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He who keeps the law multiplies offerings. He who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
Verse 1. Offerings. He cannot otherwise observe the law. Bible.—Virtue is the most acceptable sacrifice. Calmet.—The sacrifices of penance, of justice, and of praise, are to be preferred before all external ones. Worthington.
He who returns a kindness offers fine flour. He who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering.
Verse 2. And to. Greek (4.) “He,” and so forth Bible.—The peace-offering and that for sin, as well as the oblation of fine flour and of praise, (which is the most perfect of all) are noticed. Calmet.—External sacrifice must not be neglected. Worthington.
To depart from wickedness pleases the Lord. To depart from unrighteousness is an atoning sacrifice.
See that you don’t appear in the presence of the Lord empty.
Verse 4. Sacrifice. Greek adds, “of praise.” Bible.—This was the true spirit of the law. Calmet.
For all these things are done because of the commandment.
The offering of the righteous enriches the altar. The sweet fragrance of it is before the Most High.
Verse 6. Lord. The poor, who present a virtuous heart, are more acceptable than the rich, who are buried in sin, though the latter may offer the most splendid sacrifices. Bible.—God requires that all should do according to their abilities. If they have nothing, they must fulfill the commandments, and he will be satisfied. Some have inferred from Exodus 23:16 that the poor were rejected. But the meaning of the law is here explained. Calmet.
The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable. It won’t be forgotten.
Glorify the Lord with generosity. Don’t reduce the first fruits of your hands.
In every gift show a cheerful countenance, And dedicate your tithe with gladness.
Give to the Most High according as he has given. As your hand has found, give generously.
Verse 10. Heart. Lit. “mind.” Greek “eye,” ( Bible.) free from avarice. 2 Corinthians 9:7.
For the Lord repays, and he will repay you sevenfold.
Verse 11. Sanctify: “set apart” for the use of the ministers, and of the temple. Calmet.—God will reward thee much more. Worthington.
Don’t plan to bribe him with gifts, for he will not receive them. Don’t set your mind on an unrighteous sacrifice, For the Lord is the judge, and with him is no respect of persons.
He won’t accept any person against a poor man. He will listen to the prayer of him who is wronged.
He will in no way despise the supplication of the fatherless or the widow, when she pours out her tale.
Verse 14. Wicked; defective. Leviticus 22:21. Malachi 1:7. Greek “curtailed, or ill-acquired,” ( Calmet.) or “do not bribe” God; (δοροκοπει. Grot.) as the word is used 2 Mac. God will not regard our gifts, to let our offences escape punishment. Isaiah 42:1. Calmet.
Don’t the tears of the widow run down her cheek? Isn’t her cry against him who has caused them to fall?
He who serves God according to his good pleasure will be accepted. His supplication will reach to the clouds.
The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds. until it comes near, he will not be comforted. He won’t depart until the Most High visits and he judges righteously and executes judgment.
And the Lord will not be slack, neither will he be patient toward them, until he has crushed the loins of the unmerciful. He will repay vengeance to the heathen until he has taken away the multitude of the arrogant and broken in pieces the sceptres of the unrighteous,
until he has rendered to every man according to his deeds, and repaid the works of men according to their plans, until he has judged the cause of his people, and he will make them rejoice in his mercy.
Verse 19. For, and so forth is not in Greek. God will protect the defenceless. Bible.
Mercy is as welcome in the time of his affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.