Leviticus 3:1-17 And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female… You may here observe how they were forbidden to eat either fat or blood. The Lord's prohibition of fat might teach them to like and use a meanest, moderate, and fitting diet, which, as it is good for the body, so also hath it profit for the soul. "He that loveth wine and oil," saith the wise man, "shall not be rich"; and "Beware of surfeiting and drunkenness, of excess and belly-cheer," often saith the Scripture in regard of the soul. Fasting and prayer are joined together, not feasting and prayer. A ship too much laden sinketh; and a body too much stuffed with fulness of bread perisheth. "It is a double conquest to conquer thyself," and "it is a double destruction to destroy thyself." John's meat was locusts and wild honey — a moderate diet. The companion of gluttony is rottenness, and the follower of drunkenness is forgetfulness and sottishness. God's people are here forbidden to eat their fat, and think ever on the meaning. Blood also was forbidden to them, that so they might learn to take heed of cruelty and to taste of mercy and lovingkindness in all their actions and behaviour. God is merciful, and we must follow Him; Satan and his members are bloody and cruel, we must avoid it. (Bp. Babington.) Parallel Verses KJV: And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. |
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