They shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils— The original word here rendered devils, is שׂעירים serim, which properly signifies goats, from their rough and shaggy hair: and it is well known, that some of the most ancient idolaters worshipped their false deities under the shape of a goat, which, in particular, was the living image of Mendes, the Egyptian Pan; and was the most ancient idol of the Egyptians. There can be no question, therefore, that the Israelites derived this idolatry from them; and though, perhaps, it would have been better to have rendered the original word, where it occurs, goats, yet, as the goats were symbols of idolatrous powers, they may in that sense, with propriety enough, be called devils: for it is the father of lies who is the author of idolatry, and whom the pagans adored without knowing it. Every school-boy knows the veneration which the heathen world in general paid to Pan; who, according to the Orphic philosophy, was a symbol of the universe, or of universal nature. But for the fullest satisfaction on this subject, I refer the reader to Jablonski's Pantheon, B. ii. c. 7. where he will find a learned and accurate discussion of every thing which respects that vile god of the Egyptians.
Leviticus 17:8-9. Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers, &c.— Not only the Israelites, as above, in Leviticus 17:3-4 but also strangers, are obliged by a law different from that before given: for here animals to be offered in sacrifice are treated of; such as it was needful to prevent from being offered to false gods in a clandestine manner without the camp, either by Israelites or strangers. Therefore it is decreed, that strangers should not be permitted to sacrifice without the tabernacle; not even to their gods, though without the camp, to prevent the contagion of such practices. In like manner, the Israelites were not to sacrifice without the court of the tabernacle, though to the true God; lest, under that pretext, they should conceal their idolatry. It is strange, says Houbigant, that interpreters have not seen that this law is different from that in Leviticus 17:3-4 and that animals destined for sacrifice are here meant; when the words burnt-offering and sacrifice so clearly determine it.
REFLECTIONS.—Before the erection of the tabernacle, the Israelites had liberty to sacrifice where they chose; and this had opened the door to abominable idolatries. To prevent this spiritual adultery for the future, God having now espoused them to himself, and set up his abode among them, they are commanded to kill all their sacrifices at the door of the tabernacle, and no where else. Note; 1. As there is no access to, or acceptance with God, but through Jesus Christ, all our services must be brought to him to be presented before the Lord. 2. We should endeavour, as far as possible, consistently with mutual love, to maintain unity of worship; our unhappy variances are much to be lamented: while we are praying for their healing, let us endeavour to be drawing nearer to each other in love, which will be the readiest way to unite us, that with one mouth, as well as one heart, we may glorify God.