Exodus 19:1--40:38
third <07992> [A.M. 2513. B.C. 1491. An. Ex. Is. 1. Sivan. the third.]
came <0935> [came.]
Rephidim <07508> [Rephidim.]
Desert ......... desert <04057> [the desert.]
Mount Sinai, called by the Arabs Jibbel Mousa, the Mountain of Moses, and sometimes by way of eminence, El Tor, the Mount, is a range of mountains in the peninsula formed by the gulfs of the Red Sea. It consists of several peaks, the principal of which are Horeb and Sinai; the former, still called Oreb, being on the west, and the latter, called Tur Sina, on the east, at the foot of which is the convent of St. Catherine. Dr. Shaw conceives that the wilderness of Sinai, properly so called, is that part which is to the eastward of this mount; so that the removal of the Israelites from Rephidim, which was on the West, to the desert of Sinai, was only removing from one part of the mountain to another.
camped ...... camped <02583> [camped.]
up <05927> [went up.]
called <07121> [called.]
seen <07200> [seen.]
lifted .... eagles <05375 05404> [I bare you.]
diligently listen <08085> [if ye.]
keep <08104> [keep.]
special possession <05459> [a peculiar.]
earth <0776> [all the earth.]
kingdom <04467> [a kingdom.]
holy <06918> [and an.]
elders <02205> [the elders.]
set <07760> [and laid.]
come <0935> [Lo.]
people ......................... people <05971> [that the.]
believe <0539> [believe.]
sanctify <06942> [sanctify.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
boundaries <01379> [set bounds.]
Take heed <08104> [Take.]
touch ..... touches <05060> [or touch.]
beast <0929> [whether.]
ram's horn <03104> [when the trumpet. or, cornet.]
sanctified <06942> [and sanctified.]
Be ready <01961 03559> [Be ready.]
third <07969> [the third.]
near ... wives <05066 0802> [come not.]
thunder ............. sound <06963> [thunders.]
dense <03515> [thick.]
thunder ............. sound <06963> [voice.]
people <05971> [all the people.]
Mount Sinai ............................... mountain <05514 02022> [mount Sinai.]
[See on ver.]
fire <0784> [in fire.]
smoke ...... smoke <06227> [as the smoke.]
Mount ................................ mountain <02022> [whole.]
sound ................... voice <06963> [And when.]
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
God <0430> [God.]
Lord ... down ............. Lord <03068 03381> [the Lord came.]
Moses ......... Moses ... up <04872 05927> [Moses went up.]
solemnly <05749> [charge. Heb. contest.]
force <02040> [break.]
priests <03548> [the priests.]
sanctify <06942> [sanctify.]
break through <06555> [break.]
Set boundaries <01379> [Set bounds.]
up ..................... up <05927> [and thou.]
priests <03548> [but let.]
break through <06555> [lest.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
brought <03318> [brought.]
land ...... house <0776 01004> [out of the.]
slavery <05650> [bondage. Heb. servants.]
bow down <07812> [bow down.]
Lord <03068> [for I.]
responding <06485> [visiting.]
reject <08130> [of them.]
showing <06213> [shewing.]
love .... keep <0157 08104> [love me.]
take ................. guiltless <05375> [take.]
guiltless <05352> [guiltless.]
seventh <07637> [the seventh.]
do <06213> [thou shalt.]
male servant <05650> [thy manservant.]
resident foreigner <01616> [thy stranger.]
Honor <03513> [Honour.]
time <03117> [that thy.]
neighbor's house ....... neighbor's ....................... neighbor <07453 01004> [thy neighbour's house.]
wife <0802> [wife.]
neighbor's ........ neighbor's ....................... neighbor <07453> [is thy neighbour's.]
people ........................ people <05971> [And all.]
trembled <05128> [they removed.]
speak ....... listen ....... speak <01696 08085> [Speak thou.]
God <0430> [let not.]
fear ... God <03372 0430> [Fear not.]
test <05254> [prove.]
fear <03374> [his fear.]
people <05971> [the people.]
thick darkness <06205> [thick.]
spoken <01696> [I have talked.]
altar <04196> [altar.]
burnt offerings <05930> [burnt.]
place <04725> [in all places.]
bless <01288> [will bless thee.]
make <06213> [And.]
build .... stones shaped with tools <01496 01129> [build it of hewn stone. Heb. build them with hewing.]
nakedness <06172> [thy nakedness.]
decisions <04941> [the judgments.]
set <07760> [which.]
Hebrew <05680> [an Hebrew.]
seventh <07637> [and in the.]
himself ....... himself <01610> [by himself. Heb. with his body.]
servant <05650> [And if.]
<0559> [shall plainly say. Heb. saying shall say.]
judges <0430> [the judges.]
pierce ... ear <0241 07527> [bore his ear.]
This significant ceremony was intended as a mark of permanent servitude, and was calculated to impress the servant with the duty of hearing all his master's orders, and obeying them punctually.
forever <05769> [for ever.]
sells <04376> [sell.]
go out <03318> [go out.]
does not please ... master <07451 0113> [please not. Heb. be evil in the eyes of, etc.]
designated <03259> [who hath.]
deceitfully <0898> [seeing.]
food <07607> [her food.]
{Sheairah,} "her flesh;" he shall not only afford her a sufficient quantity of food, as before, but of the same quality. She is not to be fed, like a common slave, with a sufficiency of bread, vegetables, milk, etc., but with her customary supply of flesh, and other agreeable articles of food.
premeditation <06658> [lie not.]
<0430> [God.]
appoint <07760> [I will appoint.]
if .... willfully <02102> [presumptuously.]
kill <02026> [slay.]
take ...... altar <03947 04196> [take him.]
To smite either father or mother, in a manner which indicated either contempt or malice, or left marks of violence, was deemed a proof of so ungrateful and unnatural a disposition, that no provocation was admitted as an excuse, but the offence was made capital: nay, he who cursed his father or mother, who uttered imprecations, ill wishes, or revilings, against a parent, was included in the same sense; though few crimes were made capital by the law of Moses. The law of God, as delegated to parents is honoured when they are honoured, and despised when they are despised: and to rebel against the lawful exercise of this authority is rebellion against God.--Rev. T. Scott
kidnaps <01589> [stealeth.]
sells him .... caught <04376 04672> [selleth him.]
him .... caught ... holding <04672 03027> [found in.]
treats <07043> [curseth. or, revilteth.]
<0582> [men.]
neighbor <07453> [another. or, his neighbour. a stone.]
staff <04938> [upon his staff.]
<05414> [only he shall pay.]
This was a wise and excellent institution. The same provision is made in the civil law; and most courts of justice still regulate their decisions in such cases by this Mosaic precept.
loss of time <07674> [the loss. Heb. his ceasing.]
strikes <05221> [smite.]
surely ... punished <05358> [he shall.]
surely ... punished <05358> [punished. Heb. avenged.]
fight <05327> [strive.]
court decides <06414> [as the judges.]
life .... life <05315> [life for life.]
This is the earliest account we have of the [towtopatheia,] tautopatheia,] Lex Talionis, law of like for like.
ox .............. ox .................. ox <07794> [the ox.]
owner ............... killed .............. man .... put to death <01167 04191> [his owner also.]
redemption <06306> [for the ransom.]
ox .................... ox <07794> [and the ox.]
sheep ..................... sheep ..... sheep <07716 06629> [sheep. or, goat. he shall.]
There is a smaller compensation required in other things, (ver. 9,) and also a disproportion between an ox and a sheep. The reason of the former is, as Maimonides explains it, because money, goods, etc., are better guarded in houses and cities, than cattle in a field; which consequently can be more easily stolen. The reason of the latter seems to be, as it is explained by Bishop Patrick, that an ox was of greater value, and more useful for the purposes of husbandry.
five .... cattle <02568 01241> [five oxen.]
breaking <04290> [breaking.]
blood <01818> [no blood.]
sold <04376> [then he shall.]
in fact ... found <04672> [found.]
pay back double <07999 08147> [he shall restore double.]
make restitution <07999> [shall he make restitution.]
fire breaks out <0784 03318> [If fire break out.]
Mr. Harmer observes, that it is a common custom in the East to set the dry herbage on fire; which fires, from want of care, often produce great damage. Hence a law to guard against such evils was highly expedient.
stacked grain <01430> [so that the stacks of corn.]
started ... fire <01200 01197> [he that kindled the fire.]
thief ... caught <01590 04672> [if the thief be found.]
repay double <07999 08147> [let him pay double.]
judges <0430> [the judges.]
cases ... illegal possessions ........................... matter <01697 06588> [for all manner of trespass.]
cases .............................. matter .... two ................... double <08147 01697> [the cause of both parties.]
two .................. repay double <08147 07999> [pay double unto his.]
oath .... Lord <03068 07621> [an oath of the Lord.]
laid <07971> [that he hath not.]
stolen from ..... pay <01589 07999> [stolen from him.]
torn ... pieces <02963> [torn in pieces.]
bring .... evidence <05707 0935> [let him bring it for witness.]
Or, rather, "Let him bring" {aid hatteraiphah,} an evidence of the thing torn, such as the horns, hoofs, etc.
borrows <07592> [borrow.]
it ..... borrowed ..... pay <07999> [make it good.]
paid .... hire <07939 0935> [it came for his hire.]
man seduces <06601 0376> [a man entice.]
her ... refuses <03985> [utterly.]
pay <08254> [pay. Heb. weigh.]
bride price ... virgins <01330 04119> [dowry of virgins.]
sacrifices <02076> [sacrificeth.]
utterly <02763> [utterly.]
wrong ... foreigner ........ foreigners <01616 03238> [vex a stranger.]
foreigner ........ foreigners <01616> [for ye were strangers.]
cry <06817> [they cry at all.]
surely hear <08085> [I will surely.]
anger <0639> [my wrath.]
wives <0802> [your wives.]
take ........ pledge <02254> [to pledge.]
cries out <06817> [when he crieth.]
gracious <02587> [for I am gracious.]
God <0430> [the gods. or, judges.]
curse <0779> [nor curse.]
hold back <0309> [shalt not delay.]
[the first of they ripe fruits. Heb. they fulness. liquors.]
Heb. tear. the firstborn.
this <03651> [Likewise.]
seven days ............. on .... day <07651 03117> [seven days.]
holy <06944> [holy.]
eat <0398> [neither.]
give <05375> [shalt not.]
give <05375> [raise. or, receive. an unrighteous witness.]
follow ................. agrees <0310> [follow.]
testimony <06030> [speak. or, answer. to decline.]
see <07200> [If thou see.]
not ignore ... but ... sure ... help <02308 05800> [and wouldest forbear to help him. or, Wilt thou cease to help him? or, wouldest cease to leave thy business for him; thou shalt surely leave it to join with him.]
distance .... false <07368 08267> [far from.]
innocent <05355> [the innocent.]
justify <06663> [for I will not.]
accept <03947> [thou shalt take.]
see <06493> [the wise. Heb. the seeing.]
oppress <03905> [thou shalt not.]
know <03045> [ye know.]
life <05315> [heart. Heb. soul.]
seventh <07637> [the seventh.]
olive grove <02132> [olive-yard. or, olive-trees.]
six days ............ day <08337 03117> [Six days.]
son <01121> [and the son.]
attention <08104> [be circumspect.]
mention <02142> [make no mention.]
Feast <02282> [the feast.]
appear <07200> [and none.]
Feast ... Harvest ................ Feast <07105 02282> [feast of harvest.]
Ingathering <0614> [in-gathering.]
blood <01818> [blood.]
festal sacrifice <02077 02282> [sacrifice. or, feast. remain.]
first .... firstfruits <07225 01061> [first of the.]
cook ... young goat <01310 01423> [Thou shalt not seethe a kid.]
The true sense of this passage seems to be that assigned by Dr. Cudworth, from a MS. comment of a Kara‹te Jew. "It was a custom with the ancient heathens, when they had gathered in all their fruits, to take a kid, and boil it in the dam's milk; and then in a magical way, to go about and sprinkle all their trees, and fields, and gardens, and orchards with it, thinking by these means, that they should make them fruitful, and bring forth more abundantly in the following year. Wherefore, God forbad his people, the Jews, at the time of their in-gathering, to use any such superstitious or idolatrous rite."
angel <04397> [Angel.]
prepared <03559> [prepared.]
heed because <08104 06440> [Beware of him.]
rebel ........ pardon <04843 05375> [provoke him not.]
pardon <05375> [he will not.]
name <08034> [my name.]
enemies <0340> [an enemy.]
adversary .... adversaries <06696 06887> [an adversary unto thine adversaries. or, I will afflict them that afflict thee.]
angel <04397> [mine Angel.]
Amorites <0567> [thee in.]
Hivites <02340> [the Hivites.]
The LXX., Samaritan, Coptic, and one Hebrew MS. add, "and the Girgashite;" thus making the seven nations.
bow <07812> [shalt not.]
do ..... practices <06213 04639> [do after.]
according ......... overthrow <02040> [overthrow.]
serve <05647> [And ye.]
bless <01288> [he shall.]
remove <05493> [I will take.]
miscarry ........ your <07921> [shall nothing.]
number <04557> [the number.]
terror <0367> [my fear.]
destroy <02000> [destroy.]
backs <06203> [backs. Heb. neck.]
hornets <06880> [hornets.]
{TzirÆ’h,} The hornet, may be so called from the Arabic {zaraÆ’,} to lay prostrate, strike down, because of the destruction occasioned by the violence of its sting. The hornet, in natural history, belongs to the species Crabro, of the genus Vespa or Wasp. It is a most voracious insect, and exceedingly strong for its size, which is generally an inch in length.
one year <08141 0259> [in one year.]
set <07896> [I will set.]
I will deliver ... inhabitants <05414 03427> [deliver the.]
make <03772> [shalt make.]
gods <0430> [nor with.]
sin <02398> [they make.]
snare <04170> [it will surely.]
up <05927> [Come up.]
Nadab <05070> [Nadab.]
seventy <07657> [seventy.]
decisions <04941> [all the judgments.]
words .................. words <01697> [All the words.]
wrote <03789> [wrote.]
built <01129> [and builded.]
standing stones <04676> [twelve pillars.]
<08147> [according.]
young ... men <05288> [young men.]
burnt offerings <05930> [burnt offerings.]
peace offerings <08002 02077> [peace offerings.]
blood ........... blood ... splashed <01818 02236> [the blood he.]
altar <04196> [on the altar.]
Book <05612> [the book.]
read <07121> [read.]
Lord <03068> [All that.]
splashed <02236> [sprinkled.]
blood ............. blood <01818> [Behold.]
saw <07200> [saw.]
sapphire <05601> [of a sapphire stone.]
The Hebrew {sappir,} is without doubt the sapphire; which is a most beautiful precious stone of a fine blue colour, second only to the diamond in lustre, hardness, and value. The ancient oriental sapphire is supposed to have been the same as the lapis lazuli. It glitters with golden spots; and is of an azure or sky-blue colour, but rarely intermixed with purple. The ruby and topaz are considered of the same genus.
clear <02892> [in his clearness.]
leaders <0678> [nobles.]
hand ........ so <07971 03027> [laid not.]
saw <02372> [they saw.]
ate <0398> [did eat.]
up <05927> [Come up.]
tablets <03871> [tables.]
teach <03384> [that thou.]
attendant <08334> [his minister.]
up <05927> [went up.]
Wait for .... this <03427 02088> [Tarry ye.]
Hur <02354> [Hur.]
Whoever has <01167 04310> [if any man.]
cloud <06051> [a cloud.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
days On ... seventh day <03117 07637> [seventh day.]
devouring fire <0784 0398> [like devouring fire.]
went into <0935 08432> [went into.]
forty days ... forty <0705 03117> [forty days.]
take ................. receive <03947> [they.]
[bring me. Heb. take for me. offering. or, heave offering]
willing <05068> [willingly.]
bronze <05178> [brass.]
{Nechosheth,} rather, copper; as brass is a factitious metal, composed of copper, and the oxide or ore of zinc, called {lapis calaminaris.}
blue <08504> [blue.]
{Techaileth,} generally supposed to mean an azure or sky-colour; rendered by the LXX, [uakinthon,] {uakinthon}, and Vulgate, {hyacinthum.}
fine linen <08336> [fine linen. or, silk.]
acacia wood <06086 07848> [shittim wood.]
oil .... light ...... oil <08081 03974> [Oil for.]
spices <01314> [spices.]
onyx stones .... gems <07718 068> [Onyx stones.]
ephod <0646> [ephod.]
sanctuary <04720> [a sanctuary.]
live <07931> [I may dwell.]
pattern .... tabernacle .... pattern <04908 08403> [the pattern of the tabernacle.]
ark <0727> [an ark.]
{Aron} denotes a chest, or coffer, in general; but is applied particularly to the chest or ark in which the testimony or two tables of the covenant were laid up; on the top of which was the propitiatory or mercy seat; and at the end of which were the cherubim of gold; between whom the visible sign of the presence of God appeared as seated upon his throne.
atonement lid <03727> [mercy seat.]
two cherubim ... gold ............ two <08147 03742 02091> [two cherubims of gold.]
atonement lid <03727> [of the. or, of the matter of the.]
cherubim ..... spreading .............. cherubim <03742 06566> [cherubims shall.]
overshadowing <05526> [covering.]
atonement lid ................ atonement lid <03727> [toward.]
atonement lid <03727> [mercy seat.]
ark ..... ark <0727> [in.]
speak <01696> [and I will.]
between <0996> [between.]
table <07979> [a table.]
acacia wood <06086 07848> [shittim wood.]
{Shittim} wood is probably the acacia Nilotica. St. Jerome says, that the {shittim} wood grows in the deserts of Arabia, and is like white thorn, as to its colour and leaves; but the tree is so large as to furnish very long planks. The wood is hard, tough, and extremely beautiful. It is thought he means the black acacia, because that is the most common tree in the deserts of Arabia. It is of the size of a large mulberry tree. The spreading branches and larger limbs are armed with thorns, which grow three together. The bark is rough; and the leaves are oblong, standing opposite each other. The flowers, though sometimes white, are generally of a bright yellow; and the fruit, which resembles a bean, is contained in pods like those of the lupin. "The acacia," says Dr. Shaw, "being by much the largest and most common tree in the deserts," (Arabia Petr‘a,) we have some reason to conjecture that the {shittim} wood was the wood of the acacia, especially as its flowers are of an excellent smell; for the {shittah} tree is, in Isa 41:19, joined with the myrtle and other fragrant shrubs. It may be remarked, that of the two Hebrew names, {shittim} is masculine, and {shittah} feminine. So Mr. Bruce says, "the male is called {saiel;} from it proceeds the {gula} Arabic, on incision with an axe."
frame ............... border ... gold .... frame <02091 02213 04526> [a golden crown to the border.]
four rings ... gold ....... rings .... four ..... four <02885 02091 0702> [four rings of gold.]
provide ..... poles <0905 01004> [for places of the staves.]
table <07979> [the table.]
plates <07086> [the.]
pouring out <05258> [to cover. or, to pour out.]
lampstand ...... lampstand <04501> [a candlestick.]
buds <03730> [his knops.]
almond .................. almond <08246> [like unto.]
Three .................. three <07969> [and three.]
hammered <04749> [beaten.]
seven <07651> [seven.]
set .... up on <05927> [they shall.]
set .... up on ....... give light <05927 0215> [light. or, cause to ascend. give.]
front <06440> [it. Heb. the face of it.]
trimmers <04457> [the tongs.]
trays <04289> [snuff dishes.]
make <06213> [that thou make.]
sure ........... shown .... mountain <02022 07200> [was shewed thee in the mount. Heb. thou wast caused to see in the mount.]
tabernacle ........ ten curtains <04908 06235 03407> [the tabernacle with ten curtains.]
The word {mishcan,} from {shachan,} to dwell, means simply a dwelling-place, or habitation. "When God had brought the children of Israel out of Egypt," says the very learned Dr. Cudworth, "resolving to manifest himself in a peculiar manner present among them, he thought good to dwell amongst them in a visible and external manner; and therefore, while they were in the wilderness, and sojourned in tents, he would have a tent or tabernacle built, to sojourn with them also.--Now, the tabernacle being thus a house for God to dwell in visibly, to make up the notion of dwelling or habitation complete, there must be all things suitable to a house belonging to it. Hence, in the holy place, there must be a table and a candlestick, because these were the ordinary furniture of a room. The table must have its dishes, and spoons, and bowls, and covers, belonging to it, though they were never used; and always be furnished with bread upon it. The candlestick must have its lamps continually burning, etc."
fine twisted linen <08336 07806> [fine twined linen.]
cherubim <03742> [cherubims.]
work .... artistic designer <04639 02803> [cunning work. Heb. the work of a cunning workman, or embroiderer.]
curtain ............ curtain .............. curtains <03407> [curtain.]
joined ............. joined <02266> [coupled together.]
loops ... blue <03924 08504> [loops of blue.]
gold clasps ......... clasps <07165 02091> [taches of gold.]
tabernacle .... unit <04908 0259> [one tabernacle.]
curtains ................ curtains <03407> [curtains.]
goats ..... tent <05795 0168> [goats' hair.]
{Izzim,} goats, but used here elliptically for goats' hair. In different parts of Asia Minor, Syria, Cilicia, and Phrygia, the goats have long, fine, and beautiful hair; in some cases, almost as fine as silk, which is shorn at proper times, and manufactured into garments.
tent <0168> [a.]
eleven <06249> [eleven.]
length ... each curtain ............ curtain ........ same ...... curtains <0259 03407 0753> [length of one curtain.]
five curtains ...... curtains ........... curtain <02568 03407> [five curtains by themselves.]
fifty loops ............. fifty loops <02572 03924> [fifty loops.]
tent <0168> [tent. or, covering.]
hang ..... back <05628 0268> [shall hang over.]
foot and a half ........ foot and a half <0520> [a cubit.]
remains <05736> [of that which remaineth. Heb. in the remainder or surplusage.]
covering ............... covering <04372> [a covering.]
ram skins dyed red ......... leather <05785 0119 0352> [rams' skins dyed red.]
{Oroth ailim meoddamim,} literally, the skins of red rams. It is a fact, attested by many respectable travellers, that in the Levant, sheep are often met with having red or violet coloured fleeces. Almost all ancient writers speak of the same thing.
skins .......... fine leather <05785 08476> [badgers' skins.]
{Oroth techashim,} which nearly all the ancient versions have taken to be the name of a colour, though they differ very much with regard to the particular colour intended: the LXX., Vulgate, and Coptic, have skins dyed of a violet colour; the Syriac, azure; and the Arabic, black; and Bochart contends for the hysginus, a very deep blue. It may, however, denote an animal; for Dr. Geddes remarks, had the sacred writer meant to express only a variety of colour, he would hardly have repeated {¢roth,} skins, after {meoddamim,} red, in ch. 25:5.
frames <07175> [boards.]
acacia <07848> [of shittim.]
projections <03027> [tenons. Heb. hands.]
forty silver bases ......... bases ............. bases <0705 0134 03701> [forty sockets of silver.]
bases two bases ..... frame ... two bases ..... frame <0134 08147 0259 07175> [two sockets under one board.]
doubled <08382> [be coupled. Heb. twined. and they shall be coupled together above.]
bars ... acacia wood <01280 07848 06086> [bars of shittim wood.]
overlay ... frames ... gold ....... gold ............ overlay ..... gold <07175 02091 06823> [overlay the boards with gold.]
set .... tabernacle <04908 06965> [rear up the tabernacle.]
plan <04941> [according to the fashion.]
curtain ... blue <06532 08504> [a vail of.]
blue <08504> [blue.]
purple <0713> [purple.]
{Argaman,} a very precious colour, extracted from the purpura, or murex, a species of shell-fish; and supposed to be the same with the costly and much celebrated Tyrian purple.
yarn <08144> [scarlet.]
TolaÆ’th; properly the worm whence the scarlet colour was produced; which grew in a coccus, or excrescence, of a shrub of the ilex kind, like the cochineal worm in the Opuntia of America; which is arranged under the same genus as the Arabic {Kermez,} which also denotes this colour.
work .... artistic designer <04639 02803> [cunning work.]
make ................... made ... cherubim <06213 03742> [cherubims shall it be made.]
posts ... acacia <05982 07848> [pillars of shittim.]
gold hooks .......... gold <02053 02091> [their hooks shall be of gold.]
The Hebrew {waveyhem,} which we translate their hooks, is rendered by the LXX. [kephalides,] and by the Vulgate, {capiata,} capitals. Hence Calmet contends, 1. That if Moses does not mean the capitals of the pillars by this word, he mentions them nowhere else; and it would seem strange, that while he describes them with so much exactness, that he should not mention the capitals; or that pillars every way so correctly formed, should have been destitute of this necessary ornament. 2. As Moses was commanded to make the {wavim} of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver, (ch. 27:10, 11,) and the {wavim} of the pillars of the vail of gold, (ch. 36:36,) and that 1,775 shekels were employed in making them, overlaying their chapiters, {rasheyhem,} their heads, and filleting them, (ch. 38:28,) it is more reasonable to suppose that all this is spoken of the capitals of pillars, than of any kind of hooks, especially as hooks are mentioned under the word taches or clasps. But as the root {wavah} seems to signify to connect, (for [wwy,] in Arabic, is to marry a wife,) and as the letter [ww,] {wav,} if it has not its name from its hook-like form, is yet used as a connective particle, it would rather appear to denote hooks, which connected the curtains or vails to the pillars. The LXX. also render it [agkulai,] "handles", and [krikoi,] "rings" or "clasps".
clasps <07165> [the taches.]
curtain .............. behind ... curtain ... curtain <06532 01004> [within the vail.]
ark .... testimony <0727 05715> [the ark of the testimony.]
Holy Place ..... Holy Place <06944> [the holy place.]
put ... atonement lid <03727 05414> [put the mercy seat.]
table ................. table ........ table <07979> [the table.]
lampstand <04501> [the candlestick.]
hanging <04539> [hanging.]
