of which the most ancient were the burnt-offerings, about which God gives Moses instructions in this chapter. Orders are here given how that sort of sacrifice must be managed. I. If it was a bullock out of the herd, ver 3-9. II. If it was a sheep or goat, a lamb or kid, out of the flock, ver 10-13. III. If it was a turtle-dove or a young pigeon, ver 14-17. And whether the offering was more or less valuable in itself, if it was offered with an upright heart, according to these laws, it was accepted of God.
Verses 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-offerings, about which God here gives Moses directions. It is taken for granted that the people would be willing to bring offerings to the Lord. The very light of nature directs man, some way or other, to do honour to his Maker, as his Lord. Immediately after the fall, sacrifices were ordained.
Hereby Moses declareth that he taught nothing to the people but that which he received of God. Because in this book is chiefly entreated of the Levites, and of things pertaining to their office.
Offer, voluntarily, without any command. Some sacrifices were of precept, Exodus xxii. 29. (Menochius) — These first chapters are addressed to the people; the 6th [chapter] from ver. 9, to the priests. Oxen, goats, and sheep, pigeons, and turtles, were to be offered in sacrifice, and small birds also, in the purification of lepers, (chap. xiv. 4,) as they might easily be procured. (Calmet) — By sacrifice, we testify the dominion of God over all. They were offered by the patriarchs, and by all nations. God requireth that the victim should be without blemish, and slain with certain ceremonies wisely ordained, Psalm ciii. 24. (Worthington) — A sacrifice. Hebrew korban, a present of any sort, Mark vii. — Sheep and goats, ver. 10. The same term, tson, signifies both. (Menochius)
So they could offer of none other sort, but of those which were commanded.
The offerings. (1,2) From the herds. (3-9) From the flocks, and of fowls. (10-17)
1 And the Lord called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.