He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
Ver. 3. He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man.] Unless, together with his ox, he kill his corruptions, and lay fast hold upon Christ (who himself was sacrificed for us, 1Co 5:7) by a lively faith. Heathens sacrificed men to Saturn; dogs also, and swine, and other unclean creatures, to their other dunghill deities. Mass priests do the like by their cruelty, hypocrisy, idolatry, impudence, luxury: their prayers, therefore, fastings, penances, pilgrimages, &c., are not accepted.
He that sacrificeth a lamb.] Unless with it he sacrifice his lusts, and look to "the Lamb of God, slain from the beginning of the world."
As if he cut off a dog's neck.] Heb., As if he necked a dog, a that is, decolled him, beheaded him for sacrifice: this was absolutely forbidden. Deu 23:18 The Athenians also suffered not a dog to enter into their tower dedicated to Minerva, for his heat in venery and ill savour, saith Plutarch. b
He that offereth an oblation.] Unless with it he present his body for a sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God. as Rom 12:1
Is as if he offered swine's blood.] Blood was not to be offered at all in an oblation or meat offering, but meal, oil, wine; Lev 2:1-16 much less swine's blood. See Leviticus 11:7 .
He that burneth incense.] In honour of me, unless his heart ascend up withal in those pillars of sweet smoke, as Manoah's angel did in the smoke of the sacrifice.
Is as if he blessed an idol,] i.e., Gave thanks to an idol (called here by a name that signifieth vanity or vexation) as if he were a god: in doing whereof God holdeth himself less dishonoured than by their hypocritical services performed to himself. Eze 20:39
Yea, they have chosen their own ways.] Which must needs be naught: Nemo sibi de suo palpet. c Are ye not carnal and walk as men, saith Paul that is, as naughty men. Horreo quicquid de meo est, ut meus sim.
a Excerebraret. - Vulg.
b Plut., Eλληνικ .
c Bernard.