This may be termed the first vail, as it occupied the door or entrance to the tabernacle; the vail that separated the Holy of Holies is called the second vail, Heb 9:3. Mr. Morier, (Second Journey Through Persia, p. 251,) describing the tent of a chief of the Eelauts, says, "It was composed of a wooden frame of circular laths, which were fixed on the ground, and then covered over with large felts, that were fastened down by a cord, ornamented by tassels of various colours. A curtain, curiously worked by the women, with coarse needle-work of various colours, was suspended over the door. In the king of Persia's tents, magnificent {perdahs,} or hangings of needle-work, are suspended, as well as on the doors of the great mosques in Turkey; and these circumstances combined, will, perhaps, illustrate Ex 26:36."
tent <0168> [the tent.]
blue <08504> [of blue.]
overlay .... gold ....... gold <02091 06823> [overlay them with gold.]
altar ... acacia wood .............. altar <07848 06086 04196> [altar of shittim wood.]
horns .... four corners ... horns <0702 06438 07161> [horns of it upon the four corners thereof.]
The horns might have been designed not only for ornament, but to prevent the sacrifices from falling off, and to tie the victim to, previous to its being sacrificed.
overlay .... bronze <05178 06823> [overlay it with brass.]
shovels <03257> [his shovels.]
bowls <04219> [basons.]
meat hooks <04207> [flesh-hooks.]
fire pans <04289> [firepans.]
grating ..... network <04639 04345> [a grate of network.]
four ... rings .... four corners <0702 02885 07098> [rings in the four corners thereof.]
ledge .... altar ............ altar <04196 03749> [compass of the altar.]
poles .... altar poles <0905 04196> [staves for the altar.]
carrying <05375> [bear it.]
shown <07200> [as it was shewed. Heb. he shewed.]
courtyard ................ courtyard <02691> [the court.]
courtyard ............. hangings .... courtyard <07050 02691> [hangings for.]
bronze bases <0134 05178> [sockets shall be of brass.]
bands ... silver <03701 02838> [fillets shall be of silver.]
hangings .... side <03802 07050> [hangings of one side.]
blue <08504> [of blue.]
embroiderer <07551> [needle-work.]
length .... courtyard <02691 0753> [length of the court.]
seventy-five feet <02572> [fifty every where. Heb. fifty by fifty.]
pegs ...... pegs <03489> [all the pins thereof.]
pure oil ... pressed olives <08081 02132 03795 02134> [pure oil olive beaten.]
That is, such oil as could be easily expressed from the olives, after they had been bruised in a mortar; and which is much purer than that obtained after the olives are put under the press.
light <03974> [for the light.]
lamps <05216> [to cause the lamp.]
Josephus says, that the whole of the seven lamps burned all night; and that in the morning four were extinguished, and three burned the whole of the day. Such might have been the practice in his time; but it appears sufficiently evident from ch. 30:8, and 1 Sa 3:3, that they were anciently extinguished in the morning.
burn <05927> [to burn. Heb. to ascend up.]
tent ... meeting <04150 0168> [the tabernacle of the congregation.]
outside ... curtain <02351 06532> [without the vail.]
testimony <05715> [testimony.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
evening <06153> [evening.]
lasting ordinance <05769 02708> [a statute for ever.]
near <07126> [take.]
among <08432> [among.]
Nadab <05070> [Nadab.]
holy garments <06944 0899> [holy garments.]
glory <03519> [glory.]
specially skilled <03820 02450> [wise hearted.]
filled <04390> [filled.]
breastpiece <02833> [a breastplate.]
{Choshen,} in Hebrew is used for the square breast-plate of the high priest, in which were set twelve precious stones, each being engraved with the name of one of the sons of Jacob.
ephod <0646> [ephod.]
The ephod seems to have been a short cloak, without sleeves.
robe <04598> [a robe.]
The word {meil,} from {Æ’lah,} to ascend, go up on, may be considered as an upper garment that goes up or over the rest, a surtout.
fitted <08665> [broidered.]
turban <04701> [a mitre.]
sash <073> [a girdle.]
gold <02091> [gold.]
fine ... linen <08336> [linen.]
waistband <02805> [curious. or, embroidered.]
onyx <07718> [onyx.]
engrave <06605> [grave.]
order of their birth <08435> [according to their birth.]
engravings .... seal <02368 06603> [engravings of a signet.]
[ounces of gold.]
shoulders ......................... shoulders <03802> [the shoulders.]
Aaron ... bear <05375 0175> [Aaron shall bear.]
memorial ...................... memorial <02146> [for a memorial.]
braided chains ... pure ......... chains <08333 02889> [chains of.]
cord ..... chains <05688> [of wreathen.]
breastpiece <02833> [the breastplate.]
work <04639> [after.]
set <04390> [thou shalt.]
set ..... setting ... stones ..... stones <04396 068 04390> [set in it settings of stones. Heb. fill in its fillings of stone. the first row.]
ruby <0124> [a sardius, or, ruby.]
The Hebrew {odem,} from {adam,} to be red, ruddy, seems to denote the ruby; as {adam} does in Persian a beautiful gem, of a fine deep red colour, with a mixture of purple.
topaz <06357> [a topaz.]
{Pitdah,} is constantly rendered by the LXX. [topazion,] and Vulgate, {topazius,} with which agrees Josephus. The topaz is a precious stone, of a pale, dead green, with a mixture of yellow, sometimes of a fine yellow; and hence called chrysolyte by the moderns, from its gold colour.
beryl <01304> [a carbuncle.]
{Bareketh,} from {barak,} to lighten, glitter, a very elegant gem, of a deep red colour, with a mixture of scarlet.
turquoise <05306> [emerald.]
{Nophech,} an emerald, the same with the ancient {smaragdus;} one of the most beautiful of all the gems, and of a bright green colour, without any mixture.
sapphire <05601> [sapphire.]
emerald <03095> [diamond.]
jacinth <03958> [a ligure.]
agate <07618> [an agate.]
chrysolite <08658> [a beryl.]
onyx <07718> [an onyx. See on ver.]
jasper <03471> [a jasper.]
filigree settings <04396> [inclosings. Heb. fillings.]
twelve .............. twelve <08147> [twelve.]
twelve .............. twelve <08147> [according to the twelve.]
chains .... attach ........ attach them <05688 05414> [wreathen chains.]
[on the shoulder pieces.]
ephod <0646> [of the ephod.]
waistband <02805> [the curious girdle.]
cord <06616> [a lace.]
breastpiece <02833> [in the.]
heart <03820> [upon.]
memorial <02146> [a.]
Urim <0224> [the Urim and Thummim.]
[\^Mymth taw Myrwa ta\^] the Urim and Thummim, lights and perfections; rendered by the LXX. [\~dhlwsiv kai alhyeia\~,] manifestation and truth; and, by the Vulgate, {doctrina et veritas,} doctrine and truth. Among the various and contradictory opinions respecting the form and substance of these mysterious appendages, the most probable seems to be that of Josephus, Philo, Bp. Patrick, Parkhurst, and the Jewish writers generally; who state, that they were no other than the twelve precious stones of the high priest's breastplate. In support of this statement, it is observed, 1. That in the description of the high priest's breastplate, Exod. 39:8, et seq., the Urim and Thummim are not mentioned, but only the rows of stones; and on the contrary, in Lev. 8:8, the Urim and Thummim are expressly mentioned, but not a word is said of the four rows of stones. 2. As Moses has given such a particular description of every thing relative to the high priest's dress, these would certainly have been described had they been different from what was previously mentioned.
decision .................... bear ... decisions <04941 05375> [bear the judgment.]
heart .................... heart <03820> [upon his heart.]
opening ................ opening ......... opening <06310> [as it were.]
torn <07167> [that it be not rent.]
purple ... scarlet ..... hem ... bells <07757 0713 08144 06472> [And.]
hem <07757> [hem. or, skirts. pomegranates.]
bells <06472> [bells.]
when ... enters ... Holy <0935 06944> [goeth in.]
plate ... pure gold <06731 02889 02091> [a plate of pure gold.]
The word {tzitz,} which we translate a plate, properly signifies a flower. It is rendered by the LXX. [petalon,] a leaf, and is called {nezer,} a crown in ch. 29:6 and [diadema,] a diadem, by the author of the book of Wisdom, ch. 28:24. Josephus says that it was adorned with three rows of the flower which the Greeks call [kyanos.] It was two fingers broad, of a circular form, suited to the shape of the head, and so long that it reached from ear to ear, and was fastened upon a blue lace or ribband, which was tied behind the head; and as the plate reached only half round the head, the remaining part of the ribband was highly ornamented with artificial flowers.
engrave <06605 06603> [grave upon it.]
Holiness <06944> [HOLINESS.]
blue <08504> [blue.]
turban ........... turban <04701> [the mitre it.]
bear ... iniquity <05771 05375> [bear the iniquity.]
acceptance <07522> [accepted.]
weave <07660> [embroider.]
sash <073> [the girdle.]
embroiderer <07551> [needlework.]
Aaron's <0175> [Aaron's.]
headbands <04021> [bonnets.]
glory <03519> [glory.]
anoint .... ordain <04886 04390> [anoint them.]
ordain ...... apart <04390 06942> [and consecrate them. Heb. fill their hand.]
minister <03547> [minister.]
undergarments <04370> [breeches.]
bodies <01320> [their nakedness. Heb. flesh of their nakedness. reach.]
Heb. be.
altar <04196> [unto the altar.]
bear ... iniquity <05771 05375> [bear not iniquity.]
ordinance <02708> [a statute.]
[An. Ex. Is. 1. Thammuz. hallow them.]
priests <03547> [to minister.]
Take <03947> [Take.]
blemish <08549> [without.]
bread <03899> [bread.]
mixed <01101> [tempered.]
wafers <07550> [wafers.]
basket ....... basket <05536> [in the basket.]
entrance <06607> [unto the door.]
wash .... water <07364 04325> [wash them.]
garments <0899> [garments.]
waistband <02805> [curious.]
The word {cheshev,} translated curious girdle, simply signifies a kind of diaper or embroidered work, of the same texture as the ephod itself.
turban ............ turban <04701> [mitre.]
{Mitznepheth,} from {tzanaph,} to wrap round, evidently means that covering of the head so universal in eastern countries, which we call turband, which consists of a cap, and a sash of fine linen or silk wound round its bottom.
headbands <02280> [put. Heb. bind. the priest's.]
consecrate <04390> [consecrate. Heb. fill the hand of.]
bull ......................... bull <06499> [cause.]
<05564> [put.]
kill <07819> [And.]
entrance <06607> [door.]
blood ...................... blood <01818> [the blood.]
horns <07161> [the horns.]
blood ...................... blood ..... pour <08210 01818> [pour all.]
fat .................... fat <02459> [all the fat.]
lobe <03508> [and the caul.]
It seemeth by anatomy, and the Hebrew doctors, to be the midriff.
burn ..... altar <06999 04196> [burn them.]
meat <01320> [flesh.]
purification <02403> [it is a.]
one <0259> [one.]
lay <05564> [put.]
wash ... entrails <07364 07130> [wash the.]
pieces .............. pieces ..... head <05409 07218> [unto. or, upon.]
burnt offering <05930> [a burnt offering.]
soothing aroma <07381 05207> [sweet savour.]
second <08145> [other.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
put ..... tip .......... tip <08571 05414> [put it upon the tip.]
All this doubtless was intended to signify, that the priest should dedicate all his faculties and powers to the service of God; his ear to the hearing and study of the law; his hands to diligence in the sacred ministry, and to all acts of obedience; and his feet to walking in the way of God's precepts; for the ear is the symbol of obedience, the hand of action, and the foot of the path or conduct in life. And the sprinkling might further teach him, that he could neither hear, work, nor walk profitably, uprightly, and well pleasingly in the sight of God, without the application of the blood of the sacrifice.
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
anointing oil <08081 04888> [the anointing oil.]
holy <06942> [shall be.]
take <03947> [Also thou.]
fat tail <0451> [the rump.]
{Alyah} is the large tail of a species of eastern sheep. "This tail," says Dr. Russell, "is very broad and large, terminating in a small appendix that turns back upon it. It is of a substance between fat and marrow, and is not eaten separately, but mixed with lean meat in many of their dishes, and also often used instead of butter. A common sheep of this sort, without the head, feet, skin, and entrails, weighs about twelve or fourteen {Aleppo rotoloes,} (a {rotoloe} is five pounds,) of which the tail is usually three {rotoloes} or upwards; but such as are of the largest breed, and have been fattened, will sometimes weigh about thirty {rotoloes,} and the tails of these ten."
right thigh <07785 03225> [right shoulder.]
put <07760> [put.]
wave ..... wave offering <05130 08573> [wave them. Heb. shake to and fro. a wave.]
take <03947> [thou.]
aroma <05207> [for a sweet.]
burnt offering ............ offering made by fire <05930 0801> [offering.]
breast <02373> [the breast.]
share <04490> [it shall be thy.]
breast <02373> [the breast.]
wave offering <08573> [the wave offering.]
The wave offering and heave offering are thus distinguished by the Jewish writers: the former, called {tenoophah,} from {nooph,} to move, toss, was waved horizontally towards the four cardinal points, to signify that He to whom it was consecrated was the Lord of the whole earth; the latter, called {teroomah,} from room, to be elevated, was lifted perpendicularly upward and downward, in token of its being devoted to the God of heaven.
ram ... consecration <04394 0352> [the ram of the consecration.]
{Ail milluim,} literally, "the ram of filling;" so called, according to some, because at the consecration of the priests, certain pieces of the sacrifice were put into their hands (ver. 24;) on which account their consecration itself is called "filling their hands." (ch. 28:41.) Rabbi Solomon gives a different reason for the ram being so called, from {malai,} to be full, complete; because the sacrifice completed the consecration, and thereupon the priests were fully invested in their office. Accordingly, the LXX. render it by [teleiosis,] consummation.
[See]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron's.]
contribution ....... contribution .......... contribution <08641> [is an heave.]
<02077> [sacrifice.]
holy <06944> [holy.]
sons <01121> [his.]
anointed <04888> [anointed.]
sons <01121> [that son. Heb. he of his sons.]
seven days <03117 07651> [seven days.]
ram <0352> [the ram.]
cook ... meat <01320 01310> [seethe his flesh.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
bread <03899> [and the bread.]
eat ...... atonement ................ eat <0398 03722> [eat those.]
else <02114> [a stranger.]
holy <06944> [they are holy.]
meat <01320> [flesh.]
burn up <08313> [burn.]
do <06213> [thus shalt thou do.]
commanded <06680> [according.]
seven days <03117 07651> [seven days.]
day <03117> [every day.]
purge <02398> [cleanse.]
anoint ...... apart <04886 06942> [anoint it.]
altar ..... apart ...... altar .......... altar .... holy <06942 04196> [and sanctify it.]
altar .......... altar .......... altar <04196> [it shall be an.]
two lambs <08147 03532> [two lambs.]
morning <01242> [in the morning.]
sundown <06153> [at even.]
tenth of an ephah <06241> [a tenth.]
fine flour <05560> [deal.]
{Deal} signifies a part, from the Anglo-Saxon {d‘l,} a part, or portion, taken from the whole, from {d‘lan,} to divide. From Nu 28:5, we learn, that this tenth {deal} was the tenth part of an {ephah,} which constituted an {omer,} about three quarts English.
hin ............ hin <01969> [hin.]
drink offering <05262> [a drink.]
are ... offer <06213> [offer.]
regular <08548> [a continual.]
meet <03259> [where.]
apart <06942> [the tabernacle. or, Israel. sanctified.]
apart ............... apart .... Aaron <06942 0175> [sanctify also.]
Lord ....................... Lord <03068> [that I am.]
[them: I am.]
[The Samaritan inserts the first ten verses of this chapter after ver. 32 of chap. 26.]
altar <04196> [an altar.]
burning incense <04729 07004> [to burn incense.]
Where so many sacrifices were offered, it was essentially necessary to have some pleasing perfume to counteract the disagreeable smells that must have arisen from the slaughter of so many animals, the burning of so much flesh, the sprinkling of the blood. No blood was ever sprinkled on this altar, except once a year, on the grand day of expiation. It was called also the golden altar (Nu 4:11); and the incense was as constantly burnt on it every day, as the morning and evening sacrifice of a lamb was burnt on the brazen altar.
horns <07161> [the horns.]
overlay .... pure <06823 02889> [overlay it.]
top <01406> [top. Heb. roof. sides. Heb. walls.]
rings <02885> [rings.]
two ........... two flanks ......... two <06763 08147> [two corners. Heb. ribs.]
curtain <06532> [vail.]
front ............ testimony before ... atonement lid ...... testimony <06440 03727 05715> [before the mercy seat that is over the testimony.]
The words [lpny hkprt ashr `l h`dt,] {liphney haccapporeth asher Æ’l haaiduth,} "before the mercy-seat that is over the testimony," are thought to be a repetition of the preceding clause, [lpn` hprkt 'sha `l 'rn h`dt,] {liphney happarocheth asher Æ’l aron haaiduth,} "before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony; the word [hprkt,] <\\See definition 06532\\>,] {happarocheth,} "the vail," being corrupted, by transposing the letters into [hkprt,] <\\See definition 03727\\>,] {hacapporeth,} "the mercy-seat," and the word ['rn,] <\\See definition 0727\\>,] {aron,} "ark," omitted. This repetition, as Dr. Kennicott observes, places the altar of incense before the mercy-seat, and consequently in the Holy of Holies! Now this could not be, as the altar of incense was attended every day, and the Holy of Holies entered only once in the year. The five words which appear to be a repetition are wanting in twenty-six of Kennicott's and Rossi's MSS. and in the Samaritan Text.
meet <03259> [I will.]
[sweet incense. Heb. incense of spices.]
attends <03190> [dresseth.]
up <05927> [lighteth. or, setteth up. Heb. causeth to ascend. at even.]
Heb. between the two evens.
regular <08548> [a perpetual.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
sin offering <02403> [sin offering.]
take <05375> [takest.]
number ................ when ... number them ............. number <06485> [their number. Heb. them that are to be numbered. a ransom.]
plague <05063> [no plague.]
shekel ..... shekel ...... shekel ... twenty ..... shekel <08255 06242> [a shekel is.]
half shekel ..... shekel ...... shekel ...... half shekel <04276 08255> [an half shekel.]
twenty <06242> [from twenty.]
rich <06223> [rich.]
increase <07235> [give more. Heb. multiply. give less than. Heb. diminish. an atonement.]
give <05414> [appoint.]
memorial <02146> [a memorial.]
basin <03595> [a laver.]
put ..... tent ........ put <05414 0168> [put it.]
die ..... approach <04191 05066> [die not.]
ordinance <02706> [a statute.]
choice <07218> [thee principal.]
free-flowing myrrh <04753 01865> [pure myrrh.]
Myrrh is a white gum, issuing from the trunk and larger branches of a thorny tree resembling the acacia, growing in Arabia, Egypt, and Abyssinia. Its taste is extremely bitter; but its smell, though strong, is agreeable; and it entered into the composition of the most costly ointments among the ancients. The epithet {deror,} rendered pure, properly denotes fluid, from the Arabic {darra,} to flow; by which is meant the finest and most excellent kind, called {stacte,} which issues of itself from the bark without incision.
cinnamon <07076> [cinnamon.]
{Kinnamon bosem,} odoriferous or spicy cinnamon, is the bark of the canella, a small tree of the size of a willow growing in the island of Ceylon.
spices ................... sweet-smelling ......... sweet-smelling cane <07070 01314> [sweet calamus.]
{Kenaih bosem,} {calamus aromaticus,} or odoriferous cane, is a reed growing in Egypt, Syria, and India, about two feet in height, bearing from the root a knotted stalk, quite round, containing in its cavity a soft white pith. It is said to scent the air while growing; and when cut down, dried, and powdered, makes an ingredient in the richest perfumes.
cassia <06916> [cassia.]
shekel <08255> [the shekel.]
four quarts <01969> [hin.]
perfumer <07543> [apothecary. or, perfumer.]
sacred ............... sacred <06944> [an holy.]
touches <05060> [whatsoever.]
anoint <04886> [anoint.]
sanctify <06942> [consecrate.]
sacred <06944> [an holy.]
people's <0120> [man's.]
holy ...... holy <06944> [it is.]
perfume <07543> [compoundeth.]
puts ...... someone not <02114> [a stranger.]
cut off .... people <03772 05971> [cut off.]
spices <05561> [unto thee.]
gum <05198> [stacte. Heb. nataph.]
The Jews and others suppose it to be what was afterwards called the balm of Jericho, or Gilead.
onycha <07827> [onycha.]
The word {shechaileth} is generally allowed to denote onycha, (nail-fish, from its form,) as it is rendered by the LXX. and Vulgate. It is the shell of the purpura, and of the whole class of murex; and serves as the basis of the principal perfumes in India.
galbanum <02464> [galbanum.]
{Chelbenah,} (probably from {chalay,} milk or gum, and {lavan,} white,) is the gummy, resinous juice of an umbelliferous plant, the {bubon gumniferum} of Linn‘us, growing in Syria, Persia, and Africa. It rises with a ligneous stalk from eight to ten feet, and is garnished with leaves at every joint. The top of the stalk is terminated by an umbel of yellow flowers which are succeeded by oblong channelled seeds, which have a thin membrane or wing on their border. When any part of the plant is broken, there issues out a little thin juice, of a cream colour, of a fat, tough substance, like gum ammoniac, composed of many small, shining grains, of a strong, piercing smell and a sharp, warm taste.
frankincense <03828> [frankincense.]
incense <07004> [perfume.]
work <04639> [after the.]
finely <04414> [tempered. Heb. salted.]
testimony <05715> [the testimony.]
meet <03259> [where I will.]
are ... make ..... make <06213> [ye shall.]
holy <06944> [it shall.]
cut off <03772> [be cut off.]
chosen <07121> [I have.]
Bezalel <01212> [Bezaleel.]
filled <04390> [filled.]
Spirit ... God <0430 07307> [the spirit of God.]
{Ruach Elohim,} rather, "a spirit of God;" which is a usual Hebraism, signifying "an excellent spirit;" or, as we should now say, "a distinguished genius for the work he had to perform." No man, by course of reading or study, ever acquired a genius of any kind: we call it natural, and say it was born with the man: Moses teaches us to consider it divine. The prophet Isaiah, (ch. 28:24-29,) pointedly refers to this sort of teaching as coming from God, even in the most common and less difficult arts of life. Dark as the heathens were, yet they acknowledged that all talents and the seeds of all arts came from God.
given ............... given <05414> [I have given.]
Oholiab <0171> [Aholiab.]
specially skilled <03820 02450> [wise hearted.]
make <06213> [that they.]
tent ..................... tent <0168> [tabernacle.]
ark <0727> [ark.]
furnishings <03627> [furniture. Heb. vessels.]
table <07979> [the table.]
pure lampstand <04501 02889> [pure candlestick.]
altar <04196> [the altar.]
altar <04196> [the altar.]
basin <03595> [the laver.]
anointing <04888> [the anointing.]
sweet incense <07004 05561> [sweet incense.]
Surely <0389> [Verily.]
sign <0226> [a sign.]
know <03045> [that ye may.]
keep <08104> [keep.]
[everyone.]
does <06213> [doeth.]
Six days .......... day ................... day <08337 03117> [Six days.]
Sabbath ............... Sabbath <07676> [the sabbath.]
holy <06944> [holy. Heb. holiness. whosoever.]
perpetual covenant <01285 05769> [a perpetual covenant.]
sign <0226> [a sign.]
six days ........... on .... day <03117 08337> [six days.]
refreshed <05314> [and was refreshed.]
God, in condescension to human weakness, applies to himself here what belongs to man; though it may refer to the delight and satisfaction with which he contemplated the completion of all his works, and pronounced them very good.
gave <05414> [gave.]
finger <0676> [the finger.]
delayed <0954> [A.M. 2513. B.C. 1491. An. Ex. Is. 1. Ab. delayed.]
Get up ....................... land <06965 0776> [Up.]
make <06213> [make.]
<03212> [which shall.]
man <0376> [the man.]
know <03045> [we wot.]
<06696> [fashioned.]
engraving tool <02747> [a graving.]
calf <05695> [calf.]
gods <0430> [These.]
brought ... up <05927> [which brought.]
Aaron ........... Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
proclamation <07121> [made proclamation.]
feast <02282> [a feast.]
offered <05927> [offered.]
sat .... eat <03427 0398> [sat down.]
No doubt at this feast they sacrificed after the manner of the Egyptians.
<03212> [Go.]
people <05971> [thy people.]
corruptly <07843> [corrupted.]
They ..... aside <05493> [have turned.]
commanded <06680> [which I.]
gods <0430> [These be.]
seen <07200> [I have seen.]
stiff-necked <07186> [a stiff-necked.]
leave <03240> [let me alone.]
anger <0639> [my wrath.]
make <06213> [and I will.]
sought <02470> [besought.]
Lord ... God ..... Lord <03068 0430> [the Lord his God. Heb. the face of the Lord. why doth.]
out <03318> [which thou.]
<04714> [should.]
Turn .... burning <07725 02740> [Turn from.]
relent <05162> [repent.]
Remember <02142> [Remember.]
swore <07650> [to whom.]
multiply <07235> [I will multiply.]
turned <06437> [turned.]
testimony <05715> [the testimony.]
written ....... written <03789> [written.]
Joshua had waited patiently during all the forty days, in the place where Moses had left him--below the summit of the mount, at a distance from the people, and out of the way of temptation.
Joshua <03091> [Joshua.]
shouted <07452> [they shouted.]
noise ............... sound <06963> [There is a noise.]
overcome <02476> [being overcome. Heb. weakness. but the.]
saw <07200> [he saw.]
dancing <04246> [the dancing.]
angry <0639> [anger.]
broke ....... bottom <07665 08478> [brake them.]
took ... calf <05695 03947> [took the calf.]
How truly contemptible must the object of their idolatry appear, when they were obliged to drink their god, reduced to powder, and strewed on the water! Some have asked, how gold, the most ductile and ponderous of all metals, could have been stamped into dust, and strewed on the water. In De 9:21, this is fully explained. I took, says Moses, your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire; that is, melted it down, probably into ingots or gross plates, and stamped it, beat it into thin lamin‘, something like our gold leaf, and ground it very small, even until it was as small as dust, which might be very easily done by the action of the hands, when beat into thin plates or leaves as the original words {ekkoth,} and {dak,} imply.
