The Fourth Book of MOSES, called NUMBERS

CHAP. 1

  God commands Moses to number the people, 1–4. The princes of the tribes, 5–16. The number of every tribe, 17–46. The Levites are exempted for the service of the Lord, 47–54.

1 wilderness. ch. 10:11, 12. Ex. 19:1. Le. 27:34. Nu. 10:11, 12. tabernacle. Ex. 25:22. Le. 1:1. on the first day. As the tabernacle was erected on the first day of the first month, in the second year of their departure from Egypt, (Ex. 40:17,) and this happened on the first day of the second month, in the same year, it is evident that the transactions related in the preceding book must all have taken place in the space of one month, and during the time the Israelites were encamped at mount Sinai. ch. 9:1; 10:11. Ex. 40:17. 1 Ki. 6:1.
2 Take ye the sum. This numbering was probably intended to illustrate the Divine faithfulness in thus increasing the seed of Abraham; to prepare them to preserve due order in their march; and to distinguish the tribes and families. ch. 26:2–4, 63, 64. Ex. 30:12; 38:26. 2 Sa. 24:1–3. 1 Ch. 21:1, 2; 27:23, 24. the children. Ge. 49:1–3. Ex. 1:1–5. after. ver. 18, 22, 26, etc. Ex. 6:14–19.
3 twenty. ch. 14:29; 32:11. Ex. 30:14. able. ch. 26:2. De. 3:18; 24:5. 2 Sa. 24:9. 2 Ch. 17:13–18; 26:11–13. by their. ch. 33:1. Ex. 12:17.
4 ver. 16. ch. 2:3–31; 7:10–83; 10:14–27; 13:2–15; 17:3; 25:4, 14; 34:18–28. Ex. 18:25. Jos. 22:14. 1 Ch. 27:1–22.
5 Elizur. ch. 2:10; 7:30; 10:18. Ge. 29:32–35; 30:5–20; 35:17–26; 46:8–24; ch. 49. Ex. 1:2–5. De. ch. 33. Re. 7:4–8.
6 Shelumiel. ch. 2:12; 7:36.
7 Nahshon. ch. 2:3; 7:12; 10:14. Ru. 4:18. 1 Ch. 2:10, 11. Mat. 1:2–5. Lu. 3:32. Naasson.
8 Nethaneel. ch. 2:5; 7:18; 10:15.
9 Eliab. ch. 2:7; 7:24; 10:16.
10 Elishama. ch. 2:18; 7:48; 10:22. 1 Ch. 7:26, 27. Gamaliel. ch. 2:20; 7:54; 10:23.
11 Abidan. ch. 2:22; 7:60; 10:24.
12 Ahiezer. ch. 2:25; 7:66; 10:25.
13 Pagiel. ch. 2:27; 7:72; 10:26.
14 Eliasaph. ch. 7:42; 10:20. Son of Reuel, ch. 2:14. Deuel. As the ד, daleth is very like the ר, resh, they might be easily mistaken for each other; and hence this person being called both Dëuel, and Rëuel, may be easily accounted for. The Septuagint and Syriac have Reuel, in this chapter; and in ch. 2:14, the Samaritan, Vulgate, and Arabic have Deuel, instead of Reuel, with which reading a vast number of MSS. concur, and which is also supported by ch. 7:42; 10:20. We may therefore safely conclude, that Dëuel, and not Rëuel, was the original reading.
15 Ahira. ch. 2:29; 7:78; 10:27.
16 the renowned. Keruey häâidah, literally, ‘the called of the congregation,’ those who were summoned by name to attend. ch. 2:3–31; 7:2, 10–83; 10:14–27; 11:17; 16:2; 26:9. Ju. 6:15. 1 Ch. 27:16–22. heads. ver. 4. Ex. 18:21, 25. De. 1:15. 1 Sa. 22:7; 23:23. Mi. 5:2.
17 ver. 5–15. Jno. 10:3. Re. 7:4, etc.
18 their pedigrees. Ezr. 2:59. Ne. 7:61. He. 7:3, 6, margins. by the. See on ver. 2. according. ver. 20, etc. from twenty. In this census no women were reckoned, nor children, nor minors, nor strangers, nor Levites, nor old men; which, collectively, must have formed an immense multitude: the Levites alone amounted to 22,300 men.
19 ver. 2; ch. 26:1, 2. 2 Sa. 24:1–10.
20 ch. 2:10, 11; 26:5–7. Ge. 29:32; 46:9; 49:3, 4. 1 Ch. 5:1.
21 That a comparative view may be easily taken of the state of the tribes, we will here produce them, compared with that of the second census, (ch. 26,) in their decreasing proportion, beginning with the greatest, and proceeding to the least.

1st Census
2nd Census
          1.      Judah,
74,600
76,500
          2.      Dan,
62,700
64,400
          3.      Simeon,
59,300
22,200
          4.      Zebulun,
57,400
60,500
          5.      Issachar,
54,400
64,300
          6.      Naphtali,
53,400
45,400
          7.      Reuben,
46,500
43,730
          8.      Gad,
45,650
40,500
          9.      Asher,
41,500
53,400
          10.      Ephraim,
40,500
32,500
          11.      Benjamin,
35,400
45,600
          12.      Manasseh,
32,200
52,700
———
———
Total 603,550
601,730
———
———

Thus we find Judah the most populous tribe, and Manasseh the least so; the difference between them being as great as 42,000. Jacob had given Judah the pre-eminence in his prophetic blessing; and that tribe was to have the precedency in the encampments of Israel: accordingly God had increased them more than any of their brethren. Ephraim and Manasseh, according to the same prophecy, were numbered as distinct tribes, Ephraim having the superiority, as it was foretold; and Joseph indeed appears ‘a fruitful bough.’ ch. 2:10, 11; 26:7.
22 ch. 2:12, 13; 26:12–14. Ge. 29:33; 34:25–30; 42:24; 46:10; 49:5, 6.
23 ch. 2:13; 25:8, 9, 14; 26:14.
24 The tribe of Gad marched, along with that of Simeon, under the standard of Reuben; and it seems, on that account, to have been introduced in this order. The other tribes also, are here classed together according to their encampments, and tho order of their subsequent march. ch. 2:14, 15; 26:15–18. Ge. 30:10, 11; 46:16; 49:19.
25 ch. 2:15; 26:18.
26 ch. 2:3, 4; 26:19–22. Ge. 29:35; 46:12; 49:8–12. 2 Sa. 24:9. 1 Ch. 5:2. 2 Ch. 17:14–16.
27 ch. 2:3, 4; 26:22. 2 Sa. 24:9. 2 Ch. 17:14–16.
28 ch. 2:5, 6; 23:23–25. Ge. 30:18; 46:13; 49:14, 15.
29 ch. 1:6; 26:25.
30 ch. 2:7, 8; 26:26, 27. Ge. 30:20; 46:14; 49:13.
31 ch. 2:8; 26:27.
32 ch. 2:18, 19; 26:35–37. Ge. 30:24; ch. 37; 39; 46:20; ch. 48; 49:22–26. De. 33:17.
33 the tribe. Ge. 48:5. De. 33:17. were forty. ch. 2:19; 26:37.
35 ch. 2:21; 26:34. Ge. 48:19, 20.
36 Ge. 35:16–18; 44:20; 46:21; 49:27.
37 ch. 2:23; 26:41. Ju. 20:44–46. 2 Ch. 17:17.
38 Ge. 30:5, 6; 46:23; 49:16, 17.
39 ch. 2:26; 26:43.
40 Ge. 30:12, 13; 46:27; 49:20.
41 ch. 2:28; 26:47.
42 Naphtali. Ge. 30:7, 8; 46:24; 49:21. Respecting the manner in which this vast multitude sprang from 75 persons, SCHEUCHZER has some valuable calculations, with the results of which we present the reader:—

1. Judah.
 1 Generation
  25
 2 Generation
  238
 3 Generation
  3865
 4 Generation
  70,735
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  74,600
2. Dan.
 1 Generation
  11
 2 Generation
  132
 3 Generation
  2508
 4 Generation
  60,192
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  62,700

3. Simeon.
 1 Generation
  39
 2
  359
 3
  3953
 4
  55,347
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  59,300
4. Zebulun.
 1 Generation
  20
 2 Generation
  143
 3 Generation
  2296
 4 Generation
  55,104
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  57,400
5. Issachar.
 1 Generation
  27
 2 Generation
  251
 3 Generation
  3022
 4 Generation
  51,378
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  54,400
6. Naphtali.
 1 Generation
  26
 2 Generation
  296
 3 Generation
  3560
 4 Generation
  49,840
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  53,400
7. Reuben.
 1 Generation
  31
 2 Generation
  215
 3 Generation
  2583
 4 Generation
  43,917
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  46,500
8. Gad.
 1 Generation
  67
 2 Generation
  475
 3 Generation
  3804
 4 Generation
  41,846
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  45,650
9. Asher.
 1 Generation
  39
 2 Generation
  310
 3 Generation
  3192
 4 Generation
  38,308
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  41,500
10. Ephraim.
 1 Generation
  16
 2 Generation
  160
 3 Generation
  1928
 4 Generation
  38,572
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  40,500
11. Benjamin.
 1 Generation
  98
 2 Generation
  885
 3 Generation
  4425
 4 Generation
  30,975
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  35,400
12. Manasseh.
 1 Generation
  10
 2 Generation
  134
 3 Generation
  1610
 4 Generation
  30,590
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  32,200
13. Levi.
 1 Generation
  8
 2 Generation
  96
 3 Generation
  1240
 4 Generation
  21,060
   ———
Total of 3 and 4,
  22,300

43 ch. 2:30; 26:50.
44 ver. 2–16; ch. 26:64.
46 What an astonishing increase from seventy persons who went down into Egypt about 215 years before, where they had latterly endured the greatest hardships! Such was the effect of God’s promise, which cannot fail. ch. 2:32; 23:10; 26:51. Ge. 12:2; 13:16; 15:5; 17:6; 22:17; 26:3; 28:14; 46:3, 4. Ex. 12:37; 38:26. De. 10:22. 1 Ki. 4:20. 2 Sa. 24:9. 1 Ch. 21:5. 2 Ch. 13:3; 17:14–19. He. 11:11, 12. Re. 7:4–9.
47 ver. 3, 50; ch. 2:33; ch. 3; 4; 8; 26:57–62. 1 Ch. ch. 6; 21:6.
49 ch. 2:33; 26:62.
50 thou shalt. ch. 3:1–10; 4:15, 25–33. Ex. 31:18; 32:26–29; 38:21. 1 Ch. ch. 23; 25; 26. Ezr. 8:25–30, 33, 34. Ne. 12:8, 22, 47; 13:5, 10–13, 22. the tabernacle. ver. 53; ch. 20:11. Ex. 31:18; 38:21. Ps. 122:4. shall encamp. ch. 2:17; 3:23–38; 10:21.
51 the Levites. ch. 4:5–33; 10:11, 17–21. the stranger. ch. 3:10, 38; 16:40; 18:22. Le. 22:10–13. 1 Sa. 6:19. 2 Sa. 6:7.
52 ch. 2:2, 34; ch. 10; 24:2.
53 shall pitch. ver. 50; ch. 3:7; 18:3. 1 Ti. 4:13–16. 2 Ti. 4:2. there be. ch. 8:19; 16:46; 18:5. Le. 10:6. 1 Sa. 6:19. Je. 5:31; 23:15. Ac. 20:28–31. and the. ch. 3:7, 8; 8:24–26; 18:3–5; 31:30, 47. 1 Ch. 23:32. 2 Ch. 13:10.
54 ch. 2:34. Ex. 23:21, 22; 39:32, 43; 40:16, 32. De. 12:32. 1 Sa. 15:22. Mat. 28:20.


  CHAP. 2

  The order of the tribes in their tents.

2 Every man. The Israelites, it appears, encamped in four grand divisions, with the tabernacle in the centre; though at some distance from it. The form of the camp was quadrangular, containing, according to SCHEUCHZER, a little more than twelve square miles. Under each of the four divisions, three tribes were placed, under one general standard. Between these four great camps and the tabernacle, were pitched four smaller camps of the priests and Levites, who were in immediate attendance upon it; the camp of Moses, and of Aaron and his sons, being on the east side of the tabernacle, where the entrance was. JUDAH was placed on the east, and under him he had Issachar and Zebulun; on the south was REUBEN, and under him Simeon and Gad; on the west was EPHRAIM, and under him Manasseh and Benjamin; and DAN was on the north, and under him Asher and Naphtali. Every tribe had its particular standard, probably with the name of the tribe embroidered with large letters. It seems highly improbable that the figures of animals should have been painted on them, as the Jewish writers assert; for even in after ages, when Vitellius wished to march through Judea, their great men besought him to march another way, as the law of the land did not permit images (such as were on the Roman standard) to be brought into it. JOSEPHUS Ant. 1. xviii. c. 7. shall pitch. ver. 3, 10; ch. 1:52; 10:14, 18, 22, 25. the ensign. Is. 11:10–12; 18:3. Zec. 9:16. far off. Heb. over against. Jos. 3:4. about the. ch. 1:50, 53. Ps. 76:11. Is. 12:6. Eze. 43:7. 1 Co. 14:33, 40. Phi. 1:27. Col. 2:19. Re. 4:2–5.
3 the standard. Ge. 49:8–10. Ju. 1:1, 2. 1 Ch. 5:2. Nahshon. ch. 1:7; 7:12, 17; 10:14–16; 26:19–22. Ru. 4:20. 1 Ch. 2:10. Mat. 1:4. Lu. 3:32, 33. Naasson.
4 ch. 1:27; 26:22.
5 ch. 1:8, 28, 29; 7:18, 23; 10:15; 26:23–25.
6 ch. 1:29; 26:25.
7 ch. 1:9, 30, 31; 7:24, 29; 10:16.
8 ch. 1:31; 26:26, 27.
9 These shall. ch. 10:14.
10 camp of Reuben. Ge. 49:3, 4. 1 Ch. 5:1. Elizur. ch. 1:5; 7:30, 35; 10:18.
11 ch. 1:21; 26:7.
12 Shelumiel. ch. 1:6; 7:36, 41; 10:19.
13 ch. 1:23; 26:14.
14 Eliasaph. ch. 1:14; 7:42, 47; 10:20. Son of Deuel.
15 ch. 1:25; 26:18.
16 an hundred. ver. 9, 24, 31. they shall. ch. 10:18.
17 tabernacle. ver. 1; ch. 1:50–53; 3:38; 10:17, 21. 1 Co. 14:40. Col. 2:5.
18 camp of Ephraim. ch. 1:32; 10:22. Ge. 48:5, 14–20. De. 33:17. Ps. 80:1, 2. Elishama. ch. 1:10; 7:48, 53; 10:22. 1 Ch. 7:26, 27.
19 ch. 1:33; 26:37.
20 Gamaliel. ch. 1:10; 7:54, 59; 10:23.
21 ch. 1:35; 26:34.
22 Abidan. ch. 1:11; 7:60, 65; 10:24.
23 ch. 1:37; 26:41.
24 an hundred. ver. 9, 16, 31. And. ch. 10:22.
25 Ahiezer. ch. 1:12; 7:66, 71; 10:25.
26 ch. 1:39; 26:43.
27 Pagiel. ch. 1:13; 7:72, 77.
28 forty. ch. 1:41; 26:47. REYHER, who is followed by SCHEUCHZER, assigns the following space to the soldiers of each of the tribes, whilst remaining close to each other in their ranks, allowing one square cubit to each; but if we take in the arrangement, not only the soldiers, but the tents, the families, etc., a much larger extent of ground is requisite:

Tribe of Judah.
Tribe of Manasseh.
Breadth 298
3–5 cubits
Breadth 161
cubits
Length 250
Length 200
    ——
    ——
Total 74,600
Total 32,200
Tribe of Issachar.
Tribe of Simeon.
Breadth 217
3–5 cubits
Breadth 182
6–13 cubits
Length 250
Length 325
    ——
    ——
Total 54,400
Total 59,300
Tribe of Gad.
Tribe of Benjamin.
Breadth 140
5–11 cubits
Breadth 177
cubits
Length 325
Length 200
    ——
    ——
Total 45,650
Total 35,400
Tribe of Zebulun.
Tribe of Dan.
Breadth 229
3–4 cubits
Breadth 156
3–4 cubits
Length 250
Length 400
    ——
    ——
Total 57,400
Total 62,700
Tribe of Ephraim.
Tribe of Asher.
Breadth 202
1–2 cubits
Breadth 103
3–4 cubits
Length 200
Length 400
    ——
    ——
Total 40,500
Total 41,500
Tribe of Reuben.
Tribe of Naphtali.
Breadth 143
1–5 cubits
Breadth 133
1–2 cubits
Length 325
Length 400
    ——
    ——
Total 46,500
Total 53,400

29 the tribe. ch. 1:42, 43; 26:48–50. Ahira. ch. 1:15; 7:78, 83; 10:27.
30 ch. 1:42, 43; 26:50.
31 an hundred. ver. 9, 16, 24. They. ch. 10:25.
32 ver. 9; ch. 1:46; 11:21; 26:51. Ex. 12:37; 38:26.
33 ch. 1:47–49.
34 according. ch. 1:54. Ex. 39:42. Ps. 119:6. Lu. 1:6. so they. ver. 2; ch. 10:28; 23:9, 10, 21; 24:2, 5, 6.


  CHAP. 3

  The sons of Aaron, 1–4. The Levites are given to the priests instead of the first-born, 5–13; are numbered by their families, 14–20. The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites, 21–26; of the Kohathites, 27–32; of the Merarites, 33–37. The place and charge of Moses and Aaron, 38, 39. The first-born are freed by the Levites, 40–43. The overplus are redeemed, 44–51.

1 generations. Ge. 2:4; 5:1; 10:1. Ex. 6:16, 20. Mat. 1:1. spake. ch. 1:1. Le. 25:1; 27:34.
2 ch. 26:60. Ex. 6:23; 28:1. 1 Ch. 6:3; 24:1.
3 the priests. Ex. 28:41; 40:13, 15. Le. 8:2, 12, 30. whom he consecrated. Heb. whose hand he filled. Ex. 29:1–37. Le. ch. 8; 9. He. 7:28.
4 Nadab. ch. 26:61; Le. 10:1, 2.
6 The word hakraiv, here rendered bring near, is properly a sacrificial word, and signifies the presenting of a sacrifice or offering to the Lord. As an offering, the tribe of Levi was entirely given up to the service of the sanctuary, to be no longer their own, but the Lord’s. ch. 1:49–53; 2:17, 33; 8:6–15, 22–26; 16:9–11; 18:2–6. Ex. 32:26–29. De. 33:8, 9. Mal. 2:4.
7 keep. ch. 3:32; 8:26; 31:30. 1 Ch. 23:28–32; 26:20, 22, 26. to do the. ch. 1:50; 8:11, 15, 24–26.
8 ch. 4:15, 28, 33; 10:17, 21. 1 Ch. 26:20–28. Ezr. 8:24–30. Is. 52:11.
9 ch. 8:19; 18:6, 7. Ep. 4:8, 11.
10 they shall. ch. 18:7. 1 Ch. 6:32. Eze. 44:8. Ac. 6:3, 4. Ro. 12:7. 1 Ti. 4:15, 16. and the stranger. ver. 38; ch. 1:51; 16:35, 40; 18:3. 1 Sa. 6:19. 2 Sa. 6:7. 2 Ch. 26:16–21. Ep. 2:19. He. 8:4; 10:19–22.
12 When God miraculously destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians, (Ex. 12:29,) he spared those of the Israelites; and, in commemoration of that event, he was pleased to appoint that all the first-born males ‘should be set apart unto himself.’ (Ex. 13:12–16.) God is here pleased to relinquish this claim, and to appoint the whole tribe of Levi to attend his immediate service in their stead. ver. 41, 45; ch. 8:16, 18; 18:6.
13 Because. ch. 8:16, 17; 18:15. Ex. 13:2, 12; 22:29; 34:19. Le. 27:26. Eze. 44:30. Lu. 2:23. He. 12:23. on the day. Ex. 12:29, 30; 13:15.
15 ver. 22, 28, 34, 39, 40, 43. ch. 18:15, 16; 26:62. Pr. 8:17. Je. 2:2; 31:3. Mar. 10:14. 2 Ti. 3:15.
16 word. Heb. mouth.
17 ch. 26:57, 58. Ge. 46:11. Ex. 6:16–19. Jos. ch. 21. 1 Ch. 6:1, 2, 16–19, Gershom; 15:5–23; 23:6–23; ch. 24–26. Ne. ch. 11; 12.
18 ver. 21. Ex. 6:17–19. 1 Ch. 6:17, 20, 21; 23:7–11; 25:3, 8–31; 15:7; 16:5.
19 ver. 27. Ex. 6:18, 20. 1 Ch. 6:18, 38; 15:5, 8–10, 17–21; 23:12, 13, 18–20, Izhar; 25:4; ch. 26. Ne. 12:1–26.
20 ver. 33. Ex. 6:19. 1 Ch. 6:19, 29, 44–47; 15:6; 23:21–23; 24:27–30; 25:3.
21 See ver. 18.
22 from a month old. The males of all the other tribes were numbered from twenty years old and upwards; but, had the Levites been numbered in this way, they would not have been nearly equal in number to the first-born of the twelve tribes. Add to this, that as there must have been first-born of all ages in the other tribes, it was necessary that the Levites, who were to be their substitutes, should also be of all ages: and it appears to have been partly on this ground, that the Levites were numbered from a month old and upwards. ch. 4:38–40.
23 ch. 1:53; 2:17.
25 the charge. From this and the next chapter, we see the very severe labour which the Levites were to perform, while the journeyings of the Israelites lasted. When we consider, that there was not less than 14 tons 266 lbs. of metal employed in the tabernacle, (see note on Ex. 38:24,) besides the immense weight of the skins, hangings, cords, boards, and posts, we shall find it was no easy matter to transport this moveable temple from place to place. The Gershonites, who were 7500 in number had to carry the tent, coverings, vail, hangings of the court, cords, etc. (ver. 25, 26); the Kohathites, who were 8600, the ark, table, candlestick, altars, and instruments of the sanctuary (ver. 31); and the Merarites, who were 6200, the boards, bars, sockets, and all matters connected with these belonging to the tabernacle, with the pillars of the court, their sockets, pins, and cords (ver. 36, 37). ver. 7; ch. 4:24–28; 7:7; 10:17. 1 Ch. 9:14–33; 23:32; 26:21, 22. 2 Ch. 31:2, 11–18. Ezr. 8:28–30. Mar. 13:34. Ro. 12:6–8. Col. 4:17. 1 Ti. 1:18. the tabernacle and. Ex. 25:9; 26:1–14; 36:8–19; 40:19. and the hanging. Ex. 26:36, 37; 36:37, 38; 40:28.
26 the hangings. Ex. 27:9–16; 38:9–16. the cords. Ex. 35:18.
27 See on ver. 19. 1 Ch. 23:12; 26:23.
28 eight thousand. ch. 4:35, 36. keeping. ver. 7, 31.
29 ver. 23; ch. 1:53; 2:10.
31 the ark. ch. 4:4–16. Ex. 25:10–40; ch. 31–35; 37:1–24; 39:33–42; 40:2–16, 30. the altars. Ex. 27:1–8; 30:1–10; 37:25–29; 38:1–7. and the hanging. Ex. 26:31–33; 36:35, 36.
32 ch. 4:16, 27; 20:25–28. 2 Ki. 25:18. 1 Ch. 9:14–20; 26:20–24.
33 See on ver. 20. 1 Ch. 6:19; 23:21.
34 ch. 1:43, 44.
35 shall. ver. 28, 29; ch. 1:53. northward. ch. 2:25.
36 under the custody and charge. Heb. the office of the charge. the boards. ch. 4:29–33; 7:8. Ex. 26:15–29, 32, 37; 27:9–19; 35:11, 18; 36:20–34, 36; 38:17–20; 39:33.
38 toward. ver. 28, 29, 35; ch. 1:53; 2:3. keeping. ver. 10; ch. 18:1–5. 1 Ch. 6:48, 49. for the charge. See on ver. 7, 8, 10.
39 and Aaron, The word וׄאׄהרׄן, weäharon, ‘and Aaron,’ has a point over each of its letters, probably designed as a mark of spuriousness. The word is wanting in the Samaritan, Syriac, and Coptic, and also in eight of Dr. KENNICOTT’S and in four of DE ROSSI’S MSS. Moses alone, as HOUBIGANT observes, was commanded to number the Levites, (ver. 5, 11, 40, 44, 51:) for as the money with which the first-born were redeemed was to be paid to Aaron and his sons, (ver. 48,) it was decent that he, whose advantage it was that the number of the first-born should exceed, should not be authorized to take that number himself. twenty and two thousand. This total does not agree with the particulars; for the Gershonites were 7500, the Kohathites 8600, and the Merarites 6200, which make a total of 22,300. Several methods of solving this difficulty have been proposed by learned men. HOUBIGANT supposes there is an error in the enumeration of the Kohathites in ver. 28; the numeral shesh, ‘six,’ being written instead of shalosh, ‘three,’ before ‘hundred.’ Dr. KENNICOTT’S mode of reconciling the discrepancy, however, is the most simple. He supposes that an error has crept into the number of the Gershonites in ver. 22, where instead of 7500 we should read 7200, as ך, caph final, which stands for 500, might have been easily mistaken for ר, resh, 200. (Dr. KENNICOTT on the Hebrew Text, vol. II. 212.) Either of these modes will equally reconcile the difference. ch. 4:47, 48; 26:62. Mat. 7:14.
40 See on ver. 12, 15, 45. Ex. 32:26–29. Ps. 87:6. Is. 4:3. Lu. 10:20. Phi. 4:3. 2 Ti. 2:19. He. 12:23. Re. 3:5; 14:4.
41 ver. 12, 45; ch. 8:16; 18:15. Ex. 24:5, 6; 32:26–29. Mat. 20:28. 1 Ti. 2:6.
43 ver. 39.
45 ver. 12, 40, 41.
46 redeemed. ch. 18:15. Ex. 13:13. the two hundred. As the number of the Levites was 22,000, and the first-born males of the Israelites were 22,273, there were therefore 273 more of the latter than of the former, which are here ordered to be redeemed. The price of redemption is fixed at five shekels, or about 15s. each, in ver. 47. This money, amounting to 1365 shekels, equal to £204. 15s. English, was taken of the first-born. There is some difficulty, however, in determining which of the first-born should be redeemed by paying this sum, and which should be exchanged for the Levites; for every Israelite, no doubt, would rather have his first-born redeemed by a Levite, than pay five shekels; and yet some of them must have incurred this expense. RABBI SOLOMON JARCHI says, to prevent contention, Moses took 22,000 slips of parchment, and wrote on each a son of Levi, and 273 more, on which he wrote five shekels; then putting them in an urn, and shaking them together, he ordered every one of the first-born to draw out a slip. If he drew out one with the first inscription, he said to him, a Levite hath redeemed thee: but if he drew out one of the latter, he said, pay thy price. This is pronounced by Dr. A. CLARKE to be a stupid, silly tale; but when we know that the determination by lot was used among the Israelites, it does not seem improbable that it was now resorted to, though we cannot vouch for the accuracy of the detail. This species of redeeming men is referred to by St. PETER in his 1st Epistle, ch. 1:18, 19. which are. ver. 39–43.
47 five shekels. ch. 18:16. Le. 27:6. the shekel. ver. 50. Ex. 30:13. Le. 27:25. Eze. 45:12.
50 ver. 46, 47. Mat. 20:28. 1 Ti. 2:5, 6. Tit. 2:14. He. 9:12. 1 Pe. 1:18; 3:18.
51 Moses. ver. 48; ch. 16:15. 1 Sa. 12:3, 4. Ac. 20:33. 1 Co. 9:12. 1 Pe. 5:2. as the Lord. Mal. 4:4.


  CHAP. 4

  The age at which the Levites were to begin to serve, and the duration of the service, 1–3. The duty of the Kohathites, 4–15. The charge of Eleazar, 16. The office of the priests, 17–20. The duty of the Gershonites, 21–28; of the Merarites, 29–33. The number of the Kohathites, 34–37; of the Gershonites, 38–41; and of the Merarites, 42–49.

2 See on ch. 3:19, 27.
3 thirty years. ch. 8:24–26. Ge. 41:46. 1 Ch. 23:3, 24–27; 28:12, 13. Lu. 3:23. 1 Ti. 3:6. enter. 2 Ki. 11:4–12. 2 Ch. 23:1–11. 2 Co. 10:3, 4. Ep. 6:10–18. 1 Ti. 1:18. to do. ch. 3:7, 8; 16:9. 1 Ch. 6:48; 23:4, 5, 28–32. 1 Ti. 3:1.
4 ver. 15, 19, 24, 30; ch. 3:30, 31. Mar. 13:34.
5 And when. ch. 2:16, 17; 10:14. Aaron shall come. The law prohibiting any person, except the high priest on one day in the year, to enter into the most holy place, must have admitted an exception while the Israelites were in the wilderness: that exception, therefore, is here expressly made; and the directions given respecting it must be religiously observed, or the service could not be safely performed. While the cloud rested on the tabernacle, the general rule was in force; but when it was removed, then the priests might enter to prepare the sacred vessels for removal. ver. 15; ch. 3:27–32. they shall. Ex. 26:31–33; 36:35; 40:3. Is. 25:7. Mat. 27:51. He. 9:3; 10:20. and cover. Ex. 25:10–22; 37:1–9. 2 Sa. 6:2–9.
6 badgers’ skins. This was not the covering of badgers’ skins made for the tabernacle, which was carried by the Gershonites, (ver. 24, 25,) but one made for the purpose of concealing and sheltering the ark when it was to be carried. a cloth. ver. 7, 8, 11–13. Ex. 35:19; 39:1, 41. and shall put. Wesamoo baddaiv, rather, ‘and adjust the staves thereof;’ i.e. dispose them rightly under the covering, that they might be laid on their shoulders: for the staves were never taken out of the rings. the staves. Ex. 25:13–15. 1 Ki. 8:7, 8.
7 the table. Ex. 25:23–30; 37:10–16. Le. 24:5–8. cover withal. or, pour out withal. the continual. The Israelites, without doubt, were able to procure corn enough from the adjacent countries, even when in the wilderness, to make the shewbread, and to present the daily meat offerings.
8 ver. 6, 7, 9, 11–13.
9 Ex. 25:31–39; 37:17–24. Ps. 119:105. Re. 1:20; 2:1.
10 ver. 6, 12.
11 Ex. 30:1–10; 37:25–28; 39:38; 40:5, 26, 27.
12 ver. 7, 9; ch. 3:8. Ex. 25:9; 31:10. 2 Ki. 25:14, 15. 1 Ch. 9:29. 2 Ch. 4:11, 16, 19, 22.
13 The embers of the sacred fire seem to have been removed in the grate, which was carried apart from the brazen altar; both being covered from view by purple cloths. ver. 6–9, 11, 12. Ex. 27:3–5. 39:1, 41. Le. 6:12, 13.
14 all the vessels thereof. Ex. 38:1–7. 2 Ch. 4:19. basons. or, bowls.
15 after that. ch. 7:9; 10:21. De. 31:9. Jos. 4:10. 2 Sa. 6:13. 1 Ch. 15:2, 15. they shall. ch. 3:38. Ex. 19:12. 1 Sa. 6:19. 2 Sa. 6:6, 7. 1 Ch. 13:9, 10. He. 12:18–29. These things. ch. 3:30, 31.
16 the office. Eleazar himself, perhaps with the other priests, was required to carry the oil for the light, the incense, and the flour for the daily meat offering, and the holy ointment; besides superintending the Levites. It may be supposed, that he himself carried no more of the oil than for present use. (see ver. 9.) ch. 3:32. the oil. Ex. 25:6; 27:20, 21. Le. 24:2. the sweet. Ex. 30:34–38; 37:29. the daily. Ex. 29:39–41. the anointing. Ex. 30:23–33. the oversight. Lu. 4:18. Ac. 20:28. 1 Co. 4:1. 1 Ti. 2:5. He. 3:1, 6. 1 Pe. 2:25; 5:2.
18 Eleazar and the priests would be chargeable with the death of the Kohathites, if they failed to give them proper cautions and directions; or permitted them to gaze with irreverence or curiosity upon the holy things, which they might carry, but not see. (ver. 20.) ch. 16:32; 17:10; 18:5. Ex. 19:21. Le. 10:1, 2. 1 Sa. 6:19. 2 Sa. 6:6, 7. Je. 38:23.
19 the most holy. ver. 4.
20 they shall. ver. 15, 19. Ex. 19:21. Le. 10:2. 1 Sa. 6:19. He. 10:19, 20. Re. 11:19. the holy things. Hakkodesh, ‘the holy,’ or ‘sanctuary,’ i.e. the ark, as the Jews generally understand it; and with good reason, as any one may he convinced, who compares 1 Ki. 8:8, with 2 Ch. 5:9, where that which is called the holy in the former, is called the ark in the latter.
22 See on ch. 3:18, 21, 24.
23 thirty years. See on ver. 3. to perform the service. Heb. to war the warfare. ver. 3. Is. 63:1–4. Ro. 7:14–24. 1 Co. 9:7. 2 Co. 6:7; 10:3–5. Ep. 6:10–19. Ga. 5:17, 24. 1 Ti. 1:18. 2 Ti. 2:3, 4; 4:7.
24 burdens. or, carriage.
25 the curtains. See on ch. 3:25, 26; 7:5–7. the covering. Ex. 26:14.
26 the hangings. Ex. 27:9. and their cords. Ex. 35:18.
27 appointment. Heb. mouth. The Levites were under the command of the priests. Eleazar exercised this authority in general, as next in succession to Aaron: and he in particular was placed over the Kohathites; while Ithamar, his younger brother, commanded the Gershonites and Merarites. (ver. 33.) Lu. 1:70. 1 Co. 11:2.
28 ver. 33. 1 Co. 12:5, 6.
29 See on ch. 3:33–35.
30 service. Heb. warfare. See on ver. 3, 23. Ps. 110:1–7. 1 Ti. 6:11, 12. 2 Ti. 2:4; 4:7, 8.
31 the charge. See on ch. 3:36, 37; 7:8, 9. the boards. Ex. 26:15.
32 and by name. An inventory was taken of every particular, even to the very pins belonging to each part, that nothing might be wanting when the tabernacle was set up. the instruments. ch. 3:8; 7:1. Ex. 25:9; 38:17, 21. 1 Ch. 9:29.
33 under the hand. ver. 28. Jos. 3:6. Is. 3:6.
34 ver. 2.
35 ver. 3, 23, 30, 39, 43, 47. ch. 8:24–26. 1 Ch. 23:3, 24, 26, 27; 28:13. Lu. 3:23. 1 Ti. 3:6.
36 In the third chapter we have an account of the whole number of the Levites; and here of those only who were able to serve the Lord in the sanctuary. By comparing the two places, we find the number of effective and ineffective males to stand thus:—

Kohathites.
Effective men
      2750
Ineffective
      5850
      ——
Total
      8600
Gershonites.
Effective men
      2630
Ineffective
      4870
      ——
Total
      7500
Merarites.
Effective men
      3200
Ineffective
      3000
      ——
Total
      6200

Thus we find that the whole number of the Levites amounted to 22,300; of whom 8580 were fit for service, and 13,720 unfit, being either too old or too young. What an astonishing number of men, all performing some service by which God was glorified, and the congregation at large benefited!
40 ch. 3:32.
41 ver. 22.
44 The family of Merari, though smaller than either of the other families of Levi, yet had a greater number of able men than any of them; for out of 6200 males of a month old and upwards, we find 3200 who were neither too young nor too old for the service of the sanctuary; which was more than one-half of their whole number. In this the wisdom and providence of God appear most conspicuously; for the Merarites were charged with the heaviest part of the sanctuary, as the boards, bars, sockets, etc.: and though waggons were afterwards provided for them, yet the loading and unloading of the sockets, and other things of great weight, would require much strength, both bodily and numerical. (Compare ver. 36, 40, with ch. 3:22, 23, 24.) Thus God ever manifests his wisdom, in fitting men for the work to which they are appointed, whether with respect to number or gifts: ‘For to one is given, by the Spirit, the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit; to another faith, by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing, by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.’ ch. 3:34. De. 33:25. 1 Co. 10:13; 12:8–12. 2 Co. 12:9, 10.
45 ver. 29.
47 From thirty. ver. 3, 23, 30. 1 Ch. 23:3, 27. every one. ver. 15, 24, 37. Ro. 12:6–8. 1 Co. 12:4–31.
48 ch. 3:39. Mat. 7:14; 20:16; 22:15.
49 According to the. ver. 37, 41, 45. ch. 1:54; 2:33; 3:51. every one. ver. 15, 24, 31. Is. 11:2–4; 42:1–7; 49:1–8. Ro. 12:4–8. as the Lord. ver. 1, 21.


