We have here the gracious provision which the law made for the
cleansing of poor lepers. If they were not able to bring three lambs,
and three tenth-deals of flour, they must bring one lamb, and one
tenth-deal of flour, and, instead of the other two lambs, two
turtle-doves or two young pigeons, v. 21, 22. Here see, 1. That the
poverty of the person concerned would not excuse him if he brought no
offering at all. Let none think that because they are poor God requires
no service from them, since he has considered them, and demands that
which it is in the power of the poorest to give. "My son, give me thy
heart, and with that the calves of thy lips shall be accepted instead
of the calves of the stall." 2. That God expected from those who were
poor only according to their ability; his commandments are not
grievous, nor does he make us to serve with an offering. The poor are
as welcome to God's altar as the rich; and, if there be first a willing
mind and an honest heart, two pigeons, when they are the utmost a man
is able to get, are as acceptable to God as two lambs; for he requires
according to what a man has and not according to what he has not. But
it is observable that though a meaner sacrifice was accepted from the
poor, yet the very same ceremony was used for them as was for the rich;
for their souls are as precious and Christ and his gospel are the same
to both. Let not us therefore have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
with respect of persons, Jam. ii. 1.