§. 102. Of the kind of creatures that were sacrificed.
THe particulars wherewith the Apostle exemplifieth the ratifying of things u•…•…∣der the law with blood, follow. But first he sheweth with what blood th•…•… and other things were dedicated: and how that blood was applyed.
The blood here mentioned, is said to be of calves and goats. Under this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 calves, he meanes young bullocks as was shewed, v. 12. §. 56.
We read of four sorts of creatures ordained to be slain for sacrifices: Bullocks, goat•…•…, shee, pdoves, Lev. 1. 3, 10, 14. Under bullocks, and goats are comprised under the male and female calves and kids: under sheep, rams and lambs: under, doves, turtles and pigeons. There is mention also made of little birds, Lev. 14. 4. All these prefigu∣red Christ the only true sacrifice. They were all under the law accounted cle•…•…▪ Of such only were sacrifices to be made, Gen. 8. 20. They were types of Christs in•…•…∣grity. By an equity they shewed that we must offer nothing unto God, but that which he accounteth clean, Rom. 12. 1, 2.
- 1. In particular such beasts as were of the herd, namely bullocks, are counted* 1.1 strong to labour, Psal. 144. 14. In this respect they might set out Christs strength and ability in the work, whereunto he was set apart.
- 2. The goat is a creature of courage, Prov. 30. 31. The Grecian monarch is in* 1.2 this respect resembled to a goat, Dan. 8. 5. Hereby the courage of Christ in going thorough with that which he undertook is typified.
- 3. Sheep and lambs are of all creatures the meekest, and humblest. These fitly* 1.3 typified the innocency and integrity of Christ. In reference to this sacrifice, Christ is said to be brought as a lamb to the slaughter: and to be as a sheep before •…•…er shea∣rers, &c. Isa: 53. 7.
- 4. Doves are counted innocent, or harmless, Matth. 10. 16. Thus these also typi•…•…∣ed* 1.4 the innocency of Christ:
- 5. Little birds may also be reckoned in the number of harmless creatures: and so* 1.5 typifie the same thing as the former did.
All the foresaid creatures were doth clean, and also useful and profitable. Thei•…•… flesh good and wholesome meat, the skins of the beasts good for clothing. The wool, bird and feathers of them usefull: and in these and other like respects, fit types of Christ. Hereby is confirmed that which was before shewed of legal rites typifying like truth, §. 98.