Israelites <01121> [made the.]
know <03045> [knowest.]
evil <07451> [that they are.]
gave <05414> [So they.]
running <06544> [naked.]
The term naked may mean either that they were unarmed and defenceless, or ashamed from the consciousness of guilt.
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
derision <08103> [shame.]
get <06965> [their enemies. Heb. those that rose up against them.]
Lord <03068> [Who is on.]
man ..................... each ... kill ..... friend <0376 02026> [slay every man.]
Levites <01121> [children.]
died <05307> [there fell.]
Or, another reading of this verse is: And Moses said, Consecrate yourselves to-day to the Lord; because every man hath been against his son and against his brother, etc.
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
consecrated <04390> [Consecrate. Heb. fill your hands.]
committed <02398> [Ye have.]
perhaps <0194> [peradventure.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
returned <07725> [returned.]
committed <02398> [sinned.]
made <06213> [made.]
forgive <05375> [if thou.]
wipe ... out .... book <04229 05612> [blot me.]
Allusion may be made to the registry of births, in which those born of a particular tribe were entered in the list of their respective families under that tribe. This was the book of life; and when any died, his name might be considered as blotted out of this list. But as Moses addressed the Lord, he undoubtedly referred, by faith, to the book of God's remembrance.
sinned <02398> [sinned.]
book <05612> [my book.]
angel <04397> [mine Angel.]
day <03117> [the day.]
<03212> [Depart.]
up ........... up <05927> [thou hast.]
land ...... land <0776> [the land.]
Moses ................. land ...... land ....... Abraham .............. descendants <04872 0776 085 02233> [Unto.]
angel <04397> [an angel.]
Canaanite <03669> [the Canaanite.]
land <0776> [a land.]
go up <05927> [for I.]
stiff-necked <07186> [stiff-necked.]
destroy <03615> [lest I.]
mourned <056> [they mourned.]
one <0376> [and no.]
stiff-necked <07186> [Ye are.]
moment <07281 0259> [in a moment.]
off <03381> [put off.]
know <03045> [I may.]
tent .................... tent ............. tent <0168> [the tabernacle.]
{Eth haohel,} the Tent, not {eth hammishcan,} the Tabernacle, for this was not erected; but probably the tent of Moses, which was before in the midst of the camp, and to which the people came for judgment; and where, no doubt, God frequently met his servant. This situation, as well as the superior elegance, of a chief's tent, was one mode by which he was honoured.
distance <07368> [afar off.]
tent .................... tent ... meeting ........... tent ... meeting <0168 04150> [the Tabernacle of.]
seeking <01245> [sought.]
out <03318> [went out.]
stand <05324> [and stood.]
cloud <06051> [cloudy.]
speak <01696> [talked.]
worship <07812> [worshipped.]
speak ........... speaks <01696> [spake.]
friend <07453> [his friend.]
servant <08334> [his servant.]
See <07200> [See.]
know ............ know <03045> [I know.]
found .................... find <04672> [if.]
show ........ know <03045> [shew.]
found ...... show ........ know ........ find <03045 04672> [that I.]
see <07200> [consider.]
presence <06440> [My presence.]
rest <05117> [rest.]
<03212> [in that.]
distinguished <06395> [separated.]
do <06213> [I will do.]
requested ..... found <01696 04672> [thou hast.]
goodness <02898> [all my goodness.]
proclaim <07121> [proclaim.]
gracious ....... gracious <02603> [I will be.]
cannot see ........ see <03201 07200> [Thou canst not.]
This is well explained by Rabbi Jehudah, in Sepher Cosri, (P. iv. 3.) "Of that divine glory mentioned in the Scripture, there is one degree which the eyes of the prophets were able to explore; another which all the Israelites saw, as the cloud and consuming fire; the third is so bright, and so dazzling, that no mortal is able to comprehend it; but should anyone venture to look on it, his whole frame would be dissolved." In such inconceivable splendour is the Divine Majesty revealed to the inhabitants of the celestial world, where he is said to "dwell in the light which no man can approach unto." (1 Ti 6:16.) By the "face of God," therefore, we are to understand that light inaccessible before which angels may stand, but which would be so insufferable to mortal eyes, that no man could see it and live.
place ...... station <04725 05324> [place by.]
cleft <05366> [in a clift.]
cover you with ... hand <05526 03709> [cover thee.]
The rock on which Moses stood, and in the clift of which he was sheltered, was doubtless an emblem of Christ; in whose person, character, and salvation alone, sinners may by faith see the glory of God, and live; for there it appears in softened splendour; as the sun, when his brightness is diminished by a mist, is beheld more distinctly by the human eye.--Scott
see .......... seen <07200> [thou shalt.]
Cut <06458> [Hew.]
write <03789> [I will.]
words <01697> [the words.]
smashed <07665> [which.]
top <07218> [in the top.]
descended <03381> [descended.]
name <08034> [the name.]
passed <05674> [passed.]
proclaimed <07121> [proclaimed.]
Lord ......... Lord ... Lord <03068> [The Lord.]
compassionate <07349> [merciful.]
abounding <07227> [abundant.]
faithfulness <0571> [truth.]
keeping <05341> [Keeping.]
forgiving <05375> [forgiving.]
means ..... unpunished <05352> [that will by no means clear the guilty.]
The Hebrew {nakkeh lo yenakkeh,} has been rendered "Acquitting him who is not innocent." Nothing can more strongly express the goodness of God to frail mortals than this declaration, "which has been misunderstood and misinterpreted by all our translators."
responding <06485> [visiting.]
found <04672> [If now.]
Lord .... Lord <0136> [let my Lord.]
stiff-necked <07186> [stiff-necked.]
pardon <05545> [pardon.]
inheritance <05157> [take us.]
make <03772> [I make.]
do wonders ....................................... doing <06213 06381> [I will do marvels.]
fearful <03372> [a terrible.]
Obey <08104> [Observe.]
drive <01644> [I drive.]
careful <08104> [Take heed.]
make .................. snare <03772 04170> [lest.]
Rather ... must destroy ......... down <05422> [ye shall.]
images <04676> [images. Heb. statutes.]
worship <07812> [worship.]
name <08034> [whose.]
god ........ Jealous .... jealous God <0410 07067> [jealous God.]
make <03772> [make.]
prostitute <02181> [whoring.]
invites ..... eat <07121 0398> [call thee.]
eat <0398> [eat.]
firstborn .......... firstborn <06363> [openeth.]
firstling <06363> [firstling.]
lamb <07716> [lamb. or, kid. All the.]
appear <07200> [none.]
six <08337> [Six.]
plowing <02758> [earing.]
Feast ... Weeks ........... Feast <07620 02282> [feast of weeks.]
[year's end. Heb. revolution of the year.]
times <06471> [Thrice.]
God <0430> [the God.]
drive <03423> [I will.]
enlarge <07337> [enlarge.]
covet <02530> [desire.]
yeast <02557> [leaven.]
remain <03885> [be left.]
first <07225> [first.]
cook <01310> [seethe.]
Write <03789> [Write.]
I ... made <03772> [I have.]
forty days ... forty <0705 03117> [forty days.]
wrote <03789> [he wrote.]
words ....... commandments <01697> [commandments. Heb. words.]
two tablets <03871 08147> [A.M. 2513. B.C. 1491. An. Ex. Is. 1. Elul. Two tables.]
know <03045> [wist.]
skin <05785> [the skin.]
face shone <07160 06440> [face shone.]
As the original word {karan,} signifies to shine out, or dart forth, as horns on the head of an animal, or rays of light reflected from a polished surface, we may suppose that the heavenly glory which filled the soul of this holy man, darted out from his face in coruscations, in the manner in which light is generally represented. The Vulgate renders it, {et ignorabat quod cornuta esset facies sua,} "and he did not know that his face was horned;" which version, misunderstood, has induced painters to represent Moses with two very large horns, one proceeding from each temple!
afraid <03372> [afraid.]
called <07121> [called.]
Moses ................... Moses spoke <04872 01696> [and Moses talked.]
commanded <06680> [he gave.]
veil <04533> [a vail.]
remove <05493> [he took.]
things <01697> [These.]
do <06213> [do them.]
six days .......... day <08337 03117> [Six days.]
holy day <06944> [an holy day. Heb. holiness. whosoever.]
word <01697> [This is.]
everyone <03605> [whosoever.]
blue <08504> [blue.]
goat's <05795> [goats' hair.]
olive oil ......... oil <08081> [And oil.]
spices <01314> [spices.]
tabernacle <04908> [tabernacle.]
clasps <07165> [taches.]
{Keraism,} from {karas,} to bend, so called from their curved form; hooks, clasps, or any thing used for the purpose of fastening: the word taches is formed by aph‘resis from the French attacher, to fasten. They were equivalent, perhaps, to our hooks-and-eyes.
ark <0727> [ark.]
conceals <06532> [the vail.]
lampstand <04501> [candlestick.]
{Menorah,} rather, a chandelier, which was of pure gold, and is described as having one shaft, with six branches proceeding from it, adorned at equal distances with six flowers, like lilies, with as many bowls and knops placed alternately.
incense ........... incense <07004> [the incense.]
hanging <04539> [the hanging.]
altar <04196> [The altar.]
basin <03595> [the laver.]
hangings <07050> [The hangings.]
pegs ....... pegs <03489> [The pins.]
These, as Dr. Wall observes, were not particularly mentioned. Josephus says, that to every board of the tabernacle, and to every pillar of the hangings of the court, there were ropes or cords, fastened at the top of the board or pillar, and that the other end of the rope was fastened to a [passalos,] a nail, or pin, which, at a good distance off, was driven into the ground up to the head, a cubit deep. This was to keep the tabernacle from being blown down by the wind. Dr. Shaw, describing the tents of the Bedouins, says, "These tents are kept firm and steady by bracing or stretching down their eaves with cords tied to wooden hooked pins, well pointed, which they drive into the ground with a mallet; one of these pins answering to the nail, as the mallet does to the hammer, which Jael used in fastening to the ground the temples of Sisera." (Jud 4:21.)
garments .......... garments ........ garments <0899> [The cloths.]
holy .... holy <06944> [the holy.]
brooches <02397> [bracelets.]
{Chach,} either a hook or clasp to join garments together; {fibula,} as Montanus renders; or bracelets, which are hooked or clasped together; so Vulgate, {armillas.}
ornaments <03558> [tablets.]
{Kumoz,} as Bochart thinks, a kind of girdle, swathe, or zone.
everyone <0376> [every man.]
<04672> [whom.]
whose heart ........... that <0834 03820> [whose heart.]
Lord ................... Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
See <07200> [See.]
filled <04390> [And he.]
skill <02451> [wisdom.]
{Chochmah,} (from {chacham,} to be wise, skilful, prudent,) wisdom, denoting the compass of mind and strength of capacity necessary to form a wise man; hence our word wisdom is the power of judging what is wise, or best to be done; from the Saxon {wisedom,} the doom or judgment of the well taught, wise, or prudent man, from {wisan,} to teach, advise, and {deman,} to judge.
understanding <08394> [understanding.]
{Tevoonah,} (from {boon,} to separate, distinguish, discern,) understanding, discernment, capacity to comprehend the different parts of a work, how to connect, arrange, etc., in order to make a complete whole.
knowledge <01847> [knowledge.]
{DaÆ’th,} (from {yadÆ’,} to know, be acquainted with,) knowledge, or a particular acquaintance with a person or thing, practical, experimental knowledge.
put <05414> [he hath.]
Oholiab <0171> [Aholiab.]
filled <04390> [he filled.]
designers ......................... artistic <02803> [the cunning.]
weavers <0707> [of the weaver.]
[An. Ex. Is. 1. Tisri to Adar. Bezaleel.]
[wise-hearted man.]
service <05656> [for the service.]
Lord ............................... Lord <03068> [according.]
person ........... heart <03820> [in whose.]
person ........... heart <03820> [one whose.]
offerings <08641> [the offering.]
morning <01242> [every morning.]
When God puts grace into the heart, the hands will be diligently employed in every good work.
<03498> [and too much.]
skilled <02450> [wise.]
doing .... made ................... made <06213> [made.]
cherubim <03742> [cherubims.]
{Keroovim,} cherubim, not cherubims. What these were we cannot determine. Some, observing that the verb {kerav} in Syriac, sometimes means to resemble, make like, conceive the noun {keroov} signifies no more than an image, figure, or representation of anything. Josephus says they were flying animals, like none of those which are seen by man, but such as Moses saw about the throne of God. In another place he says, "As for the cherubim, nobody can tell or conceive what they were like." These symbolical figures, according to the description of them by Ezekiel, (ch. 1:10; 10:14,) were creatures with four heads and one body; and the animals of which these forms consisted were the noblest of their kind; the lion among the wild beasts; the bull among the tame ones; the eagle among the birds, and man at the head of all. Hence some have conceived them to be somewhat of the shape of flying oxen; and it is alleged in favour of this opinion, that the far more common meaning of the verb {kerav,} in Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, being to plough, the natural meaning of {keroov,} is a creature used in ploughing. This seems to have been the ancient opinion which tradition had handed down, concerning the shape of the cherubim with the flaming sword, that guarded the tree of life. (Ge 3:24.)
together ... one ............ unit <0259> [so it became.]
covering ............... covering <04372> [covering.]
ram skins dyed red ......... leather <05785 0119 0352> [rams' skins dyed red.]
This was the third covering of the tabernacle. The first and lowermost was made of fine linen, richly embroidered with figures of cherubim, in shades of blue, purple, and scarlet (ver. 8-13). It is reasonable to suppose, that the right side of this curtain was undermost, and so it formed a beautiful ceiling in the inside of the tabernacle. The second covering, which lay over the embroidered one, was made of a sort of mohair, (ver. 14-17,) and the fourth, or uppermost one, which was to keep the others from the weather, was made of {tachash,} or badgers' skins.
frames <07175> [boards.]
acacia wood <06086 07848> [shittim wood.]
length <0753> [The length.]
Each of these boards, taking the cubit at nearly twenty-two inches, was about eighteen feet long, and two feet nine inches broad. As these boards are said to be standing up (ver. 20,) their length was consequently the height of the tabernacle; and as the two sides were composed of twenty of these, standing up (ver. 23, 25,) and the west end of six, with two boards to project at the corners, (ver. 27, 28,) the tabernacle must therefore, have been thirty cubits, or fifty-five feet long, and about ten cubits, or eighteen feet broad. These boards were fastened at the bottom by two tenons in each board, which fitted into two mortices in the foundation, at the top by links or hasps, and on the sides by five wooden bars, which ran through rings or staples in each of the boards. The boards and bars were all overlaid with gold; and their rings for the staves, and their hasps at top, were of the same metal. The foundation on which they stood consisted of about ninety-six solid blocks of silver, two under each board, about eighteen inches long, and of a suitable thickness; and each weighing a talent, or about a hundred weight. Four blocks of silver formed the bases of the columns which supported the curtain that divided the inside of the tabernacle into two rooms.
west <03220> [westward.]
doubled <08382> [coupled. Heb. twined.]
frames ..... bases ... bases two bases ... each frame <0134 0259 07175 08147> [under every board two sockets. Heb. two sockets, two sockets, under one board.]
tabernacle .......... tabernacle <04908> [the tabernacle.]
curtain ... blue <08504 06532> [vail of blue.]
{Parachoth,} from {parach,} to separate, divide, make a distinction between somewhat, the inner vail, which divided the tabernacle into two, and separated, and made a distinction between the Holy place and the Holy of Holies. This vail was made of the same rich materials as the inner covering of the tabernacle, and curiously embroidered with cherubim and other ornaments. Though it does not appear from Scripture at what distance from either end of the tabernacle this vail was hung, yet is reasonably conjectured, that it divided it in the same proportion in which the temple, built after this model, was divided; that is, two-thirds of the whole length were allotted to the first room, and one-third to the second; so that the room beyond the vail, the Holy of Holies, was exactly square, being ten cubits each way, and the first room, the sanctuary, was twice as long as it was broad.
hanging <04539> [an hanging.]
This vail was a fine embroidered curtain, of the same materials and of the same workmanship as the inner vail and inner covering of the tabernacle. The text does not say how low it hung. Philo makes it touch the ground; but Josephus will have it to come down but half way, so that the people might have a view of the inside of the tabernacle; but then he says there was another curtain over that, which came to the ground, to keep it from the weather, and was drawn aside on the sabbath and other festivals.
embroiderer <07551> [of needlework. Heb. the work of a needle worker, or embroider.]
bands ... gold <02091 02838> [fillets with gold.]
poles <0905> [staves.]
gold <02091> [with gold.]
end ........ end <07098> [on the end. or, out of, etc. on the other end. or, out of, etc.]
cherubim ... spreading ............. cherubim <03742 06566> [cherubims spread.]
atonement lid ............. atonement lid <03727> [to the mercy seatward.]
Nothing but the ark of the covenant, with the mercy-seat, was put within the most holy place; but without the vail this "table of {shittim} wood" was fixed, of the same height as the ark, but neither so long nor so broad. It was made of the same materials as the ark, and with a golden cornice; but it had also another cornice below the edge, and one at the bottom, with a border between the two of a hand breadth; though some think one border only was below the edge, and that this was towards the bottom, to keep the feet or legs more closely united. The table also had rings and staves for the convenience of removing it. To it were annexed several vessels; as dishes, in which some think the shewbread was placed; or, according to others, the flour of which it was made, or the oil used for various purposes; spoons, which were employed about the incense offered on the golden altar, or carried within the vail in a censer on the day of atonement. Some have supposed the word to denote vials, as we read of vials full of odours and incense (Rev 5:3): covers, which seem to have been put over both the loaves and the incense, yet some suppose they were vessels used in drink-offerings; but that is more reasonably considered as the use of the bowls.
plates <07086> [dishes.]
pouring out <02004 05258> [cover withal. or, pour out withal.]
lampstand ... pure ...... lampstand <04501 02889> [the candlestick of.]
almond <08246> [almonds.]
one <0259> [were.]
hammered <04749> [beaten work.]
made <06213> [he made.]
incense <07004> [incense.]
perfumer <07543> [the apothecary.]
altar <04196> [the altar.]
This altar consisted of four boards of {shittim} (acacia) wood, covered with brass, and hollow in the middle; but it is supposed to have been filled up with earth when used, for it is expressly said (ch. 20:24) that the altar is to be of earth. As it was five cubits long and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, if the cubit be reckoned at 21 inches, it must have been eight feet nine inches square, and about five feet three inches in height.
seven feet six inches .... seven feet six inches ..... square .... height ... four feet six <0520 07969 06967 07251> [foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.]
made <06213> [he made.]
bronze <05178> [brass.]
made ....................... made <06213> [he made.]
meat hooks <04207> [flesh-hooks.]
grating <04345> [the grate.]
carry .... made <05375 06213> [to bear it withal.]
basin <03595> [the laver.]
mirrors <04759> [looking glasses. or, brazen glasses.]
The word {maroth,} from {raah,} to see, denotes reflectors, or mirrors, of any kind. That these could not have been looking glasses, as in our translation, is sufficiently evident, not only from the glass not being then in use, but also from the impossibility of making the brazen laver of such materials. The first mirrors known among men, were the clear fountain and unruffled lake. The first artificial ones were made of polished brass, afterwards of steel, and when luxury increased, of silver; but at a very early period, they were made of a mixed metal, particularly of tin and copper, the best of which, as Pliny informs us, were formerly manufactured at Brundusium. When the Egyptians went to their temples, according to St. Cyril, they always carried their mirrors with them. The Israelitish women probably did the same; and Dr. Shaw says, that looking-glasses are still part of the dress of Moorish women, who carry them constantly hung at their breasts.
women ... served <06633> [assembling. Heb. assembling by troops.]
It is supposed that these women kept watch during the night. Among the ancients, women were generally employed as door-keepers. See 1 Sa 2:22.
courtyard .......... courtyard <02691> [the court.]
hangings <07050> [hangings.]
embroiderer <07551> [needlework.]
pegs <03489> [the pins.]
tabernacle ... tabernacle .... testimony <05715 04908> [tabernacle of testimony.]
The word tabernacle is used in many different senses, and signifies, I. A tent or pavilion, .# Nu 24:5 Mt 17:4 II. A house or dwelling, .# Job 11:4 22:23 III. A kind of tent, which is designated, to speak after the manner of the men, the palace of the Most High, the dwelling of the God of Israel, .# 26:1 Heb 9:2,3 IV. Christ's human nature, of which the Jewish tabernacle was a type, wherein God dwells really, substantially, and personally, .# Heb 8:2 9:11 V. The true church militant, .# Ps 15:1 VI. Our natural body, in which the soul lodges as in a tabernacle, .# 2Co 5:1 2Pe 1:13 VII. The token of God's gracious presence, .# Re 21:3
direction <03027> [by the hand.]
Ithamar <0385> [Ithamar.]
Bezalel <01212> [Bezaleel.]
The supernatural qualifications of Bezaleel and Aholiab proved their divine appointment; yet they had an express nomination to their work: they were also miraculously qualified to instruct their assistants, as well as to superintend them. Christ alone builds the Temple of the Lord, and bears the glory; but ministers and private Christians, under his direction and by his grace, may be fellow-workers together with him. They who, in mean employments, are diligent and humbly contented, are equally acceptable with those who are engaged in more splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, as well as the persons who presided over the work of the tabernacle, or as Aaron, who burnt incense there, because they did it heartily unto the Lord. Our wisdom and duty consist in giving God the glory and use of our talents, be they more or less; neither abusing nor burying them, but occupying with them until our Lord shall come; being satisfied that it is better to be a door-keeper in his service, than the most mighty and renowned of the ungodly.--Scott.
Lord <03068> [all that the Lord.]
Oholiab <0171> [Aholiab.]
designer <02803> [a cunning.]
gold ................. gold <02091> [All the gold.]
If we follow the estimation of the learned Dean Prideaux, the value of the twenty-nine talents, and 730 shekels of gold, will be 198,347Å“. 12s. 6d. The value of the silver contributed by 603,550 Israelites, at half a shekel, or 1s. 6d. per man, will amount to 45,266Å“. 5s. The value of the 70 talents, 2,400 shekels of brass, will be 513Å“. 17s. The gold weighed 4,245 pounds; the silver, 14,603 pounds; and the brass, 10,277 pounds, troy weight. The total value of all the gold, silver, and brass, will consequently amount to 244,127Å“. 14s. 6d.; and the total weight of these three metals will amount to 29,124 pounds troy, which reduced to avoirdupois weight, is equal to fourteen tons, 226 pounds!--It may, perhaps, seem difficult to imagine how the Israelites should be possessed of so much wealth in the desert; but it should be remembered, that their ancestors were opulent men before they came into Egypt; that they were further enriched by the spoils of the Egyptians and Amalekites; and that it is probable, they traded with the neighbouring nations who bordered on the wilderness. There appear to be three reasons why so much riches should have been employed in the construction of the tabernacle, etc. 1. To impress the people's minds with the glory and dignity of the Divine Majesty, and the importance of his service. 2. To take out of their hands the occasion of covetousness. 3. To prevent pride and vain glory, by leading them to give up to the divine service even the ornaments of their persons.
wave offering <08573> [offering.]
shekels ...... shekel <08255> [the shekel.]
beka <01235> [bekah.]
person <01538> [every man. Heb. a poll.]
603,550 <03967 08337> [six hundred.]
bases ....... bases ........ bases ......... base <0134> [and the sockets.]
made bands <02836> [and filleted them.]
bases <0134> [the sockets.]
blue <08504> [the blue.]
garments .......... garments <0899> [cloths.]
made ........ sanctuary ... made holy <06944 06213> [holy place.]
sanctuary .... holy <06944> [the holy.]
work .... artistic designer <04639 02803> [cunning work.]
waistband <02805> [curious.]
Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
onyx stones <07718 068> [onyx stones.]
The meaning of the word {shoham} is not easily determined. It has been variously rendered a beryl, emerald, prasius, sapphire, sardius, ruby, carnelian, onyx, and sardonyx. It may signify both the onyx and sardonyx. The latter stone is a mixture of the chalcedony and carnelian, sometimes in strata, and at other times blended together, and is found striped with white and red strata, or layers. It is generally allowed that there is no real difference, except in hardness, between the carnelian, chalcedony, agate, sardonyx, and onyx. The onyx is of a darkish horny colour, resembling the nail or hoof, from which circumstance it has its name [(onyx).] It has often a plate of a blueish white or red in it, and when on one or both sides of this white there appears a plate of a reddish colour, the jewellers call the stone a sardonyx.
filigree <04865> [ouches.]
{Mishbetzoth,} strait places, sockets, to insert the stones in, from {shavatz,} to straiten, enclose.
memorial <02146> [a memorial.]
rows ..... row ............ row <02905> [the first row.]
ruby <0124> [sardius. or, ruby.]
emerald <03095> [a diamond.]
The word {yahalom} may mean the diamond, from {halam,} to beat, smite, because of its extreme hardness, by which it will beat to pieces the other stones. It is a fine pellucid substance never debased with any admixture of other matter; susceptible of elegant tinges from metal-line particles; giving fire with steel; not fermenting with acid menstrua; scarcely calcinable by any degree of fire; and of one simple and permanent appearance in all lights. It is the hardest and most valuable of all gems; when pure, perfectly clear and pellucid as the clearest water, and eminently distinguished from all other substances by its vivid splendour, and the brightness of its reflections.
jacinth <03958> [a ligure.]
{Leshem,} the ligure, the same as the jacinth, or hyacinth, a precious stone of a deep red, with a considerable tinge of yellow. Theophrastus and Pliny say it resembles the carbuncle, of a brightness sparkling like fire.
agate <07618> [an agate.]
{Shevo,} the agate, a semi-pellucid compound gem, formed of different simple minerals, as chalcedony, cornelian, jasper. horn-stone, quartz, amethyst, opal, etc.; joined irregularly or in layers. It is of a white, reddish, yellowish, or greenish ground; and so variously figured in its substance as to represent plants, trees, animals, and other objects.
amethyst <0306> [an amethyst.]