  CHAP. 5

  The unclean are removed out of the camp, 1–4. Restitution is to be made in trespass, 5–10. The trial of jealousy, 11–31.

2 put out of the camp. The camp of Israel being now formed, with the sanctuary of God in the centre, orders were given that the lepers and unclean persons should be excluded from the camp, according to the laws given at different times on these subjects. (See the Marginal References.) This expulsion was founded, 1. On a purely physical reason; for the diseases were contagious, and therefore there was a necessity of putting those afflicted with them apart, that the infection might not be communicated. 2. There was also a spiritual reason: the camp was the habitation of God; and therefore, in honour of Him who had thus condescended to dwell with them, nothing impure should be permitted to remain. 3. Further, there was a typical reason; for the camp was the emblem of the church, where nothing that is defiled should enter, and in which nothing that is unholy should be tolerated. ch. 12:14. Le. 13:46. De. 24:8, 9. 2 Ki. 7:3. and every. Le. 15:2–27. and whosoever. ch. 9:6–10; 19:11–16; 31:19. Le. 21:1.
3 without. 1 Ki. 7:3. 1 Co. 5:13. 2 Co. 6:17. 2 Th. 3:6. Tit. 3:10. He. 12:15, 16. 2 Jno. 1:10, 11. Re. 21:27. defile not. ch. 19:22. Hag. 2:13, 14. in the midst. Le. 26:11, 12. De. 23:14. Ps. 68:18. Is. 12:6. 2 Co. 6:16. Re. 21:3.
6 When. Le. 5:1–4, 17; 6:2, 3. and that person. This expression does not merely refer to the actual criminality of the person, but to his consciousness of guilt respecting it: for this case must be distinguished from that of a person detected in dishonesty, which he attempted to conceal.
7 confess. Le. 5:5; 26:40. Jos. 7:19. Job 33:27, 28. Ps. 32:5. Pr. 28:13. 1 Jno. 1:8–10. and he shall. Not only confession, but restitution, in every possible case, is necessary in order to obtain forgiveness, with the principal. Le. 5:15; 6:4–7; 7:7. Lu. 19:8.
8 have no. Le. 25:25, 26. beside the ram. Le. 6:6, 7; 7:7.
9 offering. or, heave offering. ch. 18:8, 9, 19. Ex. 29:28. Le. 6:17, 18, 26; 7:6–14; 10:13; 22:2, 3. De. 18:3, 4. Eze. 44:29, 30. Mal. 3:8–10. 1 Co. 9:7–13.
12 ver. 19, 20. Pr. 2:16, 17.
13 Le. 18:20; 20:10. Pr. 7:18, 19; 30:20.
14 Rooach kinah, either a supernatural diabolic influence, exciting him to jealousy, or, rather, the passion or affection of jealousy. ver. 30. Pr. 6:34. Ca. 8:6. Zep. 3:8. 1 Co. 10:22.
15 her offering for her. This coarse offering, without oil or frankincense, implied the baseness of the crime of which the woman was suspected, and the mournful state of her family. It was not an atoning sacrifice, but an oblation for a memorial, as solemnly referring the decision to God, and calling upon him either to acquit or punish. Le. 5:11. Ho. 3:2. bringing. 1 Ki. 17:18. Eze. 29:16. He. 10:3.
16 bring her near. or, rather, ‘bring it near;’ i.e. her offering. set her. Rather, ‘set it,’ i.e. the offering; for the woman is afterwards ordered to be set before the Lord. (ver. 18.) Le. 1:3. Je. 17:10. He. 13:4. Re. 2:22, 23.
17 holy water. That is, water from the laver; called holy, because separated from common to sacred uses. This is the most ancient account of the trial by ordeal, which obtained so generally among various nations; and it was calculated to fortify the minds of the Israelitish women in the hour of temptation, and to render them watchful against all occasions of exciting suspicion in the breasts of their husbands. ch. 19:2–9. Ex. 30:18. of the dust. Job 2:12. Je. 17:13. La. 3:29. Jno. 8:6, 8.
18 the priest. He. 13:4. Re. 2:19–23. uncover. Le. 13:45. 1 Co. 11:15. He. 4:12, 13. and put. ver. 15, 25, 26. the bitter water. So called from the bitter effects which it had upon the guilty. ver. 17, 22, 24. De. 29:18. 1 Sa. 15:32. Pr. 5:4. Ec. 7:26. Is. 38:17. Je. 2:19. Re. 10:9, 10.
19 charge her. Mat. 26:63. with another. or, being in the power of thy husband. Heb. under thy husband. Ro. 7:2. Gr.
21 an oath. Jos. 6:26. 1 Sa. 14:24. Ne. 10:29. Mat. 26:74. The Lord make. Is. 65:15. Je. 29:22. rot. Heb. fall. 2 Ch. 21:15. Pr. 10:7.
22 go into. ver. 27. Ps. 109:18. Pr. 1:31. Eze. 3:3. the woman. De. 27:15–26. Job 31:21, 22, 39, 40. Ps. 7:4, 5. Amen. Ps. 41:13; 72:19; 89:52. Jno. 3:3, 11; 5:24, 25; 6:53. Gr.
23 write these. Ex. 17:14. De. 31:19. 2 Ch. 34:24. Job 31:35. Je. 51:60–64. 1 Co. 16:21, 22. Re. 20:12. blot. Ps. 51:1, 9. Is. 43:25; 44:22. Ac. 3:19.
24 Zec. 5:3, 4. Mal. 3:5.
25 priest. ver. 15, 18. wave. Ex. 29:24. Le. 8:27.
26 Le. 2:2, 9; 5:12; 6:15.
27 if she be defiled. ver. 20. Pr. 5:4–11. Ec. 7:26. Ro. 6:21. 2 Co. 2:16. He. 10:26–30. 2 Pe. 2:10. the woman. De. 28:37. Ps. 83:9–11. Is. 65:15. Je. 24:9; 29:18, 22; 42:18. Zec. 8:13.
28 And if. ver. 19. Mi. 7:7–10. 2 Co. 4:17. 1 Pe. 1:7. and shall. Ps. 113:9.
29 the law. Le. 7:11; 11:46; 13:59; 14:54–57; 15:32, 33. when a wife goeth. ver. 12, 15, 19. Is. 5:7, 8.
31 be guiltless. Ps. 37:6. bear. ch. 9:13. Le. 20:10, 17–20. Eze. 18:4. Ro. 2:8, 9.


  CHAP. 6

  The law of the Nazarite in the days of his separation, 1–12; and after their completion, 13–21. The form of blessing the people, 22–27.

2 When. ver. 5, 6. Ex. 33:16. Le. 20:26. Pr. 18:1. Ro. 1:1. 2 Co. 6:16. Ga. 1:15. He. 7:27. separate themselves. The word yaphli, rendered ‘shall separate themselves,’ signifies ‘the doing of something extraordinary,’ and is the same word as is used concerning the making a singular vow. (Le. 27:2); it seems to convey the idea of a person’s acting from extraordinary zeal for God and religion. to vow. Le. 27:2. Ju. 13:5. 1 Sa. 1:28. Am. 2:11, 12. Lu. 1:15. Ac. 21:23, 24. to separate themselves. or, to make themselves Nazarites. Lahazzir, from nazar, to be separate; hence nazir, a Nazarite, i.e. a person separated; one peculiarly devoted to the service of God by being separated from all servile employments. The Nazarites were of two kinds: such as were devoted to God by their parents in their infancy, or even sometimes before they were born; and such as devoted themselves. The former were Nazarites for life; the latter commonly bound themselves to observe the laws of the Nazarites for a limited time. The Nazarites for life were not bound to the same strictness as the others, concerning whom the laws relate.
3 Besides the religious nature of this institution, it seems to have been partly of a civil and prudential use. The sobriety and temperance which the Nazarites were obliged to observe were very conducive to health. Accordingly, they were celebrated for their fair and ruddy complexion; being said to be both whiter than milk, and more ruddy than rubies (La. 4:7); the sure signs of a sound and healthy constitution. It may here be observed, that when God intended to raise up Samson, by his strength of body, to scourge the enemies of Israel, he ordered, that from his infancy he should drink no wine, but live by the rule of the Nazarites, because that would greatly contribute to make him strong and healthy; intending, after nature had done her utmost to form this extraordinary instrument of his providence, to supply her defect by his own supernatural power. See JENNING’S Jewish Antiquities, B. I. c. 8. Le. 10:9. Ju. 13:14. Pr. 31:4, 5. Je. 35:6–8. Am. 2:12. Lu. 1:15; 7:33, 34; 21:34. Ep. 5:18. 1 Th. 5:22. 1 Ti. 5:23.
4 separation. or, Nazariteship. vine tree. Heb. vine of the wine.
5 razor. Ju. 13:5; 16:17, 19. 1 Sa. 1:11. La. 4:7, 8. 1 Co. 11:10–15.
6 he shall come. ch. 19:11–16. Le. 19:28. Je. 16:5, 6. Eze. 24:16–18. Mat. 8:21, 22. Lu. 9:59, 60. 2 Co. 5:16.
7 unclean. ch. 9:6. Le. 21:1, 2, 10–12. Eze. 44:25. consecration. Heb. separation. This expression, ‘the consecration, or separation, of God is on his head,’ denotes his hair, which was the proof and emblem of his separation, and of his subjection to God through all the peculiarities of his Nazarate. St. PAUL probably alludes to this circumstance in 1 Co. 11:10; by considering a married woman as a Nazarite for life, i.e. separated from all others, and united to her husband, to whom she is subject.
8 2 Co. 6:17, 18.
9 and ne. ch. 19:14–19. shave. ver. 18. Ac. 18:18; 21:23, 24. Phi. 3:8, 9.
10 Le. 1:14; 5:7–10; 9:1–21; 12:6; 14:22, 23, 31; 15:14, 29. Ro. 4:25. Jno. 2:1, 2.
11 offer Le. 5:8–10; 14:30, 31. and shall. ver. 5.
12 a trespass. Le. 5:6; 14:24. but the. Eze. 18:24. Mat. 3:15; 24:13. Jno. 8:29–31. Ja. 2:10. 2 Jno. 8. lost. Heb. fall.
13 are fulfilled. Ac. 21:26.
14 one he. Le. 1:10–13. 1 Ch. 15:26, 28, 29. one ewe. Le. 4:2, 3, 27, 32. Mal. 1:13, 14. 1 Pe. 1:19. one ram. Le. 3:6.
15 a basket. Le. 2:4; 8:2; 9:4. Jno. 6:50–59. anointed. Ex. 29:2. drink. ch. 15:5, 7, 10. Is. 62:9. Joel 1:9, 13; 2:14. 1 Co. 10:31; 11:26.
18 shave the head. The hair, which was permitted to grow for this purpose, was shaven off, as a token that the vow was accomplished. ver. 5, 9. Ac. 18:18; 21:24, 26. and put it. Lu. 17:10. Ep. 1:6.
19 the sodden. Le. 8:31. 1 Sa. 2:15. put them. Ex. 29:23–28. Le. 7:30; 8:27.
20 the priest shall. ch. 5:25. Ex. 29:27, 28. Le. 9:21; 10:15; 23:11. with the wave. ch. 18:18. Le. 7:31, 34. and after. Ps. 16:10, 11. Ec. 9:7. Is. 25:6; 35:10; 53:10–12. Zec. 9:15, 17; 10:7. Mat. 26:29. Mar. 14:25. Jno. 17:4, 5; 19:30. 2 Ti. 4:7, 8.
21 the law. See on ch. 5:29. beside that. Ezr. 2:69. Ga. 6:6. He. 13:16.
23 Ge. 14:19, 20; 24:60; 27:27–29; 28:3, 4; 47:7, 10; 48:20. Le. 9:22, 23. De. 10:8; 21:5; 33:1. Jos. 8:33. 1 Ch. 23:13. Lu. 24:50, 51. Ro. 1:7. 1 Co. 1:3. 2 Co. 13:14. He. 7:1, 7; 11:20, 21. 1 Pe. 1:2. 2 Pe. 1:2, 3. 2 Jno. 3.
24 The Lord. Ru. 2:4. Ps. 134:3. 1 Co. 14:16. Ep. 6:24. Phi. 4:23. Re. 1:4, 5. keep thee. Ps. 91:11; 121:4–7. Is. 27:3; 42:6. Jno. 17:11. Phi. 4:7. 1 Th. 5:23. 1 Pe. 1:5. Jude 24.
25 The Lord. Ps. 21:6; 31:16; 67:1; 80:1–3, 7, 19; 119:135. Da. 9:17. gracious. Ge. 43:29. Ex. 33:19. Mal. 1:9. Jno. 1:17.
26 lift up. Ps. 4:6; 42:5; 89:15. Ac. 2:28. give thee. Ps. 29:11. Is. 26:3, 12; 57:19. Mi. 5:5. Lu. 2:14. Jno. 14:27; 16:33; 20:21, 26. Ac. 10:36. Ro. 5:1; 15:13, 33. Ep. 2:14–17; 6:23. Phi. 4:7. 2 Th. 3:16.
27 put my. Ex. 3:13–15; 6:3; 34:5–7. De. 28:10. 2 Ch. 7:14. Is. 43:7. Je. 14:9. Da. 9:18, 19. Mat. 28:19. and I will. ch. 23:20. Ge. 12:2, 3; 32:26, 29. 1 Ch. 4:10. Ps. 5:12; 67:7; 115:12, 13. Ep. 1:3.


  CHAP. 7

  The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle, 1–9. Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar, 10–88. God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat, 89.

1 had fully. Ex. 40:17–19. anointed it. Ex. 30:23–30. Le. 8:10, 11; ch. 9. sanctified them. Ge. 2:3. Ex. 13:2. 1 Ki. 8:64. Mat. 23:19.
2 the princes, ch. 1:4–16; ch. 2; 10. and were over, etc. Heb. who stood. offered. Ex. 35:27. 1 Ch. 29:6–8. 2 Ch. 35:8. Ezr. 2:68, 69. Ne. 7:70–72.
3 covered waggons. The Hebrew egloth tzav, signifies ‘tilted waggons;’ so LXX. αμαξας λαμπηνικας, with which the Coptic agrees. These were given for the more convenient exporting of the heavier parts of the tabernacle.
5 Take it. Ex. 25:1–11; 35:4–10. Ps. 16:2, 3. Is. 42:1–7; 49:1–8. Ep. 4:11–13. Tit. 3:8. give them. i.e. distribute them among the Levites as they need them; giving most to those who have the heaviest burdens to bear.
7 Two waggons. ch. 3:25, 26; 4:24–28. sons of Gershon. The Gershonites being fewest in number of able men, had the less burdensome things to carry; for they carried only the curtains, coverings, and hangings, (ch. 4:25, 40.) And although this was a cumbersome carriage, and they needed waggons, yet it was not a heavy one, and they needed few.
8 four waggons. ch. 3:36, 37; 4:28–33. the sons. Though the Merarites were the most numerous, yet they had the greatest burden, namely, the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets, to carry, (ch. 4:31, 32, 48.) Therefore they had double the number of waggons to what the Gershonites had assigned them.
9 unto the. Because they had the charge of the ark, table, candlestick, altars, etc., (ch. 4:4–15,) which were to be carried upon their shoulders: for those sacred things must not be drawn by beasts. because. ch. 3:31; 4:4–16. 2 Sa. 6:6, 13. 1 Ch. 15:3, 13; 23:26.
10 princes. Every prince, or chief, offered in the behalf, and doubtless at the expense, of his whole tribe. dedicating. De. 20:5. 1 Ki. 8:63. 2 Ch. 7:5, 9. Ezr. 6:16, 17. Ne. 12:27, 43. Ps. 30, title. Jno. 10:22.
11 1 Co. 14:33, 40. Col. 2:5.
12 ch. 1:7; 2:3; 10:14. Ge. 49:8, 10. Ru. 4:20. Mat. 1:4. Lu. 3:32. Naasson.
13 charger. Ex. 25:29; 37:16. 1 Ki. 7:43, 45. 2 Ki. 25:14, 15. Ezr. 1:9, 10; 8:25. Je. 52:19. Da. 5:2. Zec. 14:20. Mat. 14:8, 11. the shekel. Ex. 30:13. Le. 27:3, 25. a meat offering. Le. 2:1.
14 spoon. ch. 4:7. Ex. 37:16. 1 Ki. 7:50. 2 Ki. 25:14, 15. 2 Ch. 4:22; 24:14. incense. Ex. 30:7, 8, 34–38; 35:8.
15 ch. 25; 28; 29. Le. 1. Is. 53:4, 10, 11. Mat. 20:28. Jno. 17:19. Ro. 3:24–26; 5:6–11, 16–21; 8:34; 10:4. 1 Ti. 2:6. Tit. 2:14. He. 2:10. 1 Pe. 1:18, 19; 2:24; 3:18.
16 Le. 4:23, 25.
17 peace. Le. 3. 2 Co. 5:19–21. this was the offering. It is worthy of remark, that the different tribes are represented here as bringing their offerings precisely in the same order in which they encamped about the tabernacle, (see ch. 2; 10;) beginning at the East, then proceeding to the South, then to the West, and ending with the North, according to the course of the sun. Their order may be thus viewed:

EAST.
               1.      Judah: Nahshon.
               2.      Issachar: Nathaneel.
               3.      Zebulun: Eliab.

SOUTH.
               4.      Reuben: Elizur.
               5.      Simeon: Shelumiel.
               6.      Gad: Eliasaph.

WEST.
               7.      Ephraim: Elishama.
               8.      Manasseh: Gamaliel.
               9.      Benjamin: Abidan.

NORTH.
               10.      Dan: Ahiezer.
               11.      Asher: Pagiel.
               12.      Naphtali: Ahira.

Thus God evinces that he ‘is not the author of confusion, but of peace.’ (1 Co. 14:33.) It is also worthy of remark, that every tribe offers the same kind of offering, and in the same quantity, to shew, that as every tribe was equally indebted to God for its support, so each should testify an equal sense of obligation. Besides, the vessels were all sacrificial vessels, and the animals were all clean animals, such as were proper for sacrifices; and therefore every thing was intended to point out, that the people were to be a holy people, fully dedicated to God, and that God was to dwell among them. Thus, as the priests, altar, etc., were anointed, and the tabernacle dedicated, so the people, by this offering, became consecrated to God. Therefore every act here was a religious act.
18 ch. 1:8; 2:5.
19 See on ver. 12–17.
21 Ge. 8:20. Ro. 12:1. Ep. 5:2.
23 Le. 7:11–13. 1 Ki. 8:63. Pr. 7:14. Col. 1.
24 ch. 1:9; 2:7.
27 Ps. 50:8–14; 51:16. Is. 1:11. Je. 7:22. Am. 5:22.
30 ch. 1:5; 2:10.
31 offering. ver. 13, etc. charger. Käârah, in Arabic, kâran, from küâra, to be deep, a large deep dish or bowl. It appears, by the metal of which this charger and bowl were made, that they were for the use of the altar of burnt offerings in the outer court; for all the vessels of the sanctuary were of gold. It was probably used for receiving the flesh of the sacrifices upon which the priests feasted, or the fine flour for the meat offerings. bowl. Mizrak, from zarak, to sprinkle, a bowl or bason, used in sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice. (Ex. 27:2–3.)
32 spoon. Kaph, in Syriac, kaphtho, a pan or censer, on which the incense was put. Both the metal of which it was made, and that which it contained, shew that it was for the use of the golden altar in the sanctuary. incense. Ps. 66:15. Mal. 1:11. Lu. 1:10. Re. 8:3.
35 And for a sacrifice. These sacrifices were more numerous than the burnt offering or the sin offering; because the priests, the princes, and as many of the people as they invited, had a share of them, and feasted, with great rejoicing, before the Lord. This custom, as Mr. SELDEN observes, seems to have been imitated by the heathen, who dedicated their altars, temples, statues, etc., with much ceremony.
36 ch. 1:6; 2:12.
37 ver. 13, etc.
39 Ex. 12:5. Jno. 1:29. Ac. 8:32. 1 Pe. 1:19. Re. 5:6.
42 ch. 1:14; 2:14. Son of Reuel.
43 offering. ver. 13, etc. mingled with oil. Le. 2:5; 14:10. He. 1:9. 1 Jno. 2:27.
45 Ps. 66:15. Is. 53:4. 2 Co. 5:21.
48 On the seventh. Both Jewish and Christain writers have been surprised that this work of offering went forward on the seventh day (which they suppose to have been a sabbath), as well as on the other days. But, 1. there is no absolute proof that this seventh day of offering was a sabbath. 2. Were it even so, could the people be better employed than in thus consecrating themselves and their services to the Lord? We have already seen that every act was a religious act; and we may rest assured, that no day was too holy for the performance of such acts as are here recorded. Here it may be observed, that Moses has thought fit to set down distinctly, and at full length, the offerings of the princes of each tribe, though, as we have already observed, they were the very same, both in quantity and quality, that an honourable mention might be made of every one apart, and that none might think himself in the least neglected. Elishama. ch. 1:10; 2:18.
49 ver. 13, etc.
51 Whether there were any prayers made for the gracious acceptance of the sacrifices which should be hereafter offered on the altar, we are not informed; but the sacrifices themselves were of the nature of supplications, and it is probable, that they who offered them, made humble petitions along with them.
54 ch. 1:10; 2:20.
55 ver. 13, etc.
60 ch. 1:11; 2:22.
61 ver. 13, etc.
62 Ps. 112:2. Is. 66:20. Da. 9:27. Ro. 15:16. Phi. 4:18. He. 13:15.
66 On the tenth day. When the twelve days of the dedication commenced cannot be easily determined; but the computation of F. SCACCHUS seems highly probable. He supposes, that the tabernacle being erected the first day of the first month of the second year after the departure from Egypt, seven days were spent in the consecration of it, and the altar, etc.; and that on the eighth day, Moses began to consecrate Aaron and his sons, which lasted seven days more. Then, on the fourteenth day of that month, was the feast day of unleavened bread; which God commanded to be observed in the first month (ch. 9), and which lasted till the 22nd. The rest of the month, we may well suppose, was spent in giving, receiving, and delivering the laws contained in the book of Leviticus; after which, on the first day of the second month, Moses began to number the people, according to the command in the beginning of this book; which may be supposed to have lasted three days. On the fourth, the Levites were numbered; on the next day we may suppose they were offered to God, and given to the priests; and on the sixth, they were expiated and consecrated, as we read in the following chapter. On the seventh day, their several charges were assigned them, (ch. 4;) after which, he supposes the princes began to offer, on the eight day of the second month, for the dedication of the altar, which lasted till the nineteenth day inclusively; and on the twentieth day of this month, they removed from Sinai to the wilderness of Paran. (ch. 10:11, 12.) Ahiezer. ch. 1:12; 2:25.
67 ver. 13, etc.
72 eleventh day. Dr. ADAM CLARKE remarks, that the Hebrew form of expression here, and in the 78th verse, has something curious in it; beyom âshtey âsar yom, ‘in the day, the first and tenth day;’ beyom shenim âsar yom, ‘in the day, two and tenth day.’ But this is the idiom of the language; and to an original Hebrew, our almost anomalous words eleventh and twelfth, would appear as strange. Pagiel. ch. 1:13; 2:27.
73 ver. 13, etc. The oblations and sacrifices enumerated in verses 13 to 88 were simple and plain, though costly and magnificent. On this occasion we find there were offered 12 silver chargers, each weighing 130 shekels; 12 silver bowls, each 70 shekels; 12 golden spoons, each 10 shekels; making the total amount of silver vessels 2400 shekels, and that of golden vessels, 120 shekels. A silver charger, at 130 shekels, reduced to troy weight, makes 75 oz. 9 dwts. 16 8–31 gr.; and a silver bowl, at 70 shekels, amounts to 40 oz. 12 dwts. 21 21–31 gr. The total weight of the 12 chargers is therefore 905 oz. 16 dwts. 3 3–31 gr.; and that of the 12 bowls, 487 oz. 14 dwts. 20 4–31 gr.; making the total weight of silver vessels 1393 oz. 10 dwts. 23 7–31 gr. The 12 golden spoons, allowing each to be 5 oz. 16 dwts. 3 3–31 gr., amount to 69 oz. 3 dwts. 13 5–31 gr. Besides these, there were for sacrifice—

Bullocks
      12
Rams
      12
Lambs
      12
Goats
      24
Rams
      60
He goats
      60
Lambs
      60
      ——
      240
      ——

By this we may at once see, that though the place in which they now sojourned was a wilderness as to cities, villages, and regular inhabitants, yet there was plenty of pasturage; else the Israelites could not have furnished these cattle, with all the sacrifices necessary for different occasions, and especially for the passover, which must of itself have required an immense number of lambs, when each family of 600,000 males was obliged to provide one. (ch. 9.)
78 ch. 1:15; 2:29.
79 ver. 13, etc.
84 the dedication. See on ver. 10. 1 Ch. 29:6–8. Ezr. 2:68, 69. Ne. 7:70–72. Is. 60:6–10. He. 13:10. Re. 21:14. the princes. Ju. 5:9. Ne. 3:9.
85 two thousand. 1 Ch. 22:14; 29:4, 7. Ezr. 8:25, 26. after the shekel. See on ver. 13.
88 that it was anointed. ver. 1, 10, 84.
89 to speak. ch. 12:8. Ex. 33:9–11. him. that is, God. he heard. ch. 1:1; Ex. 25:22. Le. 1:1. He. 4:16. two cherubims. Ex. 25:18–21. 1 Sa. 4:4. 1 Ki. 6:23. Ps. 80:1. 1 Pe. 1:12.


  CHAP. 8

  How the lamps are to be lighted, 1–4. The consecration of the Levites, 5–22. The age and time of their service, 23–26.

1 When this was spoken, says Bp. PATRICK, is not certain. If Moses went into the tabernacle immediately after the princes had offered, (ch. 7:89,) it may be thought he then spake these things unto him; but both this and what follows, concerning the Levites, seem rather to have been delivered after the order for giving them to the priests, and appointing their several charges. (ch. 3; 4.) But some other things intervening, which depended upon what had been ordered respecting their camp, and that of the Israelites, Moses omits this till he had stated them, and some other matters which he had received from God. (See ch. 7:11.)
2 Ex. 25:37; 37:18, 19, 23; 40:25. Le. 24:1, 2. Ps. 119:105, 130. Is. 8:20. Mat. 5:14. Jno. 1:9. 2 Pe. 1:19. Re. 1:12, 20; 2:1; 4:5.
4 this work. Ex. 25:31–39; 37:17–24. beaten work. Ex. 25:18; 37:7, 17, 22. the pattern. Ex. 25:9, 40. 1 Ch. 28:11–19. He. 8:5; 9:23.
6 cleanse them. Ex. 19:15. 2 Co. 7:1. Ja. 4:8.
7 Sprinkle. Le. 8:6; 14:7. Is. 52:15. Eze. 36:25. He. 9:10. water. ch. 19:9, 10, 13, 17–19. Ps. 51:7. He. 9:13. let them shave. Heb. let them cause a razor to pass over, etc. Le. 14:8, 9. wash their. ch. 19:7, 8, 10, 19; 31:20. Ge. 35:2. Ex. 19:10. Le. 15:6, 10, 11, 27; 16:28. Ps. 51:2. Je. 4:14. Mat. 23:25, 26. Ja. 4:8. 1 Pe. 3:21. Re. 7:14.
8 a young. Ex. 29:1, 3. Le. 1:3; 8:2. his meat. ch. 15:8, 9. Le. 2:1. another. Le. 4:3, 14; 16:3. Is. 53:10. Ro. 8:3. 2 Co. 5:21.
9 thou shalt bring. Ex. 29:4, etc; 40:12. shalt gather the whole. The words kolâdath, which are rendered ‘the whole assembly,’ often signify all the elders, or principal persons in the several tribes. (ch. 15:4; 25:7; 35:12.) And they cannot well have any other sense here; for it would be impossible for all the children of Israel to put their hands on the Levites, as stated in the next verse. Le. 8:3.
10 ch. 3:45. Le. 1:4. Ac. 6:6; 13:2, 3. 1 Ti. 4:14; 5:22.
11 offer. Heb. wave. offering. Heb. wave-offering. Not that they were actually waved, but they were presented to God, as the God of heaven, and the Lord of the whole earth, as the wave offerings were: and in calling them wave-offerings, it was intimated to them that they must move to and fro with readiness in the business of their profession. ch. 6:20. Ex. 29:24. Le. 7:30; 8:27, 29. they may execute. Heb. they may be to execute, etc. ch. 1:49–53; 3:5–43.
12 Levites. Ex. 29:10. Le. 1:4; 8:14; 16:21. the one. ver. 8; ch. 6:14, 16. Le. 5:7, 9, 10; 8:14, 18; 9:7; 14:19, 20, 22. He. 10:4–10. atonement. Le. 1:4; 4:20, 35; 8:34; 16:6, 11, 16–19. He. 9:22.
13 offer them. Wehainaphta othom tenoophah, literally, as in ver. 11, ‘and thou shalt wave them for a wave-offering; manifestly in allusion to the ancient sacrificial rite of waving the sacrifices before the Lord; and it is probable, that some significant action, analogous to the waving of the sacrifice, was employed on this occasion; for the Levites were considered as an offering to the Lord, to whose service they were wholly dedicated. To this the apostle Paul manifestly alludes, when, in writing to the Romans, he says, (ch. 12:1,) ‘I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.’ ver. 11, 21; ch. 18:6. Ro. 12:1; 15:16.
14 separate. ch. 6:2. De. 10:8. Ro. 1:1. Ga. 1:15. He. 7:26. and the Levites. ver. 17; ch. 3:45; 16:9, 10; 18:6. Mal. 3:17.
15 go in. ver. 11; ch. 3:23–37; 4:3–32. 1 Ch. ch. 23; 25; 26. and offer. See on ver. 11, 13; ch. 3:12.
16 wholly given. Nethunim, nethunim, ‘given; given;’ the word being repeated, ‘because, says Bp. PATRICK, ‘the children of Israel had devoted them to him, by laying their hands upon them, (ver. 10,) and Aaron had waved them as a wave-offering to the Lord.’ (ver. 11.) instead of such. HOUBIGANT, on the authority of the Samaritan, reads, ‘instead of every first-born of the children of Israel, who openeth the womb.’ ch. 3:12, 45.
17 all the. ch. 3:13. Ex. 13:2, 12–15. Lu. 2:23. on the day. Ex. 12:29. Ps. 78:51; 105:36; 135:8. He. 11:28. I sanctified. Ex. 13:14, 15; 29:44. Le. 27:14, 15, 26. Eze. 20:12. Jno. 10:36; 17:19. He. 10:29. Ja. 1:18.
19 I have given. ch. 3:6–9; 18:2–6. 1 Ch. 23:28–32. Ez. 44:11–14. a gift. Heb. given. that there. ch. 1:53; 16:46; 18:5. 1 Sa. 6:19. 2 Ch. 26:16–20.
21 were purified. See on ver. 7; ch. 19:12, 19. offered. See on ver. 11–13, 15; ch. 3:12. Aaron made. ver. 12.
22 after that. ver. 15. 2 Ch. 30:15–17, 27; 31:2; 35:8–15. as the Lord. ver. 5, etc.
24 from twenty. In ch. 4:3, the Levites are appointed to the service of the tabernacle at the age of 30 years; and in 1 Ch. 23:24, they are ordered to commence their work at 20 years of age. In order to reconcile this apparent discrepancy, it is to be observed, 1. At the time of which Moses speaks in ch. 4:3, the Levitical service was exceedingly severe, and consequently required full grown, robust men, to perform it: the age of 30 was therefore appointed as the period for commencing this service, the weightier part of which was probably there intended. 2. In this place God seems to speak of the service in a general way: hence the age of 25 is fixed. 3. In David’s time, and afterwards, in the fixed tabernacle and temple, the laboriousness of the service no longer existed, and hence 20 years was the age appointed. ch. 4:3, 23. 1 Ch. 23:3, 24–27; 28:12, 13. wait upon. Heb. war the warfare of, etc. 1 Co. 9:7. 2 Co. 10:4. 1 Ti. 1:18; 6:12. 2 Ti. 2:3–5.
25 cease waiting upon the service thereof. Heb. return from the warfare of the service. ch. 4:23. 2 Ti. 4:7. The Levites, above fifty years of age, might superintend and assist their junior brethren in the ordinary offices, and give them and the people counsel and instruction: but they were exempted from carrying the tabernacle, and from other laborious services. It is remarkable, that no law was made concerning the age at which the priests should begin to officiate, and though various blemishes disqualified them for the service of the sanctuary, yet they continued their ministrations till death, if capable. On the other hand, nothing is said concerning any bodily defects or blemishes disqualifying the Levites; but the time of their service is expressly settled. Their work was far more laborious than that of the priests; it is therefore likely that the priests would not begin very early to officiate: and the wisdom and experience of age would increase, rather than diminish, their fitness for the sacred duties of their office.
26 to keep. ch. 1:53; 3:32; 18:4; 31:30. 1 Ch. 23:32; 26:20–29. Eze. 44:8, 11. and shall. 1 Ti. 4:15.


