A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ... | Early English Books Online | University of Michigan Library Digital Collections

§. 6. Of Priests offering to God.

THe fifth branch of an High-priests description, is, * 1.1 That he may offer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 This is added as the end of all the former branches. Something therefore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be offered to God by those that have accesse to him. This is somewhat more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set down in this phrase, Every High-priest is ordained to offer gifts and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Heb. 8. 3.

Page 477

This property of a Priests offering concerns that which is declared (§. 3.) of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of him that is for others in things pertaining to God. Uzziah, though a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was struck with leprosie, for presuming to offer Incense without a calling, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 26. 16. A great part of Uzzah's sinne consisted in this, that he medled 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that which was without his calling, 2 Chro. 13. 9, 10.

A special part of the Priests function was to offer.

The Greek word translated offer, is a compound, and properly signifieth a 1.2 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉; and it is so translated, Mar. 10. 13. Luk. 12. 11.

There is another b 1.3 Compound, and signifieth to offer up, Heb. 7. 27. & 9. 28. & 13. 15. Jam. 2. 21. 1 Pet. 2. 5.

Gifts and Sacrifices under the Law were brought to God, and dedicated to him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which respect this compound word is here fitly used. And the Gifts which were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and offered to God are called c 1.4 offerings, Ch. 10. v. 5. §. 16.

It is frequently translated offer. For offering presupposeth a bringing to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

As for the Gifts and Sacrifices here intended, they were brought to God.

It is said of the Princes of Israel, that they brought their offering before the Lord, (Numb. 7. 3.) and of the Captains that overcame the Midianites, That they brought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the Lord, Numb. 31. 50. These and other like gifts the Priest offered 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lord.* 1.5

Quest. Doth God stand in need of any thing that man can give?

Answ. That which Elihu said of mans righteousnesse (Iob 35. 7.) and Eliphaz of the fruit or profit thereof (Iob 22. 3.) may much more be applied to the Gifts and Sacrifices which were offered to God. What givest thou to him? or what recei∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of thine hand? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty? or is it gain to him that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dost this and that?

Of the Lord it is said, Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire, Psal. 40. 6. Yea the Lord himself saith, I will take no bullock out of thy house, &c. Psal. 50. 9. But for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sake did the Lord accept gifts and Sacrifices offered to him: and that on these grounds.* 1.6

1. To shew, that he acknowledged them for his people, and in testimony there∣of accepted presents from them.
2. To gain proof of their obedience, faith and thankfulnesse.
3. To prefigure the acceptable gifts and Sacrifices, which our great High-priest offereth to him.

Of giving to God, See, The Saints Sacrifice on Psal. 116. v. 17. §. 113.

1. This Prerogative of Priests to bring to God, sheweth one main difference be∣twixt* 1.7 Priests and Prophets. Priests bring from man to God: Prophets bring from God to man. They bring Instructions, Directions, Admonitions, Consolations, Promises, Threatnings, and other like things. Herein also lieth a difference betwixt Christs priestly and prophetical function. As Priest he offered up prayers and sup∣plications, yea, and his own body unto God. As Prophet he spake to the world those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which he had heard of his Father, Joh. 8. 26.
2. The Priests offering what was brought to God (Levit. 2. 2. & 5. 8.) was a* 1.8 type of Christs offering whatsoever is acceptable to God. Wherefore whatsoever 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in word, or de•…•…d, do all in the name of the Lord Iesus, Col. 3. 17. Especially our sp•…•…ritual Sacrifices of prayers and praises must by him be offered to God. Hereof see The whole Armour of God on Eph. 6. 18. Treat. 3. Part. 1. §. 8, 62.