{Achlamah,} an amethyst, a transparent gem, composed of a strong blue and deep red; and according as either prevails, affording different tinges of purple, sometimes approaching to violet, and sometimes even fading to a pale rose colour.
chrysolite <08658> [a beryl.]
Tarshish, a pellucid gem, of a sea or blueish green colour.
jasper <03471> [a jasper.]
{Yaspeh,} the jasper, a hard stone, of which there are not less than fifteen varieties of colour, as green, red, yellow, brown, black, etc.
braided chains <08333 01383> [chains at the ends.]
gold ...... gold rings ....... rings <02091 02885> [gold rings.]
two ..... two chains ...... two <05688 08147> [two wreathen.]
ephod <0646> [ephod.]
juncture <04225> [coupling.]
Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
made <06213> [they made.]
pomegranates <07416> [pomegranates.]
bells ........ bells <06472> [bells.]
pomegranates .......... pomegranates <07416> [the pomegranates.]
pomegranate ...... pomegranate <07416> [pomegranate.]
hem <07757> [hem.]
tunics <03801> [coats.]
fine linen <08336> [fine.]
The word {Shesh} seems rather to mean cotton, than either fine linen or silk; called also {butz,} and by the Greeks, [byssos,] and Romans, {byssus.}
turban <04701> [a mitre.]
fine linen ..... fine linen .... undergarments ... fine ... linen <08336 0906> [linen.]
undergarments <04370> [breeches.]
{Michnasim,} from {kanas,} to wrap round.
sash <073> [a girdle.]
{Avnet,} a belt or girdle, of the same kind as the eastern sash, which confines the loose garments about the waist; and in which their long skirts are tucked up when at work or on a journey.
plate <06731> [the plate.]
holy ................... Holiness <06944> [HOLINESS.]
work <05656> [all the.]
Lord <03068> [according.]
tent <0168> [the tent.]
atonement lid <03727> [the mercy seat.]
Presence <06440> [the shewbread.]
lamps .... lamps <05216> [even with.]
fragrant incense <07004 05561> [sweet incense. Heb. the incense of sweet spice.]
garments ......... garments ........ garments <0899> [cloths.]
sanctuary ... holy <06944> [the holy.]
Lord <03068> [according.]
did <06213> [made.]
inspected <07200> [did look.]
blessed <01288> [blessed them.]
month <02320 0259> [the first month.]
tabernacle <04908> [tabernacle.]
table <07979> [the table.]
things that belong on <06187> [the things that, etc. Heb. the order thereof.]
lampstand <04501> [the candlestick.]
altar <04196> [the altar.]
put <07760> [put.]
courtyard ............. courtyard <02691> [the court.]
anointing oil <04888 08081> [the anointing oil.]
sanctify <06942> [sanctify.]
[most holy. Heb. holiness of holiness.]
anoint .... sanctify <04886 06942> [anoint him.]
continue <05769> [everlasting.]
Lord <03068> [according.]
first day .... first month <02320 07223> [the first month.]
set .................... set <06965> [reared.]
put ........... attached <05414> [and fastened.]
tent ........... tent <0168> [the tent.]
testimony <05715> [the testimony.]
atonement lid <03727> [mercy.]
brought <0935> [he brought.]
shielded <05526> [and covered.]
put <05414> [he put.]
north <06828> [northward.]
altar <04196> [the altar.]
offered <05927> [offered.]
wash <07364> [washed.]
Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
set .... courtyard ................. courtyard <02691 06965> [up the court.]
tabernacle <04908> [the tabernacle.]
The tabernacle might either be called a house or a tent, because it had wooden walls and partitions like a house, and curtains and hangings like a tent; but as it externally resembled a common oblong tent, and the wooden walls were without a roof, and properly only supports for the many curtains and hangings spread over them, it is more properly called a tent. Even the ordinary tents of the Arabs have at least two main divisions; the innermost for the women, and hence called sacred, i.e., cut off, inaccessible. In the tent of an {emir} the innermost space is accessible to himself only, or those whom he particularly honours; into the outer tent others may come. The furniture is costly, the floor covered with a rich carpet, and has a stand with a censer and coals, on which incense is strewed. Hence we have the simple idea after which this magnificent royal tent of Jehovah, the King and God of the Hebrews, was made.
curtain <04539> [hanging.]
Moses <04872> [So Moses.]
cloud <06051> [a cloud.]
cloud <06051> [when.]
lifted <05265> [went onward. Heb. journeyed.]
cloud <06051> [the cloud.]
fire <0784> [fire.]
CONCLUDING REMARKS. Moses was undoubtedly the author of this Book, which forms a continuation of the preceding, and was evidently written after the promulgation of the law: it embraces the history of about 145 years. Moses, having in the Book of Genesis described the creation of the world, the origin of nations, and the peopling of the earth, details in the Book of Exodus the commencement and nature of the Jewish Church and Polity, which has very properly been termed a Theocracy, (Theokratia, from [Theos <\\See definition 2316\\>,] God, and [krate¢ <\\See definition 2902\\>,] to rule,) in which Jehovah appears not merely as their Creator and God, but as their King. Hence this and the following books of Moses are not purely historical; but contain not only laws for the regulation of their moral conduct and the rites and ceremonies of their religious worship, but judicial and political laws relating to government and civl life. The stupendous facts connected with these events, may be clearly perceived by consulting the marginal references; and many of the circumstances are confirmed by the testimony of heathen writers. Numenius, a Pythagorean philosopher, mentioned by Eusebius, speaks of the opposition of the magicians, whom he calls Jannes and Jambres, to the miracles of Moses. Though the names of these magicians are not preserved in the Sacred Text, yet tradition had preserved them in the Jewish records, from which St. Paul (2 Ti 3:8.) undoubtedly quotes. Add to this that many of the notions of the heathen respecting the appearance of the Deity, and their religious institutions and laws, were borrowed from this book; and many of their fables were nothing more than distorted traditions of those events which are here plainly related by Moses.
Numbers 1:1--10:36
called <07121> [called.]
Tent <0168> [out of.]
someone <0120> [If any.]
offering ......... offering <07133> [an offering.]
{Korban,} from {karav} to approach, an introductory offering, or offering of access, in allusion to the present which is always required in the East, on being introduced to a superior.
burnt offering <05930> [a burnt.]
male <02145> [a male.]
acceptance <07522> [his own.]
entrance <06607> [at the.]
lay <05564> [put.]
accepted <07521> [be accepted.]
atonement <03722> [atonement.]
slaughter <07819> [kill.]
priests <03548> [the priests.]
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
fire .......... fire <0784> [fire.]
wood <06086> [lay.]
entrails <07130> [inwards.]
offer .......... altar <06999 04196> [burn all.]
aroma <05207> [a sweet.]
flock <06629> [of the flocks.]
burnt offering <05930> [a burnt sacrifice.]
{Olah,} a burnt offering, from {ƒlah,} to ascend, because this offering ascended, as it were, to God in flame and smoke, being wholly consumed; for which reason its is called in the Septuagint, [holo kaut¢ma,] a whole burnt offering. This was the most important of all the sacrifices; and no part of it was eaten either by the priest or the offerer, but the whole was offered to God. It has been sufficiently shown by learned men, that almost every nation of the earth, in every age, had their burnt offerings, from the persuasion that there was no other way to appease the incensed gods; and they even offered human sacrifices, because they imagined that life was necessary to redeem life, and that the gods would be satisfied with nothing less.
male <02145> [a male.]
slaughter <07819> [he shall.]
north <06828> [northward.]
priests <03548> [and the.]
birds <05775> [of fowls.]
pinch .... head <07218 04454> [wring off his head. or, pinch off the head with the nail.]
feathers <05133> [his feathers. or, the filth thereof.]
place <04725> [by the place.]
dividing <0914> [shall not.]
burnt offering <05930> [it is.]
grain offering ...... offering <07133 04503> [meat offering.]
{Minchah,} from the Arabic {manacha,} to give, especially as a reciprocal gift, a gift, oblation, or eucharistical or gratitude offering, for the bounties of providence displayed in the fruits of the earth. It is termed a meat offering by our translators, because the term meat in their time was the general name for food.
choice wheat flour <05560> [fine flour.]
pour olive oil <08081 03332> [pour oil.]
frankincense <03828> [frankincense.]
memorial portion <0234> [the memorial.]
remainder <03498> [the remnant.]
most holy <06944> [most holy.]
offering of grain <04503> [meat offering.]
oven <08574> [the oven.]
{Tannur}, probably such an oven as that described by D'Arvieux, as used by the Arabs. He states that they make a fire in a great stone pitcher, and when heated, mix meal and water, which they apply with the hollow of their hands to the outside, and this soft paste spreading itself upon it, is baked in an instant, and the bread comes of as thin as our wafers.
wafers <07550> [wafers.]
griddle <04227> [in a pan. or, on a flat plate, or slice.]
{Machavath,} a flat iron plate, such as the Arabs still use to bake their cakes on, and which is called a griddle in some of our counties.
pan <04802> [the frying-pan.]
{Marchesheth}, a shallow earthen vessel, like a frying pan, which the Arabs call a {tajen.}
choice wheat flour <05560> [of fine.]
memorial <0234> [a memorial.]
gift <0801> [an offering.]
yeast <07603> [no leaven.]
honey <01706> [honey.]
offering <07133> [the oblation.]
up <05927> [be burnt. Heb. ascend.]
salt ....... salt ......................... salt <04417> [with salt.]
salt ....... salt ......................... salt <04417> [the salt.]
offerings <07133> [with all thine.]
grain offering ............. grain offering <04503> [a meat offering.]
These first fruits seem to have been the voluntary oblation brought by individuals, of the finest ears of corn out of the field, before the harvest was ripe.
crushed bits <01643> [corn beaten.]
sacrifice <02077> [a sacrifice.]
flawless <08549> [without.]
lay <05564> [lay.]
slaughter ..... entrance <07819 06607> [kill it.]
fat ......... fat <02459> [the fat. or, suet.]
kidneys .......... protruding lobe .... liver .......... kidneys <03629 03516 03508> [caul above the liver, with the kidneys. or, midriff over the liver, and over the kidneys.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron's.]
burnt offering <05930> [upon the burnt.]
sacrifice <02077> [a sacrifice.]
flock <06629> [be of.]
male <02145> [male.]
present <07126> [he shall.]
presents ......... present ... before <07126 06440> [offer it.]
lay <05564> [he shall.]
slaughter ... before <07819 06440> [kill it.]
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
fatty ........... fat ........ fat <02459> [the fat.]
must ..... fatty tail <0451 08549> [the whole rump.]
To what has already been said on the tails of eastern sheep, we may add the testimony of Ludolf, who states that they are so very large, some of them weighing from twelve to fourteen pounds, "that the owners are obliged to tie a little cart behind them, whereupon they put the tail of the sheep, as well for the convenience of carriage, and to ease the poor creatures, as to preserve the wool from dirt, and the tail from being torn among the bushes and stones." The same is testified by Dr. Russell, who says, "In some other places where they feed in the fields, the shepherds are obliged to fix a piece of thin board to the under part of the tail, to prevent its being torn by bushes, thistles, etc., as it is not covered underneath with thick wool, like the upper part; and some have small wheels to facilitate the dragging of the board after them."
protruding lobe <03508> [the caul.]
smoke <06999> [burn.]
food <03899> [the food.]
goat <05795> [a goat.]
lay ... hand <03027 05564> [lay his hand.]
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
fat ... covers ....... fat <02459 03680> [the fat that covereth.]
food <03899> [it is the food.]
fat <02459> [all the fat.]
perpetual <05769> [a perpetual.]
eat ... fat <0398 02459> [eat neither.]
That is, neither the blood which is contained in the larger veins and arteries, nor the fat or suet which is within the animal, which exists in a separate or unmixed state, as the {omentum} or {caul,} the fat of the {mesentery,} or fatty part of the substance which connects the convolutions of the alimentary canal or small intestines, the fat of the kidneys, and whatever else of the internal fat was easily separable, together with the whole of the tail already described; for the blood which assumes the form of gravy, and the fat which is intermixed with the other flesh, might be eaten. This law not only related to the sacrifices, but to all the cattle which the Israelites slaughtered for food.
blood <01818> [blood.]
unintentionally <07684> [through.]
violated ... violates <06213> [which ought.]
priest <03548> [the priest.]
bull <01241 06499> [a young bullock.]
sin ................. sin offering <02403> [for a sin.]
bring <0935> [bring.]
lay ... hand <03027 05564> [lay his hand.]
dip <02881> [dip.]
seven times <07651 06471> [seven times.]
The number seven is what is called a number of perfection among the Hebrews; and is often used to denote the completion, fulness, or perfection of a thing.
horns <07161> [the horns.]
blood ........................... blood <01818> [all the blood.]
[without the camp. Heb. to without the camp.]
This was intended, figuratively, to express the enormity of this sin, and the availableness of the atonement. The sacrifice, as having the sin of the priest transferred from himself to it, by his confession and imposition of hands, was become unclean and abominable, and was carried, as it were, out of God's sight; and thus its own offensiveness was removed, with the sin of the person in whose behalf it was offered.
fatty ash .................. fatty ash <01880> [the ashes.]
burn ..... wood ...... burned <08313 06086> [burn him.]
to ...... to ... fatty ash pile ................. fatty ash pile <01880 08211 0413> [where the ashes are poured out. Heb. at the pouring out of the ashes.]
congregation <05712> [the whole congregation.]
This may refer to some oversight in acts of religious worship, or to some transgression of the letter of the law, which arose out of the peculiar circumstances in which they were found, as in the case mentioned in 1 Sa 14:32, et seq. The sacrifices and rites in this case were the same as in the preceding; only here the elders laid their hands on the head of the victim, in the name of all the congregation.
unintentionally <07686> [through ignorance.]
guilty <0816> [and are guilty.]
young bull <06499 01241> [young bullock.]
elders <02205> [the elders.]
lay <05564> [lay.]
horns <07161> [upon the.]
pour <08210> [and shall pour out.]
The reason for pouring out the blood, which is so constantly and strictly required by the law, was in opposition to an idolatrous custom of the ancient Zabii, who "were accustomed to eat of the blood of their sacrifices, because they imagined this to be the food of their gods, with whom they thought they had such communion, by eating their meat, that they revealed to them future things."--Maimonides
bull ........ bull <06499> [with the.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
burn ...... burned <08313> [as he.]
sin offering <02403> [a sin offering.]
leader ..... sins <02398 05387> [a ruler hath sinned.]
Under the term {nasi,} that is, one preferred or elevated above others, from {nasa,} to exalt, it is probable that any person is meant who held any kind of political dignity among the people; and it evidently means the head of a tribe as in Nu 1:4, 16; 7:2. But the Rabbins generally understand it of the prince of the great sanhedrin, who, when they were under the regal form of government, was the king. A kid of the goats was the sacrifice in this case; and the rites were nearly the same as in the preceding, only the fat was burnt as that of the peace offering. (ver. 26.)
violates ............... violated <06213> [and done.]
sin <02403> [if his sin.]
male <08163> [a kid.]
lay <05564> [And he.]
place <04725> [in the place.]
sin offering <02403> [it is a sin.]
put <05414> [put.]
fat .......... fat <02459> [the fat.]
[See on ch.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
[any one. Heb. any soul.]
<05971 0776> [common people. Heb. people of the land .]
{Am ha„retz;} that is, any individual who was not a priest, king, or ruler among the people; an ordinary person. Any of these having transgressed, was obliged to bring a lamb or kid, the ceremonies being nearly the same as in the preceding cases.
<08166> [a kid.]
female <05347> [a female.]
horns <07161> [upon the horns.]
pour <08210> [pour out.]
There may have been some place at the bottom of the altar to receive and carry off the blood.
fat .... fat <02459> [all the fat.]
aroma <05207> [a sweet.]
priest .................... priest <03548> [and the priest.]
sheep <03532> [a lamb.]
flawless <08549> [without blemish.]
horns .... altar ..................... altar <04196 07161> [the horns of the altar.]
remove ............. removed <05493> [And he.]
gifts <0801> [according.]
priest ...................... priest .... atonement <03548 03722> [and the priest shall make.]
person <05315> [a soul.]
hears <08085> [hear.]
curse <06963 0423> [the voice of swearing.]
{Kol alah,} rather, "the voice of adjuration," [ph¢n‚n orkismou,] as the LXX. render; for this does not relate to the duty of informing against a common swearer, but to the case of a person who, being adjured by the civil magistrate to answer upon oath, refuses to declare what he knows upon the subject--such an one shall bear his iniquity--shall be considered as guilty in the sight of God of the transgression which he has endeavoured to conceal, and must expect to be punished for hiding the iniquity with which he was acquainted.
bear <05375> [bear.]
touches <05060> [touch.]
realize <05956> [hidden.]
guilty <0816> [and guilty.]
uncleanness <02932> [the uncleanness.]
person <05315> [if a soul.]
This relates to rash oaths or vows, which a man was afterwards unable, or which it would have been sinful, to perform.
evil <07489> [to do evil.]
confess <03034> [confess.]
penalty for guilt <0817> [trespass offering.]
It is remarkable, that in this and the following verse, the sacrifice offered is indifferently called {asham,} a trespass offering, and {chattath,} a sin offering; yet the Marginal References show that these differ in several respects. Sin offerings were sometimes offered for the whole congregation; trespass offerings never, but only for particular persons. Bullocks were sometimes used for sin offerings, never for trespass offerings. The blood of the sin offerings was put on the horns of the altar, that of the trespass offerings was only sprinkled round the bottom of the altar. The sin offering seems to have been for the expiation of offences committed in matters of religion, from a mistake or inadvertency respecting the law; but the trespass offering was required for the casual deviations from the ritual law, when well known, or for crimes against moral precepts, implying injustice to man.
female <05347> [a female.]
priest <03548> [the priest.]
afford ...... flock <01767 05060 07716 03027> [he be not able to bring a lamb. Heb. his hand cannot reach to the sufficiency of a lamb.]
two turtledoves ... two <08147 08449> [two turtle-doves.]
one ....... one <0259> [one.]
pinch <04454> [wring off.]
sprinkle <05137> [sprinkle.]
remainder <07604> [the rest.]
make <06213> [offer.]
regulation <04941> [manner. or, ordinance.]
atonement <03722> [make.]
forgiven <05545> [it.]
afford <03027> [But if.]
tenth .... ephah <06224 0374> [the tenth part.]
choice wheat flour <05560> [fine flour.]
olive oil <08081> [no oil.]
sin offering ...................... sin offering <02403> [for it is.]
memorial portion <0234> [a memorial.]
gifts <0801> [according.]
priest ................................... priest <03548> [the priest.]
priest ......................... forgiven ........... priest <05545 03548> [shall be.]
person <05315> [a soul.]
holy .............................. sanctuary <06944> [in the.]
ram <0352> [ram.]
convertible <06187> [thy estimation.]
shekels ......... shekel <08255> [the shekel.]
thing ...... restore .................... atonement <07999 03722> [make.]
fifth <02549> [the fifth.]
priest .... priest <03548> [and the priest.]
person sins <02398 05315> [a soul sin.]
This case is supposed to differ from the preceding, merely in that the person concerned was not certain whether he had or had not committed the trespass. It is therefore called by the Hebrews a doubtful trespass offering.
know <03045> [though.]
guilty <0816> [yet is he.]
bring <0935> [And he.]
guilt offering <0817> [for a trespass.]
priest .... priest <03548> [and the priest.]
guilty <0816> [trespassed.]
[commit,]
deceiving <03584> [lie.]
in <06487> [in that.]
pledge <08667> [in fellowship. or, in dealing. Heb. in putting of the hand.]
extorting <06231> [deceived.]
found <04672> [have found.]
swears <07650> [sweareth.]
sins <02398> [because.]
stolen ...... extorted .................. found <01497 06231 04672> [which he.]
restore <07999> [restore.]
full <07218> [in the principal.]
The property itself, if still remaining, or its full value, to which a fifth part more was to be added, to compensate the owner for the loss he had sustained by being deprived of the use of his goods. He must also bring a trespass offering to the Lord; which was intended to show that disobedience to God is the great evil, even of those crimes which are injurious to man, and that repentance, and even restitution, though needful in order to forgiveness, cannot atone for sin.
guilty <0819> [of his trespass offering. or, of his being found guilty.]
Heb. of trespass.
ram <0352> [a ram.]
atonement <03722> [make.]
forgiven <05545> [it shall be.]
At this verse the Jews begin the twenty-fifth section of the law, and also, in the best Hebrew Bibles, the sixth chapter, which undoubtedly ought to begin here, as the inspired writer enters upon a new subject; the former part of the book being intended for the instruction of the people relative to the several sacrifices to be brought; but this for the instruction of the priests respecting some particulars of their official services.
burnt offering ... burnt offering <05930> [of the burnt.]
hearth <04169> [because of the burning. or, for the burning.]
linen robe ..... linen <04055 0906> [linen garment.]
consumed <0398> [consumed.]
beside <0681> [beside.]
off <06584> [put off.]
outside <02351> [without.]
fire <0784> [the fire.]
kindle wood <06086 01197> [burn wood.]
The efficacy of the priesthood and mediation of Christ is perpetual, and we can never approach to God in his name, by day or night, unseasonably. The ministers of Christ should have the fire of their zeal constantly burning.
grain offering <04503> [the meat offering.]
memorial <0234> [the memorial.]
left over <03498> [the remainder.]
unleavened <04682> [unleavened.]
eat ........... eaten .......... eat <0398> [shall it.]
baked <0644> [baken.]
given <05414> [I have.]
most holy <06944> [it is most holy.]
male <02145> [the males.]
portion <02706> [It shall.]
touches <05060> [every one.]
{Kol asher yiggÆ’ bahem yikdash,} "all (whether person or thing) that toucheth them shall be (or must be) holy;" that is, the priests must not eat of these oblations when under any ceremonial defilement, and the sacred utensils used about them must not be employed for any other purpose, or in any other way.
offering <07133> [the offering.]
This oblation, which the Jews call a {mincha} of initiation, seems to have been required of the high priest alone "on the day in which he was anointed," and from that time, every morning and evening, as long as he continued in office, and then in like manner of his successor; for, by "the sons of Aaron," may be understood his descendants and successors in the high priesthood, in their generations.
day <03117> [in the day.]
The word {beyom} signifies not only in the day, but from that day forward; for it was a daily oblation, and for them and their successors, a statue for ever.
tenth <06224> [the tenth.]
grain offering <04503> [a meat offering.]
high <04899> [is anointed.]
whole offering <03632> [wholly.]
whole offering <03632> [shall be.]
The meat offering of the people was eaten by the priests, who typically bore and expiated their sins; but as no priest, being a sinner, could make atonement for himself, his meat offering must not be eaten, but wholly burnt on the altar, which was a typical transfer of his guilt to the great antitype who actually bore and expiated it.
eaten <0398> [it shall not be.]
law <08451> [the law.]
place <04725> [In the.]
most holy <06944> [it is.]
priest <03548> [priest.]
holy <06918> [in the holy.]
court <02691> [in the court.]
touches <05060> [touch.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
male <02145> [the males.]
most holy <06944> [it is.]
law <08451> [the law.]
most holy <06944> [it is.]
place <04725> [in the place.]
must .... blood <01818> [and the.]
male <02145> [male.]
most holy <06944> [it is most holy.]
guilt offering <0817> [the trespass.]
priest .................. him <03548> [even the priest.]
All the flesh of the burnt offerings being consumed upon the altar, as well as the fat, there could nothing fall to the share of the priest but the skin; which must have been very valuable, as they were used as mattresses (ch. 15:17,) or as carpets to sit upon in the day. They are still used for the same purpose by some of the inhabitants and dervishes of the East. Bishop Patrick remarks, that Adam himself offered the first sacrifice, and had the skin given him by God, to make garments for him and his wife; in conformity with which, the priests ever after had the skin of the whole burnt offerings for their portion.
hide <05785> [skin.]
grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
pan <04227> [in the pan. or, on the flat plate, or slice.]
priest <03548> [shall be.]
each <0376 0251> [one as much.]
thanksgiving ..... thank offering <08426> [a thanksgiving.]
unleavened ....... unleavened wafers <04682 07550> [unleavened wafers.]
leavened <02557> [leavened.]
contribution <08641> [an heave.]
priest <03548> [the priest's.]
eaten <0398> [be eaten.]
[See on]
set <03240> [he shall not.]
Mr. Harmer supposes that this law refers to the custom of drying flesh, that had been devoted to a religious purpose, which is practised among the Mohammedans at the present day, on the their pilgrimage to Mecca. "It would not have suited," he observes, "the genius of the Mosaic dispensation, to have allowed them to have dried the flesh of their peace offerings, whether in thanksgiving, in consequence of a vow, or merely voluntary, and have afterwards eaten the flesh very commonly in a sparing manner, or communicated only some small portion of it to their particular friends: their peace offerings were to be eaten, on the contrary, with festivity, communicated to their friends with liberality, and bestowed on the poor with great generosity, that they might partake with them of these sacred repasts with joy before the Lord."
votive <05088> [be a vow.]
freewill <05071> [a voluntary.]
leftovers <03498> [also the.]
third <07992> [on the third.]
burned up <08313> [burnt.]
accepted ................ spoiled .......... bear <07521 06292 05375> [it shall.]
accounted <02803> [be imputed.]
spoiled <06292> [an abomination.]
bear <05375> [bear.]
uncleanness <02932> [having.]
cut off <03772> [shall be.]
uncleanness <02932> [the uncleanness.]
uncleanness <02932> [any unclean.]
detestable <08263> [abominable.]
cut off <03772> [cut off.]
fat <02459> [fat.]
Any other fat they might eat; but the fat of these was sacred, because they were the only animals which were offered in sacrifice, though many others ranked among the clean animals as well as these. This prohibition may, however, be understood of these animals when offered in sacrifice, and then only in reference to the inward fat, described in ver. 4. Of the fat in any other circumstances, it cannot be intended, as it was one of the especial blessings which God gave to his people.--"Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats," were the provision which he graciously bestowed on his followers. (See De 32:12-14.)
died of natural causes <05038> [beast. Heb. carcase.]
cut off <03772> [shall be cut off.]
eat <0398> [ye shall eat.]