  CHAP. 9

  The passover is again commanded, 1–5. A second passover for the unclean or absent, 6–14. The cloud directs the removals and encampments of the Israelites, 15–23.

1 A.M. 2514. B.C. 1490. An. Ex. Is. 2. Abib. in the first month. The fourteen first verses of this chapter evidently refer to a time previous to the commencement of this book; but as there is no evidence of a transposition, it is better to conclude with HOUBIGANT, that ‘it is enough to know, that these books contain an account of things transacted in the days of Moses, though not in their regular or chronological order.’ See on ch. 1:1. Ex. 40:2.
2 keep. Ex. 12:1–3, etc. his appointed. ch. 28:16. Ex. 12:6, 14. Le. 23:5. De. 16:1, 2. Jos. 5:10. 2 Ch. 35:1. Ezr. 6:19. Mar. 14:12. Lu. 22:7. 1 Co. 5:7, 8.
3 the fourteenth. 2 Ch. 30:2, 15. at even. Heb. between the two evenings. Ex. 12:6, marg. He. 9:26. according to all the rites. ver. 11, 12. See on Ex. 12:7–11.
5 they kept. Jos. 5:10. according. ch. 8:20; 29:40. Ge. 6:22; 7:5. Ex. 39:32, 42. De. 1:3; 4:5. Mat. 28:20. Jno. 15:14. Ac. 26:19. He. 3:5; 11:8.
6 defiled. ch. 5:2; 6:6, 7; 19:11, 16, 18. Le. 21:11. Jno. 18:28. they came. ch. 15:33; 27:2, 5. Ex. 18:15, 19, 26. Le. 24:11.
7 we may not offer. ver. 2. Ex. 12:27. De. 16:2. 2 Ch. 30:17–19. 1 Co. 5:7, 8.
8 Stand. Ex. 14:13. 2 Ch. 20:17. I will. ch. 27:5. Ps. 25:14; 85:8. Pr. 3:5, 6. Eze. 2:7; 3:17. Jno. 7:17; 17:8. Ac. 20:27. 1 Co. 4:4; 11:23. He. 3:5, 6.
10 be unclean. ver. 6, 7. Ro. 15:8–19; 16:25, 26. 1 Co. 6:9–11. Ep. 2:1, 2, 12, 13; 3:6–9. yet he shall keep. Mat. 5:24. 1 Co. 11:28.
11 fourteenth. ver. 3. Ex. 12:2–14, 43–49. 2 Ch. 30:2–15. Jno. 19:36. and eat it. Ex. 12:8.
12 shall leave. Ex. 12:10. break any bone. In the East, BELON says, he ‘met with shepherds who were roasting sheep whole, which they sold to travellers stuck upon sticks of willow tree. The entrails were taken out, and the body again sewed up.’ Ex. 12:46. Jno. 19:36. according. ver. 3. Ex. 12:43.
13 forbeareth. ch. 15:30, 31; 19:13. Ge. 17:14. Ex. 12:15. Le. 17:4, 10, 14–16. He. 2:3; 6:6; 10:26–29; 12:25. because. See on ver. 2, 3, 7. bear his sin. ch. 5:31. Le. 20:20; 22:9. Eze. 23:49. He. 9:28.
14 Ex. 12:48, 49. Le. 19:10; 22:25; 24:22; 25:15. De. 29:11; 31:12. Is. 56:3–7. Ep. 2:19–22.
15 on the day. Ex. 40:2, 18. the cloud. ch. 14:14. Ex. 14:19, 20, 24; 33:9, 10; 40:34. Ne. 9:12, 19. Ps. 78:14; 105:39. Is. 4:5. Eze. 10:3, 4. 1 Co. 10:1. at even. Ex. 13:21; 40:38.
16 ver. 18–22. Ex. 13:21, 22; 40:38. De. 1:33. Ne. 9:12, 19. Ps. 78:14; 105:39. Is. 4:5, 6. 1 Co. 10:1. 2 Co. 5:19. Re. 21:3. This cloud not only enlightened the Israelites, but also protected them, and was a continual pledge of God’s presence and protection. To this manifestation of the Divine glory, the prophet Isaiah alludes, when he says, (Is. 4:5,) ‘The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night.’ God is the director, protector, and glory of his church.
17 when the cloud. ch. 10:11, 33, 34. Ex. 40:36–38. Ps. 80:1, 2. Is. 49:10. Jno. 10:3–5, 9. and in the. Ex. 33:14, 15. Ps. 32:8; 73:24. Jno. 10:3, 4, 9.
18 and at the. ver. 20; ch. 10:13. Ex. 17:1. 2 Jno. 6. as long as. 1 Co. 10:1. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God’s time. It is as acceptable a piece of submission to the will of God, to sit still contentedly when our lot requires it, as to work for him when we are called to it.
19 tarried long. Heb. prolonged. kept the. See on ch. 1:52, 53; 3:8. Zec. 3:7.
21 abode. Heb. was.
22 abode. See on ver. 17; ch. 1:54; 8:20; 23:21, 22. Ex. 39:42; 40:16, 36, 37. De. 1:6, 7; 2:3, 4. Ps. 32:8; 48:14; 73:24; 77:20; 107:7; 143:10. Pr. 3:5, 6. Ac. 1:4.
23 they kept. ver. 19. Ge. 26:5. Jos. 22:3. Eze. 44:8. Zec. 3:7. Some of the Levites may have been appointed to watch the moving of the pillar, and to give timely notice to the camp of its beginning to stir; and this is called ‘keeping the charge of the Lord.’ It is uncomfortable staying when God is departed, but very safe and pleasant going, when we see God go before us, and resting where he appoints us to rest.


  CHAP. 10

  The use of the silver trumpets, 1–10. The Israelites remove from Sinai to Paran, 11–13. The order of their march, 14–28. Hobab is entreated by Moses not to leave them, 29–32. The blessing of Moses at the removing and resting of the ark, 33–36.

2 two trumpets. The necessity of such instruments will at once appear, when the amazing extent of this army is considered. There were various kinds of trumpets among the ancients, of different forms and materials, as EUSTATHIUS shews on Homer, where he mentions six; the second of which was στρογγυλη, turned up round, like a ram’s horn; which he says the Egyptians used (from being invented by Osiris) when they assembled the people to their sacrifices. But in opposition to that form, Moses commands these to be made long, in the shape of those used at present. So JOSEPHUS informs us, who says they were near a cubit long; the tube of the thickness of a common pipe or flute; the mouth no wider than just to admit blowing into them; and their ends wide like those of the modern trumpet. 2 Ki. 12:13. 2 Ch. 5:12. of a whole piece. Ex. 25:18, 31. Ep. 4:5. the calling. ver. 7. Ps. 81:3; 89:15. Is. 1:13. Ho. 8:1. Joel 1:14.
3 Je. 4:5. Joel 2:15, 16.
4 ch. 1:4–16; 7:2. Ex. 18:21. De. 1:15.
5 blow. ver. 6, 7. Is. 58:1. Joel 2:1. camps. ch. 2:3–9.
6 ye blow. A single alarm was a signal for the eastward division to march; two such alarms the signal for the south; and probably three for the west, and four for the north. There appears therefore, a deficiency in the Hebrew Text, which is thus supplied by the LXX.: και σαλπιειτε σημασιαν τριτην, και εξαρουσιν αι παρεμβολαι αι παρεμβαλλουσαι παρα θαλασσαν· και σαλπιειτε σημασιαν τεταρτην, και εξαρουσιν αι παρεμβολαι αι παρεμβαλλουσαι προς βορραν. ‘And when ye blow a third alarm, or signal, the camps on the west shall march; and when ye blow a fourth alarm, the camps on the north shall march.’ This addition, however, is not acknowledged by the Samaritan, nor any other version than the Coptic, nor any MS. yet collated. the camps. ch. 2:10–16.
7 ye shall blow. ver. 3, 4. sound. Joel 2:1.
8 ch. 31:6. Jos. 6:4–16. 1 Ch. 15:24; 16:6. 2 Ch. 13:12–15.
9 if ye go. ch. 31:6. Jos. 6:5. 2 Ch. 13:14. oppresseth. Ju. 2:18; 3:27; 4:2, 3; 6:9, 34; 7:16–21; 10:8, 12. 1 Sa. 10:18. Ps. 106:42. then ye shall. Is. 18:3; 58:1. Je. 4:5, 19, 21; 6:1, 17. Eze. 7:14; 33:3–6. Ho. 5:8. Am. 3:6. Zep. 1:16. 1 Co. 14:8. remembered. Ge. 8:1. Ps. 106:4; 136:23. Lu. 1:70–74.
10 in the day. ch. 29:1. Le. 23:24; 25:9, 10. 1 Ch. 15:24, 28; 16:42. 2 Ch. 5:12, 13; 7:6; 29:26, 28. Ezr. 3:10. Ne. 12:35. Ps. 81:3; 89:15; 98:5, 6; 150:3. Is. 27:13; 55:1–4. Mat. 11:28. 1 Co. 15:52. 1 Th. 4:16, 18. Re. 22:17. a memorial. ver. 9. Ex. 28:29; 30:16. Jos. 4:7. Ac. 10:4. 1 Co. 11:24–26.
11 An. Ex. Is. 2. Ijar. on. The Israelites had lain encamped in the wilderness of Sinai about eleven months and twenty days (comp. Ex. 19:1); and they now received the order of God to decamp, and proceed to the promised land: the Samaritan, therefore, introduces at this place, nearly the words of De. 1:6–8 ‘And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount; turn, and take your journey,’ etc. ch. 1:1; 9:1, 5, 11. Ex. 40:2. the cloud. See on ch. 9:17–23.
12 took. ch. 33:16. Ex. 13:20; 40:36, 37. De. 1:19. out of the. ch. 1:1; 9:1, 5; 33:15. Ex. 19:1, 2. the wilderness. ch. 12:16; 13:3, 26. Ge. 21:21. De. 1:1; 33:2. 1 Sa. 25:1. Hab. 3:3.
13 ch. 9:23.
14 the first place. The following is the order in which this vast company marched:
JUDAH:—Issachar, Zebulun, Gershonites, and Merarites, bearing the tabernacle.
REUBEN:—Simeon, Gad, Kohathites, with the sanctuary.
EPHRAIM:—Manasseh, Benjamin.
DAN:—Asher, Naphtali.
Among other things, it should be remarked, that, according to a well-known rule of military tactics, the advanced, and rear-guards, were stronger than the centre. See ch. 2:3–9; 26:19–27. Ge. 49:8. Nahshon. See on ch. 1:7; 7:12.
15 ch. 1:8; 7:18.
16 ch. 1:9; 7:24.
17 the tabernacle. ch. 1:51. He. 9:11; 12:28. 2 Pe. 1:14. the sons. ch. 3:25, 26, 36, 37; 4:24–33; 7:6–8.
18 the camp. ch. 2:10–16; 26:5–18. Elizur. ch. 1:5; 7:35.
19 Simeon. ch. 1:6; 7:36.
20 Eliasaph. ch. 1:14; 2:14, son of Reuel; 7:42.
21 the Kohathites. ch. 2:17; 3:27–32; 4:4–16; 7:9. 1 Ch. 15:2, 12–15. the other did. that is, the Gershonites and the Merarites. ver. 17; ch. 1:51.
22 the camp. ch. 2:18–24; 26:23–41. Ge. 48:19. Ps. 80:1, 2. Elishama. ch. 1:10; 7:48.
23 Gamaliel. ch. 1:10; 7:54.
24 Abidan. ch. 1:11; 7:60.
25 the camp. ch. 2:25, 28–31; 26:42–51. Ge. 49:16, 17. the rereward. De. 25:17, 18. Jos. 6:9. Is. 52:12; 58:8. Ahiezer. ch. 1:12; 7:66.
26 Pagiel. ch. 1:13; 7:72.
27 Ahira. ch. 1:15; 7:78.
28 Thus were. Heb. These. according. ver. 35, 36; ch. 2:34; 24:4, 5. Ca. 6:10. 1 Co. 14:33, 40. Col. 2:5.
29 Ex. 2:18. Reuel; 3:1; 18:1, 27. the Lord. Ge. 12:7; 13:15; 15:18. Ac. 7:5. come. Ju. 1:16; 4:11. 1 Sa. 15:6. Ps. 34:8. Is. 2:3. Je. 50:5. Zec. 8:21–23. Re. 22:17. for the Lord. ch. 23:19. Ge. 32:12. Ex. 3:8; 6:7, 8. Tit. 1:2. He. 6:18.
30 Ge. 12:1; 31:30. Ru. 1:15–17. Ps. 45:10. Lu. 14:26. 2 Co. 5:16. He. 11:8, 13.
31 forasmuch. As the Israelites wore under the immediate direction of God himself, and were guided by the pillar of cloud and fire, it might be supposed that they had no need of Hobab. But it should be remembered, that the cloud directed only their general journeys, not their particular excursions. Parties took several journeys while the grand army lay still, (ch. 13; 20; 31; 32.) instead of eyes. Job 29:15. Ps. 32:8. 1 Co. 12:14–21. Ga. 6:2.
32 Ju. 1:16; 4:11. 1 Jno. 1:3.
33 the mount. Ex. 3:1; 19:3; 24:17, 18. the ark. De. 9:9; 31:26. Jos. 4:7. Ju. 20:27. 1 Sa. 4:3. Je. 3:16. He. 13:20. went before. Ex. 33:14, 15. De. 1:33. Jos. 3:2–6, 11–17. Je. 31:8, 9. Eze. 20:6. a resting place. Ps. 95:11. Is. 28:12; 66:1. Je. 6:16. Mat. 11:28–30. He. 4:3–11.
34 Ex. 13:21, 22. Ne. 9:12, 19. Ps. 105:39.
35 Rise up, Lord. Ps. 68:1, 2; 132:8. Is. 51:9.
36 Return, O Lord. Ps. 90:13–17. many thousands of Israel. Heb. ten thousand thousands. Ge. 24:60. De. 1:10.


  CHAP. 11

  The burning at Taberah quenched by Moses’ prayer, 1–3. The people lust for flesh, and loathe manna, 4–9. Moses complains of his charge, 10–15. God promises to divide his burden unto seventy elders, and to give the people flesh for a month, 16–20. Moses’ faith is staggered, 21–30. Quails are given in wrath at Kibroth-hattaavah, 31–35.

1 And when. ch. 10:33; 20:2–5; 21:5. Ex. 15:23, 24; 16:2, 3, 7, 9; 17:2, 3. De. 9:22. La. 3:39. 1 Co. 10:10. Jude 16. complained. or, were as it were complainers. it displeased the Lord. Heb. it was evil in the ears of the Lord. Ge. 38:10. 2 Sa. 11:27, marg. Ja. 5:4. and the fire. ch. 16:35. Le. 10:2. De. 32:22. 2 Ki. 1:12. Job 1:16. Ps. 78:21; 106:18. Is. 30:33; 33:14. Na. 1:5. Mar. 9:43–49. He. 12:29. the uttermost. De. 25:18.
2 cried. ch. 21:7. Ps. 78:34, 35. Je. 37:3; 42:2. Ac. 8:24. prayed. ch. 14:13–20. Ge. 18:23–33. Ex. 32:10–14, 31, 32; 34:9. De. 9:19, 20. Ps. 106:23. Is. 37:4. Je. 15:1. Am. 7:2–6. Ja. 5:16. 1 Jno. 5:16. the fire. ch. 16:45–48. He. 7:26. 1 Jno. 2:1, 2. was quenched. Heb. sunk.
3 Taberah. that is, a burning. De. 9:22.
4 the mixed. Ex. 12:38. Le. 24:10, 11. Ne. 13:3. fell a lusting. Heb. lusted a lust. the children. 1 Co. 15:33. wept again. Heb. returned and wept. Who shall. Ps. 78:18–20; 106:14. Ro. 13:14. 1 Co. 10:6.
5 the fish. Ex. 16:3. Ps. 17:14. Phi. 3:19. the cucumbers. In Hebrew, kishshuim, in Arabic, kiththa, Chaldee, keta, and Syriac, kati, a species of cucumber peculiar to Egypt, smooth, of a longish cylindrical shape, and about a foot long. PROSPER ALPINUS says that it differs from the common sort by its size, colour, and softness; that its leaves are smaller, whiter, softer, and rounder; its fruit larger, greener, smoother, softer, sweeter, and more easy of digestion than ours. HASSELQUIST describes it in the same manner; and adds, that it is very little watery, but firm like a melon, sweet and cool to the taste, but not so cold as the water-melon, which is meant by the avutichim of the text.
6 ch. 21:5. 2 Sa. 13:4.
7 the manna. Ex. 16:14, 15, 31. 1 Co. 1:23, 24. Re. 2:17. colour thereof as the colour of. Heb. eye of it as the eye of. bdellium. Ge. 2:12.
8 the people. Ex. 16:16–18. Jno. 6:27, 33–58. baked it. Ex. 16:23. taste of it. Ex. 16:31.
9 Ex. 16:13, 14. De. 32:2. Ps. 78:23–25; 105:40.
10 weep throughout. ch. 14:1, 2; 16:27; 21:5. Ps. 106:25. the anger. ver. 1. De. 32:22. Ps. 78:21, 59. Is. 5:25. Je. 17:4. Moses. ch. 12:3; 20:10–13. Ps. 106:32, 33; 139:21. Mar. 3:5; 10:14.
11 Wherefore hast thou. The complaint and remonstrance of Moses in these verses serve at once to shew the deeply distressed state of his mind, and the degradation of the minds of the people ver. 15. Ex. 17:4. De. 1:12. Je. 15:10, 18; 20:7–9, 14–18. Mal. 3:14. 2 Co. 11:28. wherefore have. Job 10:2. Ps. 130:3; 143:2. La. 3:22, 23, 39, 40.
12 Carry them. Is. 40:11. Eze. 34:23. Jno. 10:11. as a nursing. Is. 49:15, 23. Ga. 4:19. 1 Th. 2:7. the land. Ge. 13:15; 22:16, 17; 26:3, 50:24. Ex. 13:5.
13 Mat. 15:33. Mar. 8:4; 9:23.
14 Ex. 18:18. De. 1:9–12. Ps. 89:19. Is. 9:6. Zec. 6:13. 2 Co. 2:16.
15 kill me. 1 Ki. 19:4. Job 3:20–22; 6:8–10; 7:15. Jon. 4:3, 8, 9. Phi. 1:20–24. Ja. 1:4. let me not. Je. 15:18; 20:18. Zep. 3:15. my wretchedness. Two of Dr. KENNICOTT’S manuscripts read, ‘their wretchedness.’ The Jerusalem Targum has the same, and adds, by way of explanation, ‘who are thine own people.’
16 seventy. Ge. 46:27. Ex. 4:29; 24:1, 9. Eze. 8:11. Lu. 10:1, 17. officers. De. 1:15; 16:18; 31:28.
17 I will come. ver. 25; ch. 12:5. Ge. 11:5; 18:21. Ex. 19:11, 20; 34:5. Jno. 3:13. talk with. ch. 12:8. Ge. 17:3, 22; 18:20–22, 33. I will take. ch. 27:18. 1 Sa. 10:6. 2 Ki. 2:9, 15. Ne. 9:20. Is. 44:3; 59:20, 21. Joel 2:28. Jno. 7:39. Ro. 8:9. 1 Co. 2:12; 12:4–11. 1 Th. 4:8. 1 Pe. 1:22. Jude 19. they shall. Ex. 18:22. Ac. 6:3, 4.
18 Sanctify. Ge. 35:2. Ex. 19:10, 15. Jos. 7:13. ye have wept. ver. 1, 4–6. Ex. 16:3–7. Ju. 21:2. it was well. See on ver. 4, 5; ch. 14:2, 3. Ac. 7:39.
19 About a year before this, the people had been thus feasted for one day (Ex. 16:13); but now such plenty was to be afforded them for a whole month, and they should use it so greedily, that at last they should entirely loathe the food for which they had so inordinately craved.
20 whole month. Heb. month of days. Ex. 16:8, 13. and it. ch. 21:5. Ps. 78:27–30; 106:15. Pr. 27:7. despised. 1 Sa. 2:30. 2 Sa. 12:10. Mal. 1:6. Ac. 13:41. 1 Th. 4:8.
21 ch. 1:46; 2:32. Ge. 12:2. Ex. 12:37; 38:26.
22 There is certainly a considerable measure of weakness and unbelief manifested in these complaints and questions of Moses; but his conduct appears at the same time so very simple, honest, and affectionate, that we cannot but admire it, while we wonder that he had not stronger confidence in that God, whose stupendous miracles he had so often witnessed in Egypt. 2 Ki. 7:2. Mat. 15:33. Mar. 6:37; 8:4. Lu. 1:18, 34. Jno. 6:6, 7, 9.
23 Is the Lord’s. That is, ‘Is the power of the Lord diminished?’ That power which has been so signally displayed on your behalf, and which is as unchangeable as it is unlimited. Ge. 18:14. Ps. 78:41. Is. 50:2; 59:1. Mi. 2:7. Mat. 19:26. Lu. 1:37. thou shalt. ch. 23:19. 2 Ki. 7:2, 17–19. Je. 44:28, 29. Eze. 12:25; 24:14. Mat. 24:35.
24 gathered. See on ver. 16, 26.
25 came down. ver. 17; ch. 12:5. Ex. 34:5; 40:38. Ps. 99:7. Lu. 9:34, 35. took. See on ver. 17. 2 Ki. 2:15. Ja. 1:17. gave it. From this place, ORIGEN and THEODORET take occasion to compare Moses to a lamp, at which seventy others were lighted, without any diminution of its lustre. they prophesied. By prophesying here we are to understand, their performing those civil and sacred functions for which they were qualified; exhorting the people to quiet and peaceable submission, and to trust and confidence in the providence of God. 1 Sa. 10:5, 6, 10; 19:20–24. Je. 36:5, 6. Joel 2:28, 29. Ac. 2:17, 18; 11:28; 21:9–11. 1 Co. 11:4, 5; 14:1–3, 32. 2 Pe. 1:21.
26 went not out. Ex. 3:11; 4:13, 14. 1 Sa. 10:22; 20:26. Je. 1:6; 36:5.
28 Joshua. See on Ex. 17:9. My lord. Mar. 9:38, 39. Lu. 9:49, 50. Jno. 3:26.
29 Enviest. 1 Co. 3:3, 21; 13:4. Phi. 2:3. Ja. 3:14, 15; 4:5; 5:9. 1 Pe. 2:1. would. Ac. 26:29. 1 Co. 14:5. Phi. 1:15–18. that the. Mat. 9:37, 38. Lu. 10:2.
31 a wind. Ex. 10:13, 19; 15:10. Ps. 135:7. and brought. Ex. 16:13. Ps. 78:26–29; 105:40 quails. That the word selav means the quail, we have already had occasion to observe; to which we subjoin the authority of Mr. Maundrell, who visited Naplosa, (the ancient Sichem,) where the Samaritans live. Mr. MAUNDRELL asked their chief priest what sort of animal he took the selav to be. He answered, they were a sort of fowls; and, by the description Mr. Maundrell perceived he meant the same kind with our quails. a day’s journey. Heb. the way of a day. and as it were two cubits. That is, as the Vulgate renders, Volabantque in aëre duobus cubitis altitudine super terram, ‘and they flew in the air, at the height of two cubits above the ground.’
32 homers. Ex. 16:36. Eze. 45:11.
33 And while. Ps. 78:30, 31; 106:14, 15. smote. ch. 16:49; 25:9. De. 28:27.
34 Kibroth-hattaavah. that is, the graves of lust. ch. 33:16. De. 9:22. 1 Co. 10:6.
35 journeyed. ch. 33:17. unto Hazeroth. ch. 12:16. De. 1:1. abode at. Heb. they were in, etc.


  CHAP. 12

  God rebukes the sedition of Miriam and Aaron, 1–10. Miriam’s leprosy is healed at the prayer of Moses, 11–13. God commands her to be shut out of the host, 14, 15. The people encamp in the wilderness of Paran, 16.

1 Miriam. Mat. 10:36; 12:48. Jno. 7:5; 15:20. Ga. 4:16. Ethiopian, or, Cushite. Ex. 2:16, 21. married. Heb. taken. Ge. 24:3, 37; 26:34, 35; 27:46; 28:6–9; 34:14, 15; 41:45. Ex. 34:16. Le. 21:14.
2 Hath the Lord. ch. 16:3. Ex. 4:30; 5:1; 7:10; 15:20, 21. Mi. 6:4. hath he not. ch. 11:29. Pr. 13:10. Ro. 12:3, 10. Phi. 2:3, 14. 1 Pe. 5:5. And the. ch. 11:1. Ge. 29:33. 2 Sa. 11:27. 2 Ki. 19:4. Ps. 94:7–9. Is. 37:4. Eze. 35:12, 13.
3 very. Ps. 147:6; 149:4. Mat. 5:5; 11:29; 21:5. 2 Co. 10:1. 1 Th. 2:7. Ja. 3:13. 1 Pe. 3:4. above. ch. 11:10–15; 20:10–12. Ps. 106:32, 33. 2 Co. 11:5; 12:11. Ja. 3:2, 3.
4 the Lord. Ps. 76:9. Come out. ch. 16:16–21.
5 ch. 11:25. Ex. 34:5; 40:38. Ps. 99:7.
6 a prophet. Ge. 20:7. Ex. 7:1. Ps. 105:15. Mat. 23:31, 34, 37. Lu. 20:6. Ep. 4:11. Re. 11:3, 10. in a vision. Ge. 15:1; 46:2. Job 4:13; 33:15. Ps. 89:19. Eze. 1:1. Da. 8:2; 10:8, 16, 17. Lu. 1:11, 22. Ac. 10:11, 17; 22:17, 18. a dream. Ge. 31:10, 11. 1 Ki. 3:5. Je. 23:28. Da. 7:1. Mat. 1:20; 2:12, 13, 19.
7 My servant. De. 18:18. Ps. 105:26. Mat. 11:9, 11. Ac. 3:22, 23; 7:31. faithful. 1 Co. 4:2. 1 Ti. 3:15. He. 3:2–6. 1 Pe. 2:4, 5.
8 mouth. ch. 14:14. Ex. 33:11. De. 34:10. 1 Ti. 6:16. dark speeches. Ps. 49:4. Eze. 17:2; 20:49. Mat. 13:35. Jno. 15:15. 1 Co. 13:12. similitude. Ex. 24:10, 11; 33:19, 23; 34:5–7. De. 4:15. Is. 40:18; 46:5. Jno. 1:18; 14:7–10; 15:24. 2 Co. 3:18; 4:4–6. Col. 1:15. He. 1:3. were ye. Ex. 34:30. Lu. 10:16. 1 Th. 4:8. 2 Pe. 2:10. Jude 8.
9 ch. 11:1. Ho. 5:15.
10 the cloud. Ex. 33:7–10. Eze. 10:4, 5, 18, 19. Ho. 9:12. Mat. 25:41. behold. De. 24:9. leprous. Le. 13:2, 3, etc. 2 Ki. 5:27; 15:5. 2 Ch. 26:19–21.
11 I beseech thee. Ex. 12:32. 1 Sa. 2:30; 12:19; 15:24, 25. 1 Ki. 13:6. Je. 42:2. Ac. 8:24. Re. 3:9. lay not. 2 Sa. 19:19; 24:10. 2 Ch. 16:9. Ps. 38:1–5. Pr. 30:32.
12 as one dead. Ps. 88:4, 5. Ep. 2:1–5. Col. 2:13. 1 Ti. 5:6. of whom. Job 3:16. Ps. 58:8. 1 Co. 15:8.
13 ch. 14:2, 13–20; 16:41, 46–50. Ex. 32:10–14. 1 Sa. 12:23; 15:11. Mat. 5:44, 45. Lu. 6:28; 23:34. Ac. 7:60. Ro. 12:21. Ja. 5:15.
14 spit. De. 25:9. Job 30:10. Is. 50:6. Mat. 26:67. He. 12:9. let her be. ch. 5:2, 3. Le. 13:45, 46; 14:8. 2 Ch. 26:20, 21.
15 shut out. De. 24:8, 9. and the. Ge. 9:21–23. Ex. 20:12. till Miriam. La. 3:32. Mi. 6:4; 7:8, 9. Nah. 3:2.
16 afterward. ch. 11:35; 33:18. Hazeroth. The exact situation of this place is unknown. Dr. SHAW computes it to be three days’ journey, i.e. thirty miles from Sinai. From this passage, it appears that the wilderness of Paran commenced immediately upon their leaving this station. CALMET observes, that there is a town called Hazor in Arabia Petræa, in all probability the same as Hazerim, the ancient habitation of the Hivites (De. 2:23); and likewise, according to all appearances, the Hazeroth, where the Hebrews encamped. the wilderness. ch. 10:12; 13:3, 26. Ge. 21:21. 1 Sa. 25:1. Hab. 3:3.


  CHAP. 13

  The names of the men who were sent to search the land, 1–16. Their instructions, 17–20. Their acts, 21–25. Their relation, 26–33.

2 Send thou. ch. 32:8. De. 1:22–25. Jos. ch. 2. of every. ch. 1:4; 34:18. a ruler. ch. 11:16. Ex. 18:25. De. 1:15.
3 The wilderness of Paran, says Dr. WELLS, seems to have been taken in a larger, and in a stricter sense. In the larger sense, it seems to have denoted all the desert and mountainous tract, lying between the wilderness of Shur westward, and mount Seir, or the land of Edom, eastward, the land of Canaan northward, and the Red sea southward. And in this sense, it seems to have comprehended the wilderness of Sin, and the wilderness of Sinai, also the adjoining tract wherein lay Kibroth-hattaavah and Hazeroth. In this sense it may be understood in De. 1:19, where, by ‘that great and terrible wilderness,’ is intended the wilderness of Paran in its largest acceptation: for, in its stricter acceptation, it seems not to have been so great and terrible a wilderness; but is taken to denote more peculiarly that part of Arabia Petræa which lies between mount Sinai and Hazeroth west, and mount Seir east. See on ch. 12:16; 32:8. De. 1:19, 23; 9:23.
6 Caleb. ver. 30; ch. 14:6, 24, 30, 38; 26:65; 27:15–23; 34:19. De. 31:7–17. Jos. 14:6–15; 15:13–19. Ju. 1:10–15. 1 Ch. 4:15.
8 Oshea. ver. 16, Jehoshua; ch. 11:28; 27:18–22. Ex. 17:9–13; 24:13; 32:17. De. 31:7, 8, 14, 23; 34:9. Jos. 1:1–9, 16; ch. 24, Joshua.
16 Oshea. Ho. 1:1. Ro. 9:25. Jehoshua. See on ver. 8; ch. 14:6, 30. Ex. 17:9. Mat. 1:21–23. Ac. 7:45. He. 4:8, Jesus.
17 southward. ver. 21, 22. Ge. 12:9; 13:1. Jos. 15:3. Ju. 1:15. the mountain. ch. 14:40. Ge. 14:10. De. 1:44. Ju. 1:9, 19.
18 Ex. 3:8. Eze. 34:14.
20 whether it be. Ne. 9:25, 35. Eze. 34:14. good courage. ver. 30, 31. De. 31:6–8, 23. Jos. 1:6, 9; 2:3, 22, 23. 1 Ch. 22:11. He. 13:6. the first-ripe. ver. 23, 24. Mi. 7:1.
21 from the wilderness of Zin. The wilderness of Zin, is different from that called Sin. (Ex. 16:1.) The latter was near Egypt, but the former was near Kadesh Barnea, not far from the borders of Canaan. It seems to be the valley mentioned by BURCKHARDT; which, under the names of El Ghor and El Araba, form a continuation of the valley of the Jordan, extending from the Dead sea to the eastern branch of the Red sea. The whole plain presents to the view an appearance of shifting sands, whose surface is broken by innumerable undulations and low hills. A few talk, tamarisk, and rethem trees grow among the sand hills; but the depth of sand precludes all vegetation of herbage. ch. 20:1; 27:14; 33:36; 34:3, 4. De. 32:51. Jos. 15:1. Rehob. Rehob was a city, afterwards given to the tribe of Asher, situated near mount Lebanon, at the northern extremity of the Promised land, on the road which leads to Hamath, and west of Laish or Dan: compare Ju. 1:31; 18:28. Jos. 19:28. Hamath. 2 Sa. 8:9. Am. 6:2.
22 Ahiman. Jos. 11:21, 22; 15:13, 14. Ju. 1:10. the children. ver. 33. Hebron. Ge. 13:18; 23:2. Jos. 14:13–15; 21:13. 2 Sa. 2:1, 11. Zoan. Ps. 78:12, 43. Is. 19:11; 30:4.
23 brook. or, valley. ver. 24; ch. 32:9. De. 1:24, 25. Ju. 16:4.
24 brook. or, valley. ver. 23. Eshcol. that is, a cluster of grapes.
25 forty days. ch. 14:33, 34. Ex. 24:18; 34:28.
26 unto the wilderness. ver. 3. Kadesh. ch. 20:1, 16; 32:8; 33:36. De. 1:19. Jos. 14:6.
27 ch. 14:8. Ex. 3:8, 17; 13:5; 33:3. Le. 20:24. De. 1:25, etc.; 6:3; 11:9; 26:9, 11–15; 27:3; 31:20. Jos. 5:6. Je. 11:5; 32:22. Eze. 20:6, 15.
28 strong. De. 1:28; 2:10, 11, 21; 3:5; 9:1, 2. saw the. ver. 22, 23, 33. Jos. 11:22; 15:14. Ju. 1:20.
29 Amalekites. ch. 14:43; 24:20. Ge. 14:7. Ex. 17:8–16. Ju. 6:3. 1 Sa. 14:48; 15:3, etc.; 30:1. Ps. 83:7. the Hittites. See on Ge. 15:19–21. Ex. 3:8, 17.
30 ch. 14:6–9, 24. Jos. 14:6–8. Ps. 27:1, 2; 60:12; 118:10, 11. Is. 41:10–16. Ro. 8:31, 37. Phi. 4:13. He. 11:33.
31 ch. 32:9. De. 1:28. Jos. 14:8. He. 3:19.
32 brought. ch. 14:36, 37. De. 1:28. Mat. 23:13. a land. See on ver. 28. Eze. 36:13. Am. 2:9. men of a great stature. Heb. men of statures. 2 Sa. 21:20. Heb. 1 Ch. 20:6, marg.
33 saw the giants. ver. 22. De. 1:28; 2:10; 3:11; 9:2. 1 Sa. 17:4–7. 2 Sa. 21:20–22. 1 Ch. 11:23. and we were. 1 Sa. 17:42. Is. 40:22.


