Matthew Henry Commentary Leviticus 1:1-2

"And Jehovah called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tent of meeting, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man of you offereth an oblation unto Jehovah, ye shall offer your oblation of the cattle, [even] of the herd and of the flock." — Leviticus 1:1-2 (ASV)

The offering of sacrifices was an ordinance of true religion, from the fall of man until the coming of Christ. But until the Israelites were in the wilderness, no very particular regulations seem to have been appointed.

The general design of these laws is plain. The sacrifices typified Christ; they also foreshadowed the believer's duty, character, privilege, and communion with God. There is scarcely anything spoken of the Lord Jesus in Scripture which does not also have a reference to His people.

This book begins with the laws concerning sacrifices; the most ancient were the burnt-offerings, about which God here gives Moses directions.

It is taken for granted that the people would be willing to bring offerings to the Lord. The very light of nature directs man, in some way or other, to do honor to his Maker, as his Lord. Immediately after the fall, sacrifices were ordained.