On the tenth day Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the Danites, drew near. Sermons
(1) to the universality of sin, and (2) to the need of an absolute, world-wide, everlasting atonement. Classifying the references to the sin offering, we find various illustrations of this truth, fruitful of application to our need of the great offering' for sin at all times, and under the manifold circumstances of private and public life. The sin offering was required, and presented. 1. From one end of the year to the other, on every return of the new moon (Numbers 28:15). 2. On feasts as well as fasts; at the feasts of Pentecost, trumpets, and tabernacles (Leviticus 23:19; chapter Numbers 29:5, 16), as well as on the day of atonement (Leviticus 16). 3. In connection with voluntary dedication, whether of gifts (Numbers 7:16), or of personal consecration, as of the Nazarite (Numbers 6:14). 4. At the consecration to sacred offices, as e.g. Aaron (Exodus 29:14), or the Levites (Numbers 8:5-12). 5. At the consecration of sacred things, e.g., the altar of incense (Exodus 30:10). A sin offering was presented every year for the sanctuary (Leviticus 16:15, 16). 6. For sins of all classes of men; e.g., a priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, "one of the common people" (Leviticus 4). In these offerings there were gradations, according to position and privilege, or according to means (Leviticus 5:6, 7). 7. For purification from unavoidable defilement, whether of leprosy (Leviticus 14:22) or childbirth (Leviticus 12:6-8). 8. These offerings were for sins of omission or of ignorance, but not for presumptuous sins (Leviticus 5; Numbers 15:22-31; Hebrews 10:26, 27). - P.
Give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service. : —I. THAT GOD'S GIFTS ARE VARIED. 1. Men differ widely in many things — parentage, birthplace, physical vigour, mental capacity, education, spiritual gifts, &c. 2. For many of these differences they are themselves largely accountable. Some are crippled by their own indolence, extravagance, neglect, intemperance; others advance by their thrift, sobriety, perseverance, economy, and indomitable industry, to large influence and wealth. 3. But though the way in which men bear themselves may account for many of the differences between them, there are a thousand discrepancies which cannot be thus explained. No child is born in Alyssinia, or on the banks of the Ganges, or in crowded London because it wills it. Men are sick without being to blame for it, and women poor through no fault of their own. We must refer these problems to the Divine sovereignty. There is no other solution for many of life's mysteries. "Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight." If Gershon and Kohath complain that Merari has more than they, Moses' sufficient answer will be, "God ordained it so." 4. This truth, apprehended and believed, would destroy a thousand seeds of discontent, envy, and socialistic heresy. It is God who bestows wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), honours (Psalm 75:6, 7), power (Romans 13:1). We receive gracefully the assignment of an earthly superior; why not as gracefully what God appoints? II. GOD'S GIFTS ARE PROPORTIONATE. In each case He proportions the means of transportation to the burden assigned. 1. That which is well proportioned is not excessive. This is true of a book, speech, building; eminently true of God's work. God is bountiful, but never wasteful. We possess no talents or opportunities to be counted superfluous. Christ's sufferings are proportioned to the sinner's guilt. 2. Not defective.(1) Let those who are called to trust in Christ remember that His sacrifice, if indispensable, is also fully sufficient.(2) Let Christian workers remember that with the call will come the qualifications. (W. T. Sabine.) 1. Understanding. 2. Invention. 3. Will-power. 4. Judgment. 5. Affections. 6. Physical organs. II. AS MOSES REQUIRED THE SONS OF LEVI TO USE THEIR FACILITIES, SO GOD DEMANDS THE EXERCISE OF OUR CAPABILITIES. 1. Yet how much indifference on the part of man in exercising and developing his faculties in useful and honourable employment! Many, instead of gaining their livelihood in the intended way, by the sweat of their face, study all manner of trickery and sin to satisfy their wants. 2. And how many professing Christians become so absorbed in worldly affairs as to neglect the business of the soul. God has claims superior to all claims of the world. III. GOD'S REQUIREMENTS ARE NO GREATER THAN OUR ENDOWMENTS. If we cannot give thousands, we can at least devote our "two mites." A beautifully tinted leaf in the wood cannot be seen at a distance, yet it contributes its part to the glorious autumnal picture. IV. MAN MUST USE HIS CAPABILITIES ACCORDING TO DIVINE APPOINTMENT. It is a solemn thing to trifle with the plans of God. Every man has a special power or gift, and "he who lives by other laws than those that wrapt his genius at his birth," defeats, in a measure, the object of his creation. (W. G. Thrall.) II. THEY WHO ARE NOT ENTIRELY ENGAGED IN RELIGIOUS MINISTRIES SHOULD SEEK TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE SO ENGAGED. III. GOD IS GRACIOUSLY PLEASED TO ACCEPT OF MAN'S OFFERINGS. IV. GIFTS FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES SHOULD BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WILL OF GOD. V. IN THE DIVINE ARRANGEMENTS HELP IS GRANTED UNTO MEN ACCORDING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE NEEDS. (W. Jones.) People Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gershon, Gershonites, Gideoni, Helon, Issachar, Ithamar, Kohath, Levites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, ZurishaddaiPlaces SinaiTopics Ahiezer, Ahie'zer, Ammishaddai, Ammishad'dai, Chief, Dan, Leader, Offered, Offering, Prince, Sons, TenthOutline 1. The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle10. Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar 89. God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat Dictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 7:29Library Separation and Service. Numbers vi, vii. INTRODUCTORY. For many years these chapters had no special interest to me; but I have never ceased to be thankful that I was early led to read the Word of GOD in regular course: it was through this habit that these chapters first became specially precious to me. I was travelling on a missionary tour in the province of CHEH-KIANG, and had to pass the night in a very wicked town. All the inns were dreadful places; and the people seemed to have their consciences seared, and their hearts … James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification Prophecy. Numbers Links Numbers 7:66 NIVNumbers 7:66 NLT Numbers 7:66 ESV Numbers 7:66 NASB Numbers 7:66 KJV Numbers 7:66 Bible Apps Numbers 7:66 Parallel Numbers 7:66 Biblia Paralela Numbers 7:66 Chinese Bible Numbers 7:66 French Bible Numbers 7:66 German Bible Numbers 7:66 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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