  CHAP. 14

  The people murmur at the news, 1–5. Joshua and Caleb labour to still them, 6–10. God threatens them, 11, 12. Moses intercedes with God, and obtains pardon, 13–25. The murmurers are debarred from entering into the land, 26–35. The men who raised the evil report die by a plague, 36–39. The people that would invade the land against the will of God are smitten, 40–45.

1 ch. 11:1–4. De. 1:45.
2 murmured. ch. 16:41. Ex. 15:24; 16:2, 3; 17:3. De. 1:27. Ps. 106:24, 45. 1 Co. 10:10. Phi. 2:14, 15. Jude 16. Would. ver. 28, 29; ch. 11:15. 1 Ki. 19:4. Job 3:11; 7:15, 16. Jon. 4:3, 8.
3 the Lord. Ps. 78:40. Je. 9:3. our wives. ver. 31, 32.
4 De. 17:16; 28:68. Ne. 9:16, 17. Lu. 17:32. Ac. 7:39. He. 10:38, 39; 11:15. 2 Pe. 2:21, 22.
5 ver. 16, 4, 22, 45. Ge. 17:3. Le. 9:24. Jos. 5:14; 7:10. 1 Ki. 18:39. 1 Ch. 21:16. Eze. 9:8. Da. 10:9. Mat. 26:39. Re. 4:10; 5:14; 7:11.
6 Joshua, ver. 24, 30, 38; ch. 13:6, 8, 30. rent their clothes. Ge. 37:29, 34; 44:13. Jos. 7:6. Ju. 11:35. 2 Sa. 3:31. 2 Ki. 18:37. Job 1:20. Joel 2:12, 13. Mat. 26:65.
7 an exceeding good land. ch. 13:27. De. 1:25; 6:10, 11; 8:7–9.
8 delight. De. 10:15. 2 Sa. 15:25, 26; 22:20. 1 Ki. 10:9. Ps. 22:8; 147:10, 11. Is. 62:4. Je. 32:41. Zep. 3:17. Ro. 8:31. a land which, ch. 13:27.
9 Only rebel. De. 9:7, 23, 24. Is. 1:2; 63:10. Da. 9:5, 9. Phi. 1:27. neither. De. 7:18; 20:3. are bread. ch. 24:8. De. 32:42. Ps. 14:4; 74:14. defence. Heb. shadow. Tzillam, a metaphor highly expressive of protection and support in the sultry eastern countries. (See the Parallel Passages.) The Arabs and Persians use the same word to express the same thing; using the expressions, ‘May the shadow (zulli) of thy prosperity be extended.’ ‘May the shadow of thy prosperity be spread over the heads of thy well-wishers.’ And in an elegant distich, ‘May your protection never be removed from my head; may God extend your shadow (zullikem) eternally.’ The loftiest and most esteemed title of the sultan, says THORNTON, because given him by the kings of Persia, is zil ullah, shadow of God. Ps. 91:1; 121:5. Is. 30:2, 3; 32:2. Je. 48:45. the Lord. Ge. 48:21. Ex. 33:16. De. 7:21; 20:1–4; 31:6, 8. Jos. 1:5. Ju. 1:22. 2 Ch. 13:12; 15:2; 20:17; 32:8. Ps. 46:1, 2, 7, 11. Is. 8:9, 10; 41:10. Mat. 1:23. Ro. 8:31. fear them not. Is. 41:14.
10 But all. Ex. 17:4. 1 Sa. 30:6. Mat. 23:37. Ac. 7:52, 59. And the. ch. 16:19, 42; 20:6. Ex. 16:7, 10; 24:16, 17; 40:34. Le. 9:23.
11 How long will this. ver. 27. Ex. 10:3; 16:28. Pr. 1:22. Je. 4:14. Ho. 8:5. Zec. 8:14. Mat. 17:17. provoke. ver. 23. De. 9:7, 8, 22, 23. Ps. 95:8. He. 3:8, 16. believe me. De. 1:32. Ps. 78:22, 32, 41, 42; 106:24. Mar. 9:19. Jno. 10:38; 12:37; 15:24. He. 3:18.
12 smite. ch. 16:46–49; 25:9. Ex. 5:3. 2 Sa. 24:1, 12–15. will make. See on Ex. 32:10.
13 And Moses said unto the Lord. From this verse to ver. 19, inclusive, we have the words of the earnest intercession of Moses: they need no explanation; they are full of simplicity and energy. Then the. Ex. 32:12. De. 9:26–28; 32:27. Jos. 7:8, 9. Ps. 106:23. Eze. 20:9, 14.
14 they have. Ex. 15:14. Jos. 2:9, 10; 5:1. art seen. ch. 12:8. Ge. 32:30. Ex. 33:11. De. 5:4; 34:10. Jno. 1:18; 14:9. 1 Co. 13:12. 1 Jno. 3:2. thy cloud. ch. 9:15–21; 10:34. Ex. 13:21, 22; 40:38. Ne. 9:12, 19. Ps. 78:14; 105:39.
15 Ju. 6:16.
16 De. 9:28; 32:26, 27. Jos. 7:9.
17 Mi. 3:8. Mat. 9:6, 8.
18 long-suffering. See on Ex. 34:6, 7. Ps. 103:8; 145:8. Jon. 4:2. Mi. 7:18. Na. 1:2, 3. Ro. 3:24–26; 5:21. Ep. 1:7, 8. visiting. Ex. 20:5; 34:7. Je. 23:2.
19 Pardon. Ex. 32:32; 34:9. 1 Ki. 8:34. Ps. 51:1, 2. Eze. 20:8, 9. Da. 9:19. according. Is. 55:7. Tit. 3:4–7. and as thou. Ex. 32:10–14; 33:17. Ps. 78:38; 106:7, 8, 45. Jon. 3:10; 4:2. Mi. 7:18. Ja. 5:15. 1 Jno. 5:14–16. until now. or, hitherto.
21 as truly. De. 32:40. Is. 49:18. Je. 22:24. Eze. 5:11; 18:3; 33:11, 27. Zep. 2:9. all the. Ps. 72:19. Hab. 2:14. Mat. 6:10.
22 which have. ver. 11. De. 1:31–35. Ps. 95:9–11; 106:26. He. 3:17, 18. tempted. Ex. 17:2. Ps. 95:9; 106:14. Mal. 3:15. Mat. 4:7. 1 Co. 10:9. He. 3:9. ten times. Ge. 31:7, 41. Job 19:3.
23 Surely they shall not see. Heb. If they see. ch. 26:64; 32:11. De. 1:35, etc. Ne. 9:23. Ps. 95:11; 106:26. Eze. 20:15. He. 3:17, 18; 4:3.
24 my servant. ver. 6–9; ch. 13:30; 26:65. De. 1:36. Jos. 14:6–14. another spirit. Caleb had another spirit; not only a bold, generous, courageous, noble, and heroic spirit, but the Spirit and influence of God, which thus raised him above human inquietudes and earthly fears. Therefore he followed God fully; literally, ‘and he filled after me:’ God shewed him the way he was to take and the line of conduct he was to pursue, and he filled up this line, and in all things followed the will of his Maker. followed me. ch. 32:11, 12. De. 6:5. Jos. 14:8, 9. 1 Ch. 29:9, 18. 2 Ch. 25:2. Ps. 119:80, 145. Pr. 23:26. Ac. 11:23. Ep. 6:6. Col. 3:23.
25 the Amalekites. ch. 13:29. turn you. ver. 4. De. 1:40. Ps. 81:11–13. Pr. 1:31.
27 How long. See on ver. 11. Ex. 16:28. Mat. 17:7. Mar. 9:19. I have heard. Ex. 16:12. 1 Co. 10:10.
28 As truly. See on ver. 21, 23; ch. 26:64, 65; 32:11. De. 1:35. Ps. 90:8, 9. He. 3:17. as ye have. ver. 2.
29 carcases. ver. 32, 33. 1 Co. 10:5. He. 3:17. Jude 5. all that were. ch. 1:45; 26:64.
30 sware. Heb. lifted up my hand. Ge. 14:22. save Caleb. ver. 38; ch. 26:65; 32:12. De. 1:36–38.
31 little ones. ch. 26:6, 64. De. 1:39. ye said. ver. 3. know. Their children, by possessing Canaan, knew what a good land their fathers had despised. the land. Ge. 25:34. Ps. 106:24. Pr. 1:25, 30. Mat. 22:5. Ac. 13:41. He. 12:16, 17.
32 See on ver. 29. 1 Co. 10:5. He. 3:17.
33 shall wander in the wilderness. or, feed. This implies, that they should move from place to place in the deserts, as the Bedouin Arabs, who have no certain dwelling, but rove about seeking pasture for their flocks. ch. 32:13. Jos. 14:10. Ps. 107:4, 40. forty years. ch. 33:38. De. 1:3; 2:14. bear. ch. 5:31. Je. 3:1, 2. Eze. 23:35, 45–49. Ho. 9:1.
34 After, ch. 13:25. 2 Ch. 36:21. the number. Ps. 95:10. Eze. 4:6. Da. 9:24. Re. 11:3. shall ye bear. ch. 18:23. Le. 20:19. Ps. 38:4. Eze. 14:10. ye shall. 1 Ki. 8:56. Ps. 77:8; 105:42. Je. 18:9, 10. La. 3:31–33. He. 4:1. breach of promise. or, altering of my purpose. Tenooathi, rather, my failure, or disannulling, from noo, to fail, disannul; for as they had broken their engagements, God was no longer held by his covenant. De. 31:16, 17. 1 Sa. 2:30. Zec. 11:10.
35 I will surely. ch. 23:19. this evil. ver. 27–29; ch. 26:65. 1 Co. 10:5, 11. He. 3:19.
36 ch. 13:31–33.
37 those men. Thus ten of the twelve who searched out the land were struck dead, by the justice of God, on the spot. In commemoration of this event, the Jews, to this day, celebrate a fast, on the seventh day of the month Elul. died. ver. 12; ch. 16:49; 25:9. Je. 28:16, 17; 29:32. 1 Co. 10:10. He. 3:17. Jude 5.
38 ch. 26:65. Jos. 14:6–10.
39 mourned greatly. Ex. 33:4. Pr. 19:3. Is. 26:16. Mat. 8:12. He. 12:17.
40 rose up. De. 1:41. Ec. 9:3. Mat. 7:21–23; 25:11, 12. Lu. 13:25. for we have sinned. We are sensible of our sin, and repent of it; and are now ready to do as Caleb and Joshua exhorted us. Or, though we have sinned, yet we hope God will make good his promise.
41 do ye. ver. 25. 2 Ch. 24:20. but it shall. Job 4:9. Je. 2:37; 32:5.
42 De. 1:42. Jos. 7:8, 12. Ps. 44:1, 2–11.
43 ver. 25; ch. 13:29. Le. 26:17. De. 28:25. because. Ju. 16:20. 1 Ch. 28:9. 2 Ch. 15:2. Is. 63:10. Ho. 9:12.
44 they presumed. This miserable people a short time ago, thought that, though Omnipotence was with them, they could not conquer and possess the land! Now they imagine, that though God himself go not with them, yet they shall be sufficient to drive out the inhabitants, and take possession of their country! Man is ever supposing he can do all things, or do nothing: he is therefore sometimes presumptuous, and at other times in despair ch. 15:30. De. 1:43. the ark. ch. 10:33. 1 Sa. 4:3–11.
45 the Amalekites. See on ver. 43. Ex. 17:16. De. 1:44; 32:30. Jos. 7:5, 11, 12. Hormah. ch. 21:3. Ju. 1:17.


  CHAP. 15

  The law of the meat offering, and the drink offering, 1–13. The stranger is under the same law. 14–16. The law of the first of the dough for an heave offering. 17–21. The sacrifice for sins of ignorance, 22–29. The punishment of presumption, 30, 31. He that violated the sabbath is stoned, 32–36. The law of fringes, 37–41.

1 It is very probable, that the transactions recorded in this and the four following chapters took place during the time the Israelites abode in Kadesh (De. 1:46.)
2 ver. 18. Le. 14:34; 23:10; 25:2. De. 7:1, 2; 12:1, 9.
3 will make. Ex. 29:18, 25, 41. Le. 1:2, 3, 9, 13, 17; 10:13. a burnt. Le. 1:1, etc. a sacrifice. Le. 7:16; 22:18–23. De. 12:11. performing. Heb. separating. Le. 27:2. or in a free-will. Le. 22:21, 23. De. 12:6, 17; 16:10. in your. ch. 28:16–19, 27; 29:1, 2, 8, 13, etc. Le. 23:8, 12, 36. De. 16:1–17. a sweet. Ge. 8:21. Ex. 29:18. Mat. 3:17. Ep. 5:2. Phi. 4:18. the herd. Under the term bakar, are comprehended the ox, heifer, etc.; and under tzon, are included sheep and goats. The animals enjoined in the Levitical law are the very same which God commanded Abraham to offer. (Ge. 15:9.) Hence it is evident, that God delivered to the patriarchs an epitome of that law which was afterwards given in detail to Moses, the essence of which consisted in its sacrifices; and these sacrifices were of clean animals, the most perfect, useful, and healthy of all that are brought under the immediate government of man. Gross feeding and ferocious animals were all excluded, as well as all birds of prey.
4 a meat. Ex. 29:40. Le. 2:1; 6:14; 7:9, 10; 23:13. Is. 66:20. Mal. 1:11. Ro. 15:16. He. 13:16. the fourth. ch. 28:5, etc. Ex. 29:40. Le. 2:15; 14:10; 23:13. Ju. 9:9. Eze. 46:14.
5 ch. 28:7, 14. Ju. 9:13. Ps. 116:13. Ca. 1:4. Zec. 9:17. Mat. 26:28, 29. Phi. 2:17. 2 Ti. 4:6.
6 ver. 4; ch. 28:12–14.
8 peace. See on Le. 3:1; 7:11–18.
9 with a. ch. 28:12, 14. a meat. ch. 29:6. Le. 6:14; 7:37; 14:10. 1 Ch. 21:23. Ne. 10:33. Eze. 42:13; 46:5, 7, 11, 15. Joel 1:9; 2:14.
10 See on ver. 5; ch. 6:15.
11 ch. 28.
15 One. ver. 29; ch. 9:14. Ex. 12:49. Le. 24:22. Ga. 3:28. Ep. 2:11–22. Col. 3:11. an ordinance. ch. 10:8; 18:8. Ex. 12:14, 24, 43. 1 Sa. 30:25.
18 See on ver. 2. De. 26:1, etc.
19 The oblation before prescribed seems to have been a general acknowledgment from the people at large; but this was an oblation from every one that reaped a harvest: who was required, previously to tasting it himself, to offer a portion of dough as a heave-offering to the Lord. This is supposed to have been given to the priests in their several cities, and not carried to the tabernacle. Jos. 5:11, 12.
20 a cake. ch. 18:12. Ex. 23:19. De. 26:2–10. Ne. 10:37. Pr. 3:9, 10. Eze. 44:30. Mat. 6:33. Ro. 11:16. 1 Co. 15:20. Ja. 1:18. Re. 14:4. the heave-offering. Le. 2:14; 23:10, 16, 17.
21 ch. 18:26. Ex. 29:28.
22 This law concerning sins of ignorance, being entirely diverse from one before considered, occasions considerable difficulty. (Le. ch. 4.) Some explain that law as relating to sins of commission, this to sins of omission: others explain the one of inadvertent violations of the moral law, and the other of the transgressions of the ceremonial law: and some think that related to the whole nation, this to any one tribe; or that to the bulk of the nation, this to the rulers and elders. The Jews say, that the former law referred to such national transgressions through heedlessness, as consisted with the maintenance of the prescribed worship in the main; but that this especially respected the case of the nation, when through inattention, and the example and authority of wicked rulers, they had turned aside and committed idolatry, or conducted their worship directly contrary to law; yet through a culpable ignorance, and not in presumption. This was evidently the case under several of their kings; and the explanation seems well grounded. Le. 4:2, 13, 14, 22, 27; 5:13, 15–17. Ps. 19:12. Lu. 12:48.
24 if ought. See on Le. 4:13. without. Heb. from the eyes. one young bullock. See on Le. 4:14–21. with his. ver. 8–10. manner. or, ordinance. one kid. ch. 28:15. Le. 4:23. 2 Ch. 29:21–24. Ezr. 6:17; 8:35.
25 the priest. See on Le. 4:20, 26. Ro. 3:25. 1 Jno. 2:2. forgiven them. Lu. 23:34. Ac. 13:39.
27 See on Le. 4:27, 28. Ac. 3:17; 17:30. 1 Ti. 1:13.
28 Le. 4:35.
29 one law. See on ver. 15; ch. 9:14. Le. 16:29; 17:15. Ro. 3:29, 30. sinneth. Heb. doeth.
30 doeth ought. ch. 9:13; 14:44. Ge. 17:14. Ex. 21:14. Le. 20:3, 6, 10. De. 1:43; 17:12; 29:19, 20. Ps. 19:13. Mat. 12:32. He. 10:26, 29. 2 Pe. 2:10. presumptuously. Heb. with an high hand. That is, bold, daring, deliberate acts of transgression against the fullest evidence, and in despite of the Divine authority. Such conduct ‘reproacheth the Lord,’ as if his commands were needless, unreasonable, and inimical to the happiness of man; his favour were not desirable, or his wrath not to be feared: in short, as if it were more advantageous to rebel against him than to serve him. Such acts admitted of no atonement: the person was condemned to bear his own iniquity, and to be cut off. reproacheth. Ps. 69:9; 74:18, 22; 79:12; 89:51. Pr. 14:31. Is. 37:23, 24.
31 despised. Le. 26:15, 43. 2 Sa. 12:9. Ps. 119:126. Pr. 13:13. Is. 30:12. 1 Th. 4:8. He. 10:28, 29. his iniquity. Le. 5:1. Ps. 38:4. Is. 53:6. Eze. 18:20. 1 Pe. 2:24. 2 Pe. 2:21.
32 they found a man. This example seems to have been evidently introduced to illustrate the foregoing law. The man despised the word of the Lord, presumptuously broke his commandment, and on this ground was punished with death. Ex. 16:23, 27, 28; 20:8–10; 35:2, 3.
33Jno. 8:3, etc.
34 Le. 24:12.
35 The man. Ex. 31:14, 15. stone him. See on Le. 24:14, 23. 1 Ki. 21:13. Ac. 7:58. He. 13:11, 12.
36 Jos. 7:25.
38 fringes in the borders. The word tzitzith properly denotes an ornament resembling a flower. From ver. 39, we learn that these were emblematical of the commands of God. That there is any analogy between a fringe and a precept, it would be bold to assert; but when a thing is appointed to represent another, no matter how different, that first object becomes the legitimate representative or sign of the other. De. 22:12. Mat. 9:20; 23:5. Lu. 8:44.
39 remember. Ex. 13:9. De. 6:6–9; 11:18–21, 28–32. Pr. 3:1. ye seek not. De. 29:19. Job 31:7. Pr. 28:26. Ec. 11:9. Je. 9:14. Eze. 6:9. go a whoring. Ex. 34:15, 16. Ps. 73:27; 106:39. Ho. 2:2. Ja. 4:4.
40 be holy. Le. 11:44, 45; 19:2. Ro. 12:1. Ep. 1:4. Col. 1:2. 1 Th. 4:7. 1 Pe. 1:15, 16.
41 Le. 22:33; 25:38. Ps. 105:45. Je. 31:31–33; 32:37–41. Eze. 36:25–27. He. 11:16. 1 Pe. 2:9, 10.


  CHAP. 16

  The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, 1–22. Moses separates the people from the rebel’s tents, 23–30. The earth swallows up Korah, and a fire consumes others, 31–35. The censers are reserved to holy use, 36–40. Fourteen thousand and seven hundred are slain by a plague, for murmuring against Moses and Aaron, 41–45. Aaron by incense stays the plague, 46–50.

1 Korah. ch. 26:9, 10; 27:3. Ex. 6:18, 21. Jude 11. sons of Reuben. Ge. 49:3, 4. 1 Ch. 5:1, 2. took men. As the word men is not in the text, some read ‘took counsel;’ and some ‘took courage.’ HOUBIGANT renders yikkach, rebellionem fecerunt, ‘they rebelled;’ which scarcely any rule of criticism can ever justify. Dr. GEDDES’ translation is, ‘Another insurrection was raised against Moses by Korah,’ etc. Others think that it may mean, ‘behaved with insolence.’ But, as Dr. A. CLARKE observes, the verb wyyikkach, ‘and he took,’ which. though at the end of the sentence in English, is the first word in Hebrew, is not in the plural, but the singular; and hence cannot be applied to the acts of all these chiefs. In every part of the Scripture, where this rebellion is referred to, it is attributed to Korah, therefore the verb here belongs to him; and the whole verse should be translated, ‘Now Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, HE TOOK even Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, son of Peleth, SON of Reuben, and they rose up,’ etc.; reading, with some MSS., the Samaritan, and Septuagint, ben, SON, instead of beney, SONS.
2 famous. ch. 26:9. Ge. 6:4. 1 Ch. 5:24; 12:30. Eze. 16:14; 23:10.
3 gathered. ver. 11; ch. 12:1, 2; 14:1–4. Ps. 106:16. Ac. 7:39, 51. Ye take too much upon you. Heb. It is much for you. all the. Ex. 19:6. Ezr. 9:2. Is. 1:11–16. Je. 7:3–12. Mat. 3:9, 10. Ro. 2:28, 29. the Lord. ch. 14:14; 35:34. Ex. 29:45, 46. Ps. 68:17.
4 ver. 45; ch. 14:5; 20:6. Jos. 7:6.
5 the Lord. Mal. 3:18. 2 Ti. 2:19. who is holy. ver. 3. Le. 21:6–8, 12–15. Is. 61:5, 6. 1 Pe. 2:5–9. Re. 1:6; 5:9, 10. will cause. Ex. 28:43. Le. 10:3. Ps. 65:4. Eze. 40:46; 44:15, 16. Ep. 2:13. He. 10:19–22; 12:14. even him. ch. 17:5. Ex. 28:1. Le. 8:2. 1 Sa. 2:28. Ps. 105:26. Jno. 15:16. Ac. 1:2, 24; 13:2; 15:7; 22:14. 2 Ti. 2:3, 4.
6 ver. 35–40, 46–48. Le. 10:1; 16:12, 13. 1 Ki. 18:21–23.
7 that the man. See on ver. 3, 5. Ep. 1:4. 2 Th. 2:13. 1 Pe. 2:9. too much. ver. 3. 1 Ki. 18:17, 18. Mat. 21:23–27.
9 Seemeth it but. ver. 13. Ge. 30:15. 1 Sa. 18:23. 2 Sa. 7:19. Is. 7:13. Eze. 34:18. 1 Co. 4:3. separated. ch. 1:53; 3:41–45; 8:14–16; 18:2–6. De. 10:8. 2 Ch. 35:3. Ne. 12:44. Eze. 44:10, 11. Ac. 13:2.
10 and seek. Pr. 13:10. Mat. 20:21, 22. Lu. 22:24. Ro. 12:10. Phi. 2:3. 3 Jno. 9.
11 against. ver. 3. 1 Sa. 8:7. Lu. 10:16. Jno. 13:20. Ro. 13:2. what is Aaron. Ex. 16:7, 8; 17:2. Ac. 5:4. 1 Co. 3:5.
12 Pr. 29:9. Is. 3:5. 1 Pe. 2:13, 14. Jude 8.
13 a small. See on ver. 9. out of a. ch. 11:5. Ex. 1:11, 22; 2:23. to kill. ch. 20:3, 4. Ex. 16:3; 17:3. thou make. Ex. 2:14. Ps. 2:2, 3. Lu. 19:14. Ac. 7:25–27, 35.
14 Moreover. ch. 35:8–10. See on Ex. 3:8, 17. Le. 20:24. put out. Heb. bore out.
15 very wroth. ch. 12:3. Ex. 32:19. Mat. 5:22. Mar. 3:5. Ep. 4:26. Respect. ver. 6, 7. Ge. 4:4, 5. 1:10–15. I have not. Though Moses was their ruler, under God, yet, so far from oppressing them, he had not imposed the smallest tax, nor taken, as a present, so much as an ass from one of them. The common present that is now made to the great, in these countries, is a horse; but there is reason to believe, that an ass might formerly have answered the same purpose. ‘If it is a visit of ceremony from a bashaw,’ says Dr. RUSSELL, ‘or other person in power, a fine horse, sometimes with furniture, or some such valuable present, is made to him at his departure.’ As asses were esteemed no dishonourable beasts for the saddle, Sir. J. CHARDIN, in his MS., supposes, that when Samuel disclaimed having taken the ass of any one, (1 Sa. 12:3,) he is to be understood of not having taken any ass for his riding. In the same light, he considers this similar declaration of Moses. His reason is, ‘asses being then esteemed very honourable creatures for riding on, (ch. 22:21, 30. Ju. 5:10. 2 Sa. 16:2,) as they are at this very time in Persia, being rode with saddles.’ 1 Sa. 12:3, 4. Ac. 20:33, 34. 1 Co. 9:15. 2 Co. 1:12; 7:2; 12:14–17. 1 Th. 2:10.
16 Be thou. See on ver. 6, 7. before. 1 Sa. 12:3, 7. 2 Ti. 2:14.
17 1 Sa. 12:7.
19 Korah. ver. 1, 2. and the glory. ver. 42; ch. 12:5; 14:10. Ex. 16:7, 10. Le. 9:6, 23.
21 Separate. Ge. 19:15–22. Je. 51:6. Ac. 2:40. 2 Co. 6:17. Ep. 5:6, 7. Re. 18:4. that I may. ver. 45; ch. 14:12, 15. Ex. 32:10; 33:5. Ps. 73:19. Is. 37:36. He. 12:28, 29.
22 they fell. ver. 4, 45; ch. 14:5. the God. ch. 27:16. Job 12:10. Ec. 12:7. Is. 57:16. Zec. 12:1. He. 12:9 one man sin. Ge. 18:23–25, 32. Jos. 7:1, etc. 2 Sa. 24:1, 17. Ro. 5:18. 1 Co. 13:7.
24 See on ver. 21. It should seem that Dathan and Abiram had set up a spacious tabernacle in the midst of the tents of their families, where they kept court, met in council, and hung out their flag of defiance against Moses; it is here called the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. There, as in the place of rendezvous, Dathan and Abiram stayed, when Korah and his friends went up to the tabernacle of the Lord, waiting the issue of their trial; but here we are told how they had their business done, before that trial was over. God will take what method he pleases in his judgments.
25 ch. 11:16, 17, 25, 30.
26 Depart, I pray you. The rebels, with all that belonged to them, were, as an accursed thing, devoted to utter destruction. (Le. 27:28, 29. Jos. 7:13–15, 23–26.) The people therefore were forbidden to touch any thing belonging to them; that they might enter a solemn protest against their wickedness, acknowledge the justice of their punishment, and express their fear of being involved in it. See on ver. 21–24. Ge. 19:12–14. De. 13:17. Is. 52:11. Mat. 10:14. Ac. 8:20; 13:51. 2 Co. 6:17. 1 Ti. 5:22. Re. 18:4.
27 and stood. 2 Ki. 9:30, 31. Job 9:4; 40:10, 11. Pr. 16:18; 18:12. Is. 28:14.
28 Hereby. Ex. 3:12; 4:1–9; 7:9. De. 18:22. Zec. 2:9; 4:9. Jno. 5:36; 11:42; 14:11. for I have. Kee to millibbee, ‘and that not out of my heart.’ It was not of my own device or contrivance. It was not out of an ambitious desire to be great myself that I took upon me the government, nor out of private affection to my brother, that I appointed him and his family to the priesthood, of mine. ch. 24:13. 1 Ki. 18:36. Je. 23:16. Eze. 13:17. Jno. 5:30; 6:38.
29 the common, etc. Heb. as every man dieth. visited. Ex. 20:5; 32:34. Job 35:15. Is. 10:3. Je. 5:9. La. 4:22. the Lord. 1 Ki. 22:28. 2 Ch. 18:27.
30 make a new thing. Heb. create a creature; wëim beriah yivra Yehowah, ‘And if Jehovah should create a creation,’ i.e. do such a thing as was never done before. Job 31:3. Is. 28:21; 43:19; 45:7, 12. Je. 31:22. and they. ver. 33. Ps. 55:15.
31 ch. 26:10, 11; 27:3. De. 11:6. Ps. 106:17, 18.
32 the earth. ver. 30. Ge. 4:11. Is. 5:14. Re. 12:16. all the. ver. 17; ch. 26:11; 27:3. 1 Ch. 6:22, 37. Ps. 84; 85; 88, titles.
33 into the. Ps. 9:15; 55:23; 69:15; 143:7. Is. 14:9, 15. Eze. 32:18, 30. they perished. Jude 11.
34 fled. Is. 33:3. Zec. 14:5. Re. 6:15–17. Lest. ch. 17:12, 13.
35 And there. ch. 11:1; 26:10. Le. 10:2. Ps. 106:18. two hundred. See on ver. 2, 17.
37 the censers. See on ver. 7, 18. hallowed. kadashoo, ‘consecrated, i.e. to the service of God, though in this instance, improperly employed. See on Le. 27, 28.
38 sinners. 1 Ki. 2:23. Pr. 1:18; 8:36; 20:2. Hab. 2:10. a sign. ver. 40; ch. 17:10; 26:10. Eze. 14:8. 1 Co. 10:11. 2 Pe. 2:6.
40 that no. ch. 3:10, 38; 18:4–7. Le. 22:10. 2 Ch. 26:18–20. Jude 11. come near. 1 Ki. 13:1–3. 2 Ch. 26:16–21.
41 on the morrow. It is not unlikely, that the people persuaded themselves that Moses and Aaron had used some cunning in this business, and that the earthquake and fire were artificial; for, had they discerned the hand of God in this punishment, they would scarcely have dared the anger of the Lord in the very face of his justice. And while they thus absurdly imputed this judgment to Moses and Aaron, they impiously called the persons, thus perishing in their rebellion, ‘the people of the Lord!’ all the. See on ver. 1–7; ch. 14, 2. Ps. 106:13, 23, 25, etc. Is. 26:11. Ye have. ver. 3. 2 Sa. 16:7, 8. 1 Ki. 18:17. Je. 37:13, 14; 38:4; 43:3. Am. 7:10. Mat. 5:11. Ac. 5:28; 21:28. 2 Co. 6:8.
42 when the. ver. 19. the glory. ver. 19; ch. 14:10; 20:6. Ex. 16:7, 10; 24:16; 40:34, 35, Le. 9:23.
45 Get you up. See on ver. 21, 24, 26. And they. ver. 22; ch. 20:6. 1 Ch. 21:16. Mat. 26:39.
46 from off. Le. 9:24; 10:1; 16:12, 13. Is. 6:6, 7. Ro. 5:9, 10. He. 7:25–27; 9:25, 26. Re. 8:3–5. and put. Ps. 141:2. Mal. 1:11. an atonement. Ex. 30:7–10. Le. 16:11–16. 1 Jno. 2:1, 2. there is wrath. ch. 1:53; 8:19; 11:33; 18:5. Le. 10:6. 1 Ch. 27:24. Ps. 106:29. the plague is begun. God now punished them by a secret blast, so as to put the matter beyond dispute; His hand, and His alone, was seen, not only in the plague, but in the manner in which the mortality was arrested. It was necessary that it should be done in this way, that the whole congregation might see that these men who had perished were not ‘the people of the Lord,’ and that God, not Moses and Aaron, had destroyed them.
47 and ran. Mat. 5:44. Ro. 12:21. and behold. Ps. 106:29. and he put. See on ver. 46. De. 33:10, 11. Is. 53:10–12.
48 What the plague was we know not; but it seems from this to have begun at one part of the camp, and to have proceeded regularly onward. ver. 18, 35; ch. 25:8–11. 2 Sa. 24:16, 17, 25. 1 Ch. 21:26, 27. 1 Th. 1:10. 1 Ti. 2:5, 6. He. 7:24, 25. Ja. 5:16. Jno. 5:14.
49 fourteen thousand. ver. 32–35; ch. 25:9. 1 Ch. 21:14. He. 2:1–3; 10:28, 29; 12:25.
50 ver. 43. 1 Ch. 21:26–30.


