The law of the meat offering.
As the law of the burnt offering, laid down in the preceding paragraph, viz. in relation to the service of the priest, was before mentioned, more particularly in respect to the offerer, so is the law of the meat, or more properly the bread, offering, here introduced for a similar reason, after being formerly mentioned likewise (see Leviticus 2:1-16). The subject is presented in two aspects, and we have to consider—
I. THE LAW OF THE BREAD OFFERING OF THE PEOPLE, In this case:
1. A memorial of it was burnt upon the altar.
(a) It was a thank offering, and gratitude from his intelligent offspring is ever pleasing to his goodness (Psalms 27:6; Psalms 1:1-6:23; Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
(b) It was placed on the altar of burnt offerings, and mingled among the sacrifices offered, to make atonement for sin, and so, coming up as it were "through Jesus Christ" in whom the Father is ever well pleased, it becomes "acceptable" (1 Peter 2:5).
2. The remainder was eaten by Aaron and his sons.
II. THE LAW OF THE BREAD OFFERING OF THE PRIESTS. In this case:
1. The whole was offered upon the altar.
2. None of it was to be eaten by the priests.