Matthew Poole and continuators on Micah 6:7

7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams ? or with ten thousands of rivers of oil ? shall I give my first born for my transgression , the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul s?

The Law did direct the offering of Rams, single Beasts for single Sacrifices; if this be too little they shall be multiplyed, we will give many, very many; for the phrase is an Hyperbole.

Oyl was required too in their Sacrifices in the Meat-offerings of them, but in no great quantities, a log, or hin, i. e. half a pint or three quarts, but we know such gifts are infinitely short of the divine goodness bestowed on us, he who is our God is worthy of Rivers of Oyl, multiplyed to thousands, had we such store it should be all his. Such like Hyperbole you meet in Isa. 40.15, 16, 17.

This is proposed not as a thing practicable by any rule of Reason or Religion, but as a proof of their readiness (as Abraham) to offer up their first born, as he did offer up his Isaac to God. It is much to part with any of our children, but 'tis more to part with the strength and glory, and hope of our Families; yet right Hypocrites, or like unnatural Heathen, this they would do, rather than what would please the Lord.

To appease the anger of the Lord for my sins, would these be Expiatories? The question is repeated to affect us the more; the words would bear this reading, Shall I give my first born? This would be my sin. The fruit of my Body? This would be the sin of my soul.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span] and 51.[illegible: 2 letters] Isa. 1.[illegible: 2 letters]; Heb. [illegible: 1 word]