  CHAP. 17

  Aaron’s rod, among all the rods of the tribes, only flourishes, 1–9. It is left for a monument against the rebels, 10–13.

2 a rod. The word matteh signifies a staff, or sceptre, which the prince or chief of each tribe bore, and which was the sign of office or royalty among almost all the people of the earth. all their princes. ch. 1:5–16; 2:3–30; 10:14–27. twelve rods. Ge. 49:10. Ex. 4:2, 17. Ps. 110:2; 125:3. Eze. 19:14; 21:10, 13; 37:16–20. Mi. 7:14.
3 ch. 3:2, 3; 18:1, 7. Ex. 6:16, 20.
4 Ex. 25:16–22; 29:42, 43; 30:6, 36.
5 whom I. See on ch. 16:5. blossom. ver. 8. Is. 5:24; 11:1; 27:6; 35:1, 2. Ho. 14:5. I will. ver. 10. Is. 13:11. Eze. 16:41; 23:27. they murmur. See on ch. 16:11.
6 a rod a-piece, for each prince one. Heb. a rod for one prince, a rod for one prince. See on ver. 2.
7 ch. 18:2. Ex. 38:21. Ac. 7:44.
8 the rod of Aaron. This fact was so unquestionably miraculous, that no doubt could remain on the minds of the people, or the envious chiefs, of the divine appointment of Aaron: and as there were buds, blossoms, and fruit on the rod at the same time, which was never the case with branches in the natural and ordinary course, this evidently proved the miracle, and took away all suspicion of the fraud which has been impiously suggested, that Moses had taken away Aaron’s rod in the night time, and put a living branch of an almond tree in the room of it. A sceptre or staff of office resuming its vegetative life, was considered an absolute impossibility among the ancients; and as they were accustomed to swear by their sceptres, this circumstance was added to confirm the oath. budded. See on ver. 5. Ge. 40:10. Ps. 110:2; 132:17, 18. Ca. 2:3. Is. 4:2. Eze. 17:24; 19:12, 14. Jno. 15:1–6.
10 Bring Aaron’s. He. 9:4. for a token, ch. 16:38, 40. Ex. 16:32. De. 31:19–26. rebels. Heb. children of rebellion. 1 Sa. 2:12; 30:22. Ps. 57:4. Is. 1:2. Ho. 10:9. Ep. 2:2, 3; 5:6. and thou ver. 5.
12 Behold. ch. 26:11. Ps. 90:7. Pr. 19:3. Is. 57:16. He. 12:5. we die. Gawanoo, ‘we expire:’ it signifies not so much to die simply, as to feel an extreme difficulty in breathing, which producing suffocation, ends at last in death. See the folly and extravagance of this sinful people, in thus rebelling against the authority of those whom Jehovah had appointed to he their rulers.
13 Whosoever. ch. 1:51–53; 18:4–7. any thing. Ge. 3:3. 1 Sa. 6:19–21. 2 Sa. 6:6–12. 1 Ch. 13:11–13; 15:13. Ps. 130:3, 4; Ac. 5:5, 11–14. Ep. 2:13. He. 10:19–22. consumed. ch. 16:26; 32:13. De. 2:16. Job 34:14, 15. Ps. 90:7. Is. 28:22.


  CHAP. 18

  The charge of the priests and Levites, 1–7. The priests’ portion, 8–20. The Levites’ portion, 21–24. The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites’ portion, 25–32.

1 Aaron, Thou. ch. 17:3, 7, 13. He. 4:15. shall bear. To counterbalance the high honour conferred on Aaron and his family, and to allay the fears and abate the envy of the people, it is here declared, that the priests must bear the blame of every thing which was not properly conducted in the sanctuary. ver. 22; ch. 14:34. Ex. 28:38. Le. 22:9. Is. 53:6, 11. Eze. 3:18, 19. Ac. 20:26, 27. He. 13:17. 1 Pe. 2:24.
2 joined unto thee. There is a fine paronomasia in the original. Levi is derived from lawah, to join, couple, associate; hence Moses says, the Levites yillawoo, ‘shall be joined,’ or associated, with the priests: they shall conjointly perform the sacred office, but the priests shall be principal, the Levites their associates or assistants. ver. 4. Ge. 29:34. minister. See on ch. 3:6–9; 8:19, 22. but thou. ch. 3:10, etc.; 4:15; 16:40; 17:7. 1 Ch. 16:39, 40. 2 Ch. 30:16. Eze. 44:15.
3 only they. See on ch. 3:25, 31, 36; 4:19, 20; 16:40. neither. ch. 4:15.
4 a stranger. ch. 1:51; 3:10. 1 Sa. 6:19. 2 Sa. 6:6, 7.
5 And ye. ch. 8:2. Ex. 27:21; 30:7, etc. Le. 24:3. 1 Ch. 9:19, 23, 33; 24:5. 1 Ti. 1:18; 3:15; 5:21; 6:20. no wrath. ch. 8:19; 16:46. Je. 23:15. Zec. 10:3.
6 And I. Ge. 6:17; 9:9. Ex. 14:17; 31:6. Is. 48:15; 51:12. Eze. 34:11, 20. I have. See on ch. 3:12, 45. given. ch. 3:9; 8:16–19.
7 Therefore thou. ver. 5; ch. 3:10. within. Le. 16:2, 12–14. He. 9:3–6. as a service. ch. 16:5–7. 1 Sa. 2:28. Jno. 3:27. Ro. 15:15, 16. Ep. 3:8. He. 5:4. the stranger. ver. 4; ch. 3:38; 16:40.
8 the charge. ver. 9. Le. 6:16, 18, 20, 26; 7; 7:32–34; 10:14, 15. De. 12:6, 11; 26:13. by reason. Ex. 29:21, 29; 40:13, 15. Le. 7:35; 8:30; 21:10. Is. 10:27. He. 1:9. 1 Jno. 2:20, 27.
9 every meat. Le. 2:2, 3; 10:12, 13. every sin. Le. 4:22, 27; 6:25, 26; 10:17. every trespass. Le. 5:1, 6; 7:1, 7; 10:12; 14:13.
10 In the. Ex. 29:31, 32. Le. 6:16, 26, 29; 7:6; 10:13, 17; 14:13. every male. Le. 6:18, 29; 7:6; 21:22.
11 the heave. ver. 8. Ex. 29:27, 28. Le. 7:14, 30–34. unto thee. Le. 10:14. De. 18:3. every one. Le. 22:2, 3, 11–13.
12 best of the oil. Heb. fat. ver. 29. the first-fruits. ch. 15:19–21. Ex. 22:29; 23:19; 34:26. Le. 2:14; 23:17, 20. De. 18:4; 26:2. Ne. 10:35–37.
13 whatsoever. Ex. 22:29. Je. 24:2. Ho. 9:10. Mi. 7:1. every one. ver. 11.
14 Le. 27:28. Eze. 44:29, marg.
15 openeth. ch. 3:13. Ex. 13:2, 12; 22:29; 34:20. Le. 27:26. the firstborn. Ex. 13:13; 34:20. Le. 27:27.
16 shalt thou redeem. Redemption of the firstborn is one of the rites which are still practised among the Jews. According to LEO of Modena, it is performed in the following manner:—When the child is thirty days old, the father sends for one of the descendants of Aaron: several persons being assembled on the occasion, the father brings a cup, containing several pieces of gold and silver coin. The priest then takes the child into his arms, and addressing himself to the mother, he says, ‘Is this thy son?’ Mother. ‘Yes.’ Priest. ‘Hast thou never had another child, male or female, a miscarriage, or untimely birth?’ Mother. ‘No.’ Priest. ‘This being the case, this child, as first-born, belongs to me.’ Then turning to the father, he says, ‘If it be thy desire to have this child, thou must redeem it.’ Father. ‘I present thee with this gold and silver for this purpose.’ Priest. ‘Thou dost wish, therefore, to redeem the child?’ Father. ‘I do wish so to do.’ The priest then turning himself to the assembly, says, ‘Very well: this child, as first-born, is mine; as it is written in Bemidbar, (ch. 18:16,) Thou shalt redeem the first-born of a month old for five shekels; but I shall content myself with this in exchange.’ He then takes two gold crowns, or thereabouts, and returns the child to his parents. according. ch. 3:47. Le. 27:2–7. which is. Ex. 30:13. Le. 27:25. Eze. 45:12.
17 the firstling. De. 15:19–22. thou shalt. See on Ex. 29:16. Le. 3:2–5.
18 Ex. 29:26–28. Le. 7:31–34.
19 the heave. ver. 8, 11; ch. 15:19–21; 31:29, 41. Le. 7:14. De. 12:6. 2 Ch. 31:4. it is a. Le. 2:13. 2 Ch. 13:5.
20 Thou shalt have. The principal part of what was offered to God was the portion of the priests; who had no inheritance of land in Israel. The Rabbins say, 24 gifts were given to the priests; all of which are expressed in the law. Eight were only eaten in the sanetuary: 1. The flesh of the sin-offering. (Le. 6:25, 26.) 2. The flesh of the trespass-offering. (Le. 7:1, 6.) 3. The peace-offering of the congregation. (Le. 23:19, 20.) 4. The remainder of the sheaf. (Le. 23:10.) 5. The remnants of the meat-offerings. (Le. 6:16.) 6. The two loaves. (Le. 23:17.) 7. The shew-bread. (Le. 24:9.) 8. The log of oil offered by the leper. (Le. 14:10.) Five they ate only at Jerusalem: 1. The breast and shoulder of the peace-offerings. (Le. 7:31, 34.) 2. The heave-offering of confession. (Le. 7:12–14.) 3. The heave-offering of the Nazarite’s ram. (Le. 6:17–20.) 4. The firstling. (ch. 18:15.) 5 The first-fruits. (ch. 18:13.) Five were due to them only in the land of Israel: 1. The heave-offering of first-fruits. (ver. 12.) 2. Of the tithe. (ver. 28.) 3. The cake. (ch. 15:20.) 4. The first of the fleece. (De. 18:4.) 5. The field of possession. (ch. 35.) Five were due both within and without the land: 1. The gifts of slain beasts. (De. 18:3.) 2. The redemption of the first-born. (ver. 15.) 3. The lamb for a firstling ass. (Ex. 4:20.) 4. That taken by violence from a stranger. (ch. 5:8.) 5. All devoted things. One was from the sanctuary, the skins, etc. (Le. 7:8.) no inheritance. ver. 23, 24; ch. 26:62. De. 10:9; 12:12; 14:27, 29. Jos. 14:3. I am thy part. De. 18:1, 2. Jos. 13:14, 33; 14:3; 18:7. Ps. 16:5; 73:26; 142:5. La. 3:24. Eze. 44:28. 1 Co. 3:21–23. Re. 21:3.
21 the tenth. ver. 24–26. Le. 27:30–32. De. 12:17–19; 14:22–29. 2 Ch. 31:5, 6, 12. Ne. 10:37–39; 12:44; 13:12. even the service. ver. 6; ch. 3:7, 8. 1 Co. 9:13, 14. Ga. 6:6.
22 come nigh. ver. 7; ch. 1:51; 3:10, 38. bear sin. Le. 20:20; 22:9. and die. Heb. to die.
23 do the service. See on ch. 3:7. among. See on ver. 20.
24 Mal. 3:8–10.
26 then ye shall. See on ver. 19. a tenth part. Ne. 10:38.
27 as though. Le. 6:19–23. the corn. ver. 30; ch. 15:20. De. 15:14. 2 Ki. 6:27. Ho. 9:1, 2.
28 and ye shall. Ge. 14:18. He. 6:20; 7:1–10.
29 best. Heb. fat. ver. 12.
30 the best. ver. 28. Ge. 43:11. De. 6:5. Pr. 3:9, 10. Mal. 1:8. Mat. 6:33; 10:37–39. Phi. 3:8, 9. then it shall. ver. 27.
31 in every. De. 14:22, 23. your reward. Mat. 10:10. Lu. 10:7. 1 Co. 9:10–14. 2 Co. 12:13. Ga. 6:6. 1 Ti. 5:17, 18.
32 bear. ver. 22. Le. 19:8. pollute. Le. 22:2, 15. Mal. 1:7. 1 Co. 11:27, 29.


  CHAP. 19

  The water of separation made of the ashes of a red heifer, 1–10. The law for the use of it in purification of the unclean, 11–22.

2 the ordinance. ch. 31:21. He. 9:10. a red heifer. The following curious particulars have been remarked in this ordinance: 1. A heifer was appointed for sacrifice, in opposition to the Egyptian superstition, which held these sacred, and worshipped their goddess Isis under this form; and this appears the more likely, because males only were chosen for sacrifice. So HERODOTUS says, they sacrifice males, both old and young; but it is not lawful for them to offer females. 2. It was to be a red heifer, because the Egyptians sacrificed red bulls to the evil demon Typhon. 3. It was to be without spot, having no mixture of any other colour. PLUTARCH says, the Egyptians ‘sacrifice red bulls, and select them with such scrupulous attention, that if the animal has a single black or white hair, they reckon it αθυτον, unfit to be sacrificed.’ 4. Without blemish. (See note on Le. 22:21.) 5. On which never came yoke: because an animal which had been used for a common purpose was deemed improper for sacrifice. ver. 6. Le. 14:6. Is. 1:18. Re. 1:5. no blemish. See on Ex. 12:5. Le. 22:20–25. Mal. 1:13, 14. Lu. 1:35. He. 7:26. 1 Pe. 1:19; 2:22. upon which. De. 21:3. 1 Sa. 6:7. La. 1:14. Jno. 10:17, 18. Phi. 2:6–8.
3 without the camp. ch. 5:2; 15:36. Le. 4:12, 21; 13:45, 46; 16:27; 24:14. He. 13:11–13.
4 sprinkle. Le. 4:6, 17; 16:14, 19. He. 9:13, 14; 12:24. 1 Pe. 1:2.
5 Ex. 29:14. Le. 4:11, 12, 21. Ps. 22:14. Is. 53:10.
6 Le. 14:4, 6, 49. Ps. 51:7. Is. 1:13. He. 9:19–23.
7 ver. 8, 19. Le. 11:25, 40; 14:8, 9; 15:5; 16:26–28.
9 clean. ver. 18; ch. 9:13. 2 Co. 5:21. He. 7:26; 9:13. lay them up. ver. 17. a water of separation. That is, water prepared by being mixed with the ashes of the heifer, and set apart for the special purpose of being sprinkled on those who had contracted any legal defilement. To this rite the apostle PAUL, in his Epistle to the Hebrews, (ch. 9:13, 14,) pointedly alludes: ‘For if,’ says he, ‘the blood of bulls and of goats,’ alluding, probably, to the sin-offerings and the scape-goat, ‘and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot unto God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.’ ver. 13, 20, 21; ch. 6:12; 31:23, 24. Le. 15:20. Zec. 13:1. 2 Co. 7:1.
10 wash his. See on ver. 7, 8, 19. it shall be. ch. 15:15, 16. Ex. 12:49. Ro. 3:29, 30. Col. 3:11.
11 toucheth the dead. He who touched a dead beast was only unclean for one day, (Le. 11:12, 27, 39;) but he who touches a dead man is unclean for seven days. This was certainly designed to show the peculiar impurity and sinfulness of man, and the hatefulness of sin, seven times worse than the vilest animal! ver. 16; ch. 5:2; 9:6, 10. 31:19. Le. 11:31; 21:1, 11. La. 4:14. Hag. 2:13. Ro. 5:12. 2 Co. 6:17. Ep. 2:1. He. 9:14. man. Heb. soul of man.
12 He shall purify. Yithchatta, literally, ‘he shall sin himself,’ i.e. not add sin, but take it away, purify. So we say to fleece, and to skin, which do not signify to add a fleece, or a skin, but to take one away. ver. 17, 18. Ps. 51:7. Eze. 36:25. Ac. 15:9. Re. 7:14. third day. ch. 31:19. Ex. 19:11, 15. Le. 7:17. Ho. 6:2. 1 Co. 15:3, 4.
13 purifieth. ch. 15:30. Le. 5:3, 6, 17; 15:31. He. 2:2, 3; 10:29. Re. 21:8; 22:11, 15. the water. ver. 9, 18; ch. 8:7. his uncleanness. Le. 7:20; 22:3. Pr. 14:32. Jno. 8:24.
15 ch. 31:20. Le. 11:32; 14:36.
16 toucheth. ver. 11; ch. 31:19. a bone. Eze. 39:11–16. a grave. Mat. 23:27. Lu. 11:44.
17 ashes. Heb. dust. ver. 9. running water shall be put thereto. Heb. living waters shall be given. Ge. 26:19, marg. Ca. 4:15. Jno. 4:10, 11; 7:38. Re. 7:17.
18 ver. 9. Ps. 51:7. Eze. 36:25–27. Jno. 15:2, 3; 17:17, 19. 1 Cor. 1:30. He. 9:14.
19 shall sprinkle. Ep. 5:25–27. Tit. 2:14; 3:3–5. 1 Jno. 1:7; 2:1, 2. Jude 23. Re. 1:5, 6. on the seventh day he. ver. 12; ch. 31:19. Ge. 2:2. Le. 14:9.
20 shall not. See on ver. 13; ch. 15:30. Ge. 17:14. Mar. 16:16. Ac. 13:39–41. Ro. 2:4, 5. 2 Pe. 3:14. Re. 22:11.
21 Le. 11:25, 40; 16:26–28. He. 7:19; 9:10, 13, 14; 10:4.
22 whatsoever. Le. 7:19. Hag. 2:13. the soul. Le. 15:5. Mat. 15:19, 20. Mar. 7:21–23.


  CHAP. 20

  The children of Israel come to Zin, where Miriam dies, 1. They murmur for want of water, 2–6. Moses smiting the rock, brings forth water at Meribah, 7–13. Moses at Kadesh desires passage through Edom, which is denied him, 14–21. At mount Hor Aaron resigns his place to Eleazar, and dies, 22–29.

1 An. Ex. Is. 40. Then. This was the first month of the fortieth year after the departure from Egypt. (Compare ch. 33:38, with ver. 28 of this chap. and De. 1:3.) This year was the last of their journeyings, for from the going out of the spies (ch. 13) unto this time, was about thirty-eight years. De. 1:22, 23; 2:14. into. ch. 13:21; 27:14; 33:36. De. 32:51. Kadesh. This Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, is different from Kadesh-barnea, lying in, or adjoining to the wilderness of Paran, about eight leagues south of Hebron. (See ch. 34:3, 4. Jos. 15:1, 3.) Kadesh is called Rekam, by the Targumists, Rekem, in the Syriac, and Rakim, in Arabic. Rekem, says Rabbi NISSIN, (in Gittin, ch. 1.) is on the east, meaning of the land of Israel. ver. 16. Ps. 29:8. Miriam. ch. 12:1, 10, 15; 26:59. Ex. 2:4, 7; 15:20. Mi. 6:4.
2 no. Ex. 15:23, 24; 17:1–4. gathered. ch. 11:1–6; 16:3, 19, 42; 21:5. Ex. 16:2, 7, 12. 1 Co. 10:10, 11.
3 God. ch. 14:1, 2. Ex. 16:2, 3; 17:2. Job 3:10, 11. when. ch. 11:1, 33, 34; 14:36, 37; 16:31–35, 49. La. 4:9.
4 why. ch. 11:5. Ex. 5:21; 17:3. Ps. 106:21. Ac. 7:35, 39, 40. that we. ch. 16:13, 14, 41. Ex. 14:11, 12; 16:3.
5 this evil. ch. 16:14. De. 8:15. Ne. 9:21. Je. 2:2, 6. Eze. 20:36. no place of. i.e. ‘no place for sowing.’
6 they fell. ch. 14:5; 16:4, 22, 45. Ex. 17:4. Jos. 7:6. 1 Ch. 21:16. Ps. 109:3, 4. Mat. 26:39. the glory. ch. 12:5; 14:10; 16:19, 42. Ex. 16:10.
8 the rod. ch. 21:15, 18. Ex. 4:2, 17; 7:20; 14:16; 17:5, 9. speak. Ge. 18:14. Jos. 6:5, 20. Ps. 33:9. Mat. 21:21. Mar. 11:22–24. Lu. 11:13. Jno. 4:10–14; 16:24. Ac. 1:14; 2:1–4. Re. 22:1, 17. bring forth. ver. 11. Ne. 9:15. Ps. 78:15, 16; 105:41; 114:8. Is. 41:17, 18; 43:20; 48:21.
9 ch. 17:10.
10 De. 9:24. Ps. 106:32, 33. Mat. 5:22. Lu. 9:54, 55. Ac. 23:3–5. Ep. 4:26. Ja. 3:2. we fetch. ch. 11:22, 23. Ge. 40:8; 41:16. Da. 2:28–30. Ac. 3:12–16; 14:9–15. Ro. 15:17–19. 1 Co. 3:7.
11 smote. ver. 8. Le. 10:1. 1 Sa. 15:13, 14, 19, 24. 1 Ki. 13:21–24. 1 Ch. 13:9, 10; 15:2, 13. Mat. 28:20. Ja. 1:20. the water. Ex. 17:6. De. 8:15. Ho. 13:5. 1 Co. 10:4.
12 Because ye believed. ch. 11:21, 22. 2 Ch. 20:20. Is. 7:9. Mat. 17:17, 20. Lu. 1:20, 45. Ro. 4:20. sanctify. ch. 27:14. Le. 10:3. De. 1:37; 32:51. Is. 8:13. Eze. 20:41; 36:23; 38:10. 1 Pe. 3:15. ye shall. ver. 24; ch. 11:15. De. 3:23–26; 32:49, 50; 34:4. Jos. 1:2. Jno. 1:17.
13 the water. De. 33:8. Ps. 95:8; 106:32, etc. Meribah. i.e. Strife. Ex. 17:7. De. 32:51. Meribah-Kadesh. he was. Is. 5:16. Eze. 20:41; 36:23; 38:16.
14 Moses. Ju. 11:16, 17. thy brother. Ge. 32:3, 4. De. 2:4, etc.; 23:7. Ob. 10–12. Mal. 1:2. befallen us. Heb. found us. Ex. 18:8.
15 our fathers. Ge. 46:6. Ac. 7:15. dwelt. Ge. 15:13. Ex. 12:40. vexed us. ch. 11:5; 16:13. Ex. 1:11–14, 16, 22; 5:14. De. 26:6. Ac. 7:19.
16 we cried. Ex. 2:23, 24; 3:7–9; 6:5; 14:10. sent an. Ex. 3:2–6; 14:19; 23:20; 33:2.
17 ch. 21:1, 22–24. De. 2:1–4, 27, 29.
19 De. 2:6, 28.
20 Thou shalt. ver. 18. Ge. 27:41; 32:6. Ju. 11:17, 20. Ps. 120:7. Eze. 35:5–11. Am. 1:11. And Edom. Ob. 10–15.
21 refused. De. 2:27, 29. wherefore. De. 2:4–8; 23:7. Ju. 11:18, 24.
22 Kadesh. ver. 1, 14, 16; ch. 13:26; 33:36, 37. Eze. 47:19; 48:28. mount Hor. Mount Hor was situated in Arabia Petræa, on the confines of Edom. It is described by BURCKHARDT, as being situated on the western side of a valley called Wady Mousa; in which are found the ruins of the ancient Petra, and which is two long days’ journey north-east of Accaba (on the northern point of the Elanitic gulf of the Red sea,) in the Djebel Shera, or mount Seir, and on the east side of the Araba, the valley which forms the continuation of that of the Jordan. On the summit of the mountain is the tomb of Haroun, or Aaron, which is held in great veneration by the Arabs; which agrees with the testimonies of JOSEPHUS, EUSEBIUS, and JEROME, all persons well acquainted with these countries, who agree in proving that the sepulchre of Aaron, in mount Hor, was near Petra. When visited by Mr. LEGH, it was attended by a crippled Arab hermit, about 80 years of age, who conducted them into a small white building, crowned by a cupola, that contains the tomb of Aaron. The monument is of stone, about three feet high; and round the chamber where it stood were suspended beads, etc., the votive offerings of the devotees. ch. 21:4; 33:37, 38; 34:7.
24 gathered. ch. 27:13; 31:2. Ge. 15:15; 25:8, 17; 35:29; 49:29, 33. De. 32:50. Ju. 2:10. 2 Ch. 34:28. because ye. See on ver. 11, 12. word. Heb mouth. ch. 4:27, marg. De. 32:50.
25 ch. 33:38, 39.
26 Ex. 29:29, 30. Is. 22:21, 22. He. 7:11, 23, 24.
28 Moses. ver. 26.; ch. 33:38, etc. Ex. 29:29, 30. put them. ch. 27:16–23. De. 31:7, 8; 34:9. 1 Ch. 22:11, 12, 17; 28:5–9. Ac. 20:25–29. 2 Pe. 1:15. died there. ch. 33:38, 39. De. 10:6; 32:49, 50; 34:5. He. 7:24, 25.
29 Ge. 1:10. De. 34:8. 2 Ch. 35:24, 25. Ac. 8:2.


  CHAP. 21

  Israel destroys the Canaanites at Hormah, 1–3. The people murmuring are plagued with fiery serpents, 4–6. They repenting are healed by a brazen serpent, 7–9. Sundry journeys of the Israelites, 10–20. Sihon is overcome, 21–32, and Og, 33–35.

1 Arad. ch. 33:40. Jos. 12:14. Ju. 1:16. the way of the spies. Dr. KENNICOTT remarks, that the word atharim, rendered spies in our version, is in the Greek a proper name (Αθαρειν, Atharim). ch. 13:21, 22; 14:45. then. De. 2:32. Jos. 7:5; 11:19, 20. Ps. 44:3, 4.
2 vowed. Ge. 28:20. Ju. 11:30. 1 Sa. 1:11. 2 Sa. 15:7, 8. Ps. 56:12, 13; 116:18; 132:2. I will. Le. 27:28, 29. De. 13:15. Jos. 6:17, 26. 1 Co. 16:22.
3 hearkened. Ps. 10:17; 91:15; 102:17. and they utterly. wyyacharem, rather with the LXX. και ανεθεματισεν, ‘and they anathematised, or devoted them to destruction;’ for it is certain that these Canaanites and Arad were not utterly destroyed till the time of Joshua. (Jos. 12:14.) the name. ch. 14:45. De. 1:44. 1 Sa. 30:30. Hormah, that is, utter destruction. Chormah, rather a devoting to destruction: so LXX. Αναθεμα, and TREMELLIUS, devotio sive anathema.
4 mount Hor. ch. 20:22, 23, 27; 33:41. by the way. ch. 14:25. De. 1:40. compass, ch. 20:18–21. De. 2:5–8. Ju. 11:18. the soul. ch. 32:7, 9. Ex. 6:9. Ac. 14:22. 1 Th. 3:3, 4. discouraged. or, grieved Heb. shortened. Ex. 6:9.
5 spake, ch. 11:1–6; 14:1–4; 16:13, 14, 41; 17:12. Ex. 14:11; 15:24; 16:2, 3, 7, 8; 17:2, 3. Ps. 68:6; 78:19. and our soul. ch. 11:6–9. Ex. 16:15, 31. Ps. 78:24, 25. Pr. 27:7.
6 Ge. 3:14, 15. De. 8:15. Is. 14:29; 30:6. Je. 8:17. Am. 9:3, 4. 1 Co. 10:9.
7 We have. Ex. 9:27, 28. 1 Sa. 12:19; 15:24, 30. Ps. 78:34. Mat. 27:4. pray. Ex. 8:8, 28. 1 Ki. 13:6. Je. 37:3. Ac. 8:24. Ja. 5:16. And Moses. ch. 11:2; 14:17–20. Ge. 20:7. Ex. 32:11, 30. De. 9:20, 26–29. 1 Sa. 12:20–23. Job 42:8, 10. Ps. 106:23. Je. 15:1. Ro. 10:1.
8 Ps. 106:43–45; 145:8.
9 a serpent of. 2 Ki. 18:4. Jno. 3:14, 15; 12:32. Ro. 8:3. 2 Co. 5:21. when he. Is. 45:22. Zec. 12:10. Jno. 1:29. He. 12:2. Jno. 3:8. he lived. Jno. 6:40. Ro. 1:17; 5:20, 21.
10 ch. 33:43–45.
11 Oboth. Probably Oboda, a city of Arabia Petræa, mentioned by PTOLEMY. PLINY assigns it to the Helmodians; but STEPHANUS to the Nabatheans. Ije-abarim. or, heaps of Abarim.
12 the valley of Zared. De. 2:13, 14, the brook Zered.
13 ver. 14; ch. 22:36. De. 2:24. Ju. 11:18. Is. 16:2. Je. 48:20.
14 in the book. Jos. 10:13. 2 Sa. 1:18. What he did. or, Vaheb in Suphah. The following seems to he the sense of this passage: ‘From Vaheb in Suphah, and the torrents of Arnon, even the effusion of the torrents, which goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth for the boundary of Moab; even from thence to the well; (which is the well of which Jehovah spake unto Moses, Gather the people, and I will give them water. Then sang Israel this song: Spring up, O well! Answer ye to it. The well, princes digged it; even nobles of the people digged it, by a decree, upon their borders;) and from the wilderness (or the well, as in LXX.) to Mattanah; and from Mattanah,’etc. The whole of this, from ver. 14–20, is a fragment from ‘the book of the wars of Jehovah,’ probably a book of remembrances or directions written by Moses for the use of Joshua, and describes the several boundaries of the land of Moab. This rendering removes every obscurity, and obviates every difficulty.
15 Ar. ver. 28. De. 2:9, 18, 29. Is. 15:1. lieth. Heb. leaneth.
16 Beer. Ju. 9:21. Gather. ch. 20:8. Ex. 17:6. Is. 12:3; 41:17, 18; 43:20; 49:10. Jno. 4:10, 14; 7:37–39. Re. 21:6; 22:1, 17.
17 sang. Ex. 15:1, 2. Ju. 5:1. Ps. 105:2; 106:12. Is. 12:1, 2, 5. Ja. 5:13. Spring up. Heb. ascend. sing ye. or, answer.
18 princes. 2 Ch. 17:7–9. Ne. 3:1, 5. 1 Ti. 6:17, 18. the lawgiver. De. 5:31; 33:4. Is. 33:22. Jno. 1:17. Ja. 4:12. And from. ch. 33:45–47.
20 country. Heb. field, ch. 22:1; 26:63; 33:49, 50. De. 1:5. to the. ch. 23:14. De. 3:27; 4:49; 34:1. Pisgah. or, the hill. Jeshimon. or, the wilderness. ch. 23:28.
21 ch. 20:14–19. De. 2:26–28. Ju. 11:19–21.
22 ch. 20:17.
23 Sihon would. De. 2:30–32; 29:7, 8. Jahaz. Ju. 11:20. Is. 15:4. Je. 48:34.
24 Israel. ch. 32:1–4, 33–42. De. 2:31–37; 29:7. Jos. 9:10; 12:1–3; 13:8–10; 24:8. Jos. 11:21–23; 12:1, 2; 24:8. Ne. 9:22. Ps. 135:10–12; 136:19. Am. 2:9. Arnon. See on ver. 13. Ge. 32:22. De. 3:16.
25 dwelt. ver. 31; ch. 32:33–42. De. 2:12. in Heshbon. Heshbon was situated, according to EUSEBIUS, twenty miles east of Jordan; and JEROME, who places it at the same distance, says it was, in his time, a very considerable city. It still subsists, in ruins, under the name of Heshban. Ca. 7:4. Is. 15:4; 16:8, 9. Je. 48:2, 34, 45. villages. Heb. daughters. Eze. 16:46, 49, 53.
26 Arnon. Arnon is a stream which takes its rise in the mountains of Moab, and, by a north-west course, during which it receives the waters of several streams, runs into the Dead sea. It is now called Wady Modjeb, and divides the province of Belka from that of Kerek, as it formerly divided the kingdoms of the Moabites and Amorites. Its principal source is at a short distance to the north-east of Katrane, a station of the Syrian Hadj, where it called Seyl Sayde; and lower down it receives the name of Esseim el Kereim, or Szefye.
27 ver. 14. Is. 14:4. Hab. 2:6.
28 a fire. Ju. 9:20. Is. 10:16. Je. 48:45, 46. Am. 1:4, 7, 10, 12, 14; 2:2, 5. Ar of Moab. See on ver. 15. De. 2:9, 18. Is. 15:1, 2.
29 Ju. 11:24. 1 Ki. 11:7, 33. 2 Ki. 23:13. Je. 48:7, 13, 46. 1 Co. 8:4, 5.
30 have shot. Ge. 49:23. 2 Sa. 11:24. Ps. 18:14. Dibon. ch. 32:34. Jos. 13:17. Is. 15:2, 9. Je. 48:18, 22.
31 ch. 32:33–42. De. 3:16, 17. Jos. 12:1–6; 13:8–12.
32 Jaazer. ch. 32:1, 35. Is. 16:8, 9. Je. 48:32. Jazer.
33 they turned. De. 3:1–6; 29:7. Jos. 13:12. Bashan. De. 32:14. Ps. 22:12; 68:15. Is. 33:9. Eze. 27:6; 39:18. Am. 4:1. Og. ch. 32:33. De. 1:4; 3:1; 4:47; 29:7. Jos. 9:10; 12:4; 13:30.
34 Fear him. ch. 14:9. De. 3:2, 11; 20:3; 31:6. Jos. 10:8, 25. Is. 41:13. for I have. De. 3:3; 7:24. Jos. 8:7. Ju. 11:30. 1 Sa. 23:4. 2 Sa. 5:19. 1 Ki. 20:13, 28. 2 Ki. 3:18. thou shalt. ver. 24. Ps. 135:10, 11. as thou. ver. 24, 25.
35 De. 3:3–17; 29:7, 8. Jos. 12:4–6; 13:12. Ps. 135:10–12; 136:17–21. Ro. 8:37.


  CHAP. 22

  Balak’s first message for Balaam is refused, 1–14. His second message obtains him, 15–21. An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his ass, 22–35. Balak entertains him, 36–41.

