Exodus 37:1--38:31
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.]
Numbers 4:1-49
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.]
Numbers 4:1
Numbers 6:1--8:2
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.)
Numbers 3:1--4:22
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.
Ezekiel 43:1--48:35
gate ... faced <08179 06437> [the gate that.]
glory ........................ glory <03519> [the glory.]
coming <0935> [came.]
sound ...... rushing <06963> [and his voice.]
earth <0776> [the earth.]
like ... vision ............. vision <04758> [according to the appearance.]
destroy ... city <07843 05892> [to destroy the city. or, to prophesy that the city should be destroyed.]
River <05104> [the river.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
Though the personal presence of Immanuel in the second temple rendered it more glorious than that of Solomon, (Hag 2:5-9,) yet this part of the vision rather relates to the times predicted in the whole of this description, those which shall succeed the conversion of the Jews, and their restoration to their own land.
came <0935> [came.]
wind <07307> [the spirit.]
brought <0935> [and brought.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
heard <08085> [I heard.]
man <0376> [the man.]
place .... throne .... place <04725 03678> [the place of my throne.]
place ....... place <04725> [and the place.]
live <07931> [where I.]
profane <02930> [no more.]
pillars <06297> [by the carcases.]
placed <05414> [setting.]
wall ....... profaned <07023 02930> [and the wall between me and them. or, for there was but a wall between me and them.]
put away ... spiritual ......... far ... me <07368> [Now let.]
Rather, "Now shall they put away their whoredom and the carcases of their kings far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever." It is a prediction and promise, and not an exhortation.
pillars <06297> [the carcases.]
live <07931> [and I.]
describe <05046> [shew.]
ashamed <03637> [that they.]
pattern <08508> [pattern. or, sum, or number.]
design .............. design ....... design .................... design <03045 06699> [shew them.]
statutes ........................... statutes <02708> [all the ordinances.]
done ................................................... do <06213> [and do.]
top <07218> [Upon.]
measurements <04060> [the measures.]
1¾ feet .... 1¾ feet <0520> [The cubit.]
base <02436> [bottom. Heb. bosom. edge. Heb. lip.]
lower edge .............. ledge ..... edge <05835 08481> [the lower settle.]
These settles were ledges by which the altar was narrowed towards the top; and the whole of it may thus be computed:-- Height Cubits Base, ver. 13. . . . . . . . . . 1 To first ledge, ver. 14. . . . . . . 1 To upper ledge, ver. 14. . . . . . . 4 To hearth, ver. 15.. . . . . . . . 4 --- In all 10 Breadth Cubits Upper ledge, ver. 17. . . . . . . . 14 For higher ledge, ver. 14. . . . . . 2 For lower ledge, ver. 14.. . . . . . 2 For base, ver. 13. . . . . . . . . 2 --- In all 20 Hence the upper part of the altar was only twelve cubits square (ver. 16,) the upper settle, or ledge, being in all fourteen cubits, (ver. 17,) deducting two cubits from its dimensions. Though this altar was the same in height, and breadth with that of Solomon, yet it differed materially from it in having settles or ledges; on which the priests walked round the altar, to officiate in offering sacrifices.
altar hearth ....... altar hearth <0741> [the altar. Heb. Harel, that is, the mountain of God.]
Probably so called in opposition to the idolatrous high places.
altar hearth ....... altar hearth <0741> [the altar. Heb. Ariel, that is, the lion of God.]
Rather, "the hearth of God," from the Arabic {irat,} or {iryat,} a hearth, and {ail,} God.
7 feet ....... four horns <07161 0702> [four horns.]
21 ... long ... 21 <08147 0753> [twelve cubits.]
square <07251> [square.]
border <01366> [and the border.]
steps <04609> [his stairs.]
Rather, "its ascents," {m„ƒlothehoo,} probably an inclined plane; for the law ordained that the priest should not ascend by stairs.
face east <06437 06921> [look toward.]
up <05927> [to offer.]
priests <03548> [the priests.]
approach <07138> [which approach.]
young <01121> [a young.]
take <03947> [take.]
four ........ four <0702> [and on the four.]
cleanse <02398> [thus shalt.]
burned <08313> [burn.]
male <08163> [a kid.]
purify ....... purified <02398> [and they.]
them ......... scatter salt ... them .... them <04417 07993> [cast salt.]
consecrate <04390> [they shall.]
consecrate <04390> [consecrate themselves. Heb. fill their hands.]
eighth <08066> [that upon.]
offer up <06213> [make.]
peace offerings <08002> [peace offerings. or, thank offerings. I will accept.]
outer <02435> [the outward.]
So called in opposition to the temple itself, which was the inner sanctuary.
faces <06437> [looketh.]
Lord ........................ Lord <03068> [because.]
prince <05387> [for.]
prince <05387> [the prince.]