The prohibition of the fat or suet, which was restricted to animals offered in sacrifice, taught reverence to the altar and ordinances of God; but that of blood, which was extended to all land animals, had especial respect to the atoning blood of the sacrifice, and of the great antitype which the sacrifice prefigured.
person <05315> [that soul.]
cut off <03772> [shall be.]
Shall be excommunicated or cut off from the people of God, and so deprived of any part of their inheritance or of their blessings.
hands <03027> [own hands.]
breast ..... breast <02373> [with the breast.]
[See on]
priest <03548> [the priest.]
breast <02373> [the breast.]
presents <07126> [that offereth.]
wave offering <08573> [the wave.]
[by a statue.]
allotment ...... allotment <04888> [portion.]
presented <07126> [he presented.]
day <03117> [in the day.]
law <08451> [the law.]
grain offering <04503> [meat.]
sin offering <02403> [sin.]
guilt offering <0817> [trespass.]
ordination <04394> [consecrations.]
sacrifice <02077> [sacrifice.]
commanded .......... commanded <06680> [commanded.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
garments <0899> [garments.]
anointing <04888> [anointing.]
bull <06499> [bullock.]
Lord ... commanded .... done <06680 06213 03068> [Lord commanded to be done.]
washed <07364> [washed.]
put ................... put <05414> [he put.]
ephod ................. ephod <0646> [the ephod.]
The {ephod} seems to have been a garment worn by persons of distinction of various characters (2 Sa 6:4); the description of which in the book of Exodus (ch. 28:6, etc.) relates only to its materials. As to its shape, the LXX. calls it [ep¢mis,] which signifies that it was worn on the shoulders. So also Josephus, who says it was a cubit long. St. Jerome compares it with the Roman {caracalla,} which was a sort of short cloak, only that it had a head or hood, which the ephod had not.
[the breast plate.]
Urim <0224> [the Urim.]
Moses .......................... Moses <04872> [Moses.]
tunics <03801> [coats.]
The {kethoneth,} or coat, was made of linen; but the form of it is no where described in Scripture, except in the visionary appearance of Christ to St. John, in the form and habit of a priest (Re 1:13); where he is said to be [endedumenos podere,] "clothed with a garment down to the feet," which perfectly agrees with the description the Jewish writers give of it; who also say, that it had sleeves which came down to the wrist, and was tied about the neck; so that it was not unlike a long shirt. It was common to all the priests; but the tunic of the high priest was made of finer linen, or wove in a more curious manner. (Ex 28:4.)
clothed .......... wrapped <03847 02280> [put. Heb. bound. bonnets.]
The {migba“th}, or bonnets, are described by Josephus as being like helmets of linen, one wreath being plaited and folded over another and a thin cap, suited to its shape, put over all, to prevent its unfolding.
near <05066> [he brought.]
his ... laid their hands <05564> [laid.]
slaughtered ... Moses <07819 04872> [he slew it.]
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
atonement <03722> [to make.]
The beginning of this verse may be rendered, "And Moses slew it, and took the blood," etc. We find it expressly said in Exodus, that Moses slew the sacrifices. .# Ex 29:11 Yet, in general, the offerer seems to have killed his own sacrifice.
soothing aroma <07381 05207> [a sweet savour.]
ram ... ram ... ordination ............... ram <0352 04394> [the ram of consecration.]
"The ram of consecration" was evidently a sacrifice of peace offering though presented on a particular occasion. Part of the blood was applied, not as that of the sin offering, to the horns of the altar, but to Aaron and his sons; to the tips of their right ears, the thumbs of their right hands, and the great toes of their right feet: implying their obligation to hearken diligently to the word of God--to do his work in the best manner which they could, and to walk in his ways with steady perseverance; and also, that they could not do these things acceptably except through the atoning blood, received and applied by faith. Then part of the blood reserved upon the altar, probably in a basin for that purpose, was mingled with the holy anointing oil, and sprinkled on the garments both of Aaron and his sons, to hallow them to the Lord. "This may be looked upon as a lively representation of our purification by the blood of Jesus Christ, through his Holy Spirit."--Bp. Patrick
Moses ... took <03947 04872> [Moses took.]
Moses ......................... Moses splashed <02236 04872> [Moses sprinkled.]
Aaron <0175> [upon Aaron's.]
waved <05130> [and waved.]
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
ordination <04394> [they were.]
anointing <04888> [the anointing.]
consecrated <06942> [and sanctified.]
Boil <01310> [Boil.]
eat ..... bread ..................... eat <0398 03899> [eat it.]
seven days .... day .... days ............. seven-day period <03117 07651> [seven days.]
Tent <0168> [the tabernacle.]
keep <08104> [keep.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
This was necessary to be added, to show the exact fulfilment of the commandments delivered to Moses, and which are recorded in Exodus, ch. 29; and consequently the complete consecration and preparation of Aaron and his sons to fill the awfully important office of priests and mediators between God and the children of Israel, to offer sacrifices, and make atonement for the sins of the people.
On ... eighth day <03117 08066> [the eighth day.]
Not on the eighth day of the month, but on the first day after their consecration, which occupied seven days, and before which they were deemed unfit to minister in holy things, being considered in a state of imperfection. All creatures, for the most part, were considered as in a state of uncleanness and imperfection, seven days, and perfected on the eighth. (see ch. 12:2, 3; 14:8-10; 15:13, 14; 22:27; Nu 6:9, 10.)
bull <01241> [a young.]
ram <0352> [and a ram.]
Take ... male <03947 08163> [Take ye.]
male <08163> [a kid.]
As the offering here is a kid, which was the sacrifice of the sin of the ruler, some think that the reading of the Samaritan and the LXX. is to be preferred: "Speak unto the Elders of Israel."
calf <05695> [a calf.]
Israelites ................ a <01121> [both.]
ox <07794> [a bullock.]
grain offering <04503> [and a meat.]
today <03117> [to-day.]
congregation <05712> [and all the congregation.]
glory <03519> [and the glory.]
make ... sin offering ..................... make <06213 02403> [offer thy.]
make ........................ make .... offering <06213 07133> [offer the.]
fat <02459> [the fat.]
Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
regulation <04941> [manner. or, ordinance.]
grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
filled ... hand <03709 04390> [took an handful thereof. Heb. filled his hand out of it. beside.]
sacrifices <02077> [a sacrifice.]
set <07760> [they put.]
smoke <06999> [burnt.]
breasts <02373> [the breasts.]
Moses ... commanded <04872 06680> [as Moses commanded.]
The Samaritan text, and thirty MSS. have, {kaasher tzivvah yehowah eth Moshe,} "as Jehovah commanded Moses;" which is also the reading of the LXX., Arabic, and Targum of Onkelos, and seems to be the true reading, being supported, not only by these authorities, but by the whole chapter itself.'
hands <03027> [his hand. or, as the Greek has it, "his hands."]
Menachem gives reason why it is written hand, to signify the right hand, because that was lifted up higher than the left. The lifting up of the hand was a gesture used in speaking, and signifying any weighty thing, Isa 49:22; and particularly in swearing, Ge 14:22; praying, Ps 28:2; and blessing, either of God, Ps 134:2, or of men, as in this place. Paul, speaking of prayer, uses the phrase, "lifting up holy hands;" as also David: "Let the lifting up of my hands be as the evening sacrifice."
out <03318> [came out.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
fire ... out <0784 03318> [there came a fire.]
These victims were consumed by a fire of no human kindling. Josephus says that "a fire proceeded from the victims themselves, of its own accord, which had the appearance of a flash of lightning, and consumed all that was upon the altar."
shouted <07442> [they shouted.]
Nadab <05070> [Nadab.]
fire pan <04289> [censer.]
set incense <07004 07760> [put incense.]
strange <02114> [strange.]
commanded <06680> [which.]
Bp. Hall says, "It is a dangerous thing, in the service of God, to decline from his institutions; we have to do with a God, who is wise to prescribe his own worship--just to require what he has prescribed--and powerful to avenge what he has not prescribed."
fire <0784> [fire.]
died <04191> [they died.]
This fire, which destroyed the sacrificers, came from the same source with that which had consumed the sacrifices.
[See ch.]
Note. They died.--The wages of sin is death.--They died suddenly--they died before the Lord; that is, before the vail that covered the mercy-seat.--They died by fire, as by fire they sinned. The fire did not burn them to ashes, as it had done the sacrifices, nor so much as singe their coats, (ver. 5) but struck them dead in an instant. By these different effects of the same fire, we learn that it was no common fire, but kindled by the breath of the Almighty. .# Isa 30:33
holy ............. honored <06942 03513> [I will be.]
presence <06440> [before.]
Aaron ................................ Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
Uzziel <05816> [Uzziel.]
carry <05375> [carry.]
dishevel <06544> [Uncover.]
wrath <07107> [lest wrath.]
out <03318> [ye shall.]
anointing <04888> [the anointing.]
drink <08354> [Do not.]
strong drink <07941> [strong drink.]
The Hebrew {shecher,} Arabic {sakar,} or {sukr,} Greek [sikera,] from {shachar,} to inebriate, signifies any kind of fermented and inebriating liquor beside wine. So St. Jerome informs us, that {sicera} in Hebrew denotes any inebriating liquor, whether made of corn, the juice of apples, honey, dates, or any other fruit. These different kinds of liquors are described by Pliny, who calls then {vina factitia}. One of the four prohibited drinks among the Mohammedans in India is called {sakar,} which denotes inebriating liquor in general, but especially date wine.
statute <02708> [it shall be.]
Take <03947> [Take.]
most holy <06944> [for it is most.]
eat <0398> [ye shall.]
commanded <06680> [for so I.]
thigh .... contribution <07785 08641> [heave shoulder.]
perpetual <05769> [for ever.]
male goat <08163> [the goat.]
angry <07107> [angry.]
eat <0398> [Wherefore.]
bear <05375> [to bear.]
blood <01818> [the blood.]
commanded <06680> [as I commanded.]
today .............................. today <03117> [this day.]
pleased <03190> [should.]
explanation <03190> [he was content.]
Of the laws relative to clean and unclean beasts, which are recorded in this chapter and Deut. ch. 14 the following may be found a useful abstract. 1. In regard to quadrupeds, all beasts that have their feet completely cloven, above as well as below, and at the same time chew the cud, are clean. Those which have neither, or indeed want one of these distinguishing marks, are unclean. This is a systematic division of quadrupeds so excellent, as never yet, after all the improvements in natural history, to have become obsolete, but, on the contrary, to be still considered as useful by the greatest masters of the science. 2. With regard to fishes, Moses has in like manner, made a very simple systematic distinction. All that have scales and fins are clean; all others unclean. 3. Of birds, he merely specifies certain sorts as forbidden, thereby permitting all others to be eaten. 4. Insects, serpents, worms, etc., are prohibited; but with regard, however to those winged insects, which besides four walking legs, also have two longer springing legs, (Pedes saltatorii,) Moses makes an exception, and under the denomination of locusts, declares them clean in all four stages of their existence. In Palestine, Arabia, and the adjoining countries, locusts are one of the most common articles of food, and people would be very ill of if they durst not eat them: For, when a swarm of them desolates the fields, they prove in some measure themselves an antidote to the famine which they occasion. They are not only eaten fresh, immediately on their appearance, but the people collect them, and know a method of preserving them for a long time for food, after they have dried them in an oven. --Niebuhr's Description of Arabia, pp. 170-175.
divided <06536> [parteth.]
chews <05927> [cheweth.]
rock badger <08227> [the coney.]
{Shaphan,} most probably an animal resembling the rabbit, called by Dr. Shaw, {daman} (probably for {ganam}) Israel, "Israel's lamb," and by Bruce, {ashkoko,} which name he imagines is "derived from the singularity of these long herenacious hairs, which, like small thorns, grow about his back, and which an Amhara are called {ashok.}" This curious animal abounds in Judea, Palestine, Arabia, and Ethiopia; and is described as being about seventeen inches when sitting. It has no tail; and at first sight gives the idea of a rat. Its colour is grey, mixed with reddish brown; the belly white, the body covered with strong polished hairs, for the most part about two inches in length; the ears round, and not pointed; the feet round, of a soft, pulpy, tender substance; the toes projecting beyond the nails, which are rather broad than sharp; the upper jaw is longer than the other; it lives upon grain, fruit, and roots, and certainly chews the cud; and it does not burrow like the hare and rabbit, but lives in clefts of the rocks.
divided <06536> [but divideth.]
hare <0768> [the hare.]
pig <02386> [swine.]
unclean <02931> [they are unclean.]
detestable <08263> [they shall be.]
griffon vulture <05404> [the eagle.]
In Hebrew, {nesher,} Chaldee, {neshar,} Syriac, {neshro,} and Arabic, {nishr,} the eagle, one of the largest, strongest, swiftest, fiercest, and most rapacious of the feathered race. His eye is large, dark, and piercing; his beak powerful and hooked; his legs strong and feathered; his feet yellow and armed with four very long and terrific claws; his wings very large and powerful; his body compact and robust; his bones hard; his flesh firm; his feathers coarse; his attitude fierce and erect; his motions lively; his flight extremely rapid and towering; and his cry the terror of every wing.
the ossifrage. {Peres,} from {paras} to break, probably the species of eagle anciently called {ossifraga} or bone-breaker, (from {os,} a bone, and {frango,} to break,) because it not only strips off the flesh, but breaks the bone, in order to extract the marrow. the ospray. Hebrew {¢zniyah,} Arabic {azan,} and Chaldee {azyah,} (from {azaz,} to be strong,) a species of eagle, probably the black eagle, so remarkable for its strength.
wash ... clothes ..... unclean <0899 02930 03526> [wash his clothes, and be unclean.]
carries <05375> [beareth.]
wash <03526> [shall wash.]
swarming things ... swarm <08317 08318> [creeping things that creep.]
immersed ... water <0935 04325> [it must be put into water.]
break <07665> [ye shall break it.]
smashed <05422> [they shall be.]
spring <04599> [a fountain.]
collects water <04723 04325> [wherein there is plenty of water. Heb. a gathering together of waters.]
sowing seed <02233 02221> [sowing seed.]
eats <0398> [eateth.]
wash ................ wash <03526> [shall wash.]
crawls .... belly ..... walks <01512 01980> [goeth upon the belly.]
number ... legs <07272 07235> [hath more feet. Heb. doth multiply feet.]
detestable <08262> [Ye shall.]
yourselves ................. become unclean <05315 02933> [yourselves. Heb. your souls.]
Lord <03068> [I am the.]
sanctify ..... holy ..... holy <06942 06918> [ye shall.]
up <05927> [that bringeth.]
holy ..... holy <06918> [be holy.]
law <08451> [This.]
The distinction of clean and unclean animals, (see note on Le 11:2) existed even before the flood, though it probably then only related to sacrifices; but at this time we find there were very particular laws enacted respecting the diet of the people, and the ceremonial uncleanness contracted by touching the carcases of unclean animals. The reasons for the enactment of these laws seem to be--1. As a test of obedience, and to teach the Israelites habits of self-denial, and the government of their appetites. 2. To keep them distinct from other nations, and consequently from their idolatrous usages, by throwing hindrances in the way of their social intercourse; for these distinctions were applicable both to persons and things. The Canaanites not only ate the animals prohibited by Moses, which we usually eat, but others also, among which dogs were one. Besides, many of those declared unclean were sacred among the heathen, and sacrificed to their gods. 3. Because those prohibited were innutritive and unwholesome; as the swine, the flesh of which being strong and difficult to digest, affords a very gross aliment, and produces, especially in hot climates, cutaneous, scrophulous, and scorbutic disorders, as the itch, leprosy, etc.
woman <0802> [If a woman.]
days ........ days <03117> [according.]
lamb <03532> [a lamb.]
son ........... year ... lamb ........ young <01121 08141> [of the first year. Heb. a son of his year.]
atonement <03722> [make.]
clean <02891> [be cleansed.]
male <02145> [a male.]
afford ... sheep <07716 04672> [she be not able to bring a lamb. Heb. her hand find not sufficiency of a lamb.]
atonement <03722> [make an atonement.]
When burnt offerings and sin offerings were brought together, the sin offerings were first offered.
swelling <07613> [rising. or, swelling. a scab.]
diseased infection <06883 05061> [the plague of leprosy.]
{Tzar„ƒth,} the Leprosy, from the Greek [lepra,] from [lepis,] a scale; so called, because in this disease the body is covered with thin white scales, so as to give it the appearance of snow. The leprosy is a dreadful, contagious disorder, common in Egypt and Syria, and generally manifests itself at first in the manner described in the text. Its commencement is imperceptible; there appearing only a few reddish spots on the skin, which are not attended with pain or any other symptom, but cannot be removed. It increases imperceptibly, and continues for some years to be more and more manifest. The spots become larger, spread over the whole skin, and are sometimes rather raised, though generally flat. When it increases the upper part of the nose swells, the nostrils distend, the nose becomes soft, swellings appear on the under jaws, the eyebrows are elevated, the ears grow thick, the ends of the fingers, feet, and toes, swell, the nails grow scaly, the joints of the hands and feet separate, the palms of hands and soles of the feet are ulcerated, and in its last stage the patient becomes horrible, and falls to pieces.
brought <0935> [he shall.]
examine ........................................ when .... examines <07200> [shall look.]
turned <02015> [turned.]
deeper <06013> [deeper.]
unclean <02930> [pronounce.]
quarantine ...... infection <05462 05061> [shut up.]
clean .............. clean <02891> [pronounce.]
scab <04556> [a scab.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
examine ....... swelling ................... swelling <07200 07613> [shall see him.]
raw flesh <02416 01320 04241> [quick raw flesh. Heb. the quickening of living flesh.]
skin ...... covers .... skin <03680 05785> [cover all.]
disease <06883> [if the leprosy.]
It may seem strange that the partial leper should be pronounced unclean, and the person totally covered with the disease clean. This was probably owing to a different species or stage of the disease; the partial being contagious, the total not. That there are two different species, or degrees, of the disease described here, is sufficiently evident: in one, the person was all covered with a white enamelled scurf; in the other, there was a quick raw flesh in the risings. On this account, the one was deemed unclean, or contagious, the other not; for contact with the quick raw flesh would be more likely to communicate the disease, than the touch of the hard dry scurf. The ichor proceeding from the former, when brought into contact with the flesh of another, would soon be taken into constitution by means of the absorbent vessels; but where the surface was perfectly dry; the absorbent vessels of another, coming in contact with the diseased man, could imbibe nothing, and there was consequently but little or no danger of infection. This is the learned Dr. Mead's view of the subject; who thus accounts for the circumstances mentioned in the text.
clean <02889> [he is clean.]
boil <07822> [a boil.]
appears <04758> [in sight.]
quarantine .... seven <05462 07651> [shut him.]
infection <05061> [a plague. i,e., "The plague of leprosy."]
burn ........... burn <04348 0784> [a hot burning. Heb. a burning of fire.]
This is supposed to state the case of such as had been hurt by fire; which would leave a scar, in which the leprosy might appear, and which was to be distinguished by the rules here given.
turned white <03836 02015> [turned white.]
priest ........................... priest <03548> [then the priest.]
diseased infection <05061 06883> [it is the plague of leprosy. See on ver.]
scall <05424> [scall.]
seven days <07651 03117> [seven days.]
yellow hair <08181 06669> [yellow hair.]
seventh <07637> [the seventh.]
spread <06581> [be not.]
wash <03526> [and he shall.]
bright spots <0934> [if the bright.]
harmless <0933> [a freckled spot.]
The word {bohak,} from the Syriac {behak,} to be white, or shining, here rendered "a freckled spot," is used by the Arabs to denote a kind of leprosy, of which Niebuhr says, "{Bohak} is neither contagious nor dangerous. A black boy at Mocha, who was affected with this eruption, had here and there upon his body white spots. We were told that the use of sulphur had relieved this boy for a time, but had not entirely removed the disease." He adds subsequently from Forskal's papers, "The Arabs call a sort of leprosy, in which some little spots shew themselves here and there on the body, {behaq;} and it is without doubt the same as is named {bohak,} (Le ch. 13). They believe it to be so far from contagious, that one may sleep with a person affected without danger." "On the 15th day of May, 1765, I myself first saw the {Bohak} leprosy in a Jew at Mocha. The spots in this disease are of an unequal size. They do not shine; are not perceptibly higher than the skin; and do not change the colour of the hair. Their colour is an obscure white, inclining to red. The rest of the skin of the patient was darker than that of the people of the country in general; but the spots were not so white as the skin of an European, when not sun-burnt. The spots in this leprosy do not appear on the hands, or near the navel, but on the neck and face, yet not on that part where the hair grows thick. They gradually spread, and continue sometimes only about two months, but in some cases one or two years, and then disappear by degrees, of themselves. This disorder is neither contagious nor hereditary, nor does it occasion any inconvenience." Hence a person infected with the {bohak} is declared clean.
head <07218 04803> [hair is fallen off his head. Heb. head is pilled.]
unclean because <02930> [utterly unclean.]
infection <05061> [his plague.]
clothes <0899> [his clothes.]
head <07218> [and his head.]
cover <05844> [put.]
Unclean Unclean <02931> [Unclean.]
time <03117> [the days.]
outside <02351> [without.]
garment ............. garment <0899> [The garment.]
This leprosy in garments appears so strange to us, that it has induced some, with Bp. Patrick, to consider it as an extraordinary punishment inflicted by God upon the Israelites, as a sign of his high displeasure; while others consider the leprosy in clothes (and also houses) as having no relation to the leprosy in man. When Michaelis was considering the subject, he was told by a dealer in wool, that the wool of sheep which die of a disease, if it has not been shorn from the animal while living, is unfit to manufacture cloth, and liable to something like what Moses here describes, and which he imagines to be the plague of leprosy in garments. The whole account, however, as Dr. A. Clarke observes, seems to intimate that the garment was fretted by the contagion of the real leprosy; which it is probable was occasioned by a species of {animacula,} or vermin, burrowing in the skin, which we know to be the cause of the itch; these, by breeding in the garments, must necessarily multiply their kind, and fret the garments, i.e., corrode a portion of the finer parts, after the manner of moths, for their nourishment. The infection of garments has frequently been known to cause the worst species of scarlet fever, and even the plague; and those infected with {psora}, or itch animal, have communicated the disease even in six or seven years after the infection.
leather .... made ... leather <04399 05785> [thing made of. Heb. work of.]
leather ........ article ... leather <05785 03627> [thing of skin. Heb. vessel, or instrument. it is.]
malignant disease <06883 03992> [fretting leprosy.]
burn .................................. burned up <08313> [burn.]
malignant disease <06883 03992> [fretting leprosy.]
after <0310> [after.]
back side ... front side <01372 07146> [it be bare within or without. Heb. it be bald in the head thereof, or in the forehead thereof.]
burn up <08313> [shalt burn.]
wash .......... washed <03526> [be washed.]
The plague of leprosy was inflicted immediately from the hand of God, and came not from natural causes, as other diseases; and therefore must be managed according to a divine law. Miriam's leprosy, and Gehazi's and King Uzziah's were all the punishments of particular sins; and if generally it was so, no marvel there was so much care taken to distinguish it from a common distemper, that none might be looked upon as lying under this extraordinary token of Divine displeasure, but those that really were so.
law <08451> [the law.]
day <03117> [in the day.]
brought <0935> [He shall.]
go <03318> [go forth.]
Lepers were obliged to live in a detached situation, separate from other people, and to keep themselves actually at a distance from them. They were distinguished by a peculiar dress; and if any person approached, they were bound to give him warning, by crying out, Unclean! unclean!
outside ... camp <02351 04264> [out of.]
healed <07495> [be healed.]
two .... birds <08147 06833> [two birds. or, sparrows.]
The word {tzippor,} from the Arabic {zaphara,} to fly, is used in the Scriptures to denote birds of every species, particularly small birds. But it is often used in a more restricted sense, as the Hebrew writers assert, to signify the sparrow. Aquinas says the same; and Jerome renders it here the sparrow. So the Greek [strouthia,] in Matthew and Luke, which signifies a sparrow, is rendered by the Syriac translator {tzipparin}, the same as the Hebrew {tzipporim}. Nor is it peculiar to the Hebrews to give the same name to the sparrow and to fowls of the largest size; for Nicander calls the hen [strouthos katoikados,] the domestic sparrow, and both Plautus and Ausonius call the ostrich, {passer marinus,} "the marine sparrow." It is evident, however, that the word in this passage signifies birds in general; for if the sparrow was a clean bird, there was no necessity for commanding a clean one to be taken, since every one of the species was ceremonially clean; but if it was unclean, then it could not be called clean.
cedar <0730> [cedar.]
crimson <08144> [scarlet.]
hyssop <0231> [hyssop.]
clay vessel <03627 02789> [earthen vessel.]
live bird ........................... live bird ....... bird ..... fresh <06833 02416> [the living bird.]
live ........................ dip ..... live ............ fresh <02881 02416> [dip them.]
sprinkle <05137> [sprinkle.]
seven times <07651 06471> [seven times.]
cleansed ....... clean <02891> [pronounce.]
live <02416> [let.]
open countryside <06440 07704> [into the open field. Heb. upon the face of the field.]
wash ... clothes <03526 0899> [wash his.]
bathe ... water <07364 04325> [wash himself.]
live <03427> [and shall.]
seven days <07651 03117> [seven days.]
shave .... hair .......... hair ... he <01548 08181> [shave all.]
bathe ... body <01320 07364> [wash his flesh.]