1 the children. ch. 21:20; 33:48–50; 36:13. De. 34:1, 8. on this side. ch. 32:19; 34:15. De. 1:5; 3:8. Jos. 3:16.
2 ch. 21:3, 20–35. Ju. 11:25.
3 Ex. 15:15. De. 2:25. Jos. 2:10, 11, 24; 9:24. Ps. 53:5. Is. 23:5.
4 elders. ver. 7; ch. 25:15–18; 31:8. Jos. 13:21, 22. Now shall. ch. 24:17. Je. 48:38. And Balak. ver. 2. Ju. 11:25.
5 sent. De. 23:4. Jos. 13:22; 24:9. Ne. 13:1, 2. Mi. 6:5. 2 Pe. 2:15, 16, son of Bosor. Jude 11. Re. 2:14. Pethor. Dr. KENNICOTT justly remarks, that “the description now given of Balaam’s residence, instead of being particular, agrees with any place, in any country where there is a river; for he lived by ‘Pethor, which is by the river of the land of his people.’ But was Pethor, then, near the Nile in Egypt? Or in Canaan, near Jordan? Or in Mesopotamia, near the Euphrates, and belonging to the Ammonites? This last was in fact the case; and therefore, it is well that twelve Hebrew MSS. (with two of DE ROSSI’S) confirm the Samaritan text here, in reading instead of âmmo, ‘his people,’ Ammon, with the Syriac and Vulgate versions.” HOUBIGANT justly contends for this reading; and necessity urges the propriety of adopting it: and it thus agrees with De. 23:4. PTOLEMY calls Pethor, Pachura, and EUSEBIUS, Pathura; who places it in upper Mesopotamia. CALMET is of opinion, that it was situated towards Thapsacus, beyond the Euphrates. ch. 23:7. De. 23:4. they cover. Ge. 13:16. Ex. 1:7–10. Ps. 105:24. face. Heb. eye.
6 curse me. ch. 23:7, 8; 24:9. Ge. 12:3; 27:29. De. 23:4. Jos. 24:9. 1 Sa. 17:43. Ne. 13:2. Ps. 109:17, 18. I wot. 1 Ki. 22:6, 8, 13. Ps. 109:28. Pr. 26:2. Is. 47:12, 13. Eze. 13:6. Ac. 8:9, 10; 16:16.
7 rewards of divination. 1 Sa. 9:7, 8. Is. 56:11. Eze. 13:19. Mi. 3:11. Ro. 16:18. 1 Ti. 6:9, 10. Tit. 1:11. 2 Pe. 2:15. Jude 11.
8 ver. 19, 20; ch. 12:6; 23:12. Je. 12:2. Eze. 33:31.
9 God. ver. 20. Ge. 20:3; 31:24; 41:25. Da. 2:45; 4:31, 32. Mat. 7:22; 24:24. Jno. 11:51. What men. Ge. 3:9–11; 4:9; 16:8. Ex. 4:2. 2 Ki. 20:14, 15.
10 See on ver. 4–6.
11 able to overcome them. Heb. prevail in fighting against them.
12 Balaam, Thou shalt. ver. 20. Job 33:15–17. Mat. 27:19. thou shalt not curse. ver. 19; ch. 23:3, 13–15, 19, 23. Mi. 6:5. for they. ch. 23:20. Ge. 12:2; 22:16–18. De. 23:5; 33:29. Ps. 144:15; 146:5. Ro. 4:6, 7; 11:29. Ep. 1:3.
13 for the Lord. ver. 14. De. 23:5.
14 Balaam refuseth. ver. 13, 37.
15 princes. ver. 7, 8. Ac. 10:7, 8.
16 Let nothing, etc. Heb. Be not thou letted from, etc.
17 I will promote. ch. 24:11. De. 16:9. Es. 5:11; 7:9. Mat. 4:8, 9; 16:26. and I will do. ch. 23:2, 3, 29, 30. Mat. 14:7. come. ver. 6. curse me. An erroneous opinion prevailed, both in those days and in after ages, that some men had the power, by the help of their gods, to devote, not only particular persons, but cities and whole armies, to destruction. This they are said to have done sometimes by words of imprecation; of which there was a set form among some people, which ÆSCHINES calls διοριζομενην αραν, ‘the determinate curse.’ MACROBIUS has a whole chapter on this subject. He gives us two of the ancient forms used in reference to the destruction of Carthage; the first, which was only pronounced by the dictator, or general, was to call over the protecting deities to their side, and the other to devote the city to destruction, which they were supposed to have abandoned. The Romans held, that no city would be taken till its tutelary god had forsaken it; or if it could be taken, it would be unlawful, as it would be sacrilege to lead the gods into captivity. VIRGIL intimates, that Troy was destroyed because Excessere omnes adytis, arisque relictis dii, quibus imperium hoc steterat, ‘All the gods, by whose assistance the empire had hitherto been preserved, forsook their altars and temples.’ See more on this subject in Dr. A. CLARKE, Bp. PATRICK, and BURDER’S Oriental Customs, No. 734.
18 If Balak. ch. 24:13. Tit. 1:16. I cannot. ch. 23:26; 24:13. 1 Ki. 22:14. 2 Ch. 18:13. Da. 5:17. Ac. 8:20.
19 See on ver. 7, 8. 1 Ti. 6:9, 10. 2 Pe. 2:3, 15. Jude 11.
20 God. See on ver. 9. If the men. 1 Sa. 8:5–9; 12:12–19. Ps. 81:12. Eze. 14:2–5. 2 Th. 2:9–12. but yet. ver. 35; ch. 23:12, 26; 24:13. Ps. 33:10, 11; 78:30, 31. Is. 37:29. Ho. 13:11.
21 Pr. 1:15, 16.
22 God’s. 2 Ki. 10:20. Ho. 1:4. and the angel. ver. 35. See on Ge. 48:15, 16. Ex. 3:2–6. Ho. 12:4, 5. stood. ver. 32. Ex. 4:24. La. 2:4.
23 the ass saw. 2 Ki. 6:17. 1 Ch. 21:16. Da. 10:7. Ac. 22:9. 1 Co. 1:27–29. 2 Pe. 2:16. Jude 11. the ass turned. Je. 8:7.
25 crushed Balaam’s. Job 5:13–15. Is. 47:12.
26 where was no way. Is. 26:11. Ho. 2:6.
27 and Balaam’s anger. Pr. 14:16; 27:3, 4.
28 the Lord opened. And where is the wonder of all this? If the ass had opened her own mouth, and reproved the rash prophet, we might well be astonished; but when God opens the mouth, an ass can speak as well as a man. It is to no purpose to speak of the construction of the ass’s mouth, of the formation of the tongue and jaws being unfit for speaking; for an adequate cause is assigned for this wonderful effect, ‘The Lord opened the mouth of the ass;’ and no one who believes in a God, can doubt of his power to do this and much more. Ex. 4:11. Lu. 1:37. 1 Co. 1:19. 2 Pe. 2:16. What have I. Ro. 8:22.
29 for now would. Pr. 12:10, 16. Ec. 9:3.
30 the ass said. 2 Pe. 2:16. upon which thou hast ridden. Heb. who hast ridden upon me. ever since I was thine. or, ever since thou wast, unto, etc. 1 Co. 1:27, 28.
31 opened. ch. 24:4, marg. 16. Ge. 21:19. 2 Ki. 6:17–20. 1 Ch. 21:16. Lu. 24:16, 31. Ac. 26:18. bowed down. Ex. 34:8. Ps. 9:20. Jno. 18:6. fell flat on his face. or, bowed himself.
32 Wherefore. ver. 28. De. 25:4. Ps. 36:6; 145:9; 147:9. Jon. 4:11. withstand thee. Heb. be an adversary unto thee. ver. 22. thy way. De. 23:4. Pr. 28:6. Mi. 6:5. Ac. 13:10. 2 Pe. 2:14, 15. before me. See on ver. 20, 22, 35. Ex. 3:2–6. Pr. 14:2; 28:18.
33 surely. ch. 14:37; 16:33–35. 1 Ki. 13:24–28.
34 I have sinned. Ex. 9:27; 10:16, 17. 1 Sa. 15:24, 30; 24:17; 26:21. 2 Sa. 12:13. Job 34:31, 32. Ps. 78:34. Mat. 27:4, 5. if it displease thee. Heb. be evil in thine eyes. See on ver. 12; ch. 11:1. 1 Ch. 21:7. Pr. 24:18, margins. I will get. Job 34:31, 32.
35 Go. See on ver. 20. Ps. 81:12. Is. 37:26–29. 2 Th. 2:9–12. I shall speak. See on ver. 20, 21.
36 went. Ge. 14:17; 18:2; 46:29. Ex. 18:7. 1 Sa. 13:10. Ac. 28:15. the border. ch. 21:13, 14. De. 2:24; 3:8. Ju. 11:18. Is. 16:2. Je. 48:20.
37 I am not able. ver. 16, 17; ch. 24:11. Ps. 75:6. Mat. 4:8, 9. Lu. 4:6. Jno. 5:44.
38 have I. ver. 18. Ps. 33:10; 76:10. Pr. 19:21. Is. 44:25; 46:10; 47:12. the word. ch. 23:16, 26; 24:13. 1 Ki. 22:14. 2 Ch. 18:13.
39 Kirjath-huzoth. or, a city of streets. Probably Rabbath-Moab, now called Rabba, the capital of the Moabites; and being the royal city, distinguished by its streets.
40 ch. 23:2, 14, 30. Ge. 31:54. Pr. 1:16.
41 high places. Bamoth baal, ‘the high places of Baal,’ probably the same as Bamoth mentioned in ch. 21:19, 20; evidently not far from Baal-meon, in the mountains of Abarim: for the Israelites were now encamped in the plains of Moab, which these mountains overlook. Baal, which signifies a lord or governor, was a name common to many idols; and probably here was the same as Chemosh, the god of Moab. ch. 25:2, 3. De. 12:2. 2 Ch. 11:15. Je. 48:35. utmost. ch. 23:13.


  CHAP. 23

  Balak’s sacrifices, 1–6, 13–17, 25–30. Balaam’s parables, 7–12, 18–24.

1 Build me. ver. 29. Eze. 33:31. Jude 11. seven altars. Ex. 20:24; 27:1, etc. 1 Sa. 15:22. 2 Ki. 18:22. Ps. 50:8, 9. Pr. 15:8. Is. 1:11–15. Mat. 23:14. seven oxen. ch. 29:32. 1 Ch. 15:26. 2 Ch. 29:21. Job 42:8. Eze. 45:23.
2 offered. ver. 14, 30.
3 Stand. ver. 15. burnt. Ge. 8:20; 22:2, 7, 8, 13. Ex. 18:12. Le. ch. 1. peradventure. ver. 15; ch. 22:8, 9, 31–35; 24:1. went to an high place. or, went solitary.
4 God. ver. 16; ch. 22:9, 20. I have prepared. See on ver. 1. Is. 58:3, 4. Mat. 20:12. Lu. 18:12. Jno. 16:2. Ro. 3:27. Ep. 2:9.
5 ver. 16; ch. 22:35. De. 18:18. Pr. 16:1, 9. Is. 51:16; 59:21. Je. 1:9. Lu. 12:12. Jno. 11:51.
6 ver. 3.
7 he took. ver. 18; ch. 24:3, 15, 23. Job 27:1; 29:1. Ps. 78:2. Eze. 17:2; 20:49. Mi. 2:4. Hab. 2:6. Mat. 13:33, 35. Mar. 12:12. parable. The word mashal, which as a verb is to rule, have authority, and also to compare, as a noun signifies whatever is expressed in parabolic or figurative language. All these oracular speeches of Balaam are in hemistich metre in the original. They are highly dignified and sublime; and may be considered as immediate poetic productions of the Spirit of God. (ch. 24:2.) Aram. ch. 22:5. Ge. 10:22; 28:2, 7. De. 23:4. Come. ch. 22:6, 11, 17. Pr. 26:2. defy Israel. 1 Sa. 17:10, 25, 26, 36, 45. 2 Sa. 21:21; 23:9.
8 ver. 20, 23. Is. 44:25; 47:12, 13.
9 the people. They shall ever be a distinct nation. This prophecy has been literally fulfilled, through a period of 3300 years, to the present day. dwell alone. Ex. 19:5, 6; 33:16. De. 33:28. Es. 3:8. 2 Co. 6:17. Tit. 2:14. 1 Pe. 2:9. shall not. De. 32:8. Ezr. 9:2. Je. 46:28. Am. 9:9. Ro. 15:8–10. Ep. 2:12–14.
10 can count. Ge. 13:16; 22:17; 28:14. the dust. i.e. the posterity of Jacob, which was to be so numerous as to resemble the dust. the fourth. ch. 2:9, 16, 24, 31. me. Heb. my soul, or, my life. the death. Ps. 37:37; 116:15. Pr. 14:32. Is. 57:1, 2. Lu. 2:29, 30. 1 Co. 3:21, 22; 15:53–57. 2 Co. 5:1. Phi. 1:21–23. 2 Ti. 4:6–8. 2 Pe. 1:13–15. Re. 14:13.
11 See on ver. 7, 8; ch. 22:11, 17; 24:10. Ps. 109:17–20.
12 ver. 20, 26; ch. 22:38; 24:13. Pr. 26:25. Ro. 16:18. Tit. 1:16.
13 unto. 1 Ki. 20:23, 28. Mi. 6:5. utmost. ch. 22:41. and curse me. Jos. 24:9. Ps. 109:17. Ja. 3:9, 10.
14 Pisgah. or, the hill. ch. 21:20. De. 3:27, marg.; 4:49; 34:1, marg. built seven. ver. 1, 2, 29. Is. 1:10, 11; 46:6. Ho. 12:11.
15 ver. 3; ch. 22:8.
16 See on ver. 5; ch. 22:35; 24:1.
17 What. ver. 26. 1 Sa. 3:17. Je. 37:17.
18 Rise up. Ju. 3:20.
19 God. 1 Sa. 15:29. Ps. 89:35. Hab. 2:3. Mal. 3:6. Lu. 21:33. Ro. 11:29. Tit. 1:2. He. 6:18. Ja. 1:17. or hath he. 1 Ch. 17:17. Mi. 7:20.
20 he hath. ch. 22:12. Ge. 12:2; 22:17. I cannot. ch. 22:18, 38. Jno. 10:27–29. Ro. 8:38, 39. 1 Pe. 1:5.
21 hath not. Ps. 103:12. Is. 1:18; 38:17. Je. 50:20. Ho. 14:2–4. Mi. 7:18–20. Ro. 4:7, 8; 6:14; 8:1. 2 Co. 5:19. the Lord. Ex. 13:21; 29:45, 46; 33:14–16; 34:9. Ju. 6:13. 2 Ch. 13:12. Ps. 23:4; 46:7, 11. Is. 8:10; 12:6; 41:10. Eze. 48:35. Mat. 1:23. 2 Co. 6:16. the shout. Ps. 47:5–7; 89:15, 18; 97:1; 118:15. Is. 33:22. Lu. 19:37, 38. 2 Co. 2:14.
22 God. ch. 22:5; 24:8. Ex. 9:16; 14:18; 20:2. Ps. 68:35. the strength. De. 33:17. Job 39:10, 11. Ps. 22:21. unicorn. The reaim, most probably denotes the rhinoceros, so called from the horn on its nose. In size he is only exceeded by the elephant; and in strength and power inferior to none. He is at least twelve feet in length, from the snout to the tail; six or seven feet in height; and the circumference of the body is nearly equal to his length. He is particularly distinguished from all other animals by the remarkable and offensive weapon he carries on his nose; which is very hard horn, solid throughout, directed forward. He principally feeds upon large succulent plants, prickly shrubs, and branches; and delights in marshy places.
23 no enchantment. ch. 22:6; 24:1. Ge. 3:15. Mat. 12:25, 27; 16:18. Lu. 10:18, 19. Ro. 16:20. Re. 12:9. against. or, in. according. Ps. 44:1–3; 136:13–20. Is. 63:9–12. Da. 9:15. Mi. 6:4, 5; 7:15. What hath. Ps. 31:19; 64:9; 126:2, 3. Is. 41:4. Jno. 11:47. Ac. 4:16; 5:12, 14; 10:38; 15:12. Ga. 1:23, 24. 1 Th. 1:8, 9.
24 as a great. ch. 24:8, 9. Ge. 49:9. De. 33:20. Ps. 17:12. Pr. 30:30. Is. 31:4. Am. 3:8. Re. 5:5. he shall. ch. 24:17. Ge. 49:27. Da. 2:44. Mi. 5:8, 9. Zec. 10:4, 5; 12:6. Re. 19:11–21.
25 Ps. 2:1–3.
26 ver. 12, 13; ch. 22:18, 38; 24:12, 13. 1 Ki. 22:14. 2 Ch. 18:13. Ac. 4:19, 20; 5:29.
27 Come. ver. 13. peradventure. See on ver. 19, 20. Job 23:13. Pr. 19:21; 21:30. Is. 14:27; 46:10, 11. Mal. 3:6. Ro. 11:29.
28 Jeshimon. ch. 21:20.
29 See on ver. 1, 2.


  CHAP. 24

  Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel, 1–9. Balak, in anger, dismisses him, 10–14. He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations, 15–25.

1 saw. ch. 22:13; 23:20; 31:16. 1 Sa. 24:20; 26:2, 25. Re. 2:14. at other times. ch. 23:3, 15. to seek for enchantments. Heb. to the meeting of enchantments. ch. 23:23.
2 abiding. ver. 5; ch. 2:2, etc.; 23:9, 10. Ca. 6:4, 10. the spirit. ch. 11:25–29. 1 Sa. 10:10; 19:20, 23. 2 Ch. 15:1. Mat. 7:22; 10:4, 8. Lu. 10:20. Jno. 11:49–51.
3 he took up. See on ch. 23:7, 18. whose eyes are open hath said. Heb. who had his eyes shut, but now opened. ver. 4, 16; ch. 22:31.
4 saw. See on ch. 12:6. Ge. 15:12. Ps. 89:19. Da. 8:26, 27. Ac. 10:10, 19; 22:17. 2 Co. 12:1–4. falling. ch. 22:31. 1 Sa. 19:24. Eze. 1:28. Da. 8:17, 18; 10:15, 16. Re. 1:10, 17.
6 as gardens. Ge. 2:8–10; 13:10. Ca. 4:12–15; 6:11. Is. 58:11. Je. 31:12. Joel 3:18. as the trees. Ahalim, ‘lign-aloe trees.’ This tree, which grows in the East Indies, is described as being eight or ten feet in height, with a stem the thickness of a man’s thigh. At the top grows a large tuft of jagged and thick leaves, thick and indented, broad at the bottom, but growing narrower towards the point, and about four feet in length. The blossoms are red, intermingled with yellow, and double like cloves; from which comes a red and white fruit, of the size of a pea, oblong and triangular, with three apartments filled with seed. The tree has a very beautiful appearance; and a forest of them is said to bear a resemblance to a numerous encampment. Ps. 1:3. Je. 17:18. which the. Ps. 104:16. Is. 41:19. as cedar. Ps. 92:12–14. Eze. 31:3, 4; 47:12.
7 pour. Ps. 68:26. Pr. 5:16–18. Is. 48:1. many waters. Ps. 93:3, 4. Je. 51:13. Re. 17:1, 15. his king. Ezr. 4:20. Ps. 2:6–10; 18:43. Jno. 1:49. Phi. 2:10, 11. Re. 19:16. Agag. 1 Sa. 15:8, 9, 32, 33. his kingdom. 2 Sa. 5:12. 1 Ki. 4:21. 1 Ch. 14:2. Is. 2:2; 9:7. Da. 2:44. Re. 11:15.
8 God. ch. 21:5; 23:22. shall eat. ch. 14:9; 23:24. De. 7:1. break. Ps. 2:9. Is. 38:13. Je. 50:17. Da. 6:24. pierce. De. 32:23, 42. Ps. 21:12; 45:5. Je. 50:9.
9 couched. Ge. 49:9. Job 38:39, 40. who shall. See on ch. 23:24. Job 41:10. Ps. 2:12. Blessed. Ge. 12:3; 27:29. Ps. 122:6. Mat. 25:40, 45. Ac. 9:5.
10 he smote. Job 27:23. Eze. 21:14, 17; 22:13. I called. ch. 22:6, 11, 17; 23:11. De. 23:4, 5. Jos. 24:9, 10. Ne. 13:2.
11 I thought. ch. 22:17, 37. the Lord. Mat. 19:28–30. Ac. 8:20. Phi. 3:8. He. 11:24–26. 1 Pe. 5:2, 3. 2 Jno. 8.
12 See on ch. 22:18, 38.
14 I will advertise. ver. 17; ch. 31:7–18. Mi. 6:5. Re. 2:10, 14. the latter. Ge. 49:1. Is. 24:22. Je. 48:47; 49:39. Da. 2:28; 10:14. Ho. 3:5. Ac. 2:17. 2 Ti. 3:1.
15 ver. 3, 4; ch. 23:7, 18. Job 27:1. Mat. 13:35.
16 See on ver. 4. 2 Sa. 23:1, 2. 1 Co. 8:1; 13:2.
17 I shall see him. The Targum of ONKELOS translates this passage in the following manner: ‘I shall see him, but not now; I shall behold him, but he is not near. When a king shall arise from the house of Jacob, and the Messiah be anointed from the house of Israel; he shall slay the princes of Moab, and rule over all the children of men.’ The marginal references will direct the reader to the fulfilment of these remarkable prophecies. Job 19:25–27. Zec. 12:10. Jude 11, 14, 15. Re. 1:7. a Star. Mat. 2:2–9. Lu. 1:78. 2 Pe. 1:19. Re. 22:16. a Sceptre. Ge. 49:10. Ps. 45:6; 78:70–72; 110:2. Is. 9:7. Lu. 1:32, 33. He. 1:8. smite the corners of Moab. or, smite through the princes of Moab. 1 Sa. 14:38, marg. Zec. 10:4. Moab. 2 Sa. 8:2. 2 Ki. 3:5, 26, 27. 1 Ch. 18:2. Je. 48:45. all the children. Ge. 4:25, 26; 5:3–29. Seth. Ps. 72:8–11. Re. 11:15.
18 Ge. 27:29, 40. 2 Sa. 8:14. Ps. 60, title, 8–12. Is. 34:5; 63:1. Am. 9:12.
19 of Jacob. Ge. 49:10. Ps. 2:1–12; 72:10, 11. Is. 11:10. Mi. 5:2, 4. Mat. 28:18. 1 Co. 15:25. Ep. 1:20–22. Phi. 2:10, 11. He. 1:8. 1 Pe. 3:22. Re. 19:16. shall destroy. Ps. 21:7–10. Mat. 25:46. Lu. 19:12, 27.
20 the first of the nations. or, the first of the nations that warred against Israel. Ex. 17:8, 16. his latter end. Ju. 6:3. 1 Sa. 14:48; 15:3–8; 27:8, 9; 30:1, 17. 1 Ch. 4:43. Es. 3:1; 7:9, 10; 9:14. shall be that he perish for ever. or, shall be even to destruction. Ex. 17:14. 1 Sa. 15:3, 8.
21 the Kenites. Ge. 15:19. Ju. 1:16. Job 29:18.
22 the Kenite. Heb. Kain. until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. or, how long shall it be ere Asshur carry thee away captive? Ge. 10:11. Ezr. 4:2. Ps. 83:8. Ho. 14:3.
23 when God. ch. 23:23. 2 Ki. 5:1. Mal. 3:2.
24 Chittim. Ge. 10:4. Is. 23:1. Da. 7:19, 20; 8:5–8, 21; 10:20; 11:30. and shall afflict Eber. Ge. 10:21–25; 14:13. Da. 9:26, 27. Mat. 24:15. Lu. 20:24; 23:29–31. Jno. 11:48. and he also. Da. 2:35, 45; 7:23–26. 11:45. Re. 18:2–24.
25 ver. 11; ch. 31:8. Jos. 13:22.


  CHAP. 25

  Israel at Shittim commit whoredom and idolatry, 1–5. Phinehas kills Zimri and Cozbi, 6–9. God therefore gives him an everlasting priesthood, 10–15. The Midianites are to be vexed, 16–18.

1 Shittim. ch. 33:49. Jos. 2:1; 3:1. Mi. 6:5. the people. ch. 31:15, 16. Ec. 7:26. 1 Co. 10:8.
2 they called. Ex. 34:15, 16. Jos. 22:17. 1 Ki. 11:1–8. Ps. 106:28 Ho. 9:10. 1 Co. 10:20, 27, 28. 2 Co. 6:16, 17. Re. 2:14. bowed. Ex. 20:5; 23:24. Jos. 23:7, 16. 1 Ki. 19:18.
3 joined. ver. 5. De. 4:3, 4. Jos. 22:17. Ps. 106:28, 29. Ho. 9:10. the anger. Jos. 22:17. Ju. 2:14, 20. Ps. 90:11. Je. 17:4.
4 all the heads. ver. 14, 15, 18. Ex. 18:25. De. 4:3. Jos. 22:17; 23:2. and hang. Dr. KENNICOTT remarks, that the Samaritan and Hebrew texts must be united to make the sense of this verse complete: ‘And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto all the heads of the people; and let them slay the men that were joined to Baal-peor; and hang them up before the Lord, against the sun,’ etc. De. 13:6–9, 13, 15; 21:23. 2 Sa. 21:6, 9. Es. 7:9, 10. that the fierce. ver. 11. De. 13:17. Jos. 7:25, 26. Ps. 85:3, 4. Jon. 3:9.
5 judges. Ex. 18:21, 25, 26. Slay ye. Ex. 22:20; 32:27, 28. De. 13:6, 9, 13, 15; 17:3–5. 1 Ki. 18:40.
6 a Midianitish. ver. 14, 15; ch. 22:4; 31:2, 9–16. in the sight of Moses. ch. 15:30, 31. De. 29:19–21. Je. 3:3; 8:12; 36:23; 42:15–18; 43:4–7; 44:16, 17. 2 Pe. 2:13–15. Jude 13. weeping. Ju. 2:4. Ezr. 9:1–4; 10:6–9. Is. 22:12. Eze. 9:4–6. Joel 2:17.
7 Phinehas. Ex. 6:25. Jos. 22:30, 31. Ju. 20:28. a javelin. 1 Sa. 18:10, 11; 19:9.
8 thrust. ver. 5, 11. Ps. 106:29–31. So the plague. ch. 16:46–48. 2 Sa. 24:25. 1 Ch. 21:22.
9 St. PAUL reckons only 23,000 Moses includes in the 24,000 he names, the 1000 men who were slain in consequence of the judicial examination, (ver. 4,) as well as the 23,000 who died of the plague; while St. PAUL only refers to the latter. ver. 4, 5; ch. 16:49, 50. De. 4:3, 4. 1 Co. 10:8.
11 turned my. Jos. 7:25, 26. 2 Sa. 21:14. Ps. 106:23. Jno. 3:36. for my sake. Heb. with my zeal. 2 Co. 11:2. that I. Ex. 22:5; 34:14. De. 4:24; 29:20; 32:16, 21. Jos. 24:19. 1 Ki. 14:22. Ps. 78:58. Eze. 16:38. Na. 1:2. Zep. 1:18; 3:8. 1 Co. 10:22.
12 Ne. 13:29. Mal. 2:4, 5; 3:1.
13 his seed. 1 Sa. 2:30. 1 Ki. 2:27. 1 Ch. 6:4–15, 50–53. an everlasting. Ex. 40:15. Is. 61:6. Je. 33:18, 22. He. 7:11, 17, 18. 1 Pe. 2:5, 9. Re. 1:6. zealous. 1 Ki. 19:10, 14. Ps. 69:9; 106:31; 119:139. Jno. 2:17. Ac. 22:3–5. Ro. 10:2–4. atonement. Ex. 32:30. Jos. 7:12. 2 Sa. 21:3. He. 2:17. 1 Jno. 2:2.
14 a prince. ver. 4, 5. 2 Ch. 19:7. chief house. Heb. house of a father. the Simeonites. ch. 1:23; 26:14.
15 Zur. ch. 31:8. Jos. 13:21.
17 Balaam’s counsel seems to have been first given to Balak, king of Moab; but probably the Midianitish women, especially of the higher ranks, as Cozbi was, were the principal tempters; and the nation of Midian seems to have come into the execrable measure more generally and heartily than that of Moab: they were therefore first selected to be made examples of, for a warning to the Moabites, who wore spared at this time. ch. 31:2. Re. 18:6.
18 vex you. ch. 31:15, 16. Ge. 26:10. Ex. 32:21, 35. Re. 2:14. beguiled. Ge. 3:13. 2 Co. 11:3. 2 Pe. 2:14, 15, 18. which. ver. 8.


  CHAP. 26

  The sum of all Israel is taken in the plains of Moab, 1–51. The law of dividing among them the inheritance of the land, 52–56. The families and number of the Levites, 57–62. None was left of them which were numbered at Sinai, but Caleb and Joshua, 63–65.

1 ch. 25:9.
2 The plague having swept away the last of that devoted generation, which provoked the Lord to ‘swear in his wrath that they should not enter’ Canaan; he now, after an interval of 38 years, commands another census of the Israelites to be made, to preserve the distinction of families, and to regulate the tribes previous to their entry into the promised land, as well as to ascertain the proportion of land which should be allotted to each tribe. For, though the whole was divided by lot, yet the portions were so disposed, that a numerous tribe did not draw where the lots assigned small inheritances, or the contrary. See on ch. 1:2, 3. Ex. 30:12; 38:25, 26.
3 ver. 63; ch. 22:1; 31:12; 33:48; 35:1. De. 4:46–49; 34:1, 6, 8.
4 ch. 1:1. 1 Ch. 21:1.
5 the eldest. Ge. 29:32; 49:2, 3. 1 Ch. 5:1. the children. Ge. 46:8, 9. Ex. 6:14. 1 Ch. 5:3.
7 ver. 1, 21; ch. 2:11. Ge. 46:9.
9 ch. 1:16; 16:1, 2, etc. Ps. 106:17. Jude 11.
10 earth opened. ch. 16:2, 31–35, 38; 27:3. Ex. 16:35. Ps. 106:17, 18. together. The Samaritan text does not intimate that Korah was swallowed up, but that he was burnt, as appears to have been the fact; and the Psalmist also, (Ps. 106:17,) only mentions Dathan and Abiram as having been swallowed up. ‘And the earth swallowed them up, what time that company died; and the fire devoured Korah with the 250 men, who became a sign.’ they became a sign. ch. 16:38. 1 Sa. 2:34. Je. 29:22. Eze. 14:8. 1 Co. 10:6–10. 2 Pe. 2:6. Jude 7.
11 It seems to be intimated in ch. 16:27, 31–33, that the sons and the little ones of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were swallowed up; but the text here expressly affirms, that the children of Korah ‘died not;’ and their descendants were famous even in David’s time. On a close inspection, however, of ver. 27, we shall find, that the sons and the little ones of Dathan and Abiram alone are mentioned. ch. 16:5. Ex. 6:24. 1 Ch. 6:22–28. Ps. 42; 44; 45; etc., titles.
12 Nemuel. Ge. 46:10. Ex. 6:15. Jemuel. Jachin. 1 Ki. 7:21. 1 Ch. 4:24. Jarib.
13 Zerah. Ge. 46:10. Zohar.
14 The immense decrease of this tribe, no less than 37,100, renders it highly probable, that, influenced by the bad example of Zimri, the Simeonites had been peculiarly criminal in the late wickedness, and that multitudes of them had died of the plague. It is remarkable, that Moses, in De. ch. 33, bestows no blessing upon this tribe. ch. 1:22, 23; 2:12, 13.
15 Zephon. ch. 2:14. Ge. 46:16. Ziphion, Haggai, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, Areli.
16 or, Ezbon. Ge. 46:16.
17 Ge. 46:16. Arodi.
18 ch. 1:24, 25; 2:14, 15.
19 Er and Onan. Ge. 38:1–10; 46:12. 1 Ch. 2:3, etc.
20 Shelah. Ge. 38:5, 11, 14, 26–30. 1 Ch. 4:21. Pharez. Ge. 38:27–29; 46:12. Ru. 4:18–22. 1 Ch. 2:3, etc. Ne. 11:4, 6, 24, Perez. Mat. 1:3. Lu. 3:33, Phares. Zerah. Ge. 38:30; 46:12, Zarah. 1 Ch. 2:4. Ne. 11:24.
22 ch. 1:26, 27; 2:3, 4. Ge. 49:8. 1 Ch. 5:2. Ps. 115:14. He. 7:14.
23 the sons. ch. 2:5. Ge. 30:17, 18; 46:13. 1 Ch. 7:1. Pua. or, Phuvah.
24 Jashub. or, Job. Ge. 46:13.
25 threescore. ch. 1:28, 29; 2:5, 6.
26 Ge. 30:19, 20; 46:14.
27 ch. 1:30, 31; 2:7, 8.
28 Ge. 41:51, 52; 46:20; 48:5, 13–20.
29 Machir. ch. 32:39, 40; 36:1. Ge. 48:14. De. 3:15. Jos. 17:1. Ju. 5:14. 1 Ch. 7:14–19.
30 Jeezer. called Abiezer. Jos. 17:2. Ju. 6:11, 24, 34; 8:2.
33 Zelophehad. ch. 27:1; 36:10–12.
34 ch. 1:34, 35; 2:20, 21.
35 Becher. 1 Ch. 7:20, 21. Bered. Tahath. Eladah. Tahath.
37 ch. 1:32, 33; 2:18, 19.
38 sons of Benjamin. 1 Ch. 7:6–12. Ahiram. Ge. 46:2. Ehi. 1 Ch. 8:1. Aharah.
39 Shupham. Ge. 46:21. Muppim, and Huppim.
40 Ard and Naaman. 1 Ch. 8:3. Addar.
41 ch. 1:36, 37; 2:22, 23. Ge. 46:21.
42 Shuam. Ge. 46:23. Hushim.
43 ch. 1:38, 39; 2:25, 26.
44 the children of Asher. Ge. 46:17. Jimnah. Ishuah. Isui. 1 Ch. 7:30. Imnah. Isuah. Ishuai.
46 Sarah. Ge. 46:17. Serah.
47 ch. 1:40, 41; 2:27, 28.
48 the sons of Naphtali. Ge. 46:24. 1 Ch. 7:13.
49 Shillem. 1 Ch. 7:13. Shallum.
50 ch. 1:42, 43; 2:29, 30.
51 The following comparative statement will show how much some of the tribes had increased, and others had diminished, since the enumeration in ch. 1:

