John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. And the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall lay the parts , etc.] That were cut in pieces, ( Leviticus 1:6) some of which are particularly mentioned: the head and the fat ; the head which was cut off, and the body, the trunk of it; so, Aben Ezra says, the wise men interpret the word rdp “fat”, which is only used here and in ( Leviticus 1:12 8:20) and which he thinks is right; though others take it to be the fat caul, or midriff, which parts the entrails; and the Targum of Jonathan renders it, the covering of fat: these are particularly mentioned, but include in general the rest of the pieces, which were laid: in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar ; this disposition of the several parts of the burnt offering upon the altar signifies the laying of Christ upon the cross, and the disposition of his head, his hands, and feet there; according to the usual order of crucifixion: the skin, as before observed, was not burnt, but was the property of the priest, and the sinew that shrunk was taken away, and cast upon the ashes in the middle of the altar f24 .
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 3-9 - In the due performance of the Levitical ordinances, the mysteries of the spiritual world are represented by corresponding natural objects and future events are exhibited in these rites. Without this, the whol will seem unmeaning ceremonies. There is in these things a type of the sufferings of the Son of God, who was to be a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world? The burning body of an animal was but a fain representation of that everlasting misery, which we all have deserved and which our blessed Lord bore in his body and in his soul, when he died under the load of our iniquities. Observe, 1. The beast to be offered must be without blemish. This signified the strength and purit that were in Christ, and the holy life that should be in his people. 2 The owner must offer it of his own free will. What is done in religion so as to please God, must be done by love. Christ willingly offere himself for us. 3. It must be offered at the door of the tabernacle where the brazen altar of burnt-offerings stood, which sanctified the gift: he must offer it at the door, as one unworthy to enter, an acknowledging that a sinner can have no communion with God, but by sacrifice. 4. The offerer must put his hand upon the head of his offering, signifying thereby, his desire and hope that it might be accepted from him, to make atonement for him. 5. The sacrifice was to be killed before the Lord, in an orderly manner, and to honour God. I signified also, that in Christians the flesh must be crucified with it corrupt affections and lust. 6. The priests were to sprinkle the bloo upon the altar; for the blood being the life, that was it which mad atonement. This signified the pacifying and purifying of ou consciences, by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ upon the by faith. 7. The beast was to be divided into several pieces, and the to be burned upon the altar. The burning of the sacrifice signified the sharp sufferings of Christ, and the devout affections with which, as holy fire, Christians must offer up themselves, their whole spirit soul, and body, unto God. 8. This is said to be an offering of a swee savour. As an act of obedience to a Divine command, and a type of Christ, this was well-pleasing to God; and the spiritual sacrifices of Christians are acceptable to God, through Christ, 1Pe 2:5.
Original Hebrew וערכו6186 בני1121 אהרן175 הכהנים3548 את853 הנתחים5409 את854 הראשׁ7218 ואת853 הפדר6309 על5921 העצים6086 אשׁר834 על5921 האשׁ784 אשׁר834 על5921 המזבח׃4196
