Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Numbers
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 29
Overview:
The
Offering at the
Feast of
Trumpets, and
On the
Day of
Atonement.
(1-11) Offerings at the
Feast of
Tabernacles.
(12-40)
1-11 There were more sacred solemnities in the seventh
Month
than in any other. It was the space between
Harvest and
seed-time. The more leisure we have from the pressing
occupations of this
Life, the more time we should spend in the
immediate service of
God. The blowing of the
Trumpets was
appointed, Le 22:24. Here they are directed what sacrifices to
offer
On that
Day. Those who would know the mind of
God in the
Scriptures, must compare one part with another. The latter
discoveries of Divine
Light explain what was dark, and supply
what was wanting, in the former, that the
Man of
God may be
perfect.
12-40 Soon after the
Day of Atonement, the
Day in which men
were to afflict their souls, followed the
Feast of
Tabernacles,
in which they were to rejoice before the
Lord. Their days of
rejoicing were to be days of sacrifices. A disposition to be
cheerful does us good, when it encourages our hearts in the
duties of
God's service. All the days of dwelling in booths they
must offer sacrifices; while we are here in a
Tabernacle state,
it is our interest, as
Well as our duty, constantly to keep up
Communion with
God. The sacrifices for each of the
Seven days
are appointed. Every
Day there must be a
Sin-Offering, as in the
other feasts. Our burnt-offerings of praise cannot be accepted
of
God, unless we have an interest in the great
Sacrifice which
Christ offered, when he made himself a
Sin-Offering for us. And
No extraordinary services should
Put aside stated devotions.
Every thing here reminds us of our sinfulness. The
Life that we
live in the
Flesh must be
By the
Faith of the
Son of God; until
we go to be with him, to behold his
Glory, and praise his
Mercy,
who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own
Blood.
To whom be honour and
Glory for ever.
Amen.