It is probable that the prince mentioned here and elsewhere, does not mean the Messiah, but the ruler of the Jewish nation for the time being. For it is not only directed where he should sit in the temple, and eat his portion of the sacrifices, and when and how he should go out; but it is also ordered (ch. 45:22,) that at the passover he shall offer a bullock, a sin offering for himself and the people; and to guard him against any temptation of oppressing the people, he had a provision of land allotted to him, (ch. 45:8,) out of which he is to give an inheritance for his sons, (ch. 46:18.) These appear plainly to be political rules for common princes, and for a succession of them; but as no such rules were observed under the second temple, the fulfilment of it must still be future.
eat .... meal <0398> [to eat.]
enter <0935> [he shall enter.]
way <01870> [the way.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
threw <05307> [and I fell.]
[mark well. Heb. set thine heart.]
statutes <02708> [concerning.]
pay attention ........................ Pay attention <07760 03820> [and mark well.]
entrances <03996> [the entering.]
Say <0559> [thou shalt say.]
Enough <07227> [let it suffice.]
bring <0935> [ye have brought.]
foreigners <01121> [strangers. Heb. children of a stranger.]
uncircumcised ... heart <06189 03820> [uncircumcised in heart.]
The introduction of uncircumcised persons to eat of the peace offerings and oblations, would have been a gross violation of the Mosaic law; but, as there was no law to exclude "the uncircumcised of heart," who were circumcised and ritually clean, this seems to point out a new and different constitution.
offer <07126> [when.]
fat <02459> [the fat.]
broken <06565> [broken.]
kept ............. keep <08104> [ye have not.]
charge ............. charge <04931> [charge. or, ward, or ordinance, and so ver.]
Levites <03881> [the Levites.]
<05375> [bear.]
ministers .............. serving ....................... minister <08334> [they shall be.]
As few, if any, of those who, before the captivity, had been guilty in these respects, lived to witness the restoration of the temple service; and as it does not appear that their descendants were thus degraded for the idolatry of their ancestors; it is probable that a thorough reformation of the whole church, or the prevalence of pure religion among the converted Jews, is here predicted.
oversight <06486> [having charge.]
slaughter <07819> [shall slay.]
stand <05975> [and they.]
minister <08334> [they ministered.]
sinful obstacle .... house ... Israel ..................... sin <03478 04383 05771 01004> [caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity. Heb. were for a stumbling-block of iniquity unto, etc.]
consequently .............. they .... responsible <05375> [therefore.]
consequently .............. they .... responsible <05375> [and they shall.]
come near ........... come near <05066> [they shall not.]
They ... bear <05375> [bear.]
descendants ............. people <01121> [the sons.]
descendants ............. people <01121> [when.]
stand <05975> [they shall stand.]
fat <02459> [the fat.]
blood <01818> [the blood.]
enter <0935> [They shall enter.]
table <07979> [to my table.]
To place the shew-bread there. It is observable, that the table in the sanctuary is mentioned rather than the altar of incense; perhaps intimating the change in the external institutions of Divine worship which should take place before the accomplishment of the prophecy. It is not easy to determine, whether any external regulations, with respect to Divine ordinances, answerable to these predictions, will be made among the converted Jews, when reinstated in their own land, or not.
keep <08104> [keep.]
wear <03847> [they shall.]
turbans <06287> [bonnets.]
Linen ......... linen undergarments <04370 06593> [linen breeches.]
[with anything that causeth sweat. or, in sweating places.]
Heb. in, or with sweat.
remove ................. put on <06584 03847> [they shall put.]
transmit holiness <06942> [sanctify.]
shave <01548> [shave.]
hair <06545> [nor suffer.]
marry <03947> [Neither.]
This was prohibited only to the high priest under the law; but is here extended to all the priests, perhaps to intimate the superior sanctity of the times to which it refers.
widow .................. widow <0490> [a widow.]
divorcee <01644> [put away. Heb. thrust forth.]
priest's <03548> [that had a priest before. Heb. from a priest.]
controversy <07379> [in controversy.]
This seems to intimate, that controversies, in the period predicted, will be generally decided by arbitration, according to the law of God; and not by litigations before human tribunals, according to the laws of man.
observe <08104> [they shall keep.]
festivals <04150> [in all.]
<06942> [and they shall hallow.]
inner <06442> [unto the inner.]
offer <07126> [he shall offer.]
inheritance ..... inheritance <05159> [I am their inheritance.]
eat <0398> [eat]
devoted <02764> [dedicated. or, devoted.]
first .......................... first portion <07225> [first. or, chief. all the first-fruits.]
blessing <01293> [that he may.]
When ... allot ... land .................. land <05307 0776> [shall divide by lot. Heb. cause the land to fall by lot.]
offer <07311> [ye shall offer.]
holy ........................... holy <06944> [an holy portion. Heb. holiness.]
length ........ miles <0753> [the length.]