Lictenstein states that "among the Koossas, (a nation of South Africa,) there are certain prevailing notions respecting moral [ceremonial] uncleanness. All children are unclean till they are admitted among grown-up persons (which happens with the males through the various ceremonies attending circumcision); all lying-in women are unclean for the first month; all men who have lost their wives, for a fortnight, and all widows for a month; a mother who has lost a child, for two days; all persons who have been present at a death, the men returning from a battle, etc. No one may have intercourse with such an unclean person, till he has washed himself, rubbed his body with fresh paint, and rinsed his mouth with milk. But he must not do this till after the lapse of a certain time, fixed by general consent for each particular case, and during this time he must wholly refrain from washing, painting, or drinking milk."
eighth day <03117 08066> [eighth day.]
take <03947> [take.]
lambs <03532> [he lambs.]
lamb <03535> [ewe lamb.]
yearling female <01323 08141> [of the first year. Heb. the daughter of her year. three tenth.]
grain offering <04503> [a meat offering.]
olive oil .... log ... olive oil <03849 08081> [log of oil.]
guilt offering <0817> [trespass.]
them .... wave offering <05130 08573> [wave them.]
place .............. sanctuary <04725> [in the place.]
sin offering .............. sin offering <02403> [as the sin.]
sanctuary ................ most holy <06944> [it is most holy.]
remainder <03498> [the remnant.]
atonement <03722> [make an atonement.]
poor <01800> [poor.]
sufficient <03027> [cannot. Heb. his hand reach not. one lamb.]
wave offering <08573> [to be waved. Heb. for a waving.]
two .... two <08147> [two turtle doves.]
{Tor,} the turtle or ring-dove, so called by an onomatopoeia from its cooing, as in Greek [trugon], Latin, {turtur} and English, turtle. It is a species of the dove or pigeon, here called {yonah,} and in the Syriac {yauno,} from the verb to oppress, afflict, because of its being particularly defenceless, and exposed to rapine and violence. The dove is a genus of birds too well known to need a particular description; and of which there are several species besides the turtle-dove; as the wood pigeon, tame pigeon, and others. The dove is universally allowed to be one of the most beautiful objects in nature. The brilliancy of her plumage, the splendour of her eye, the innocence of her look, the excellence of her dispositions, and the purity of her manners, have been the theme of admiration and praise in every age. To the snowy whiteness of her wings, and the rich golden hues that adorn her neck, the inspired Psalmist alludes in most elegant strains. (Ps 68:13.) The voice of the dove is particularly tender and plaintive, and bears a striking resemblance to the groan of a person in distress; to which the inspired bards frequently allude. (Isa 38:14; 59:11; Eze 7:16.) Her native dwelling is in the caves or hollows of the rock; allusions to which fact also occur in the Sacred Writings, (So 2:14; Jer 48:28.) Her manners are as engaging as her form is elegant, and her plumage rich and beautiful. She is the chosen emblem of simplicity, gentleness, chastity, and feminine timidity, and for this reason, as well as from their abounding in the East, they were probably chosen as offerings by Jehovah.
<03027> [whose hand.]
enter <0935> [When.]
give ......... put <05414> [which I.]
give ......... put ... diseased infection <05061 06883 05414> [I put the plague of leprosy.]
It was probably from this text, that the leprosy has been in general considered to be a supernatural disease, inflicted immediately by God himself; but it cannot be inferred from this expression, as it is well known, that in Scripture, God is frequently represented as doing what, in the course of his providence, he only permits to be done.
infection <05061> [a plague.]
that ..... cleared <06437> [empty. or, prepare. be not made.]
The consideration of the circumstances will exhibit the importance and the propriety of the Mosaic ordinance on the subject of the house leprosy. 1. Moses ordained that the owner of a house, when any suspicious spots appeared on the walls, should be bound to give notice of it, in order that the house might be inspected; and that person, as in the case of the human leprosy, was to be the priest, whose duty it was. Now this would serve to check the mischief at its very origin, and make every one attentive to observe it. 2. On notice being given, the priest was to inspect the house, but the occupant had liberty to remove everything previously out of it; and that this might be done, the priest was empowered to order it ex officio; for whatever was found within a house declared unclean, became unclean along with it. 3. If, on the first inspection, the complaint did not appear wholly without foundation, but suspicious spots or dimples were actually to be seen, the house was to be shut up for seven days and then to be inspected anew. If, in this interval, the evil did not spread, it was considered as have been a circumstance merely accidental, and the house was not polluted; but if it had spread, it was not considered a harmless accident, but the real house leprosy; and the stones affected with it were to be broken out of the wall, and carried to an unclean place without the city, and the walls of the whole house here scraped and plastered anew. 4. If, after this, the leprosy broke out afresh, the whole house was to be pulled down, and the materials carried without the city. Moses therefore, never suffered a leprous house to stand. 5. If, on the other hand, the house being inspected a second time, was found clean, it was solemnly so declared, and offering made on the occasion; in order that every one might know for certain that it was not infected, and the public be freed from all fears on that score. By this law many evils were actually prevented--it would check the mischief in its very origin, and make every one attentive to observe it: the people would also guard against those impurities whence it arose, and thus the health be preserved and not suffer in an infected house. These Mosaic statues were intended to prevent infection by the sacred obligations of religion. Ceremonial laws many keep more conscientiously and sacredly than moral precepts.
stones ......... pulled <02502 068> [take away.]
outside ... city <02351 05892> [without the city.]
unclean place <02931 04725> [into an unclean place.]
tear <05422> [break down.]
unclean place <02931 04725> [into an unclean place.]
unclean <02930> [shall be unclean.]
wash ... clothes ......... wash ... clothes <0899 03526> [wash his clothes.]
enters <0935> [shall come in. Heb. in coming in shall come in, etc. because.]
law <08451> [the law.]
scall <05424> [scall.]
diseased <06883> [the leprosy.]
house <01004> [of a house.]
swelling <07613> [a rising.]
teach <03384> [teach.]
when .... unclean ... when .... clean <03117 02931 02889> [when it is unclean, and when it is clean. Heb. in the day of the unclean, and in the day of the clean. this is.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
Israelites <01121> [unto the.]
any man <0376> [when any man.]
It is not necessary to consider particularly the laws contained in this chapter, the letter of the text being in general sufficiently plain. It may, however, be observed, that from the pains which persons rendered unclean were obliged to take, the ablutions and separations which they must observe, and the privations to which they must in consequence be exposed, in the way of commerce, traffic, etc., these laws were admirably adapted to prevent contagion of every kind, by keeping the whole from the diseased, and to hinder licentious indulgences and excesses of every description.
discharge <02100> [running issue. or, running of the reins.]
furniture <03627> [thing. Heb. vessel. be unclean.]
means of riding <04817> [saddle.]
The word {merchav,} from {rachav,} to ride, here rendered by our translators saddle, and frequently chariot. Mr. Harmer thinks rather means a litter, or {coune,} of which we have already given a description in Ge 31:34.
touches <05060> [whomsoever.]
It is rather doubtful whether the words hath not rinsed his hands in water refer to him who was diseased, or to him who had his hands touched. Most understand it of the former, that if the person who had the issue rinsed his hands in water, just before he touched any one, he did not communicate any pollution; otherwise, he did. But the Syriac refers it to the person touched by him, though it seems strange that he should be cleansed by washing his hands, when perhaps some other part was touched.
vessel ............... utensil <03627> [vessel.]
broken <07665> [shall be broken.]
seven days <03117 07651> [seven days.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
one ......... other <0259> [the one.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
leather <05785> [skin.]
The poorer class of Arabs of our times make use of mats in their tents; and other inhabitants of these countries, who affect ancient simplicity of manners, make use of goat-skins. Dr. R. Chandler, in his Travels in Greece, tells us, that he saw some dervishes at Athens sitting on goat-skins; and that he was afterwards conducted into a room furnished in like manner, with the same kind of carpeting, where he was treated with a pipe and coffee by the chief dervish. Those that are at all acquainted with Oriental manners, in these later times, know that their dervishes (who are a sort of Mohammedan devotees, a good deal resembling the begging friars of the church or Rome) affect great simplicity, and even sometimes austerity, in their dress and way of living. As these dervishes that Dr. Chandler visited sat on goat-skins, and used no other kind of carpet for the accommodation of those who visited them: so it should seem that the Israelites in the wilderness made use of skins for mattresses to lie upon, and consequently, we may equally suppose to sit upon in the day time, instead of a carpet.
woman <0802> [the woman.]
unclean <02930> [unclean.]
discharge <02101> [and her issue.]
menstruation <05079> [put apart. Heb. in her separation.]
Thus <05144> [Thus shall.]
die <04191> [that they.]
These laws were principally intended to impress the minds of the Israelites with reverence for the sanctuary; and, on the one hand, to shew them what need they had of circumspection, and purity of heart and life, in order to worship the holy God with acceptance; and, on the other hand, that being sinners in a world full of temptations and defilements, they would continually need forgiveness, through the great atonement typified by all the sacrifices, and the sanctification of the Spirit, showed forth by all the purifications. While they were encamped in the desert, it would not be very burdensome to bring the prescribed oblations; but after they were settled in Canaan, many of them at a great distance from the tabernacle, this would become much more difficult. We may, however, observe, continues Mr. Scott, that many of the cases stated only required such washings as might any where be performed, and that those, respecting which sacrifices were appointed, would more rarely occur. We may also suppose, that provided these were brought, when the person who had been unclean first came to the sanctuary, it would suffice: though distance or other hindrances prevented its being done immediately, at the expiration of the seven days.
sick .... menstruation <01739 05079> [of her.]
man <02100 0376> [and of him.]
enter .... time <0935 06256> [he come not.]
die ..... appear <04191 07200> [that he die not.]
cloud <06051> [in the cloud.]
atonement plate ...................... atonement plate <03727> [the mercy seat.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
young <01121> [a young.]
ram .... burnt offering <05930 0352> [a ram for a burnt-offering.]
holy ... tunic ............................. holy <03801 06944> [holy line coat. Heb. of holiness. Greek. a sanctified linen coat.]
This and the other vestures were peculiar for this day, and for the services of this day; that is, for making atonement: the other service, which was ordinary, he performed this day in his other priestly garments. The eight ornaments usually worn by the high priest are enumerated in Exodus xxviii ver.4, etc., and the four that were for this day are here expressed, and are called the white garments, while the others were designated the golden garments, because some were made with gold thread woven in them. These four were made of six double twisted threads, and of flax only.
bathe <07364> [therefore.]
on behalf <01157> [which.]
[an atonement, for himself.]
lots ....... lot ....... lot <01486 05414> [cast lots.]
Azazel <05799> [scape goat. Heb. Azazel, that is, the goat-gone-away.]
The Hebrew [ ] has been supposed by some to be the name of a place, either a mountain or cliff, to which the goat was led. But no place of that name has ever been pointed out, except a mountain near Sinai, which was too distant for the goat to be conducted there from Jerusalem. Other learned men think it was the name of the devil, who was worshipped by the heathen in the form of a goat. But Bp. Patrick justly objects to this opinion; for it is difficult to conceive, that when the other goat was offered to God, this should be sent among demons. The more probable opinion seems to be, that it was name given to the goat itself, on account of his being let go; from {aiz,} a goat, and {azal,} to depart. So LXX. [\~apopompaov\~,] and Vulgate {emissarius,} sent away; Aquila and Symmachus [\~tragov apercomenov\~,] or [\~apolelumenov\~:] the goat going away, or dismissed.
Lord <03068> [upon which.]
designated <05927> [fell. Heb. went up.]
Azazel .................... Azazel <05799> [the scape-goat.]
atonement <03722> [to make.]
sending <07971> [let him.]
altar <04196> [from off.]
fragrant incense <07004 05561> [sweet incense.]
He .... put <05414> [And he.]
cloud <06051> [the cloud.]
slaughter <07819> [Then shall.]
bring <0935> [bring.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
resides <07931> [remaineth. Heb. dwelleth.]
Nobody <0120> [no man.]
atonement .............. atonement <03722> [and have made.]
purifying <03722> [reconciling.]
live goat <08163 02416> [live goat.]
lay <05564> [lay.]
confess ...... iniquities <03034 05771> [confess over.]
put <05414> [putting.]
man ... ready <0376 06261> [a fit man. Heb. a man of opportunity.]
The man that took the scape-goat into the wilderness, and they that burned the sin offering, were to be looked upon as ceremonially unclean, and must not come into the camp till they had washed their clothes and bathed their flesh in water, which signified the defiling nature of sin; even the sacrifice which was made sin, was defiling: also the imperfection of the legal sacrifices, they were so far from taking away sin, that they left some stain even upon those that touched them.
bear ...... iniquities <05375 05771> [bear upon.]
inaccessible <01509> [not inhabited. Heb. of separation.]
bathe <07364> [wash.]
clothes <0899> [his garments.]
burnt offering ..... burnt offering <05930> [his burnt.]
atonement <03722> [and make.]
sent <07971> [he that.]
wash <03526> [wash.]
bull <06499> [bullock.]
outside <02351> [without.]
seventh <07637> [in the seventh.]
humble <06031> [shall afflict.]
priest ...... ordained <03548 03547> [the priest.]
<04390> [consecrate. Heb. fill his hand.]
ordained <03547> [to minister.]
put on ... linen <0906 03847> [put on the linen.]
perpetual <05769> [an everlasting.]
once ... year <0259 08141> [once a year.]
house <01004> [be of.]
slaughters ... ox <07819 07794> [that killeth an.]
brought <0935> [bringeth.]
shed blood <01818 02803> [blood shall.]
shed <08210> [he hath.]
cut off <03772> [be cut off.]
field <06440> [in the open.]
sacrificing .................... sacrifice ..... peace offering <02076 08002> [and offer them.]
splash <02236> [sprinkle.]
offer <06999> [burn.]
goat <08163> [unto devils.]
goat <08163> [devils.]
{Seirim,} properly signifies hairy or hairy ones; and hence is used not only for he-goats, but also for some fabulous beings or sylvan gods, to whom was ascribed the form of goats. Maimonides says that the Zabian idolaters worshipped demons under the form of goats; and that this custom being spread among other nations, gave occasion to this precept. He-goats, however, are probably intended here, which were objects of divine honour among the Egyptians under the name of honour among the Egyptians under the name of Mendes. Herodotus says that all goats were worshipped in Egypt; but particularly he-goats. From these seem to have sprung Pan, Silenus, and the innumerable herd of those imaginary beings, fauns, satyrs, dryads, etc., all woodland gods, and held in veneration by the Greeks and Romans.
prostitutes <02181> [gone a whoring.]
Though this phrase is equivalent, in Scripture, to that of committing idolatry, yet it is to be taken sometimes in a literal sense. Baalpeor and Ashtaroth were worshipped with obscene rite; and public prostitution formed a great part of the worship among the Egyptians, Moabites, Canaanites, Greeks, and Romans.
offers <05927> [that offereth.]
eats ............. eats <0398> [that eateth.]
I will set <05414> [I will.]
life .......................... lives ........... life <05315> [the life.]
This sentence, which contains a most important truth, had existed in the Mosaic writings for more than 3,000 years, before the attention of any philosopher was drawn to the subject. That the blood actually possesses a living principle, and that the life of the whole body is derived from it, is a doctrine of revelation, and a doctrine which the experiments of the most accurate anatomists have served strongly to confirm. The proper circulation of this important fluid through the whole human system was first taught by Solomon in figurative language, (Ec 12:6,) and discovered, as it is called, and demonstrated by Dr. Harvey in 1628; though some Italian philosophers had the same notion a little before. This accurate anatomist was the first who fully revived the Mosaic notion of the vitality of the blood; which was afterwards adopted by the justly celebrated Dr. John Hunter, professor of anatomy, and established by him, by a great variety of strong reasoning and accurate experiments.
assigned <05414> [I have.]
resident foreigner <01616> [neither.]
hunts <06679> [which hunteth.]
hunts <06679> [hunteth. Heb. hunteth any hunting. pour out.]
person <05315> [every soul.]
died of natural causes ..... torn <05038 02966> [that which died of itself. Heb. a carcase. both wash.]
do .... do ................... do <04639> [the doings.]
do .... do ................... do <04639> [and after.]
anyone ... does <0834 0120 06213> [which if a man do.]
Lord <03068> [I am the Lord.]
close relative <07607> [near to kin. Heb. remainder of his flesh.]
Not withstanding the prohibitions here, it must be evident, that in the infancy of the world, persons very near of kin, and even brothers and sisters, must have joined in matrimonial alliances; and therefore we cannot pronounce them immoral in themselves. But, in these first instances, necessity required it; but when this necessity no longer existed, the thing became inexpedient and improper: for 1. As human nature now is, it is very expedient that those who are so much together in youth, should, by such a restriction be taught to look upon all such intercourse as prohibited and incestuous; for unless such restrictions are made, it would be impossible to prevent the prevalence of very early corruption among young persons. (See Michaelis on the laws of Moses, Art. 108.) 2. That the duties owing by nature to relatives might not be confounded with those of a social or political kind; for could a man be a brother and a husband, or a son and a husband at the same time, and fulfil the duties of both? Impossible. 3. That by intermarrying with other families, relationship and its endearments might be diffused. These prohibitions are, therefore, to be considered so eminently moral obligations as to be observed by all mankind.
sexual intercourse <01540> [to uncover.]
woman <0802> [a woman.]
lewdness <02154> [it is wickedness.]
woman <0802> [wife. or, one wife to another.]
rival <06887 01540> [to vex her.]
Molech <05674 04432> [pass through.]
Molech signifies a king, or governor, of similar import with BaÆ’l, lord, or governor; and it is generally supposed that the sun was worshipped under this name; and more particularly as the fire appears to have been so much employed in his worship. It seems clear that children were not only consecrated to him by passing through the fire, which appears to be alluded to here, but that they were actually made a burnt offering to him. (See the parallel passages.) That the several abominations afterwards mentioned were actually practised by many heathen nations is abundantly attested by their own writers.
Molech <04432> [to Molech.]
[Moloch.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
animal ............... animal <0929> [any beast.]
perversion <08397> [confusion.]
defile ...................... defiled <02930> [Defile.]
nations <01471> [for.]
land ................... land <0776> [the land.]
punishment <06485> [therefore.]
vomited <06958> [vomiteth.]
obey <08104> [keep.]
foreigner <01616> [nor any stranger.]
[See on]
abominable <08441> [abominable.]
defile <02930> [that ye defile.]
Lord <03068> [I am.]
holy ......... holy <06918> [Ye shall.]
respect <03372> [fear.]
keep <08104> [keep.]
idols <0457> [not unto.]
[See on]
gods ... cast metal ....... God <0430 04541> [molten gods.]
sacrifice <02077> [a sacrifice.]
sacrifice ........... sacrifice <02076> [ye shall.]
accepted <07522> [your own will.]
The Hebrews had several kinds of offerings, which they called {corban}. Some were free-will offerings, and others were of obligation. The first fruits, the tenths, the sin-offerings, were of obligation; the peace-offerings, vows, offerings of oil, wine, bread, and other things which were made to the temple, or to the ministers of the Lord, were offerings of devotion; these constituted the greater part. They indeed were a shadow of good things to come, which we enjoy in full fruition through THE ONE great SACRIFICE, even Jesus Christ. "Aaron must lay his robes away, His mitre and his vest, When God himself comes down to be The offering and the priest."
spoiled <06292> [abominable.]
accepted <07521> [it shall.]
gather .... harvest ......................... harvest <07105 07114> [ye reap the harvest.]
In what code of laws merely human, is a requisition to be found so counteracting to selfishness, so encouraging to liberality, and so beneficently considering to the poor and needy? But the Mosaic dispensation, like the Christian, breathed with love to God, and benevolence to man. To the honour of the public and charitable spirit of the English, this merciful law is, in general, as much attended to as if it had been incorporated with the gospel.
pick <05953> [glean.]
pick ................... leave <05953 05800> [thou shalt.]
[shalt not.]
falsely .... fellow <0376 08266> [lie one.]
swear <07650> [ye shall.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
oppress <06231> [shalt not.]
wages <06468> [the wages.]
curse <07043> [not curse.]
fear <03372> [fear.]
slanderer <07400> [tale-bearer.]
stand <05975> [stand.]
hate <08130> [hate.]
reprove <03198> [rebuke.]
incur sin <05375 02399> [and not suffer sin upon him. or, that thou bear not sin for him.]
vengeance <05358> [not avenge.]
vengeance ............... love <05358 0157> [thou shalt.]
animals ... breed <07250 0929> [thy cattle gender.]
These practices might have been considered as altering the original constitution of God in creation; and this is the view which the Jews, and also Josephus and Philo, take of the subject. There were, probably, also both moral and political reasons for these prohibitions. With respect to heterogenous mixtures among cattle, it was probably forbidden, to prevent excitements to the abominations condemned in the preceding chapter. As to seeds, in many cases, it would be highly improper to sow different kinds in the same plot of ground. If oats and wheat, for instance, were sown together, the latter would be injured, and the former ruined. This prohibition may therefore be regarded as a prudential agricultural maxim. As to different kinds of garments, the prohibition might be intended against pride and vanity in clothing.
two different kinds .............. two different kinds ... seed ........... two different kinds <03610> [mingled.]
man ................. man <02778 0376> [betrothed to an husband. or, abused by any. Heb. reproached by, or, for man. she shall be scourged. or, they. Heb. there shall be a scourging. they shall.]
sin ............. sin <02403> [and the sin.]
enter <0935> [And when.]
forbidden ....... forbidden <06188 06189> [uncircumcised.]
fruit <06529> [all the.]
holy praise ..... Lord <01974 03068 06944> [holy to praise the Lord withal. Heb. holiness of praises to the Lord.]
blood <01818> [with the blood.]
divination <05172> [use.]
still ....... practice ..... soothsaying <06049> [nor.]
slash <08296> [cuttings.]
incise <05414> [print.]
profane <02490> [prostitute. Heb. profane. to cause.]
keep <08104> [keep.]
fear <03372> [reverence.]
foreigner <01616> [And if.]
oppress <03238> [vex him. or, oppress him.]
injustice <05766> [no unrighteousness.]
measures <04060> [in meteyard.]
honest balances honest .... honest ..... honest <06664 03976> [Just balances.]
weights <068> [weights. Heb. stones. I am. See on]
Any man <0376> [Whosoever.]
gives <05414> [giveth.]
[Moloch. Molech.]
The Rabbins describe this idol as made of brass sitting upon a throne of the same metal, in the form of a man, with the head of a calf, adorned with a royal crown, and his arms extended as if to embrace any one. When they offered any children to him, they heated the statue by a great fire kindled within, and the victim was put into his arms, and thus consumed. Others relate, that the idol, which was hollow, was divided into seven compartments within; in one of which they put flour, in the second turtles, in the third a ewe, in the fourth a ram, in the fifth a calf, in the sixth an ox, and the seventh a child; which were all burnt together by heating the statue inside. The account which Diodorus (l. xx.) gives of the statue of Saturn, to which the Carthaginians, descendants of the Canaanites, sacrificed their children, is very similar. For they had a brazen stature of Saturn, stretching out his hands towards the ground, in such a manner that the children placed within them tumbled down into a pit full of fire. To this account Milton alludes, in Paradise Lost, B. 1. 392.
people <05971> [the people.]
will set .................... given <05414> [I will set.]
defiled <02930> [to defile.]
profaned <02490> [profane.]
however ....... shut <05956> [hide.]
death <04191> [and kill.]
set <07760> [I will.]
clan <04940> [against his.]
prostitution .... prostitution <02181> [whoring.]
spirits <0178> [familiar.]
prostitution <02181> [go.]
cut ... off <03772> [cut him.]
In the days of Moses, superstition was almost the {sensus communis} of the human race, which then made severe punishment necessary: by means of the Christian dispensation such errors are now exploded, the cultivation of philosophy and natural history having harmonised and contributed their feebler share of light, so that we no longer have to deplore mischiefs occasioned by the silly curiosity attempting to unfold future events.
sure <08104> [And ye.]
sanctifies <06942> [sanctify.]
curses .............. cursed <07043> [curseth.]
The term {yekallel} signifies not only to curse, but to speak contemptuously, disrespectfully, or to make light of a person: so that all speeches which have a tendency to lessen our parents in the eyes of others, or to render their judgment, piety, etc., suspected or contemptible, is here included; though the act of cursing, or of treating the parent with injurious or opprobrious language, is what is particularly intended. He who conscientiously keeps the fifth commandment, can be in no danger of the judgment here denounced.
blood <01818> [his blood.]
commits adultery ........ adulterer .... adulteress <05003> [the adulterer.]
blood <01818> [their.]
sexual <07901> [lie.]
perversion <08397> [confusion.]
woman <0802> [a wife.]
burned <08313> [burnt.]
woman ............... woman <0802> [And if a woman.]
We are assured by Herodotus (in Euterp.) that the abominations here referred to existed among the Egyptians, and even formed part of their superstitious religious system, and we have reason to believe that they were not uncommon among the Canaanites. (See ch. 18:24, 25). Need we wonder then, that God should have made laws of this nature, and appointed the punishment of death for these crimes? This one observation will account for many of those strange prohibitions which we find in the Mosaic law.
animal ............... animal <0929> [and the beast.]
menstruating <01739> [having.]
laid bare <06168> [discovered. Heb. made naked.]
mother's <0517> [mother's.]
has laid bare .......... punishment <06168> [uncovereth.]
aunt <01733> [uncle's wife.]
childless <06185> [childless.]
brother's .......... brother's <0251> [his brother's.]
indecency <05079> [an unclean thing. Heb. a separation.]
[statues.]
regulations <04941> [judgments.]
vomit <06958> [spue you.]
statutes <02708> [in the manners.]
disgust <06973> [therefore.]
said <0559> [But I. See on]
land <0776> [a land.]
Milk and honey were the chief dainties of the ancients as they are now among the Arabs, particularly the Bedouins. Hence not only the Hebrews, but also the Greeks and Romans, painted the highest pleasantness and fertility by an abundance of milk and honey. The image used in the text, and frequently by ancient authors on similar subjects, is a metaphor, derived from a breast, producing copious streams of milk.
apart <0914> [which.]
distinguish ......................................... distinguished <0914> [put difference.]
detestable <08262> [abominable.]
creeps <07430> [creepeth. or, moveth.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
apart <0914> [severed.]
spirit <0178> [a familiar.]
blood <01818> [their blood.]
said .... Say ......... say <0559> [Speak.]
defile <02930> [There.]
[or, the verse may be read, being an husband among his people, he shall not defile himself for his wife, etc.]
bald spot shaved <07144 07139> [not make baldness.]
This custom is also called rounding the corners of the head, (ch. 19:27,) and seems to have been performed in honour of some idol.
corner <06285> [the corner.]
