The Pulpit Commentaries
Exodus 29:38-42
EXPOSITION
THE DAILY SACRIFICE. The consecration of the altar, which is made a part of the consecration of the priests, is to be followed immediately by the establishment of the daily sacrifice. Two lambs are to be offered day by day to the Lord, one in the morning and the other in the evening, as "a continual burnt-offering" (Exodus 29:42), in acknowledgment that the life of the people belonged to Jehovah (Cook), aria that they were bound to offer perpetually "themselves, their souls and bodies, to be a reasonable holy, and lively sacrifice" to him. The burnt-offerings were to be accompanied by appropriate "meat and drink-offerings"—i.e; by a certain quantity of flour mingled with olive oil for the one, and a certain quantity of wine for the other—indications of the debt of gratitude which the nation owed to God for his continual benefits
Lambs of the first year. Compare Exodus 12:5. The LXX. add "without blemish." But this is unnecessary, as all victims were to be without blemish (Le Exodus 22:20 : Deuteronomy 15:21, etc.)
At even. Literally, "between the two evenings." (See the comment on Exodus 12:6.) Josephus says (Ant. Jude 1:14Jude 1:14.4, § 3) that the hour in ordinary use was three.
A tenth deal—i.e; a "tenth part." The tenth part of an ephah is no doubt meant. This was sometimes called "an omen" (Exodus 16:36), and would be about three pounds weight of flour, or a little more. One fourth part of an hin of beaten oil. The word hin is said to be Egyptian. It occurs here for the first time. The bin was the sixth part of a bath, and probably contained about one pint and a half English. The fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink-offering. The application of the "drink-offerings" is uncertain. Josephus says (Ant. Jude 1:3Jude 1:3.9, § 4) that they were poured out round the brazen altar. But the analogy of the "meat offering" makes it probable that a portion only was thus treated, while the greater part belonged to the priests. In the entire provision by which burnt and peace-offering were to be necessarily accompanied with meat-offerings and drink-offerings, we can scarcely be wrong in seeing an arrangement made especially for the convenience of the priests.
Thou shalt do thereto according to the meat-offering, etc. "Thou shalt offer"—i.e; "the same meat-offering and drink-offering with the evening as with the morning sacrifice." For a sweet savour, See the comment on Exodus 29:18.
Throughout your generations. Rather, "for your generations." The tabernacle of the congregation. Rather, "of meeting"—"the tabernacle of meeting, where I will meet you." The verb and substantive are modifications of the same word, ועד. It is this passage which definitely fixes the meaning of the phrase incorrectly rendered "the tabernacle of the congregation" by our translators.
HOMILETICS
The value of a daily service.
Perpetual remembrance of God is one of the greatest needs for the maintenance and furtherance of religion. "Pray without ceasing." "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). "I have set the Lord alway before my face" (Psalms 16:8). These and numerous other texts lay down the perfect law—constant worship of the Almighty. But human weakness, and the pressing concerns of life, make literal compliance with the perfect law impossible. And in his mercy God relaxes the law. "At evening and morning, and at noonday, will I pray," says the man after his own heart (Psalms 55:17); "and he shall hear my voice." Daniel prayed "three times a day, with his window open towards Jerusalem" (Daniel 6:10). Coldness and worldliness have in the Christian Church reduced, for the most part, the "three times" to twice; but still the obligation is acknowledged under all circumstances at morn and even to lift the heart to God, and "look up." Now, it is a great help towards maintaining this minimum that there should be, twice a day, a public service. The daily morning and evening sacrifice were a perpetual reminder to the Israelites of their duty in respect of prayer—they felt the "lifting up of their hands" to be—according to the time of it—a morning or "an evening sacrifice" (Psalms 141:2). And so, in the Christian Church, public service twice a day, which prevails widely, is of great value.
I. AS REMINDING MEN OF THE DUTY OF SUCH CONSTANT SUPPLICATION—as keeping it before them, by the sight of open church doors, and the sound of chiming bells, that God is, at the least, to be addressed twice a day, at morn and even, in earnest, heartfelt prayer; to be praised and thanked for his mercies, intreated for his forgiveness, besought for his support, and help, and blessing. What is done by public authority rouses attention, provokes inquiry, raises a general feeling that it would not be done unless it were right. Many a man, who has long neglected private prayer, has been led to acknowledge himself wrong, and to revert to the practice of it by the witness borne—the protest made—by those churches which persistently keep up the substitute for the morning and evening sacrifice of the tabernacle and temple, to wit—that daily morning and evening service in the sanctuary, which the Church of England, among others, enjoins upon her ministers.
II. AS ENABLING THEM TO PERFORM THE DUTY IN QUIETNESS, WITHOUT DISTRACTION. In many homes there is no quietness, no retired spot to which husband, or wife, or child can go for silent communion with the Almighty Father, or the Saviour. All is noise, tumult, bustle, hurry—nay, sometimes, all is quarrel, angry words, cruel blows, threats, curses. Private prayer in such households, if it was ever known, drops out of use. Frequently, it is not allowed—it provokes an outbreak—if done at all, it has to be done secretly, hastily, in fear and trembling. In such cases, how great a blessing is it to those who feel the need of prayer, that there should be somewhere near them a sacred spot, whither they can, occasionally at any rate, betake themselves to pray their own prayers, or join in the prayers of others as may seem best to them, and feel the near presence of the Almighty! "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord!" "One day in thy courts is better than a thousand" elsewhere.
HOMILIES BY J. ORR
The daily burnt-offering.
Symbol of consecration of life of the nation.
1. Offered at morn and even.
2. Continually.
3. With meat-offering-Medication of life in its practical activities.—J.O.