Numbers 7:10-89 And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed… This dedication of the altar — I. SUGGESTS TO US SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WEALTHY. Wealth is a talent. He holds the wealthy responsible — 1. To give of their wealth to carry on His work. God claims a share of all we get; how much that shall be He leaves to our conscience. He looks not so much at the amount as at the motive. 2. To take the lead in doing good — to be examples in giving. The wealthy are looked up to; if they fail to do their duty, not only do they fail to do good, but they also check others from doing so. II. IS A STRIKING ILLUSTRATION OF THE VOLUNTARY PRINCIPLE. 1. God has left His work to be carried on by His people. 2. The voluntary principle is the most effective for doing this. (1) Because conscience is brought into action by it: giving becomes an act of worship. (2) Because man is then on his honour. (3) As a matter of fact it has never failed. 3. God is greatly pleased with it. Read ver. 89 with the text. He approves — (1) Because voluntary giving evinces real interest in His work-shows that it is done from love. The free-will offering is a good gauge of the people's hearts and interest. (2) He will accept nothing that is done from constraint. (3) He testifies to His pleasure, in His Word and by blessing those who so help His work. (D. Lloyd.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar. |
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