Ver. 1. Whether it be a male or female.] In Christ there is neither male nor female, but all one. (Galatians 3:28) Souls have no sexes. In thank offerings, the female also might pass: to teach that God looks not so much to the worth of the gift as the honesty of the heart that offers it. Leavened bread also in this case was accepted. (Leviticus 7:13)
Ver. 2. Upon the altar round about.] This signified that “plenteous redemption” by “the blood of sprinkling.”
Ver. 3. The fat that covereth the inwards.] Hearty thanks must be given to God; such as cometh not from the roof of the mouth, but the root of the heart. An airy “God be thanked” profiteth not. “Sing with grace in your hearts,” is the best tune to any psalm. The voice which is made in the mouth is nothing so sweet as that which comes from the depth of the breast.
Ver. 4. With the kidneys.] Those seats of lust. Earthly members must be mortified by the thankful.
Ver. 5. Upon the burnt sacrifice.] Which was first offered, to teach us that sin must be pardoned ere our thank offerings can be accepted. It is, therefore, ordinarily, best to begin our prayers with confession of sin, and petitions for pardon through Christ.
Ver. 6. Male or female.] See on Leviticus 3:1.
Ver. 7. Shall he offer it before the Lord.] Yet shall but part of it be burnt.
Ver. 8. Lay his hand.] [See Trapp on “Le 1:4”]
Ver. 9. The whole rump.] Which in those country sheep is very large: yet not so large as those in America, mentioned by Sir Francis Drake, as large as cattle, and supplying in the stead of horses for burden or travel. The World Encompassed.
Ver. 10. And the two kidneys.] The inwards must be consecrated to God. “The hidden man of the heart” is his.
Ver. 11. It is the food.] That whereupon God himself seemeth to feed. (Psalms 50:13)
Ver. 17. That ye neither eat fat nor blood.] Neither be carnal nor cruel; but let your souls delight in the fatness and sweetness of God’s ordinances.