Now.
Before.
          1      Reuben
43,730
46,500
          2      Simeon
22,200
59,300
          3      Gad
40,500
45,650
          4      Judah
76,500
74,600
          5      Issachar
64,300
54,400
          6      Zebulun
60,500
57,400
          7      Manasseh
52,700
32,200
          8      Ephraim
32,500
40,500
          9      Benjamin
45,600
35,400
          10      Dan
64,400
62,700
          11      Asher
53,400
41,500
          12      Naphtali
45,400
53,400
Total
601,730
603,550

Thus we find there was the following increase and decrease in the several tribes:

          1      Reuben
2,770
 decrease
          2      Simeon
37,100
 decrease
          3      Gad
5,150
 decrease
          4      Judah
1,900
 increase
          5      Issachar
9,900
 increase
          6      Zebulun
3,100
 increase
          7      Manasseh
20,500
 increase
          8      Ephraim
8,000
 decrease
          9      Benjamin
10,200
 increase
          10      Dan
1,700
 increase
          11      Asher
11,900
 increase
          12      Naphtali
8,000
 decrease
Decrease in all
61,020
Increase in all
59,200
———
Decrease on the whole
1,820
———

It should be observed, that among these there was not one of the former census, except Joshua and Caleb. (See ver. 64, 65.) Thus, though there was such an amazing increase in seven tribes, yet so great was the decrease in the other five tribes, that the balance against the present censns is 1,820, as appears above. Notwithstanding the amazing increase in some, and decrease in other tribes, the same sort of proportion is kept in their several divisions; so as to keep the division in the front the largest, and that in the rear the next. ch. 1:46; 2:32. Ne. 9:23. Job. 12:9, 10, 14, 20–23. Ps. 77:20.
53 Ge. 12:2, 7. Jos. 11:23; 14:1. Ps. 49:14; 105:44. Eze. 47:22. Da. 7:27. Mat. 5:5. Re. 5:10; 21:27.
54 many. ch. 32:3, 5; 33:54. Jos. 17, 14. give the more. Heb. multiply his. give the less. Heb. diminish his.
55 by lot. ver. 56; ch. 33:54; 34:13. Jos. 11:23; 14:2; 17:14; 18:6, 10, 11; 19:1, 10, 17, 24, 32, 40. Pr. 16:33; 18:18. Ac. 1:26. Col. 1:12. Re. 7:4–8.
56 This division by lot seems to have respect only to the quarter, or situation, which each tribe was to possess, and not to the quantity or extent of land, which was to be proportioned to the numbers of each tribe, according to the register now formed. Thus, for instance, it was determined by lot which of the twelve tribes was to inherit in the south, which in the north, etc.: then, in that quarter where the lot fell, a larger or smaller portion of land was assigned them, according to the goodness of the soil, and in proportion as they were more or less numerous. Thus the decreasing of any tribe in the wilderness, proved the decrease of their future political importance and affluence in all succeeding ages. This equal division of property was, under God, the great bulwark and strength of the Hebrew commonwealth. According to the most exact calculations, Canaan contained 14,976,000 acres; which, divided among 600,000 men, will allow of more than 21 acres and a half to each, with a remainder of 1,976,000 acres for the princes of tribes, Levitical cities, etc.: so that there was an ample provision to enable each person, with all the advantages of that fertile country and fine climate, to live, if not in affluent, yet in very comfortable circumstances. Canaan lies between lat. 31° and 33° 30´ N., and long. 35° and 37° E.; its length, from the city of Dan to Beersheba, is about 200 miles; and its breadth, from the shores of the Mediterranean to the eastern borders, about 90. The Canaanites, the descendants of Canaan, son of Ham, and the original inhabitants of the land, were divided into seven principal nations,—the Amorites, Hittites, Jebusites, Girgashites, Canaanites, Perizzites, and Hivites, and formed themselves into almost as many kingdoms as they had cities. After their defeat by the Israelites, such as escaped the sword became tributary; but in process of time, having seduced them to their idolatries, they recovered many of the strongest places in the country; and even formed themselves into a mighty kingdom in Galilee. They were, however, again defeated by Barak, but were not finally subdued till the reign of David and Solomon; the latter of whom employed 153,600 in the most servile parts of the work of building the temple, palace, etc. Ro. 11:7. 1 Co. 12:4.
57 these are. ch. 35:2, 3. Ge. 46:11. Ex. 6:16–19. 1 Ch. 6:1, 16, etc. of Gershon. See on ch. 3; 4.
58 ch. 3:17–21; 16:1.
59 Ex. 2:1, 2; 6:20. Le. 18:12.
60 ch. 3:2, 8.
61 ch. 3:4. Le. 10:1, 2. 1 Ch. 24:1, 2.
62 those that. ch. 1:49; 3:39; 4:47, 48; 18:20–24; 35:2–8. De. 10:9; 14:27–29; 18:1, 2. Jos. 13:14, 33; 14:3. they were not. See on ch. 1:49. because. ch. 18:20–24; 35:2–8. De. 10:9; 14:27–29; 18:1, 2. Jos. 13:14, 33; 14:3.
63 See on ver. 3.
64 ch. 1; 2. De. 2:14, 15; 4:3, 4. 1 Co. 10:5.
65 They shall. ch. 14:23, 24, 28–30, 35, 38. Ex. 12:37. De. 2:14, 15; 32:49, 50. Ps. 90:3–7. Ro. 11:22. 1 Co. 10:5, 6. He. 3:17, 18. Jude 5. save Caleb. See on ch. 14:30, 38.


  CHAP. 27

  The daughters of Zelophehad sue for an inheritance, 1–5. The law of inheritances, 6–11. Moses, being told of his death, sues for a successor, 12–17. Joshua is appointed to succeed him, 18–23.

1 the daughters. In the orders for the division of the land, just given, no provision had been made for females, in case of failure of male issue. The five daughters of Zelophehad, therefore, considered themselves as destitute, having neither father nor brother, and being themselves entirely overlooked; and they agreed to refer the case to Moses and the rulers, whether it were not equitable that they should inherit their father’s portion. This led to the enactment of an additional law to the civil code of Israel, which satisfactorily ascertained and amply secured the right of succession in cases of inheritance. This law, which is as reasonable as it is just, stands thus:1. On the demise of the father, the estate descends to the sons. 2. If there be no son, the daughters succeed. 3. If there be no daughter, the brothers of the deceased inherit. 4. If there be no brethren, or paternal uncles, the estate goes to the grand uncles, or brothers of his father. 5. If there be no grand uncles, then the nearest of kin succeeds to the inheritance. Beyond this fifth degree the law does not extend, because there must always have been some among the Israelites who could be called kinsmen. Zelophehad. ch. 26:33; 36:1–12. Jos. 17:3–6. 1 Ch. 7:15. Ga. 3:28.
2 ch. 15:33, 34. Ex. 18:13, 14, 19–26. De. 17:8–10.
3 ROSENMULLER translates this verse as follows: ‘Our father died in the wilderness, leaving no sons; nor was he among those who rebelled against the Lord with Korah, who died on account of his own sin.’ Professor DATHE, however, understands by ‘his own sin,’ that sin which was common to all the Israelites, who died on account of their unbelief. died in the. ch. 14:35; 26:64, 65. in the company. ch. 16:1–3, 19, 32–35, 49; 26:9, 10. died in his. Eze. 18:4. Jno. 8:21, 24. Ro. 5:12, 21; 6:23.
4 Why. Ex. 32:11. Ps. 109:13. Pr. 13:9. done away. Heb. diminished. Give. Jos. 17:4.
5 ch. 15:34. Ex. 18:15–19; 25:22. Le. 24:12, 13. Job 23:4. Pr. 3:5, 6.
6 Ps. 68:5, 6. Ga. 3:28.
7 ch. 36:1, 2. Ps. 68:5. Je. 49:11. Ga. 3:28.
11 kinsman. Le. 25:25, 49. Ru. 4:3–6. Je. 32:8. a statute. ch. 35:29. 1 Sa. 30:25.
12 mount. ch. 33:47, 48. De. 3:27; 32:49; 34:1–4.
13 thou also. ch. 31:2. See on Ge. 25:8, 17. as Aaron. ch. 20:24–28; 33:38. De. 10:6; 32:50.
14 ye rebelled. ch. 20:8–13. De. 1:37; 32:51, 52. Ps. 106:32, 33. Meribah. ch. 20:1, 13, 24. Ex. 17:7.
16 the Lord. Yehowah elohey haroochoth lechol basar, ‘Jehovah, the God of the spirits of all flesh.’ This address sufficiently proves, that this holy man believed man to be compounded of flesh and spirit, and that these principles are perfectly distinct. Either the materiality of the soul is a human fable, or, if it be a true doctrine, Moses did not pray under the influence of the Divine Spirit. There is a similar form of expression in ch. 16:22: ‘O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh;’ and in Job 12:10, ‘In whose hand is the soul (nephesh) of all living; and the spirit (rooach) of all flesh of man. These seem decisive proofs, among many others, that the Old Testament teaches that there ia an immortal spirit in man; for though rooach sometimes denotes breath or wind, yet it certainly has not that signification here, nor in the other passages cited. the God. ch. 16:22. He. 12:9. set a man. De. 31:14. 1 Sa. 12:13. 1 Ki. 5:5. Je. 3:15; 23:4, 5. Eze. 34:11–16, 23; 37:24. Mat. 9:38. Jno. 10:11. Ac. 20:28. 1 Pe. 5:2–4.
17 go out. De. 31:2. 1 Sa. 8:20; 18:13. 2 Sa. 5:2. 1 Ki. 3:7. 2 Ch. 1:10. Jno. 10:3, 4, 9. as sheep. 1 Ki. 22:17. 2 Ch. 18:16. Eze. 34:5. Zec. 10:2; 13:7. Mat. 9:36; 10:6; 15:24. Mar. 6:34. 1 Pe. 2:25.
18 Take thee. See on ch. 11:28; 13:8, 16. Ex. 17:9. De. 3:28; 31:7, 8, 23; 34:9. a man. ch. 11:17. Ge. 41:38. Ju. 3:10; 11:29. 1 Sa. 16:13, 14, 18. Da. 5:14. Jno. 3:34. Ac. 6:3. 1 Co. 12:4–11. lay. ver. 23. De. 34:9. Ac. 6:6; 8:15–19; 13:3; 19:6. 1 Ti. 4:14; 5:22. He. 6:2.
19 give him. De. 31:7. Lu. 9:1–5; 10:2–11. Ac. 20:28–31. Col. 4:17. 1 Ti. 5:21; 6:13–17. 2 Ti. 4:1–6.
20 put some. ch. 11:17, 28, 29. 1 Sa. 10:6, 9. 2 Ki. 2:9, 10, 15. 1 Ch. 29:23, 25. may be. Jos. 1:16–18.
21 he shall. Jos. 9:14. Ju. 1:1; 20:18, 23, 26–28. 1 Sa. 22:10; 23:9; 28:6; 30:7. Urim. Ex. 28:30. Le. 8:8. De. 33:8. 1 Sa. 28:6. Ezr. 2:63. Ne. 7:65. at his word. See on ver. 17. Jos. 9:14. 1 Sa. 22:10–15.
23 See on ver. 19. De. 3:28; 31:7, 8.


  CHAP. 28

  Offerings are to be observed, 1, 2. The continual burnt offering, 3–8. The offering on the sabbath, 9, 10; on the new moons, 11–15; at the passover, 16–25; in the dag of first-fruits, 26–31.

2 my bread. Le. 3:11; 21:6, 8. Mal. 1:7, 12. for a sweet savour unto me. Heb. savour of my rest. ch. 15:3, 7, 24. Ge. 8:21. Ex. 29:18. Le. 1:9, 13, 17; 3:11. Eze. 16:19; 20:41, marg. 2 Co. 2:15. Ep. 5:2. Phi. 4:18. in their due season. The stated sacrifices and service of the tabernacle having, probably, been greatly interrupted for several years, and a new generation having arisen, who were children or minors when the law was given respecting these ordinances; and as they were now about to enter into the promised land, where they must be established and constantly observed; God commands Moses to repeat them to the people in the following order:1. DAILY; the morning and evening sacrifices; a lamb each time. (ver. 3, 4.) 2. WEEKLY: the sabbath offerings; two lambs of a year old. (ver. 9, 10.) 3. MONTHLY: at the beginning of each month, two young bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs of a year old, and a kid for a sin offering. (ver. 11–15.) 4. ANNUAL: (1) the Passover to last seven days; the offerings, two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of a year old, and a he-goat. (ver. 16–25.) (2) The day of first-fruits: the sacrifices the same as on the beginning of the month. (ver. 26–31.) ch. 9:2, 3, 7, 13. Ex. 23:15. Ps. 81:3.
3 two lambs. Ex. 29:38, 39. Le. 6:9. Eze. 46:13–15. Jno. 1:29. 1 Pe. 1:19, 20. Re. 13:8. day by day. Heb. in a day. Da. 8:13; 11:31; 12:11.
4 and the other. 1 Ki. 18:29, 36. Ezr. 9:4, 5. Ps. 141:2. Da. 9:21. at even. Heb. between the two evenings, ch. 9:3. Ex. 12:6, marg.
5 ch. 15:4, 5. Ex. 16:36; 29:38–42. Le. 2:1.
6 a continual. Ex. 29:42. Le. 6:9. 2 Ch. 2:4; 31:3. Ezr. 3:4. Ps. 50:8. Eze. 46:14. Am. 5:25. was ordained. Ex. 24:18; 29:38–42; 31:18.
7 in the holy. Ex. 29:42. to be poured. ver. 14, 31. See on ch. 16:5, 7, 10. Ex. 29:40; 30:9. Le. 23:13. Is. 57:6. Joel 1:9, 18; 2:14. Phi. 2:17. Gr.
9 Ex. 20:8–11. Ps. 92:1–4. Is. 58:13. Eze. 20:12. Re. 1:10.
10 the burnt. Eze. 46:4, 5. the continual. ver. 23; ch. 29:6, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25, 31, 34, 38, 39.
11 in the beginnings. ch. 10:10; 15:3–11. 1 Sa. 20:5. 2 Ki. 4:23. 1 Ch. 23:31. 2 Ch. 2:4. Ezr. 3:5. Ne. 10:33. Ps. 40:6, 8; 81:3. Is. 1:13, 14; 66:23. Eze. 45:17, 18; 46:1, 6. Ho. 2:11. Am. 3:5. Ga. 4:10. Col. 2:6, 16. two young. ver. 19. He. 10:10–14.
12 ch. 15:4–12; 29:10. Eze. 46:5–7.
13 for a burnt. See on ver. 2.
15 one kid. ver. 22; ch. 15:24. Le. 4:23; 16:15. Ro. 8:3. 2 Co. 5:21. beside. See on ver. 3, 10, 11.
16 ch. 9:3–5. Ex. 12:2–11, 18, 43–49. Le. 23:5–8. De. 16:1–8. Eze. 45:21–24. Mat. 26:2, 17. Lu. 22:7, 8. Ac. 12:3, 4. 1 Co. 5:7, 8.
17 Ex. 12:15–17; 13:6. Le. 23:6.
18 Ex. 12:16. Le. 23:7, 8.
19 two young. Eze. 45:21–25. they shall. ver. 31; ch. 29:8. Le. 22:20. De. 15:21. Mal. 1:13, 14. 1 Pe. 1:19.
22 See on ver. 15.
23 See on ver. 3, 10.
25 on the seventh. Ex. 12:16; 13:6. Le. 23:8. ye shall do. ver. 18, 26; ch. 29:1, 12, 35. Le. 23:3, 8, 21, 25, 35, 36.
26 in the day. Ex. 23:16; 34:22. Le. 23:10, 15–21. De. 16:9–11. Ac. 2:1, etc. 1 Co. 15:20. Ja. 1:18.
27 two young. ver. 11, 19. Le. 23:18, 19. Bishop PATRICK observes that no peace offerings are appointed in this chapter, which were chiefly for the benefit of the offerers, and therefore in them they were left more to themselves; but burnt offerings, which were purely for the honour of God, and confessions of his dominion, and which figured evangelical piety and devotion, by which the soul is wholly offered up to God, in the flames of holy love; and sin offerings, which were typical of Christ’s sacrifice of himself, by which we and our services are perfected and sanctified.
30 ver. 15, 22; ch. 15:24. 2 Co. 5:21. Ga. 3:13. 1 Pe. 2:24; 3:18.
31 without blemish. ver. 19. Mal. 1:13, 14.


  CHAP. 29

  The offering at the feast of trumpets, 1–6; at the day of afflicting their souls, 7–11; and on the eight days of the feast of tabernacles, 12–40.

1 the seventh. That is, the month Tisri, the seventh month of their ecclesiastical year, but the first of their civil year, answering to our September. This, which was their new year’s day, was a time of great festivity, and ushered in by the blowing of trumpets; whence it was also called the feast of blowing the trumpets. In imitation of this Jewish festival, different nations began the new year with sacrifices and festivity. The ancient Egyptians did so; and the Persians also celebrated their nawee rooz, or new year’s day, which they held on the vernal equinox, and which ‘lasted ten days, during which all ranks seemed to participate in one general joy. The rich sent presents to the poor; all were dressed in their holiday clothes; all kept open house; and religions processions, music, dancing, a species of theatrical exhibition, rustic sports, and other pastimes, presented a continued round of varied amusement. Even the dead, and the ideal beings were not forgotten; rich viands being placed on the tops of houses and high towers, on the flavour of which the Peris, and spirits of their departed heroes and friends, were supposed to feast.’ After the Mohammedan conquest of Persia, the celebration of this period sensibly declined, and at last totally ceased, till the time of Jelaladdin (about A.D. 1082), who, coming to the crown at the vernal equinox, re-established the ancient festival, which has ever since been celebrated with pomp and acclamations. Le. 23:24, 25. Ezr. 3:6. Ne. 7:73. the first day of the month. The monthly sacrifices were regulated by the new moons; and it is probable that the solemn sacrifices were appointed by God, to prevent the idolatry which was usual among the heathen at this period; who expressed the most extravagant rejoicings on the first appearance of the new moon. Moses, however, used the return of the moon only as one of the most natural and convenient measures of time; and appointed sacrifices to Jehovah, to prevent the Israelites from falling into the idolatries of their heathen neighbours. In the serene climate of Arabia and Judea, its first faint crescent is, for the most part, visible to all. blowing. ch. 10:1–10. 1 Ch. 15:28. Ps. 81:3; 89:15. Is. 27:13. Zec. 9:14. Mar. 16:15, 16. Ro. 10:14–18; 15:16–19.
2 ver. 8, 36; ch. 28:19, 27. He. 10:10–14.
5 See on ch. 28:15, 22, 30.
6 the burnt. See on ch. 28:11–15. the daily. See on ch. 28:3–8. Ex. 29:38–42. Le. 6:9. according. ver. 18, 21; ch. 9:14; 15:11, 12, 24. Ezr. 3:4.
7 on the tenth. Le. 16:29–31; 23:27. afflict. Le. 16:29. Ezr. 8:21. Ps. 35:13; 126:5, 6. Is. 22:12; 58:3–5. Zec. 7:3; 12:10. Mat. 5:4. Lu. 13:3, 5. Ac. 27:9. Ro. 6:6. 1 Co. 9:27. 2 Co. 7:9–11. Ja. 4:8–10.
8 without blemish. ver. 2, 13; ch. 28:19.
9 See on ch. 15:3–12.
11 beside. Le. 16:3, 5, 9. Is. 53:10. Da. 9:24–26. He. 7:27; 9:25–28. the continual. See on ver. 6; ch. 28:3–8.
12 the fifteenth day. This was the feast of Tabernacles, kept in commemoration of their dwelling in tents in the wilderness for forty years. The first and last days were to be kept as sabbaths, on which there were solemn assemblies; and for seven days sacrifices were offered. On the other festivals, two bullocks sufficed, (ch. 28:11, 19, 27), and on the festival at the beginning of this month, only one was appointed; but, on the first day of this festival, thirteen young bullocks were appointed; and so on each successive day, with the decrease of only one bullock, till on the seventh day, there were only seven, making in all seventy bullocks. The lambs, and the rams also, were in a double proportion to the number sacrificed at any other festival. This was an expensive service; but more easy at this time of the year than any other, as Bishop PATRICK observes, because now their barns were full, and their wine-presses overflowed; and their hearts might well be supposed to be more enlarged than at other times, in thankfulness to God for the multitude of his mercies. The Jewish doctors give this reason for the daily diminution of the number of the bullocks: the whole number, say they, was according to the languages of the seventy nations of the world; and the diminution of one every day signified, that there should be a gradual diminution of those nations till all things were brought under the government of the Messiah; in whose days ‘no sacrifices shall remain, but those of thanksgiving, prayer, and praise.’ Ex. 23:16; 34:22. Le. 23:33–43. De. 16:13, 14. Ne. 8:14, 18. Eze. 45:25. Zec. 14:16–19. Jno. 1:14. He. 11:9–13.
13 thirteen young bullocks. ver. 2, 8; ch. 28:11, 19, 27. Ezr. 3:4. He. 10:12–14. At this feast thirteen bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs, were to be offered. It is worthy of remark, that in each of the seven days of this feast one bullock is to be abated, so that on the seventh day (ver. 32) they were to offer seven bullocks, but the rams and lambs were every day alike; which appointment might signify a diminishing and wearing away of the legal offerings, to lead them to the spiritual and reasonable service, by presenting their own bodies a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable unto God. Ro. 12:1.
16 See on ver. 11.
17 ver. 13, 20, etc. Ps. 40:6; 50:8, 9; 51:16, 17; 69:31. Is. 1:11. Je. 7:22, 23. Ho. 6:6. Ro. 12:1. He. 8:13; 9:3–14.
18 after the manner. That is, after the manner already prescribed, ver. 3, 4, 6, 9, 10; ch. 15:4–12; 28:7, 14.
19 ver. 11, 22, 25. Am. 8:14.
21 after the manner. ver. 18.
22 drink offering. Ps. 16:4. Joel 1:9, 13; 2:14.
25 See on ver. 11. Jno. 8:31. Ac. 13:43. Ro. 2:7. Ga. 2:5; 6:9. 2 Th. 3:13. He. 3:14; 10:39; 13:15.
35 eighth day. Though this day was properly a distinct festival, and esteemed the chief or high day of the feast, yet fewer sacrifices are appointed for it than for any of the foregoing seven. On every one of them two rams and fourteen lambs were offered; but on this day there were but half as many; and whereas seven bullocks were the fewest that were offered on any of those days, on this there was only one. At this feast, there was an extraordinary ceremony of which the rabbins inform us, namely, the drawing water out of the pool of Siloam, and pouring it, mixed with wine, on the sacrifice as it lay on the altar. This they are said to have done with such expressions of joy, that it became a common proverb, ‘He that never saw the rejoicing of drawing of water, never saw rejoicing in all his life.’ The Jews pretend to ground this custom on the following passage of Isaiah, (ch. 12:3,) ‘With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation;’ and to this ceremony Jesus is supposed to refer, when ‘in the last day, the great day of the feast, he stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink: he that believeth on me, as the Scripture saith, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water,’ (Jno. 7:37, 38:) thereby calling off the people from their carnal mirth and festive and pompous ceremonies, to seek spiritual refreshment for their minds. Le. 23:36. Jno. 7:37–39. Re. 7:9–17.
39 do. or, offer. in your set feasts. It appears from the account in these two chapters, that there were annually offered to God, at the public charge, independently of a prodigious number of voluntary, vow, aud trespass offerings, 15 goats, 21 kids, 72 rams, 132 bullocks, and 1101 lambs. But how little is all this compared with the lambs slain every year at the passover. Cestius, the Roman general, asked the priests how many persons had come to Jerusalem at their annual festivals: the priests, numbering the people by the lambs that had been slain, said, ‘twenty-five myriads, 5000, and 600.’ Le. 23:2. 1 Ch. 23:31. 2 Ch. 31:3. Ezr. 3:5. Ne. 10:33. Is. 1:14. beside your vows. ch. 6:21. Le. 7:11, 16, etc.; 22:21–23; 23:28. De. 12:6. 1 Co. 10:31.
40 Ex. 40:16. De. 4:5. Mat. 28:20. Ac. 20:27. 1 Co. 15:3. He. 3:2, 5.


  CHAP. 30

  Vows are not to be broken, 1, 2. The exceptions of a maid’s vows, 3–5; of a wife’s, 6–8; of a widow’s, or her that is divorced, 9–16.

1 ch. 1:4–16; 7:2; 34:17–28. Ex. 18:25. De. 1:13–17.
2 If a man, Tho preceding chapters had treated of sacrifices required by law; and in the laws here delivered in respect to vows must have been very useful, as they both prevented and annulled rash vows, and provided a proper sanction for the support and performance of those which were rationally made, and which were made to the Lord. vow a vow. ch. 21:2. Ge. 28:20–22. Le. 27:2, etc. De. 23:21, 22. Ju. 11:11, 30, 31, 35, 36, 39. Ps. 15:3; 56:12; 76:11; 119:106. Pr. 20:25. swear. Ex. 20:7. Le. 5:4. Mat. 5:33, 34; 14:7–9. Ac. 23:12. 2 Co. 1:23; 9:9–11. to bind. ver. 3, 4, 10. Mat. 23:16, 18. Gr. Ac. 23:12, 14, 21. break. Heb. profane. Ps. 55:20, marg. he shall do. Job 22:27. Ps. 22:25; 50:14; 66:13, 14; 116:14, 18. Ec. 5:4, 5. Na. 1:15.
4 See on ver. 2.
5 Ho. 6:6. Mat. 15:4–6. Mar. 7:10–13. Ep. 6:1.
6 she vowed. Heb. her vows were upon her. Ps. 56:12.
8 Ge. 3:16. 1 Co. 7:4; 14:34. Ep. 5:22–24.
9 Le. 21:7. Lu. 2:37. Ro. 7:2.
12 her husband hath made. 1 Co. 11:3. and the Lord. ver. 5, 8; ch. 15:25, 28.
13 and every. 1 Co. 11:3, 9. 1 Pe. 3:1–6. to afflict. See on ch. 29:7. Le. 16:29; 23:27, 32. Ezr. 8:21. Ps. 35:13. Is. 58:5. 1 Co. 7:5.
14 ver. 7.
15 he shall bear. ver. 5, 8, 12. Le. 5:1. Ga. 3:28.
16 ch. 5:29, 30. Le. 11:46, 47; 13:59; 14:54–57; 15:32, 33.


  CHAP. 31

  The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain, 1–12. Moses is wroth with the officers, for saving the women alive, 13–18. How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified, 19–24. The proportion in which the prey is to be divided, 25–47. The voluntary oblation unto the treasury of the Lord, 48–54.

2 Avenge. ver. 3; ch. 25:17, 18. De. 32:35. Ju. 16:24, 28–30. Ps. 94:1–3. Is. 1:24. Na. 1:2. Lu. 21:22. Ro. 12:19; 13:4. 1 Th. 4:6. He. 10:30. Re. 6:10; 18:20; 19:2. the Midianites. ch. 25:6, 14–18. Ge. 25:1–4. Ex. 2:16. gathered. ch. 27:13. Ge. 15:15; 25:8, 17. Ju. 2:10. Ac. 13:36.
3 Arm some. Ex. 17:9–13. avenge the Lord. It was God’s quarrel, not their own, that they were now to take up. These people were idolaters, and had seduced the Israelites to practise the same abominations. Idolatry is an offence against God; and the civil power has no authority to meddle with what belongs to Him, without especial directions, certified, as in this case, in the most unequivocal manner. Private revenge, ambition, or avarice were to have no place in this business: Jehovah is to be avenged; and through Him, the children of Israel, (ver. 2,) because they were nearly ruined by their idolatries. If Jehovah, instead of punishing sinners by earthquakes, pestilence, or famine, is pleased expressly to command any person or people to avenge his cause, this commission justifies, nay sanctifies, war, massacre, or devastation. Though none can at present shew such a commission, yet the Israelites could; and it is therefore absurd to censure Moses, Joshua, and Israel, for the dreadful slaughter made by them. God himself passed sentence of condemnation, and employed them merely as ministers of his vengeance; and unless it could be proved that the criminals did not deserve their doom, or that God had no right to punish his rebellious creatures, such objectors only shew their enmity to God by becoming the unsolicited advocates of his enemies. ch. 25:11, 13. Ex. 17:16. Le. 26:25. Ju. 5:2, 23. 2 Ki. 9:7; 10:30. Je. 46:10; 50:28.
4 Of every tribe a thousand. Heb. A thousand of a tribe. a thousand of a tribe. a thousand. Le. 26:8. Ju. 7:2. 1 Sa. 14:6.
6 a thousand. Twelve thousand in all—a small number in proportion to all Israel, or to the forces which they had to encounter. As they were nnder the conduct of captains of thousands and hundreds, they probably had no general; for Phinehas seems to have accompanied them simply to take charge of ‘the holy instruments;’ probably the ark and silver trumpets. Phinehas. ch. 25:7–13. the holy instruments. ch. 14:44; 33:20–22. Ex. 25:9. Jos. 6:4–6, 13–15. 1 Sa. 4:4, 5, 17; 14:18; 23:9. 2 Sa. 11:11. to blow. ch. 10:8, 9. 2 Ch. 13:12–15.
7 all. De. 20:13, 14. Ju. 21:11. 1 Sa. 27:9. 1 Ki. 11:15, 16. the males. Ju. 6:1, 2, 33.
8 the kings. ch. 22:4. Jos. 13:21, 22. Zur. ch. 25:15, 18. Balaam. ch. 22:10; 24:25. Jos. 13:22. Ps. 9:16; 10:2. 1 Ti. 6:9, 10. 2 Pe. 2:15. Jude 11. Re. 2:14; 19:20.
9 ver. 15, 16. De. 20:14. 2 Ch. 28:5, 8–10.
10 Jos. 6:24. 1 Sa. 30:1. 1 Ki. 9:16. Is. 1:7. Re. 18:8.
11 De. 20:14. Jos. 8:2.
12 the plains of Moab. See on ch. 22:1.
13 went forth. Ge. 14:17. 1 Sa. 15:12; 30:21. without the camp. ver. 12, 22–24; ch. 5:2; 19:11.
14 wroth. ch. 12:3. Ex. 32:19, 22. Le. 10:16. 1 Sa. 15:13, 14. 1 Ki. 20:42. 2 Ki. 13:19. Ep. 4:26. battle. Heb. host of war.
15 De. 2:34; 20:13, 16–18. Jos. 6:21; 8:25; 10:40; 11:14. 1 Sa. 15:3. Ps. 137:8, 9. Je. 48:10. Eze. 9:6.
16 these caused. ch. 24:14; 25:1–3. Pr. 23:27. Ec. 7:26. 2 Pe. 2:15. Re. 2:14. in the matter. ch. 25:18. De. 4:3. Jos. 22:17. and there. ch. 25:9.
17 kill every male. The sword of war should spare women and children, as incapable of resisting; but the sword of justice knows no distinction, except that of guilty or not guilty, or more or less guilty. This was the execution of a righteous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women were the greatest criminals; and it may safely be said, that their lives were forfeited by their personal transgressions. With respect to the execution of the male infants, who cannot be supposed to have been guilty, God, the author and supporter of life, who has a right to dispose of it when and how he thinks proper, commanded it; and ‘shall not the Judge of all the earth do right!’ Ju. 21:11, 12. him. Heb. a male.
18 keep alive for yourselves. It has been groundlessly asserted, that Moses here authorised the Israelites to make concubines of the whole number of female children; and an insidious objection against his writings has been grounded upon this monstrous supposition. But the whole tenor of the law, and especially a statute recorded in De. 21:10–14, proves most decisively to the contrary. They were merely permitted to possess them as female slaves, educating them in their families, and employing them as domestics; for the laws concerning fornication, concubinage, and marriage, were in full force, and prohibited an Israelite even from marrying a captive, without delays and previous formalities; and if he afterwards divorced her, he was to set her at liberty, ‘because he had humbled her.’ Le. 25:44. De. 20:14; 21:10–14. 2 Ch. 28:8–10. Is. 14:2.
19 abide. Though the Israelites had acted by the commission of God, yet they had contracted pollution by touching the dead; and the spoil having been used by idolaters, must also be purified in the prescribed manner. ch. 5:2; 19:11, etc. 1 Ch. 22:8.
20 raiment. ch. 19:14–16, 22. Ge. 35:2. Ex. 19:10. that is made. Heb. instrument, or, vessel.
21 See on ch. 30:16.
23 abide. Is. 43:2. Zec. 13:9. Mal. 2:2, 3. Mat. 3:11. 1 Co. 3:13. 1 Pe. 1:7; 4:12. Re. 3:18. it shall be purified. ch. 8:7; 19:9, 17. ye shall make. Le. 11:32; 15:17. Ep. 5:26. Tit. 3:5, 6. 1 Pe. 3:21.
24 ch. 19:19. Le. 11:25; 14:9; 15:13.
26 that was taken. Heb. of the captivity.
27 two parts. Jos. 22:8. 1 Sa. 30:4, 24, 25. Ps. 68:12.
28 levy. Ge. 14:20. Jos. 6:19, 24. 2 Sa. 8:11, 12. 1 Ch. 18:11; 26:26, 27. Pr. 3:9, 10. Is. 18:7; 23:18; 60:9. Mat. 22:21. one soul. ver. 30, 47; ch. 18:26.
29 an heave. ch. 18:26. Ex. 29:27. De. 12:12, 19.
30 one portion. See ver. 42–47. flocks, or, goats. and give. ver. 28; ch. 18:24–28. 1 Co. 9:13, 14. keep the. ch. 3:7, 8, 25, 31, 36, etc.; 18:1–5, 23. 1 Ch. 9:27–29; 23:32; 26:20–27. Ac. 20:28. 1 Co. 4:2. Col. 4:17. He. 13:17.
32 the booty. It appears from the enumeration here, that the Israelites, in this war with the Midianites, took 32,000 female prisoners, 61,000 asses, 72,000 beeves, 675,000 sheep and small cattle; besides the immense number of males who fell in battle, and the women and children who were slain by the divine command. (ver. 17.) This booty was divided into equal parts, by which partition a far larger share was justly given to the warriors employed on the expedition, who were only 12,000, than to those, who being equally willing to go, were ordered to stay in the camp. Each party was to give a certain proportion to Jehovah, as their sovereign, in grateful acknowledgment that to him they owed their success. The soldiers to give to the Lord one out of every five hundred persons, beeves, asses, and sheep, (ver. 28,) and the people, who by staying at home risked nothing, and had no fatigue, were to give one out of fifty of each of the above to the Levites, who were far more numerous than the priests. (ver. 30.) The booty, its division among the soldiers and people, and the proportion given by each to the Lord and to the Levites, will be seen at one view by the following table:—

SHEEP
675,000
    To soldiers
337,500
    To God
675
    To people
337,500
    To Levites
6,750
BEEVES
72,000
    To soldiers
36,000
    To God
72
    To people
36,000
    To Levites
720
ASSES
61,000
    To soldiers
30,500
    To God
61
    To people
30,500
    To Levites
610
PERSONS
32,000
    To soldiers
16,000
    To God
32
    To people
16,000
    To Levites
320

It does not appear that a single ox, sheep, or ass, was required by Moses as his portion; or that there was any given to him by the people; and though he had a family as well as others, yet no provision was made for them above the common lot of Levites!
41 Eleazar. ver. 29–31; ch. 18:8, 19. Mat. 10:10. 1 Co. 9:10–14. Ga. 6:6. 1 Ti. 5:17. He. 7:4–6, 9–12.
47 the Levites. ch. 18:21–24. De. 12:17–19. Lu. 10:1–8. 1 Th. 5:12, 13. kept the charge. See on ver. 30. Ps. 134:1. Is. 56:10, 11.
49 charge. Heb. hand. lacketh. 1 Sa. 30:18, 19. Ps. 72:14. Jno. 18:9.
50 therefore brought. The officers of the army having mustered their men, found they had not lost a man in the contest with Midian! Penetrated with gratitude for this most remarkable interposition of Providence in their favour, they now offer to Jehovah the golden jewels which they had found among the spoil, to the amount of 16,750 shekels, equal to £37,869 16s. 5d. of our money. an oblation. Ps. 107:15, 21, 22; 116:12, 17. gotten. Heb. found, an atonement. Ex. 30:12, 15, 16. Le. 17:11.
51 ch. 7:2–6.
52 offering. Heb. heave-offering.
53 De. 20:14.
54 a memorial. ch. 16:40. Ex. 30:16. Jos. 4:7. Ps. 18:49; 103:1, 2; 115:1; 145:7. Zec. 6:14. Lu. 22:19. Ac. 10:4.