The Hebrew {peath zakon}, may denote the whiskers; as the Syriac {phatho} signifies. These are by the Arabs, according to Niebuhr, still cut entirely off, or worn quite short; and hence they are called by Jeremiah, [qtswtsy p'h,] those with cropped whiskers. Perhaps some superstition, of which we are ignorant, was connected with this; but whether or not, it was the object of Moses to keep the Israelites distinct from other nations.
holy .................................. holy <06944 06918> [holy.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
food <03899> [bread.]
holy <06918> [therefore.]
prostitution <02181> [that is a whore.]
divorced <01644> [put away.]
sanctify ...................... sanctifies <06942> [sanctify.]
Lord <03068> [for I.]
daughter <01323> [the daughter.]
burned <08313> [she shall be burnt.]
head ....................... head <07218> [upon.]
ordained <04390> [consecrated.]
dishevel <06544> [uncover.]
[not rend.]
All human corpses were considered as unclean. Whoever touched one was unclean for seven days, and was obliged on the third and seventh day to purify himself according to the Mosaic instructions. In the case of the priest it went still farther; insomuch, that even mourning for the dead by any external sign, such as tearing their clothes, defiled them. Hence such mournings were absolutely forbidden to be used in any case, and by the other priests also, except in the case of their very nearest relations, for whom they were allowed to mourn. This statue is founded on the importance of sustaining the decency and purity of Divine worship. The servants of the Deity were to keep themselves at a distance from every thing that in the least degree savoured of uncleanness.
father <01> [his father.]
go out <03318> [go out.]
dedication <05145> [for the crown.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
<03068> [for I the.]
physical flaw <03971> [blemish.]
approach ... present <07126> [let him.]
food <03899> [bread. or, food.]
man ........... blind man <05787 0376> [a blind man.]
limb too long <08311> [superfluous.]
dwarf <01851> [a dwarf. or, too slender. or hath.]
physical flaw ............. physical flaw <03971> [a blemish.]
In the above list of blemishes, we meet with some that might render the priest contemptible in the eyes of men; and others that would be very great impediments in the discharge of his ministerial duties.
present ................. present <07126> [to offer.]
most holy .... holy <06944> [both.]
most holy .... holy <06944> [and of the holy.]
go <0935> [go in.]
profane <02490> [profane.]
Lord <03068> [for I the Lord.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron.]
holy ................ profane ... holy <02490 06944> [that they profane not.]
This is the very ground of the prohibition, that they might preserve in their minds a holy reverence for the Divine Majesty. Hence when they approached unto him, they must be free from every legal impurity. If great men are to be approached with respect, how much more must Jehovah be approached with holy reverence!
consecrate <06942> [hallow.]
impure <02932 05315> [having his uncleanness upon him.]
That is, in other words, "when he is unclean."
<05315> [that soul.]
That is, according to some, thrust out of the priest's office, or from officiating at the altar; or, according to others, cut off by some immediate stroke of divine justice, like Nadab and Abihu.
before <06440> [from my.]
descendants ........................................ emission <02233> [the seed.]
These words include the daughters as well as the sons of Aaron.
diseased <06879> [a leper.]
discharge <02100> [running issue. Heb. running of the reins.]
holy offerings <06944> [holy things.]
clean <02891> [until.]
unclean <02931> [unclean.]
descendants ........................................ emission <02233> [whose.]
man <0376> [whosoever.]
person <0120> [or a man.]
incur sin <02399 05375> [bear sin for it.]
That is, be punished if he break it.
The word {zar,} a stranger, does not mean one of another nation, a foreigner, which is expressed by {hechar,} but one who is not of the seed of Aaron, or does not belong to his family.
money <03701> [his money. Heb. the purchase of his money.]
<0376> [a stranger. Heb. a man, a stranger.]
returns ...... father's house ........... father's <01 01004 07725> [returned unto her father's house.]
A widow in Bengal not unfrequently returns to her father's house on the death of her husband: the union between her and her own family is never so dissolved as among European nations.
youth <05271> [as in her.]
incur ... penalty <05771 05375> [suffer them to bear the iniquity of the trespass. or, lade themselves with the iniquity of trespass in their eating. bear.]
Lord <03068> [for I.]
When any man <0376> [Whatsoever.]
foreigners <01616> [of the strangers.]
votive <05088> [vows.]
freewill offerings <05071> [freewill.]
peace offering <08002> [peace.]
for ... special <06381> [to accomplish.]
flock <06629> [sheep. or, goats. it shall be perfect.]
This law is so founded on the nature of the thing itself, that it has been in force among all nations that sacrificed victims to their deities.
blind <05788> [Blind.]
gift <0801> [an offering.]
sheep <07716> [lamb. or, kid. superfluous.]
torn <05423> [broken. or, cut.]
foreigner <05236> [a stranger's.]
food <03899> [the bread.]
ruined <04893> [because.]
seven days ...... day <03117 07651> [seven days.]
It was necessary for the mother's health that the young one should suck so long; and prior to this time, the process of nutrition in a young animal can scarcely be considered as completely formed. Besides this, it may justly be asserted, that the flesh of very young animals is comparatively innutritive. There is something brutish in eating the young of beast or fowl, before the hair and hoofs are perfect in the one, and feathers and claws in the other; and before this period, their flesh is not good for food, consequently they were not fit for sacrifice, which is termed the bread or food of God, (ver. 25.)
sheep <07716> [ewe. or, she goat. ye shall not kill it.]
This law was certainly intended to inculcate mercy and tenderness of heart; and so the Jews have understood it.
sanctified ............. sanctifies <06942> [I will.]
sanctified ............. sanctifies <06942> [hallow you.]
appointed times .......... appointed times <04150> [the feasts.]
God appointed several festivals among the Jews. The Passover was celebrated on the 14th, or rather 15th day of the first month in the ecclesiastical year, which was the seventh of the civil year, and lasted seven days. The Pentecost was celebrated on the fiftieth day after the passover, in memory of the law's being given to Moses on Mount Sinai, fifty days, or seven weeks after the departure out of Egypt. The word is derived from the Greek word [Pentekoste,] which signifies the fiftieth. The Hebrews call it the feast of weeks, Ex 34:22. The feast of trumpets, celebrated on the first day of the civil year, when a trumpet was sounded, to proclaim its commencement, which was in the month {Tisri,} answering to our September, Le 23:24, 25. The new moons, or first days of every month, were, in some sort, a consequence of the feast of trumpets. God ordained that, by giving him the first-fruits of every month they should acknowledge him as the Lord of all their time, and own his providence, by which all times and seasons are ordered. The feast of expiation or atonement was kept on the 10th day of {Tisri} or September: the Hebrews call it Kippur, i.e., pardon or expiation, because it was instituted for the expiation of their sins. The feast of tents or tabernacles was so called, because the Israelites kept it under green tents or arbours, in memory of their dwelling in their passage through the wilderness. It was celebrated on the 15th day of {Tisri,} and continued eight days: the first and last days are the most solemn. Besides the feasts mentioned by Moses, we find the feast of {lots,} or {Purim,} which was celebrated among the Jews of Shushan on the 14th of {Adar,} which answers to our February. The feast of the dedication of the temple, or rather, of the restoration of the temple, which had been profaned by Antiochus Epiphanes, which is thought to be the feast mentioned in the gospel Joh 10:22, was celebrated in the winter. {MoÆ’dim,} properly means assemblies, convened at an appointed time and place.
proclaim <07121> [proclaim]
enter ..................... bring <0935> [When.]
gather <07114> [and shall.]
sheaf <06016> [sheaf. or, handful. Heb. omer. the first fruits.]
This offering was a public acknowledgement of the bounty and goodness of God for the kindly fruits of the earth. From the practice of the people of God, the heathen borrowed a similar one, founded on the same reason.
grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
drink offering <05262> [the drink.]
fourth <07243> [the fourth.]
eat <0398> [eat.]
statute <02708> [it shall be.]
two ....... wave offering ....... two <08147 08573> [two wave.]
yeast <02557> [leaven.]
first fruits <01061> [the first-fruits.]
seven .... lambs <07651 03532> [seven lambs.]
grain offering <04503> [with their.]
male .... a <0259 08163> [one kid.]
two ... lambs <03532 08147> [two lambs.]
wave ......... bread <05130 03899> [wave them.]
Lord ..... holy .... Lord <06944 03068> [holy to.]
On ....... proclaim <07121> [proclaim.]
statute <02708> [a statute.]
To the institution of the feast of pentecost is annexed a repetition of that law, by which they were required to leave the gleanings of their fields, and the corn that grew on the ends of the butts, for the poor. It may come in here as a thing which the priests must take occasion to remind the people of, when they brought their first-fruits, intimating to them, that to obey even in this small matter was better than sacrifice; and that unless they were obedient, their offerings should not be accepted. It also taught them that the joy of harvest should express itself in charity to the poor, who must have their due out of what we have, as well as God his. They that are truly sensible of the mercy they receive from God, will without grudging shew mercy to the poor.
seventh <07637> [In the seventh.]
memorial <02146> [a memorial.]
{Zichron terooÆ’h,} here rendered "a memorial of blowing the trumpets" properly signifies a memorial of triumph or shouting for joy. This festival is generally called the feast of trumpets; and, though the Scriptures have not expressly declared the reason of its celebration, yet, as it fell in the seventh month of the sacred year, which was the first of the civil year, that is, the month {Tisri,} answering to our September, the opinion very generally embraced by both Jews and Christians is, that it was a memorial of the creation of the world, at which "the sons of God shouted for joy," (Job 38:7;) and which is supposed, not altogether without reason, to have been at this season of the year. The month {Tisri} was not only anciently, but still is, reckoned by the Jews the first month of the year; and the feast of tabernacles, kept in this month, was said to be, as it is correctly rendered in the margin, "at the revolution of the year," (Ex 34:22;) importing, that at this season the year had revolved, and was beginning anew. So that this feast was the new year's day, on which the people rejoiced in a grateful remembrance of God's benefits, and implored his blessing for the future year.
tenth <06218> [the tenth.]
humble <06031> [afflict.]
present <07126> [offer.]
humility <06031> [that shall.]
cut off <03772> [he shall be.]
Sabbath .............................. Sabbath <07676> [a sabbath.]
humble <06031> [afflict.]
Sabbath ............................ observe ... Sabbath <07676 07673> [celebrate your sabbath. Heb. rest.]
fifteenth <02568> [The fifteenth.]
Festival .... Shelters <05521 02282> [the feast of tabernacles.]
This feast was celebrated in commemoration of the Israelites' dwelling in tents in the wilderness for forty years; and was kept with greater hilarity than any of the other festivals. Hence, in the Talmud, it is often called {chag,} the feast, by way of excellence; and by Philo, [heorton megisten,] the greatest of the feasts; it was therefore more noticed by the heathen than any other. It is probable that Cecrops borrowed from it the law which he made in Athens, "that the master of every family should after harvest make a feast for his servants, and eat together with them who had taken pains with him in tilling his grounds."
seven <07651> [Seven.]
eighth <08066> [the eighth.]
assembly <06116> [solemn. Heb. day of restraint.]
appointed times <04150> [the feasts.]
<01697> [every thing.]
Sabbaths <07676> [the sabbaths.]
gifts votive offerings ... freewill offerings <04979 05088 05071> [and beside.]
gather <0622> [when.]
first <07223> [on the first.]
branches ....... branches <06529 06057> [the boughs. Heb. fruit.]
trees palm ... branches .... trees <06086 08558 06057> [of palm trees.]
rejoice <08055> [rejoice.]
bring <03947> [that they.]
lamp <05216> [the lamps.]
burn continually <08548 05927> [burn continually. Heb. ascend.]
pure <02889> [the pure.]
The loaves of bread which the officiating priest placed every sabbath day upon the golden table in the Sanctum, before the Lord, were twelve in number, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The loaves must have been large, since two tenth deals (about six pints) of flour were used for each, Le 24:3, 6, 7. They were served up hot on the sabbath day in the Sanctum, when the stale ones, which had been exposed the whole week, were taken away, and none but the priests were allowed to eat them. In an extraordinary extremity, David and his men partook of the shew-bread, (see 1 Sa 21:6,) the urgent necessity alone justifying the act. The Hebrew signifies bread of faces, or, of the face.
[See]
two rows <04634 08147> [in two rows.]
pure <02889> [pure.]
pure <02134> [pure.]
bread <03899> [the bread.]
memorial <0234> [a memorial.]
Aaron <0175> [Aaron's.]
eat <0398> [they shall.]
misused <05344> [blasphemed.]
Name ............. name <08034> [the name.]
Houbigant and others think that the name which this man blasphemed was the name of the god of his native land. But that {hashshem} THE NAME, denotes Jehovah, appears from its being used in the latter part of verse 16, as equivalent to "the name of Jehovah," in the former part. The Jews also frequently use {hashshem} for Jehovah.
cursed <07043> [cursed.]
brought .... Moses <0935 04872> [brought him.]
clear ........... mouth <06310 03068 06567> [that the mind of the Lord might be shewed them. Heb. to expound unto them according to the mouth of the Lord.]
outside <02351> [without.]
heard <08085> [all that.]
congregation <05712> [let all the.]
bear ..... sin <02399 05375> [bear his sin.]
misuses ............................... misuses <05344> [blasphemeth.]
As the word {nakav} not only signifies to curse, or blaspheme, but also to express, or distinguish by name, (Nu 1:17. 1 Ch 12:31. Isa 62:2,) hence the Jews, at a very early period, understood this law as prohibiting them from uttering the name Jehovah, on any other than sacred occasions. The Septuagint, which was made at least 250 years before Christ, renders it [Onomazon de to onoma Kyriou, thanato thanatoustho,] "Whosoever nameth the name of the Lord, let him die;" from which we see that the Jews at this time were accustomed to pronounce {adonay,} or Lord, instead of Jehovah; for in place of it the Septuagint always put [Lo Kyrios.]
man <0376> [And he.]
beats ... person <05315 0120 05221> [killeth any man. Heb. smiteth the life of a man.]
beats <05221> [that killeth.]
death ....... life ... life <05315> [beast for beast. Heb. life for life.]
animal <0929> [a beast.]
person <0120> [a man.]
enter <0935> [When ye.]
observe <07673> [keep. Heb. rest.]
Sabbath <07676> [a sabbath.]
aftergrowth <05599> [groweth.]
unpruned vines <05139> [thy vine undressed. Heb. the separation.]
[of the jubilee to sound. Heb. loud of sound.]
[jubilee.]
Day <03117> [the day.]
proclaim <07121> [proclaim.]
each ........... each <0376> [every man.]
return ........... return <07725> [ye shall return.]
[A jubilee.]
Respecting the literal meaning of the word [ywbl,] {yobel,} or {yovel,} critics are not agreed. The most natural derivation of the word seems to be from [hwbyl,] {hovil,} the {Hiphil} form of [ybl,] {yaval,} to recall, restore, or bring back, because this year restored all slaves to their liberty, and brought back all alienated estates to their primitive owners. Accordingly the LXX. render it here [aphesis,] a "remission"; and Josephus says it signifies [eleutherian,] liberty.
sow <02232> [ye shall.]
oppress <03238> [shall not.]
fear <03372> [fear.]
obey ............ keep ... so <06213> [Wherefore.]
live ... in <03427> [and ye.]
command <06680> [I will.]
As it is here graciously promised, that the sixth year was to bring forth fruits for three years, not merely for two, it is evident that both the sabbatical year and the year of jubilee were distinctly provided for. They were not to sow from the sixth to the eighth year, omitting two seed times; nor reap from the sixth to the ninth, omitting two harvests. No legislator, unless conscious of being divinely commissioned, would have committed himself by enacting such a law as this; nor would any people have submitted to receive it, except in consequence of the fullest conviction that a divine authority had dictated it. It therefore stands as a proof that Moses acted by the express direction of the Almighty, and that the people were fully persuaded of the reality of his divine mission by the miracles he wrought.
year .......... three years <08141 07969> [three years.]
eighth <08066> [eighth.]
produce old .......... produce ..... old <08393 03465> [old fruit.]
land .......... land <0776> [The land.]
without reclaim <06783> [for ever. or, to be quite cut off. Heb. for cutting off. for the land.]
foreigners <01616> [for ye are.]
right of redemption <01353> [redemption.]
prospers ... gains enough <01767 04672 03027> [himself be able to redeem it. Heb. his hand hath attained, and found sufficiency.]
jubilee ......... jubilee <03104> [and in the.]
refund ...... then ............................. return <07725> [he shall. See on]
A very proper difference is here made between houses in a city and houses in the country. The former might be redeemed any time in the course of a year; but after that time could not be redeemed, or go out with the Jubilee: the latter might be redeemed at any time; and if not redeemed must go out with the jubilee. The reason in both cases is sufficiently evident; the house in the city might be built merely for the purposes of trade or traffic--the house in the country was builded on, or attached to, the inheritance which God had divided to the respective families. It was therefore necessary that the same law should apply to the house as to the inheritance; which necessity did not exist with regard to the house in the city. And, as the house in the city might be purchased for the purpose of trade, it would be very inconvenient for the purchaser, when his business was established, to be obliged to remove.
right of redemption <01353> [they may be redeemed. Heb. redemption belongeth unto it.]
cities ......... cities <05892> [the cities.]
As the Levites had no inheritance in Israel, but only cities to dwell in; and consequently the houses in these cities were all they could call their own, therefore they could not be ultimately alienated.
Levites ... redeem ........................... Levites <03881 01350> [a man purchase of the Levites. or, one of the Levites redeem them. shall go.]
house ................ houses <01004> [for the houses.]
brother <0251> [thy brother.]
indebted to you <04131> [fallen in decay. Heb. his hand faileth. then.]
support <02388> [relieve. Heb. strengthen. a stranger.]
interest <05392> [usury.]
fear <03372> [fear.]
out <03318> [which.]
God ..................... God <0430> [and to be.]
sells <04376> [be sold.]
subject ..... service <05656 05647> [compel him to serve as. Heb. serve thyself with him with the service of, etc.]
go <03318> [then shall.]
return <07725> [shall return.]
servants .................. slave <05650> [my servants.]
sale <04466> [as bondsmen. Heb. with the sale of a bondman.]
rule <07287> [rule.]
fear <03372> [but shalt.]
inheritance <05157> [And ye shall.]
may enslave ... perpetually <05647 05769> [they shall be your bondmen for ever. Heb. ye shall serve yourselves with them.]
rule <07287> [ye shall not rule.]
resident foreigner ...... prospers .................. resident foreigner ............ foreigner's <08453 05381 01616> [sojourner or stranger wax rich. Heb. the hand of a stranger, etc. obtain, etc.]
prospers <05381> [or if he be.]
He ... calculate <02803> [reckon.]
cost .... sale <04465 03701> [price of his sale.]
This was a very equitable law, both to the sojourner to whom the man was sold, and to the Israelite who had been sold. The Israelite might redeem himself, or one of his kindred might redeem him; but this must not be done to the prejudice of his master. They were therefore to reckon the years he must have served, from that time till the jubilee; and then taking the current wages of a servant, per year, at that time, multiply the remaining years by that sum, and the aggregate was to be given to his master for his redemption. The Jews hold that the kindred of such a person were bound, if in their power, to redeem him, lest he should be swallowed up among the heathen; and we find (Ne 5:8) that this was done by the Jews on their return from the Babylonish captivity.
rate <03117> [according to the time.]
[jubilee.]
The jubilee was a wonderful institution, and of great service to the religion, freedom, and independence of the Hebrews. It was calculated to prevent the rich from oppressing the poor, and reducing them to perpetual slavery; and to hinder their obtaining possession of all the lands by purchase, mortgage, or usurpation. It was further intended, that debts should not be multiplied too much, lest the poor should be entirely ruined; that slaves should not always continue in servitude; that personal liberty, equality of property, and the regular order of families might, as much as possible, be preserved; and that the people might thus be strongly attached to their country, lands, and inheritances.
go free <03318> [in these years. or, by these means. then.]
servants ..... servants <05650> [my servants.]
make <06213> [Ye shall.]
pillar <04676> [standing image. or, pillar. image of stone. or, figured stone. Heb. a stone of picture.]
give ............. give .......... will produce <05414> [Then I.]
land <0776> [the land.]
Threshing <01786> [threshing.]
eat ... bread <0398 03899> [eat your.]
live <03427> [dwell.]
grant .................... remove <05414 07673> [I will.]
sleep <07901> [ye shall.]
remove <07673> [rid. Heb. cause to cease.]
sword <02719> [shall the sword.]
turn <06437> [for I.]
fruitful <06509> [make you.]
maintain <06965> [establish.]
put <05414> [I will.]
abhor <01602> [abhor.]
walk <01980> [I will.]
be ....... be <01961> [will be.]
Lord <03068> [I am.]
[See on]
broke <07665> [and I have.]
reject <03988> [despise.]
you <05315> [soul.]
break <06565> [break.]
inflict <06485> [appoint.]
horror <0928> [over you. Heb. upon you. terror.]
consumption <07829> [consumption.]
diminish <03615> [consume.]
sow <02232> [and ye shall.]
enemies <0341> [for your.]
I will set <05414> [set.]
struck <05062> [ye shall be.]
flee <05127> [shall flee.]
seven <07651> [seven times.]
break <07665> [will break.]
make <05414> [make.]
strength <03581> [your strength.]
land ............ land <0776> [for your land.]
hostility ....... willing <07147 014> [contrary unto me. or, at all adventures with me: and so ver.]
wild <07704> [wild.]
bereave <07921> [rob you.]
roads <01870> [your high.]
bring <0935> [will bring.]
avenging <05358> [avenge.]
send <07971> [I will send.]
rage <02534> [in fury.]
This was literally fulfilled at the siege of Jerusalem. Josephus gives a dreadful detail respecting a woman named Mary, who, in the extremity of the famine, during the seige, killed her sucking child, roasted, and had eaten part of it, when discovered by the soldiers!
destroy <08045> [I will destroy.]
you <05315> [my soul.]
lay <05414> [And I will make.]
desolate <08074> [and bring.]
smell <07306> [I will not smell. See on]
will make .... desolate ........... appalled <08074> [And I.]
enemies <0341> [and your.]
This was fulfilled during the Babylonish captivity: for, from Saul to the captivity are about 490 years, during which period there were 70 sabbaths of years neglected by the Hebrews. Now the Babylonish captivity lasted 70 years, and during that time the land of Israel rested.
bring <0935> [I will send.]
sound <06963> [and the.]
<05086> [shaken. Heb. driven.]
stumble <03782> [they shall.]
stand <08617> [and ye shall.]
rot ................. rot <04743> [shall pine.]
iniquity .................. iniquities <05771> [and also.]
confess <03034> [confess.]
walked <01980> [and that.]
uncircumcised <06189> [their uncircumcised.]
humbled <03665> [humbled.]
make up <07521> [and they.]
remember ..................... remember <02142> [will I.]
remember ..................... remember <02142> [and I will.]
make ................ make up <07521> [shall enjoy.]
make ................ make up <07521> [and they.]
rejected <03988> [they despised.]
<05315> [their soul.]
reject <03988> [I will.]
abhor <01602> [abhor.]
break <06565> [break.]
remember <02142> [for their.]
out <03318> [whom I.]
[See on]
sight <05869> [in the sight.]
As this verse appears to be the proper concluding verse of the whole book, Dr. A. Clarke thinks that the 27th chapter originally followed the 25th. Others suppose that the 27th chapter was added after the book was finished; and, therefore, there is apparently a double conclusion, one at the end of this, and another at the end of the 27th chapter. All the ancient versions agree in concluding both chapters in nearly the same way.
[the statues.]
Mount Sinai <02022 05514> [in mount Sinai.]
through <03027> [by the hand.]
man <0376> [When.]
special votive offering <05088 06381> [a singular vow.]
A vow is a religious promise made to God, for the most part with prayer, and paid with thanksgiving. Vows were either of abstinence (Nu 6:30), or the devoting of something to the Lord, as sacrifices (Le 7:16,) or the value of persons, beasts, houses, or lands, concerning which the law is here given. A man might vow or devote himself, his children, his domestics, his cattle, his goods, etc.; and respecting the redemption of all these, rules are laid down in this chapter. But if, after consecrating these things, he refused to redeem them, they then became the Lord's property forever. The persons continued all their lives devoted to the sanctuary, the goods were sold for the profit of the temple, or the priests; and the animals, if clean, were offered in sacrifice; and if not proper for sacrifice, were sold, and the proceeds devoted to sacred uses. This is a general view of the different laws relative to vows, mentioned in this chapter.
conversion value <06187> [And thy estimation.]
fifty shekels ........ shekel <08255 02572> [fifty shekels. i.e, At three shillings each, 7Å“. 10s. sterling.]
shekels ........ shekel <08255> [after the.]
thirty shekels <08255 07970> [thirty shekels. i.e., 4Å“. 10s. sterling, A little more than one-half the value of a man; for this obvious reason, that a woman, if employed, would not be of so much use in the sanctuary as the man.]
# Zec 11:12,13 Mt 26:15 27:9,10
twenty ........... twenty shekels ....... shekels <06242 08255> [twenty shekels. i.e., 3Å“. sterling. ten shekels. i.e., 1Å“.]
10s. sterling
month <02320> [from.]
male <02145> [the male.]
The male five shekels, 15s., the female three shekels, 9s. Being both in infancy they were nearly of an equal value.
sixty <08346> [from.]
fifteen <02568> [fifteen.]
The old man and the old woman, being almost past labour, were nearly of an equal value; the former being estimated at 15 shekels, and the latter at 10.
too poor <04134> [poorer.]
according <06310> [according.]
According to the assessed conversion value <06187> [as thou valuest it, who art the priest. Heb. according to thy estimation, O priest, etc.]
consecrates <06942> [sanctify.]
priest .............. priest <03548> [as the priest.]
add <03254> [then he shall add.]
landed <07704> [some part.]
Though the words "some part" are not expressed, yet it is generally allowed that they should be supplied here; as it was not lawful for a man to alienate in this manner his whole patrimony: he might express his good will for the house of God but he must not impoverish his own family.
landed <07704> [of a field.]
homer <02563> [an homer. or, the land of an homer, etc., i.e, as much land as required a homer of barley to sow it.]
