Sacrifice as a sign of devotion.
"Bind the sacrifice with cords, yea, even up to the horns of the altar." The various interpretations of this difficult passage arc given elsewhere in this work. There is a various rendering, "up to the altar," instead of "unto;" and a various reading, "with willows," instead of "with cords," which arc very suggestive. From Le 23:40 we learn that tree branches and willows were used as decorations for the Feast of Tabernacles, and therefore "willows" may stand for decorations as expressions of rejoicing. We have then to picture the procession, representing the nation, advancing to dedicate the new temple, and join in the first public service of thanksgiving. It is certain that they would have with them, in the procession, the representative national sacrifice, the bullock which was to be the burnt offering for the nation, and, in the most solemn way, carry the full consecration of the nation to God. When the procession has reached the court near the great altar, and the leader has spoken his words of humble and reverent rejoicing and thanksgiving, what is more natural than that he should call out to bring forward the burnt offering? "Deck it gaily; cover it with boughs; bring it on; lead it right through the crowd; bring it right up to the altar; fasten it to the very horns." In this light the difficult passage becomes simple and natural, and suggests the following:—
I. GENUINE DEVOTION WANTS TO GIVE SOMETHING. Pious and devout minds never can content themselves with words of trust, thankfulness, or worship. There is a kind of inward suspicion that words are not enough, and may cost little, and be insincere. Let a man be really thankful, and he will want to make some outward and visible sign of his feeling.
II. GENUINE DEVOTION SEEKS A GIFT THAT CAN FITTINGLY REPRESENT ITSELF. And so it always takes form as sacrifice, a gift that costs something, some self-denial. If devotion is at its fullest, it is a whole consecration of ourselves to God; and just this is the thing represented by the "burnt offering" of Mosaism. But when full devotion seeks to represent itself in its gift, it counts it essential to the worthiness of the gift that it should be offered willingly and cheerfully. It always wants to give its burnt offering gaily decked with flowers and willows—as beautiful as it is complete.—R.T.