  CHAP. 32

  The Reubenites and Gadites sue for their inheritance on the east side of Jordan, 1–5. Moses reproves them, 6–15. They offer him conditions with which he is content, 16–32. Moses assigns them the land, 33–38. They conquer it, 39–42.

1 the children. ch. 2:10–15; 26:5–7, 15–18. Ge. 29:32; 30:10, 11. Jazer. ver. 3, 35; ch. 21:32. Jaazer. Jos. 13:25. 2 Sa. 24:5. Is. 16:8, 9. the place. ver. 26. Ge. 13:2, 5, 10, 11; 47:4. Je. 50:19. Mi. 7:14. 1 Jno. 2:16.
3 Ataroth. ver. 1, 34–38. Jos. 13:17. Is. 15:2–4. Je 48:22, 23. Nimrah. ver. 36. Beth-nimrah. Is. 15:6. Nimrim. Heshbon. ch. 21:25, 26, 28. Ju. 11:26. Ne. 9:22. Is. 15:4; 16:8, 9. Je. 48:2, 34, 45. Shebam. ver. 38. Shibmah. Jos. 13:19. Is. 16:8. Je. 48:32. Sibmah. Beon. ver. 38. Baal-meon.
4 ch. 21:24, 34. De. 2:24–35.
5 if we have. Ge. 19:19. Ru. 2:10. 1 Sa. 20:3. 2 Sa. 14:22. Es. 5:2. Je. 31:2. bring us. De. 1:37; 3:25, 26 Jos. 7:7.
6 shall ye sit here. 2 Sa. 11:11. 1 Co. 13:5. Phi. 2:4.
7 wherefore. ver. 9; ch. 21:4. De. 1:28. discourage. Heb. break. Ac. 21:13.
8 See on ch. 13:2–26; 14:2. De. 1:22, 23. Jos. 14:6, 7.
9 ch. 13:23–33; 14:1–10. De. 1:24–28.
10 ch. 14:11, 21, 23, 29. De. 1:34–40. Ps. 95:11. Eze. 20:15. He. 3:8–19.
11 from twenty. ch. 14:28, 29; 26:2, 64, 65. De. 1:35; 2:14, 15. because. ch. 14:24, 30. Jos. 14:8, 9. wholly followed me. Heb. fulfilled after me.
12 for. ch. 14:24, 30; 26:65. De. 1:36. Jos. 14:8, 9.
13 wander. ch. 14:33–35. De. 2:14. Ps. 78:33. until all. ch. 26:64. De. 2:15. 1 Co. 10:5. He. 3:16–19.
14 an increase. Ge. 5:3; 8:21. Ne. 9:24–26. Job 14:4. Ps. 78:57. Is. 1:4; 57:4. Eze. 20:21. Mat. 23:31–33. Lu. 11:48. Ac. 7:51, 52. to augment. De. 1:34, 35. Ezr. 9:13, 14; 10:10. Ne. 13:18. Is. 65:6, 7.
15 if ye turn. Le. 26:14–18. De. 28:15, etc.; 30:17–19. Jos. 22:16–18. 2 Ch. 7:19–22; 15:2. he will yet. ch. 14:35. Nu. 14:30–35. ye shall. Je. 38:23. Mat. 18:7. Ro. 14:15, 20, 21. 1 Co. 8:11, 12.
16 This proposal was very equitable, and it was honestly made and faithfully executed; though it did not imply that all men capable of bearing arms should go, and so leave their families and possessions defenceless, but only a sufficient detachment of them. Among the inhabitants of the land were the Ammonites, Moabites, Idumeans, and the remains of the Midianites and Amorites; and as it was impossible for the women and children to keep the defenced cities, when placed in them, many of the men of war must of course stay behind. In the last census (ch. 26), the tribe of Reuben consisted of 43,730 men; the tribe of Gad 40,500; and the tribe of Manasseh 52,700; the half of which is 26,350; which together amount to 110,580. Now, from Jos. 4:13, we learn, that of these tribes only 40,000 armed men passed over Jordan to assist their brethren: consequently 70,580 men were left behind for the defence of the women, the children, and the flocks: which was amply sufficient for this purpose, ch. 34:22. Ge. 33:17.
17 ver. 29–32. De. 3:18–20. Jos. 4:12, 13.
18 Jos. 22:4, 5.
19 we will. Ge. 13:10–12; 14:12. 2 Ki. 10:32, 33; 15:29. 1 Ch. 5:25, 26. Pr. 20:21. because. ver. 33. Jos. 12:1–6; 13:8. on this side. ver. 32; ch. 34:15. Jos. 1:14, 15.
20 De. 3:18–20. Jos. 1:13–15; 4:12, 13; 22:2–4.
22 land. De. 3:20. Jos. 10:30, 42; 11:23; 18:1. Ps. 44:1–4; 78:55. ye shall. Jos. 22:4, 9. be guiltless. Jos. 2:19. 2 Sa. 3:28. this land. De. 3:12–18. Jos. 1:15; 13:8, 29–32; 22:9.
23 if ye will. Le. 26:14, etc. De. 28:15, etc. be sure your sin. If the persons concerned prevaricated, and so imposed on men, or if they afterwards refused to fulfil their engagement, God would most certainly detect and expose their wickedness, and inflict condign punishment upon them. Of all the ways, says Dr. SOUTH, to be taken for the prevention of that great plague of mankind, Sin, there is none so rational and efficacious as to confute and baffle those motives by which men are induced to embrace it; and among all such motives, the heart of man seems to be chiefly overpowered and prevailed upon by two, viz. secrecy in committing sin, and impunity with respect to its consequences. Accordingly, Moses, in this chapter, having to deal with a company of men suspected of a base and fraudulent design, though couched under a very fair pretence, as most such designs are, endeavours to quash it in its very conception, by secretly applying himself to encounter those secret motives and arguments, which he knew were the most likely to encourage them in it. And this he does very briefly, but effectually, by assuring them, that how covertly and artificially soever they might carry on their dark project, yet their sin would infallibly find them out. Though the subject and occasion of these words are indeed particular, yet the design of them is manifestly of an universal import, as reaching the case of all transgressors, in their first entrance on any sinful act or course. Ge. 4:7; 44:16. Ps. 90:8; 139:11; 140:11. Pr. 13:21. Is. 3:11; 59:1, 2, 12. Ro. 2:9. 1 Co. 4:5.
24 ver. 16, 34, etc.
25 Jos. 1:13, 14.
27 thy servants. Jos. 4:12. armed. ver. 17. 2 Co. 10:4, 5. Ep. 6:10–18. 2 Ti. 4:7, 8. as my lord. ch. 11:28; 12:11; 36:2.
28 Jos. 1:13.
29 See on ver. 20–23.
30 Jos. 22:19.
33 Moses. See on ver. 1. De. 3:12–17; 29:8. Jos. 12:6; 13:8, etc.; 22:4. half the. ch. 34:14. 1 Ch. 5:18; 12:31; 26:32. the kingdom. ch. 21:23–35. De. 2:30–33; 3:1–8. Ps. 135:10, 11; 136:18–21.
34 Dibon. EUSEBIUS says that Dibon was a large town, near the river Arnon. BURCKHARDT says, that when he was about an hour’s distance north of the Modjeb or Arnon, he was shown to the N. E. the ruins of Diban, the ancient Dibon, situated in the low ground of the Koura, or plains of Moab. See on ver. 3; ch. 21:30; 33:45, 46. Aroer. Aroer was situated, according to EUSEBIUS, on a mountain on the north bank of the river Arnon. This is confirmed by BURCKHARDT, who says it is called Araayr, and is seated on the edge of the precipice, at the foot of which the river flows. De. 2:36. Is. 17:2.
35 Jaazer. ver. 1, 3. Jazer.
36 Beth-nimrah. Probably the same as Nimrim in Je. 48:34, and the Bethnabris mentioned by EUSEBIUS, five miles north from Livias. BURCKHARDT says, that ‘in the valley of the Jordan, south of Abou Obeida, are the ruins of Nemrim, probably the Beth-nimrah of the Scriptures.’ See on ver. 3. Nimrah. fenced cities. ver. 24.
37 Heshbon. See on ver. 3; ch. 21:27. Is. 15:4. Eleahleh. Elealeh is placed, by EUSEBIUS, a mile from Heshbon. It is now called El Aal, ‘the high,’ and is situated on a hill.
38 Nebo. Is. 46:1. Baal-meon. This town is placed, by EUSEBIUS and JEROME, nine miles from Heshbon, at the foot of mount Abarim. ch. 22:41. gave other names unto the cities. Heb. they called by names the names of the cities. ver. 3. Ge. 26:18. Ex. 23:13. Jos. 23:7. Ps. 16:4. Is. 46:1.
39 ch. 26:29. Ge. 50:23. Jos. 17:1.
40 De. 3:13–15. Jos. 13:29–31; 17:1.
41 Jair. De. 3:14. Jos. 13:30. 1 Ch. 2:21–23. Havoth-jair. Ju. 10:4. 1 Ki. 4:13.


  CHAP. 33

  The two and forty journeys of the Israelites, 1–49. The Canaanites are to be destroyed, 50–56.

1 with their armies. Ex. 12:37, 51; 13:18. under the hand. Jos. 24:5. 1 Sa. 12:8. Ps. 77:20. Mi. 6:4.
2 journeys. ch. 9:17–23; 10:6, 13. De. 1:2; 10:11.
3 they departed. Ge. 47:11. Ex. 1:11; 12:37. in the first. Ex. 12:2; 13:4. with an high. Ex. 14:8. Ps. 105:38. Is. 52:12. Mi. 2:13.
4 buried. Ex. 12:29, 30. Ps. 105:36. upon their gods. Ex. 12:12; 18:11. Is. 19:1. Zep. 2:11. Re. 12:7–9.
5 removed. Ex. 12:37. Rameses. This appears to have been the capital of the land of Goshen, and the rendezvous of the Israelites. It is placed by JEROME in the extremity of Egypt, in the Arsenoitic nome.
6 departed. Ex. 13:20. Succoth. Supposed to be the Suchæ mentioned by PLINY and the Scenas Mandrorum, in the Antonine Itinerary. The Editor of Calmet places it at Birket el Hadji, or ‘the Pilgrims’ pool,’ a few miles east of Cairo. Etham. This was evidently situated towards the north point of the Red sea. CALMET supposes it to be the same as Buthus or Butham, mentioned by HERODOTUS, who places it in Arabia, on the frontiers of Egypt.
7 they removed. ver. 8. Ex. 14:2, 9. Baal-zephon. CALMET supposes this to be the Clysma of the Greeks, and the Kolzum of the Arabians. His learned Editor thinks the true situation of Baal-zephon was some miles more northerly than the present Suez.
8 departed. Ex. 14:21, 22, etc.; 15:22–26. Etham. Called Shur in Exodus; but Dr. SHAW says that Shur is a particular district of the wilderness of Etham.
9 Ex. 15:27.
10 Elim. Ex. 16:1; 17:1.
14 Rephidim. Ex. 17:1–8; 19:2.
15 Ex. 16:1; 19:1, 2.
16 they removed. ch. 10:11–13, 33. De. 1:6. Kibroth-hattaavah. That is, the graves of lust. ch. 11:4, 34.
17 ch. 11:35.
18 they departed. ch. 12:16. Rithmah. Rithmah was a place in the wilderness of Paran, near Kadesh Barnea; probably so called from the great number of juniper trees, as the name signifies, growing in that district.
19 Rimmon-parez. Probably the same as Rimmon, a city of Judah and Simeon, Jos. 15:32; 19:7.
21 Libnah. De. 1:1. Laban. Rissah. This is supposed, apparently with good reason, by the Editor of Calmet, to be the same with the present El Arish, a village three quarters of a league from the Mediterranean, and the last stage in Syria, on the road to Egypt.
24 Shapher. The Editor of Calmet, who supposes the Israelites to be now in the regular track from Gaza to Egypt, is of opinion that mount Shapher is the ancient name of mount Cassius, Catjeh, or Catié, a huge mole of sand, almost surrounded by the Mediterranean, on which was built a temple to Jupiter Cassius. THEVENOT states, that at the village of Catié there is a well of water unpleasant for drinking; but two miles off, another whose water is good after standing a little.
30 Moseroth. This is supposed by Mr. C. TAYLOR, to be Ain el Mousa, (probably a corruption of Moseroth) or fountains of Moses, at the head of the western gulf of the Red sea, about seven or eight miles east from Suez, seven or eight days’ journey from Gaza, and five or six from Sinai. De. 10:6. Mosera.
31 Bene-jaakan. Ge. 36:27. De. 10:6. 1 Ch. 1:43.
32 Hor-hagid-gad. De. 10:7. Gudgodah.
33 Jotbathah. Mr. TAYLOR, who imagines the Israelites to be now in the track of the Mecca pilgrims, supposes Jotbathah, which is described as ‘a land of brooks of water,’ to be Callah Nahar, a torrent, said to be good water by DR. SHAW. De. 10:7. Jotbath.
34 Ebronah. Probably at Abiar Ailana, or Sat el Acaba, stations nearer Accaba.
35 Ezion-gaber. Dr. SHAW places this port on the western shore of the Elanitic gulf of the Red Sea. He says it is now called Meenah el Dsahab, or the golden port, by the Arabs; because it was from this place that Solomon sent his ships to Ophir. He supposes it to be about sixty miles from Sinai; and it is probable that it was near the present Accaba, i.e. the end (of the sea). ch. 14:25. De. 2:8. 1 Ki. 9:26; 22:48. Ezion geber. 2 Ch. 20:36.
36 wilderness of Zin. ch. 13:21; 20:1; 27:14. De. 32:51.
37 Kadesh. ch. 20:22, 23; 21:4.
38 ch. 20:24–28. De. 10:6; 32:50.
40 See on ch. 21:1–3, etc.
41 ch. 21:4.
42 Punon. Called Phainon by EUSEBIUS, who places it between Petra and Zoar. Perhaps it is the present Tafyle, mentioned by BURCKHARDT.
43 pitched in Oboth. ch. 21:10.
44 Ije-abarim. or, heaps of Abarim. ch. 21:11.
46 Dibon-gad. ch. 32:34. Is. 15:2. Je. 48:18. Almon-diblathaim. Je. 48:22. Beth-diblathaim. Eze. 6:14. Diblath.
47 the mountains. These mountains were a ridge of rugged hills east of Jordan, and north and west of the Arnon. Nebo, Pisgah, and Peor, were but different names of the hills of which they were composed. EUSEBIUS and JEROME inform us, that some part of them, as one went up to Heshbon, retained the old name of Abarim in their time; and that the part called Nebo was opposite Jericho, not far from the Jordan, six miles west from Heshbon, and seven east from Livias. Dr. SHAW describes them as ‘an exceeding high ridge of desolate mountains, no otherwise diversified than by a succession of naked rocks and precipices; rendered in some places the more frightful by a multiplicity of torrents, which fall on each side of them. This ridge is continued all along the eastern coast of the Dead sea.’ Mount Nebo is now called Djebel Attarous; and is described as a barren mountain, the highest point in the neighbourhood, with an uneven plain on the top. BURCKHARDT, Travels, 369, 370. ch. 21:20. De. 32:49; 34:1.
48 in the plains. See on ch. 22:1.
49 Beth-jesimoth. Probably the place called Bethsimath by EUSEBIUS, east of Jordan, and about ten miles south of Jericho. Jos. 13:20. Eze. 25:9. Abel-shittim. or, the plains of Shittim. This place, according to JOSEPHUS, (Ant. 7, § 1. Bell. 1. v. c. 3,) who calls it Abela, was 60 furlongs east of Jordan ch. 25:1–9. Ex. 25:5, 10, 23. Jos. 2:1.
50 ver. 48, 49.
51 De. 7:1; 9:1. Jos. 3:17.
52 Ex. 23:24, 31–33; 34:12–17. De. 7:2–5, 25, 26; 12:2, 3, 30, 31; 20:16–18. Jos. 11:11, 12; 23:7. Ju. 2:2.
53 De. 32:8. Ps. 24:1, 2; 115:16. Je. 27:5, 6. Da. 4:17, 25, 32. Mat. 20:15.
54 ye shall divide. See on ch. 26:53–56. give the more inheritance. Heb. multiply his inheritance. ch. 26:54. give the less inheritance. Heb. diminish his inheritance. in the place. Jos. 15:1–12; 16:1, etc.; 17:1, etc.; 18:11, etc.; 19:1–48.
55 shall be pricks. Ex. 23:33. De. 7:4, 16. Jos. 23:12, 13. Ju. 1:21–36; 2:3. Ps. 106:34–36. Eze. 28:24.
56 Le. 18:28; 20:23. De. 28:63; 29:28. Jos. 23:15, 16, 2 Ch. 36:17–20. Eze. 33:24–29. Lu. 21:23, 24.


  CHAP. 34

  The borders of the land, 1–15. The names of the men who shall divide the land, 16–29.

2 is the land. ch. 33:51, 53. Ge. 12:6, 7; 13:15–17; 15:16–21; 17:8. De. 1:7, 8. Ps. 78:55; 105:11. Eze. 47:14. Ac. 17:26. an inheritance. Ps. 16:5, 6. Je. 3:19. Ac. 26:18. Ep. 1:14, 18. 1 Pe. 1:3, 4.
3 south quarter Ex. 23:31. Jos. 15:1–12. Eze. 47:13, 19, etc. salt sea eastward. The lake As-phaltites, Dead sea, or Salt sea, is, according to the most authentic accounts, about 70 miles in length, and 18 in breadth. Viewing this sea from the spot where the Jordan discharges its waters into it, it takes a south-easterly direction, visible for ten or fifteen miles, when it disappears in a curve towards the east. Its surface is generally unruffled, from the hollow of the basin in which it lies scarcely admitting the free passage necessary for a strong breeze: it is, however, for the same reason, subject to whirlwinds or squalls of short duration. The mountains on each side are apparently separated by a distance of eight miles; but the expanse of water at this point has been supposed not to exceed five or six: as it advances towards the south, it evidently increases in breadth. The acrid saltness of its waters is much greater than that of the sea; and of such specific gravity that bodies will float on it that would sink in common sea-water. It is probably on this account that few fish can live in it; though the monks of St. Saba affirmed to Dr. SHAW, that they had seen fish caught in it. Ge. 14:3. Jos. 3:16; 15:2. Eze. 47:8, 18.
4 Akrabbim. Jos. 15:3. Ju. 1:36. Zin. ver. 3; ch. 13:21; 20:1; 33:36, 37. Kadesh-barnea. ch. 13:26; 32:8. Hazar-addar. Jos. 15:3, 4.
5 the river. Ge. 15:18. Jos. 15:4, 47. 1 Ki. 8:65. Is. 27:12. the sea. ver. 6, 7.
6 Jos. 1:4; 9:1; 15:12, 47; 23:4. Eze. 47:10, 15, 20.
7 north border. ver. 3, 6, 9, 10 mount Hor. ch. 33:37.
8 the entrance. ch. 13:21. Jos. 13:5, 6. 2 Sa. 8:9. 2 Ki. 14:25. Je. 39:5. Eze. 47:15–20.
9 Hazar-enan. Eze. 47:17.
11 Riblah. 2 Ki. 23:33; 25:6. Je. 39:5, 6; 52:10, 26, 27. side. Heb. shoulder. sea of Chinnereth. De. 3:17. Jos. 11:2. Chinneroth; 19:35. Mat. 14:34. Lu. 5:1. Gennesaret. Jno. 6:1. Sea of Tiberias.
12 the salt sea. ver. 3. Ge. 13:10; 14:3; 19:24–26.
13 This is the land. ver. 1. Jos. 14:1, 2.
14 ch. 32:23, 33. De. 3:12–17. Jos. 13:8–12; 14:2, 3.
15 two tribes. These two tribes inherited the dominions of Sihon and Og, the two vanquished kings of the Amorites, which extended from the Arnon to Mount Hermon. Of those countries, Moses gave to the tribe of Reuben the south-west part, which was bounded on the south by the river Arnon, on the west by Jordan, and on the north and east by the tribe of Gad. The tribe of Gad was bounded by the river Jordan and tribe of Reuben on the west, by the half tribe of Manasseh on the north, by the kingdom of the Amorites and Arabia Deserta on the east, and by the tribe of Reuben on the south. The part belonging to the tribe of Manasseh was bounded by the tribe of Gad on the south, by the sea of Galilee and part of Jordan on the west, by Hermon and Lebanon on the north, and by the mountains of Trachonitis on the east. on this side Jordan. ch. 32:32.
17 are the names. It is worthy of remark, that Moses does not follow any order hitherto used in arranging the tribes, but places them exactly in the order in which they possessed the land, and according to their fraternal relationship. Judah is first, having the first lot, in the South (Jos. ch. 15); and next him is Simeon, because his inheritance was ‘within the inheritance of the children of Judah.’ (Jos. 19:1.) Benjamin, the third, had his portion between ‘Judah and the children of Joseph.’ (Jos. 18:11.) Dan was the fourth, and his lot was westward of Benjamin. (Jos. 19:40, 41.) Manasseh and his brother Ephraim had their inheritances behind that of Benjamin. (Jos. 16:7.) Next these dwelt Zebulun and Issachar, (Jos. 19:10–17;) and then Asher and Naphtali. (Jos. 19:24–32.) Eleazar. Jos. 14:1; 19:51. Joshua. See on ch. 13:8, 16.
18 See on ch. 1:4–16.
19 Caleb. ch. 13:30; 14:6, 24, 30, 38; 26:65.
29 ver. 18. Jos. 19:51.


  CHAP. 35

  Eight and forty cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof, 1–5. Six of them are to be cities of refuge, 6–8. The laws of murder and manslaughter, 9–30. No satisfaction for murder, 31–34.

1 ch. 22:1; 26:63; 31:12; 33:50; 36:13.
2 Le. 25:32, 33. Jos. 14:3, 4; 21:2, etc. Eze. 45:1–8; 48:8, 22. 1 Co. 9:10–14.
3 Jos. 21:11. 2 Ch. 11:14. Eze. 45:2.
4 thousand cubits. The Septuagint reads δισχιλιους πηχεις, ‘two thousand cubits,’ as in the following verse; but this reading is not acknowledged by any other ancient version, except the Coptic, nor by any of the MSS. collated by KENNICOTT and DE ROSSI. Various modes have been proposed for reconciling the accounts in these two verses, which appear in general to require full as much explanation as the text itself. The explanation of MAIMONIDES is the only one that is intelligible, and appears perfectly satisfactory. ‘The suburbs,’ says he, ‘of the cities are expressed in the law to be 3000 cubits on every side, from the wall of the city and outwards. The first 1000 cubits are the suburbs; and the 2000, which they measured without the suburbs, were for fields and vineyards.’ The whole, therefore, of the city, suburbs, fields, and vineyards, may be represented by the following diagram:—

Fields and vineyards.


 Suburbs.

City.
1000 cubits.

6 six cities for refuge. ver. 13, 14. De. 4:41–43. Jos. 20:2–9; 21:3, 13, 21, 27, 32, 36, 38. Ps. 9:9; 62:7, 8; 142:4, 5. Is. 4:6. Mat. 11:28. He. 6:18. to them ye shall add. Heb. above them ye shall give.
7 Jos. 21:3–42. 1 Ch. 6:54–81.
8 possession. Ge. 49:7. Ex. 32:28, 29. De. 33:8–11. Jos. 21:3. from them. ch. 26:54; 33:54. Ex. 16:18. 2 Co. 8:13, 14. he inheriteth. Heb. they inherit.
10 ch. 34:2. Le. 14:34; 25:2. De. 12:9; 19:1, 2.
11 ye shall appoint. As the goel, or kinsman, had a right to avenge the death of his relation, by slaying the murderer wherever he found him, the appointment of these cities was a humane institution for the protection of the involuntary homicide; for they were designed only for the protection of such. See on ver. 6. Jos. 20:2. unawares. Heb. by error. ver. 22, 23. Ex. 21:13. De. 4:42; 19:4, 5.
12 from the avenger. ver. 19, 25–27. De. 19:6. Jos. 20:3–6, 9. 2 Sa. 14:7. until he stand. ver. 24. De. 19:11, 12. Jos. 20:4–6.
13 six cities. ver. 6.
14 three cities. De. 4:41–43; 19:8–10. Jos. 20:7–9.
15 ch. 15:16. Ex. 12:49. Le. 24:22. Ro. 3:29. Ga. 3:28.
16 if he smite. ver. 22–24. De. 19:11–13. the ver. 30–33. Ge. 9:5, 6. Ex. 21:12–14. Le. 24:17.
17 throwing a stone. Heb. a stone of the hand. Ex. 21:18.
19 ver. 12, 21, 24, 27. De. 19:6, 12. Jos. 20:3, 5.
20 if he thrust. Ge. 4:5, 8. 2 Sa. 3:27; 13:22, 28, 29; 20:10. 1 Ki. 2:5, 6, 31–33. Pr. 26:24; 28:17. Lu. 4:29. by laying. Ex. 21:14. De. 19:11. 1 Sa. 18:10, 11, 25; 19:9–12; 20:1; 23:7–9; 24:11. Ps. 10:7–10; 11:2; 35:7, 8; 57:4–6. Pr. 1:18, 19. Mar. 6:19, 24–26. Ac. 20:3; 23:21.
22 ver. 11. Ex. 21:13. De. 19:5. Jos. 20:3, 5.
24 See on ver. 12. Jos. 20:6.
25 abide in it. ver. 28. Jos. 20:6. Ro. 3:24–26. Ep. 2:16–18. He. 4:14–16; 7:25–28; 9:12–15. 10:19–22. anointed. Ex. 29:7. Le. 4:3; 8:12; 21:10.
26 After the manslayer had been received into the city of refuge, the avenger of blood could only act as prosecutor; and the magistrates, in the presence of the people, were appointed to decide the cause according to the rules here laid down. Probably the accused person was tried at or near the place where the deceased had been slain, and where evidence could most easily be brought: and in case he was acquitted by the decision of the judges, and with the approbation of the people, he was conveyed back to the city of refuge, where he was protected as a kind of prisoner at large, till the death of the high priest; when the public loss, and the grief occasioned by it, might be supposed to swallow up all personal regrets and resentments: and then he was permitted to return to his house and estate. But if, in the mean while, he ventured to leave the city, and the avenger met him and slew him, he was supposed to merit his doom by thus neglecting the appointment of God for his preservation, and the avenger must not be punished. This shews that in other cases, if the avenger slew an innocent man on surmise, he was liable to the punishment of a murderer; but if, by the testimony of two credible witnesses, the man who had fled to the city of refuge was adjudged guilty, he must without fail be put to death.
27 he shall not be guilty of blood. Heb. no blood shall be to him. Ex. 22:2. De. 19:6, 10.
28 he should. Jno. 15:4–6. Ac. 11:23; 27:31. He. 3:14; 6:4–8; 10:26–30, 39. after the death. He. 9:11, 12, 15–17.
29 See on ch. 27:1, 11.
30 De. 17:6, 7; 19:15. Mat. 18:16. Jno. 8:17, 18. 2 Co. 13:1. 1 Ti. 5:19. He. 10:28. Re. 11:3.
31 Moreover. Ge. 9:5, 6. Ex. 21:14. De. 19:11–13. 2 Sa. 12:13. 1 Ki. 2:28–34. Ps. 51:14, 16. guilty of death. Heb. faulty to die.
32 Ac. 4:12. Ga. 2:21; 3:10–13, 22. Re. 5:9. The region east of Jordan was nearly as long as that on the west, and therefore three cities were appointed in each division. One or other of these cities would be within half a day’s journey of every part of the land; and as it would rarely happen that the avenger of blood would be on the spot, and none had a right to assault or detain the manslayer, at least if no malicious intention was manifest, the unhappy men would, therefore, get the start of their adversaries, and very few of them be overtaken before they gained the place of refuge. But then they must forsake their families, employments, most important interests, and dearest comforts; and they must neither loiter nor yield to weariness, nor regard difficulties, nor slacken their pace, till they had got safe within the walls of the city. The Jewish writers inform us, that, to afford every facility to those who thus fled for their life, the road to these cities was always preserved in good repair; and way-posts, upon which was inscribed REFUGE, were placed wherever needful, that they might not so much as hesitate for a moment.
33 it defileth. Le. 18:25. De. 21:1–8, 23. 2 Ki. 23:26; 24:4. Ps. 106:28. Is. 26:21. Eze. 22:24–27. Ho. 4:2, 3. Mi. 4:11. Mat. 23:31–35. Lu. 11:50, 51. the land cannot be cleansed. Heb. there can be no expiation for the land.
34 Defile not. ch. 5:3. Le. 20:24–26. I dwell. Ps. 135:21. Is. 57:15. Ho. 9:3. 2 Co. 6:16, 17. Re. 21:3, 27. dwell among. ch. 5:3. Ex. 25:8; 29:45, 46. 1 Ki. 6:13. Ps. 132:14. Is. 8:12.


  CHAP. 36

  The inconvenience of the inheritance of daughters is remedied by marrying in their own tribes, 1–6, lest the inheritance should be removed from the tribe, 7–9. The daughters of Zelophehad marry their father’s brothers’ sons, 10–13.

1 Gilead. ch. 26:29–33; 27:1. Jos. 17:2, 3. 1 Ch. 7:14–16.
2 The Lord commanded. To one division of the tribe of Manasseh, a portion had been assigned eastward of Jordan; but Zelophehad was of that division, to which an inheritance was afterwards allotted west of Jordan; yet, expecting the promised land, the elders of the Manassites now propose a difficulty, upon the adjudged case of Zelophehad’s daughters. (ch. 27:1–11.) If the females should inherit, in defect of male issue, and should intermarry with other tribes they would diminish the interest, and weaken the influence of their own tribes, and give occasion to future confusion, and perhaps contention. The Manassites therefore referred the case to Moses; and he, by the authority of God, annexed a clause, which would effectually keep the tribes and inheritances distinct, as long as it was observed. Heiresses were not allowed to marry out of their own tribe, though within those bounds they might consult their own inclinations. ch. 26:56, 56; 27:1–7; 33:54. Jos. 13:6; 14:1, 2; 17:3. to give. ch. 27:1, 7. Jos. 17:3–6. Job 42:15.
3 whereunto they are received. Heb. unto whom they shall be.
4 Le. 25:10–18, 23. Is. 61:2. Lu. 4:18, 19.
5 hath said well. ch. 27:7. De. 5:28.
6 marry. Heb. be wives. only to the family. ver. 12. Ge. 24:3, 57, 58. 2 Co. 6:14.
7 for every one. That is, he shall not endeavour to obtain any part of the inheritance of another tribe by marrying an heiress. keep himself. Heb. cleave. ver. 9. 1 Ki. 21:3.
8 every daughter. 1 Ch. 23:22.
10 Ex. 39:42, 43. Le. 24:23. 2 Ch. 30:12. Mat. 28:20.
11 ch. 27:1.
12 into the families. Heb. to some that were of the families.
13 the commandments. Le. 7:37, 38; 11:46; 13:59; 14:54–57; 15:32, 33; 27:34. in the plains of Moab. ch. 26:3; 33:50; 35:1.


CONCLUDING REMARKS

Thus terminates the book of Numbers; a book containing a series of the most astonishing providences and events. Every where and in every circumstance God appears; and yet there is no circumstance or occasion which does not justify those signal displays of his grace and mercy; and in every relation we perceive the consistency of the divine intentions, and the propriety of those laws which he established.


B. Blayney, Thomas Scott, and R.A. Torrey with John Canne, Browne, The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, vol. 1 (London: Samuel Bagster and Sons, n.d.), 91–122.