The {homer} was very different from the {omer;} the latter held about three quarts, the former seventy-five gallons three pints.
reverts <03318> [when.]
dedicated <02764> [devoted.]
It is {cherem,} a thing so devoted to God, as never more to be capable of being redeemed.
priest's <03548> [priest's.]
property <0272> [his possession.]
conversion value <06187> [And all.]
shekel ...... shekel <08255> [to the shekel.]
A standard shekel; the standard being kept in the sanctuary, to try and regulate all the weights in the land by.
twenty <06242> [twenty.]
firstborn <01060> [the firstling. Heb. first born, etc.]
As these firstlings were the Lord's before, it would have been a solemn mockery to pretend to make them a matter of a singular vow; for they were already appointed, if clean, to be sacrificed.
Lord .................... Lord <03068> [which.]
add <03254> [and shall add.]
This was probably intended to prevent rash vows and covetous redemptions. The priest alone was to value the thing; and to whatever his valuation was, a fifth part must be added by him who wished to redeem it.
dedicates ........................... dedicated <02764> [no devoted.]
This is the {cherem,} the absolute, irredeemable grant to God.
dedicated <02764> [None.]
<03808 02763> [which shall be devoted.]
That is, either that every person devoted to the service of God shall not be redeemed, but die in that devoted state, or, that such as were devoted to death by appointment and law of God, as the Canaanites were, shall be put to death.
passes .... rod <07626 05674> [passeth under the rod.]
The Rabbins say, that when a man gave the tithe of his sheep or calves, he shut them in one fold, in which was a narrow door, to let out but one at a time. He then stood by the door, with a rod dipped in vermilion in his hand, and as they passed he counted them with the rod; and when the tenth came he touched it, by which it was distinguished as the tithe calf, sheep, etc.
commandments <04687> [commandments.]
Mount <02022> [in mount.]
CONCLUDING REMARKS. Thus terminates this most interesting and important book; a book containing a code of sacrificial, ceremonial, civil, and judicial laws, which, for the purity of their morality, the wisdom, justice, and beneficence of their enactments, and the simplicity, dignity, and impressive nature of their rites, are perfectly unrivalled, and altogether worthy of their Divine Author. All the rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic law are at once dignified and expressive. They point out the holiness of their Author, the sinfulness of man, the necessity of an atonement, and the state of moral excellence to which the grace and mercy of the Creator have destined to raise the human soul. They include, as well as point out, the gospel of the Son of God; from which they receive their consummation and perfection. The sacrifices and oblations were significant of the atonement of Christ; the requisite qualities of these sacrifices were emblematical of his immaculate character; and the prescribed mode in the form of these offerings, and the mystical rites ordained, were allusive institutions, calculated to enlighten the apprehensions of the Jews, and to prepare them for the reception of the Gospel. The institution of the high priesthood typified Jesus, the Great High Priest, called and prepared of God, who hath an unchangeable priesthood, and is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him.
wilderness <04057> [wilderness.]
tent <0168> [tabernacle.]
first ..... second ..... second ... after <0259 08145> [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.
Take ... census <05375 07218> [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.
Israelite <01121> [the children.]
clans <04940> [after.]
twenty <06242> [twenty.]
serve <03318> [able.]
army ............ divisions <06635> [by their.]
Elizur <0468> [Elizur.]
Shelumiel <08017> [Shelumiel.]
Nahshon <05177> [Nahshon.]
[Naasson.]
Nethanel <05417> [Nethaneel.]
Eliab <0446> [Eliab.]
Elishama <0476> [Elishama.]
Gamaliel <01583> [Gamaliel.]
Abidan <027> [Abidan.]
Ahiezer <0295> [Ahiezer.]
Pagiel <06295> [Pagiel.]
Eliasaph <0460> [Eliasaph.]
son <01121> [Son of Reuel.]
Deuel <01845> [Deuel.]
As the [d,] {daleth} is very like the [r,] {resh,} they might be easily mistaken for each other; and hence this person being called both D‰uel and R‰uel, 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, the D‰uel, and not R‰uel, was the original reading.
Ahira <0299> [Ahira.]
<07121> [the renowned.]
{Keruey h„ƒidah,} literally "the called of the congregation," those who were summoned by name to attend.
heads <07218> [heads.]
ancestry <03205> [their pedigrees.]
families <01004> [by the.]
listed <04557> [according.]
twenty <06242> [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.
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 _______ _______ Totals: 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."
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 the order of their subsequent march.
tribe <04294> [the tribe.]
40,500 <0705> [were forty.]
Naphtali <05321> [Naphtali.]
Respecting the manner in which this vast multitude sprang from 75 person, Scheuchzer has some valuable calculations, with the results of which we present the reader:-- 1. Judah. 7. Ruben. 1 Generation . . 25 1 Generation . . 31 2 . . . . . . . 238 2 . . . . . . . 215 3 . . . . . . . 3,865 3 . . . . . . . 2,583 4 . . . . . . . 70,735 4 . . . . . . . 43,917 ------ ------ Total of 3 and 4, 74,600 Total of 3 and 4, 46,500 2. Dan. 8. Gad. 1 Generation . . 11 1 Generation . . 67 2 . . . . . . . 132 2 . . . . . . . 475 3 . . . . . . . 2,508 3 . . . . . . . 3,804 4 . . . . . . . 60,192 4 . . . . . . . 41,846 ------ ------ Total of 3 and 4, 62,700 Total of 3 and 4, 45,650 3. Simeon. 9. Asher. 1 Generation . . 39 1 Generation . . 39 2 . . . . . . . 359 2 . . . . . . . 310 3 . . . . . . . 3,953 3 . . . . . . . 3,192 4 . . . . . . . 55,347 4 . . . . . . . 38,308 ------ ------ Total of 3 and 4, 59,300 Total of 3 and 4, 41,500 4. Zebulun. 10. Ephraim. 1 Generation . . 20 1 Generation . . 16 2 . . . . . . . 143 2 . . . . . . . 160 3 . . . . . . . 2,296 3 . . . . . . . 1,928 4 . . . . . . . 55,104 4 . . . . . . . 38,572 ------ ------ Total of 3 and 4, 57,400 Total of 3 and 4, 40,500 5. Issachar. 11. Benjamin. 1 Generation . . 27 1 Generation . . 98 2 . . . . . . . 251 2 . . . . . . . 885 3 . . . . . . . 3,022 3 . . . . . . . 4,425 4 . . . . . . . 51,378 4 . . . . . . . 30,975 ------ ------ Total of 3 and 4, 54,400 Total of 3 and 4, 35,400 6. Naphtali. 12. Manasseh. 1 Generation . . 26 1 Generation . . 10 2 . . . . . . . 296 2 . . . . . . . 134 3 . . . . . . . 3,560 3 . . . . . . . 1,610 4 . . . . . . . 49,840 4 . . . . . . . 30,590 ------ ------ Total of 3 and 4, 53,400 Total of 3 and 4, 32,200 13. Levi. 1 Generation . . 8 2 . . . . . . . 96 3 . . . . . . . 1,240 4 . . . . . . . 21,060 ------ Total of 3 and 4, 22,300
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.
appoint <06485> [thou shalt.]
tabernacle .................. tabernacle ............... it <04908> [the tabernacle.]
camp <02583> [shall encamp.]
Levites ............... Levites <03881> [the Levites.]
unauthorized person <02114> [the stranger.]
camp <02583> [shall pitch.]
anger <07110> [there be]
Levites ....................... Levites <03881> [and the.]
one <0376> [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.
camp ......... meeting <02583> [shall pitch.]
emblems <0226> [the ensign.]
some distance <05048> [far off. Heb. over against.]
around ... tent <05439 0168> [about the.]
standard <01714> [the standard.]
Nahshon <05177> [Nahshon.]
[Naasson.]
front <07223> [These shall.]
camp ... Reuben ........... Reuben <07205 04264> [camp of Reuben.]
Elizur <0468> [Elizur.]
Shelumiel <08017> [Shelumiel.]
Eliasaph <0460> [Eliasaph.]
people ...... son <01121> [Son of Deuel.]
151,450 <03967> [an hundred.]
travel <05265> [they shall.]
tent <0168> [tabernacle.]
camp ... Ephraim ........... Ephraim <0669 04264> [camp of Ephraim.]
Elishama <0476> [Elishama.]
Gamaliel <01583> [Gamaliel.]
Abidan <027> [Abidan.]
108,100 <03967> [an hundred.]
108,100 .... travel <08083 03967 05265> [And.]
Ahiezer <0295> [Ahiezer.]
Pagiel <06295> [Pagiel.]
41,500 <0705> [forty.]
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
tribe <04294> [the tribe.]
Ahira <0299> [Ahira.]
157,600 <03967> [an hundred.]
numbered ........... travel <06485 05265> [They.]
Lord ......................... family <03068 01004> [according.]
camped ........... traveled <02583 05265> [so they.]
records <08435> [generations.]
spoke <01696> [spake.]
priests <03548> [the priests.]
consecrated <04390> [whom he consecrated. Heb. whose hand he filled.]
Nadab <05070> [Nadab.]
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.
responsible <08104> [keep.]
attending .... service <05647 05656> [to do the.]
be responsible <08104> [they shall.]
unauthorized <02114> [and the stranger.]
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.
firstborn ......... firstborn .............. firstborn <01060> [Because.]
When <03117> [on the day.]
<06310> [word. Heb. mouth.]
[Gershom.]
month old <02320 01121> [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.
responsibilities <04931> [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 7,500 in number had to carry the tent, coverings, vail, hangings of the court, cords, etc. (ver. 25, 26); the Kohathites, who were 8,600, the ark, table, candlestick, altars, and instruments of the sanctuary (ver. 31); and the Merarites, who were 6,200, 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).
tent ........ tent ............ tent <0168> [the tabernacle and.]
curtain <04539> [and the hanging.]
hangings <07050> [the hangings.]
ropes <04340> [the cords.]
8,600 <0505 08083> [eight thousand.]
responsible <08104> [keeping.]
ark <0727> [the ark.]
altars <04196> [the altars.]
curtain <04539> [and the hanging.]
camp <02583> [shall.]
north <06828> [northward.]
appointed responsibilities <04931 06486> [under the custody and charge. Heb. the office of the charge. the boards.]
east <06924> [toward.]
responsible <08104> [keeping.]
needs ........ needs <04931> [for the charge.]
Aaron <0175> [and Aaron.]
The word [w'hrn,] {we„haron,} 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 7,500, the Kohathites 8,600, and the Merarites 6,200, 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 7,500 we should read 7,200, as [k,] {caph} final, which stands for 500, might have been easily mistaken for [r,] resh, 200. (Dr. Kennicott on the Hebrew Text, vol. II. p. 212.) Either of these modes will equally reconcile the difference.
redemption <06302> [redeemed.]
273 <03967> [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 372 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 1,365 shekels, equal to Å“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 the 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.
273 ....... who <05736> [which are.]
five shekels .................. shekel ... shekel <02568 08255> [five shekels.]
shekels .................. shekel ... shekel <08255> [the shekel.]
Moses ....................... Moses <04872> [Moses.]
Lord .... Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
thirty years ....... years <08141 07970> [thirty years.]
enter <0935> [enter.]
do <06213> [to do.]
camp <04264> [And when.]
Aaron ...... come <0175 0935> [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.
down <03381> [they shall.]
cover <03680> [and cover.]
fine leather <05785 08476> [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.
cloth <0899> [a cloth.]
put ...................... insert <05414 07760> [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.
poles <0905> [the staves.]
table <07979> [the table.]
pouring <05262> [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.
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.
implements ..... serve ............... utensils <03627 08334> [all the vessels thereof.]
basins <04219> [basons. or, bowls.]
sons .................. ready ...... Kohathites ......................... Kohathites <0310 01121> [after that.]
touch <05060> [they shall.]
responsibilities <04853> [These things.]
responsibility .................................. responsibility <06486> [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.)
oil ................. oil <08081> [the oil.]
spiced <05561> [the sweet.]
daily <08548> [the daily.]
anointing <04888> [the anointing.]
responsibility .................................. responsibility <06486> [the oversight.]
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.)
most holy things <06944> [the most holy.]
go <0935> [they shall.]
holy <06944> [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 be 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.
thirty years ....... years <08141 07970> [thirty years.]
company <06633 06635> [to perform the service. Heb. to war the warfare.]
carry <04853> [burdens. or, carriage.]
curtains <03407> [the curtains.]
covering ... covering <04372> [the covering.]
hangings <07050> [the hangings.]
ropes <04340> [and their cords.]
<06310> [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.)
company <06635> [service. Heb. warfare.]
responsible <04931> [the charge.]
frames <07175> [the boards.]
names <08034> [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.
furnishings .............. items <03627> [the instruments.]
authority <03027> [under the hand.]
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 the effective and ineffective males to stand thus:-- Kohathites. Effective men . . . . . . . 2,750 Ineffective . . . . . . . . 5,850 ----- Total 8,600 Gershonites. Effective men . . . . . . . 2,630 Ineffective . . . . . . . . 4,870 ----- Total 7,500 Merarites. Effective men . . . . . . . 3,200 Ineffective . . . . . . . . 3,000 ----- Total 6,200 Thus we find that the whole number of the Levites amounted to 22,300; of whom 8,580 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!
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 6,200 males of a month old and upwards, we find 3,200 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, 28, 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."
thirty <07970> [From thirty.]
entered <0935> [every one.]
word <06310> [According to the.]
each <0376> [every one.]
Lord ............................... Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
expel .... camp <04264 07971> [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.
discharge <02100> [and every.]
defiled <02931> [and whosoever.]
outside <02351> [without.]
camp ....... defile ... camps <02930 04264> [defile not.]
among <08432> [in the midst.]
man <0376> [When.]
person <05315> [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.
confess <03034> [confess.]
<07725> [and he shall.]
Not only confession, but restitution, in every possible case, is necessary in order to obtain forgiveness.
full <07218> [with the principal.]
close relative <01350> [have no.]
ram <0352> [beside the ram.]
offering <08641> [offering. or, heave offering.]
exciting him to jealousy, or, rather, the passion or affection of jealousy.
offering ...... tenth <07133 06224> [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.
remembrance <02142> [bringing.]
Then <07126> [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.)
holy water ......................... water <06918 04325> [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.
dust <06083> [of the dust.]
priest ................................ priest <03548> [the priest.]
uncover <06544> [uncover.]
put <05414> [and put.]
bitter water <04751 04325> [the bitter water.]
So called from the bitter effects which it had upon the guilty.
oath <07650> [charge her.]
man ..................... husband's <0376> [with another. or, being in the power of they husband. Heb. under thy husband.]
oath <07621> [an oath.]
Lord make ........... Lord makes <03068 05414> [The Lord make.]
fall away <05307> [rot. Heb. fall.]
go into ... stomach <0935 04578> [go into.]
woman <0802> [the woman.]
Amen amen <0543> [Amen.]
write ... curses <03789 0423> [write these.]
scrape <04229> [blot.]
priest <03548> [priest.]
wave <05130> [wave.]
defiled <02930> [if she be defiled.]
woman <0802> [the woman.]
woman <0802> [And if.]
effects <02232> [and shall.]
law <08451> [the law.]
wife ....... goes astray <0802 07847> [when a wife goeth.]
free <05352> [be guiltless.]
bear <05375> [bear.]
man <0376> [When.]
special .... take ........ separate <06381 05087 05144 03068> [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.
take <05087> [to vow.]
separate <05144 03068> [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; and 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.
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.
separation <05145> [separation. or, Nazariteship.]
grapevine <01612 03196> [vine tree. Heb. vine of the wine.]
razor <08593> [razor.]
contact <0935> [he shall come.]
defile <02930> [unclean.]
separation <05145> [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.
defiles <02930> [and he.]
shave ................ shave <01548> [shave.]
Then ..... offer <06213> [offer.]
reconsecrate <06942> [and shall.]
reparation <0817> [a trespass.]
days ..................... days <03117> [but the.]
will .... counted <05307> [lost. Heb. fall.]
fulfilled <04390> [are fulfilled.]
lamb ............ one ...... first ......... one <0259 03532> [one he.]
one ewe lamb .... first ......... one <0259 03535> [one ewe.]
one ...... first ......... one ram <0259 0352> [one ram.]
basket <05536> [a basket.]
smeared <04886> [anointed.]
drink offerings <05262> [drink.]
shave .... head .................. head <07218 01548> [shave the head.]
The hair, which was permitted to grow for this purpose, was shaven off, as a token that the vow was accomplished.
put ..... fire <05414 0784> [and put it.]
boiled <01311> [the sodden.]
put ..... hands <05414 03709> [put them.]
then ... priest ... wave ................. priest <03548 05130> [the priest shall.]
wave offering ................... wave offering <08573> [with the wave.]
After <0310> [and after.]
law .................................... law <08451> [the law.]
else <03027> [beside that.]
Lord <03068> [The Lord.]
protect <08104> [keep thee.]
Lord <03068> [The Lord.]
gracious <02603> [gracious.]
lift up <05375> [lift up.]
give ... peace <07760 07965> [give thee.]
put ... name <07760 08034> [put my.]
bless <01288> [and I will.]
completed <03615> [had fully.]
anointed .... consecrated ......... anointed ... consecrated <04886 06942> [anointed it.]
consecrated ........... consecrated <06942> [sanctified them.]
leaders ............... leaders <05387> [the princes.]
ones ..... supervising <05975> [and were over, etc. Heb. who stood. offered.]
covered <06632> [covered waggons.]
The Hebrew {egloth tzav,} signifies "tilted wagons;" so LXX. [hamaxas lamp‚nikas,] with which the Coptic agrees. These were given for the more convenient exporting of the heavier parts of the tabernacle.
Receive .......... used <03947 05647> [Take it.]
give ..... Levites <05414 03881> [give them. i.e. distribute them among the Levites as they need them; giving most to those who have the heaviest burdens to bear.]
two carts <08147 05699> [Two wagons.]
Gershonites <01648 01121> [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.
four carts <05699 0702> [four wagons.]
Merarites ........... son <01121> [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.
Kohathites <01121> [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.
service <05656> [because.]
leaders ................ leaders <05387> [princes.]
Every prince, or chief, offered in the behalf, and doubtless at the expense, of his whole tribe.
dedication <02598> [dedicating.]
[Naasson.]
platter <07086> [charger.]
shekels ....... shekel <08255> [the shekel.]
grain offering <04503> [a meat offering.]
pan <03709> [spoon.]
incense <07004> [incense.]
peace offerings <08002> [peace.]
offering <07133> [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 everything 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.
offering .................................... grain offering <07133 04503> [offering.]
platter <07086> [charger.]
{K„ƒrah,} in Arabic, {kÆ’ran,} from {kÂÆ’ra,} 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.
sprinkling bowl <04219> [Bowl.]
{Mizrak,} from {zarak,} to sprinkle, a bowl or bason, used in sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice. (Ex 27:23.)
pan <03709> [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 <07004> [incense.]
sacrifice <02077> [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. Shelden observes, seems to have been imitated by the heathen, who dedicated their altars, temples, statues, etc., with much ceremony.
son <01121> [Son of Reuel.]
offering .................................... grain offering <07133 04503> [offering.]
mixed ... olive oil <01101 08081> [mingled with oil.]
seventh <07637> [On the seventh.]
Both Jewish and Christian 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 <0476> [Elishama.]
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.
tenth day <06224 03117> [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 eight 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 <0295> [Ahiezer.]
On ... eleventh day <03117 06249> [eleventh day.]
Dr. Adam Clarke remarks, that the Hebrew form of expression here, and in the 78th verse, has something curious in it; {beyom Æ’shtey Æ’sar yom,} "in the day, the first and tenth day;" {beyom shenim Æ’sar 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 <06295> [Pagiel.]
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 2,400 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 1,393 oz. 10 dwts. 23 7/31 gr. The 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 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.)
dedication <02598> [the dedication.]
leaders <05387> [the princes.]
2,400 <0505> [two thousand.]
shekel <08255> [after the shekel.]
anointed <04886> [that it was anointed.]
speak ......... speaking ........................ spoke <01696> [to speak.]
heard .......... atonement lid <08085 03727> [him. that is, God. he heard.]
two cherubim <03742 08147> [two cherubims.]
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 until he had stated them, and some other matters which he had received from God. (See ch. 7:11.)
work <04639> [this work.]
beaten ............. beaten work <04749> [beaten work.]
pattern <04758> [the pattern.]
purify <02891> [cleanse them.]
Sprinkle <05137> [Sprinkle.]
water <04325> [water.]
shave <08593> [let them shave. Heb. let them cause a razor to pass over, etc.]
wash ... clothes <03526 0899> [wash their.]
young ..................... young <01121> [a young.]
grain offering <04503> [his meat.]
second <08145> [another.]
bring <07126> [thou shalt bring.]
assemble .... community <06950 05712> [shalt gather the whole.]
The words, {kol Æ’dath,} 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.
offer <05130> [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.
they may <05647> [they may execute. Heb. they may be to execute, etc.]
Levites .................................. Levites <03881> [Levites.]
one ........ other <0259> [the one.]
atonement <03722> [atonement.]
then offer them .... wave offering <05130 08573> [offer them.]
{Wehainaphta othom tenoophath,} literlly, 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."
separate <0914> [separate.]
Levites ........ Levites <03881> [and the Levites.]
go <0935> [go in.]
them ... offer them like <05130> [and offer.]
entirely given <05414> [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.)
open <06363> [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."
firstborn males ................ firstborn <01060> [all the.]
when <03117> [on the day.]
apart <06942> [I sanctified.]
given <05414> [I have given.]
given <05414> [a gift. Heb. given. that there.]
purified <02398> [were purified.]
then ... presented them like <05130> [offered.]
Aaron ............ Aaron ... atonement <0175 03722> [Aaron made.]
After ..... went <0310 0935> [after that.]
Lord <03068> [as the Lord.]
twenty-five <06242> [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.
company .... work <06633 05656> [wait upon. Heb. war the warfare of, etc.]
must retire ... performing ... work <06635 05656 07725> [cease waiting upon the service thereof. Heb. return from the warfare of the service.]
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.
attend <08104> [to keep.]
work <05647> [and shall.]
[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."
observe <06213> [keep.]
appointed time <04150> [his appointed.]
fourteenth <0702> [the fourteenth.]
twilight <06153> [at even. Heb. between the two evenings.]
statutes <02708> [according to all the rites.]
[See on]
observed ................................ did <06213> [they kept.]
Lord <03068> [according.]
ceremonially defiled <02931> [defiled.]
came <07126> [they came.]
<07126> [we may not offer.]
Remain <05975> [Stand.]
hear <08085> [I will.]
ceremonially defiled <02931> [be unclean.]
<06213> [yet he shall keep.]
fourteenth <0702> [fourteenth.]
eat .... bread ... without yeast <0398 04682> [and eat it.]
leave <07604> [shall leave.]
break ..... bones <06106 07665> [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."
statute <02708> [according.]
fails <02308> [forbeareth.]
bring <07126> [because.]
bear ... sin <02399 05375> [bear his sin.]
day <03117> [on the day.]
cloud <06051> [the cloud.]
evening <06153> [at even.]
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, (Isa 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.
Whenever ... cloud ...................... cloud <06051 06310> [when the cloud.]
place <04725> [and in the.]
commandment .............. commandment <06310> [and at the.]
long <03117> [as long as.]
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.
remained <0748> [tarried long. Heb. prolonged. kept the.]
evening <06153> [abode. Heb. was.]
camped <02583> [abode.]
kept <08104> [they kept.]
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.
two trumpets <02689 08147> [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 [stroggule,] 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 a modern trumpet.
hammered <04749> [of a whole piece.]
assembling <04744> [the calling.]
blow <08628> [blow.]
camps <04264> [camps.]
blow ......................... sounded <08628> [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.: [kai salpieite semasian triten, kai exarousin ai parembolai ai paremballousai para thalassan. kai salpieite semasian tetarten, kai exarousin ai parembolai ai paremballousai pros bomran.] "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.
camps <04264> [the camps.]
blow <08628> [ye shall blow.]
alarm <07321> [sound.]
go <0935> [if ye go.]
opposes <06887> [oppresseth.]
alarm <07321> [then ye shall.]
remembered <02142> [remembered.]
time <03117> [in the day.]
memorial <02146> [a memorial.]
twentieth <06242> [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."
cloud <06051> [the cloud.]
So .... set <05265> [took.]
wilderness .......... wilderness <04057> [out of the.]
wilderness .......... wilderness <04057> [the wilderness.]
first <07223 05265> [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 then the centre.
[See]
Nahshon <05177> [Nahshon.]
tabernacle .................. tabernacle <04908> [the tabernacle.]
sons ...... sons <01121> [the sons.]
camp <04264> [the camp.]
Elizur <0468> [Elizur.]
Simeonites <08095> [Simeon.]
Eliasaph <0460> [Eliasaph.]
tribe ....... son <01121> [son of Reuel.]
Kohathites <06956> [the Kohathites.]
articles .......... set up <06965> [the other did. that is, the Gershonites and the Merarites.]
camp <04264> [the camp.]
Elishama <0476> [Elishama.]
Gamaliel <01583> [Gamaliel.]
Abidan <027> [Abidan.]
camp ............... camps <04264> [the camp.]
guard <0622> [the rereward.]
Ahiezer <0295> [Ahiezer.]
Pagiel <06295> [Pagiel.]
Ahira <0299> [Ahira.]
These <0428> [Thus were. Heb. These. according.]
[Reuel.]
Lord .................... Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
<03212> [come.]
Lord .................... Lord <03068> [for the Lord.]
places <03651> [forasmuch.]
As the Israelites were 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.)
guide <05869> [instead of eyes.]
mountain <02022> [the mount.]
ark <0727> [the ark.]
traveled ..................... traveling before <05265 06440> [went before.]
resting place <04496> [a resting place.]
Rise .... Lord <06965 03068> [Rise up, Lord.]
Return ... Lord <07725 03068> [Return, O Lord.]
thousands ... Israel <0505 03478 07233> [many thousands of Israel. Heb. ten thousand thousands.]