That our translators rightly added the word reeds, is evident from the length and breadth of the sanctuary being exactly the same as before, (comp. ver. 2, with ch. 42:16-19.) Estimating the reed at 3« yards, this holy oblation would constitute a square of nearly fifty miles on every side. From the north side a portion of nearly twenty miles in width, and nearly fifty in length, was appointed for the priests; and in the midst of this portion, the area of the sanctuary, about a mile square, to be enclosed by a wall, (ver. 1, 2.) Next to this, on the south, was the Levites' portion, of the same dimensions as that of the priests', (ver. 5;) and south of this was the portion for the city, of the same length as those of the priests and Levites, but only half the width, (ver. 6.) These three formed the square of 25,000 reeds, or nearly fifty miles; and that set apart for the prince, the breadth of which is not mentioned, extended in length from north to south, along the east and west sides of the square. As Canaan would not admit of so large a portion for the sanctuary, etc., this was no doubt intended to intimate the large extent of the church in the glorious times predicted.
875 <02568 03967> [five hundred in length.]
open space <04054> [suburbs. or, void places.]
sanctuary <04720> [and in it.]
holy ..... land <06944 0776> [holy portion.]
approach <07131> [which.]
eight and a quarter miles <02568> [the five.]
minister <08334> [the ministers.]
place <0272> [for a possession.]
city <05892> [the city.]
princes <05387> [and my princes.]
In the predicted period, not only shall the ministers and worshippers of God be liberally provided for, but the princes will be both able and willing to defray the expenses of government, without oppressing their subjects, and will rule over them with equity and clemency, as the vicegerents of God; while the people will submit to them conscientiously, and live in peace, prosperity, and holiness. These things seem to be represented in language taken from the customs of the times in which the prophet wrote. Tithes are not mentioned in part of the vision, which shows that the ritual Mosaic law will not be in force.
tribes <07626> [according.]
Enough <07227> [Let it.]
Put away <05493> [remove.]
do <06213> [execute.]
Put an end <07311> [take away.]
evictions <01646> [exactions. Heb. expulsions.]
dry .................... ephah <0374> [ephah.]
The {ephah} was a dry measure, and the {bath} a liquid measure, containing about seven gallons, four pints, or three pecks, three pints; and the {homer} about seventy-five gallons, five pints.
shekel ...... Sixty shekels <08255> [the shekel.]
shekel .... twenty ... Sixty shekels <06242 08255> [twenty shekels.]
That is, 20 + 25 + 15 = 60; for the {maneh} as a weight was equal to sixty shekels, though as a coin it was only equal to fifty, weighing about 2 lb. 6 oz.; and reckoning the shekel at 2s. 6d. being in value 6Å“. 5s.
one tenth <04643> [the tenth.]
sheep <07716> [lamb. or, kid. out of the fat.]
peace offering <08002> [peace offerings. or, thank offerings.]
atonement <03722> [to make.]
people <05971> [the people.]
offering <08641> [shall give this. Heb. shall be for. for. or, with.]
prince <05387> [the prince's.]
The prince is never mentioned in the ritual appointments of Moses, but here he is required to provide the oblations; and the variations in the Mosaic law, in the number of the several sacrifices, and the proportion of the meat offering to each, being ten times as much as the law prescribed, with several other circumstances, seem more like enacting a new law, than enforcing that of Moses. These variations may intimate a change in the external constitution of the church; and it is probable that they are to be understood emblematically.
festivals <02282> [in the feasts.]
provide <06213> [he shall prepare.]
peace offerings <08002> [peace offerings. or, thank offerings.]
first ..... first <07223 0259> [In the first month.]
This seems to enjoin, not a mere dedication, but an annual purification of the sanctuary; of which there is nothing said in the Mosaic law.
unblemished <08549> [without blemish.]
purify <02398> [and cleanse.]
four corners <0702 06438> [and upon the four corners.]
anyone <0376> [every one.]
ignorance <06612> [that is simple.]
Who wants understanding to conduct himself properly.
atonement <03722> [so shall.]
Passover <06453> [ye shall.]
prince <05387> [the prince.]
bull <06499> [bullock.]
during ... seven days ............... seven .... seven ...... on each .... seven days ...... daily <03117 07651> [seven days.]
burnt offering <05930> [a burnt.]
seven ................ seven bulls ... seven .......... seven <07651 06499> [seven bullocks.]
seventh ................................... seven <07651> [In the seventh.]
The prince shall do at the feast of tabernacles the same thing he was desired to do on the passover.
<0559> [Thus saith.]
Whether the rules for public worship here laid down were designed to be observed in those things wherein they differed from the law of Moses, in the ministrations of the second temple, is not certain. In the latter history of the Jewish church, the law of Moses only was followed, except in the corruption of following the traditions of the fathers.
gate <08179> [The gate.]
The prophet had before observed that the east gate of the outer court was shut, and was told that it must only be opened for the prince; and now he is informed that the gate of the inner court on the east was also shut, and is to be opened only on the sabbath and new moons, till the evening.
closed <05462> [shall be shut.]
six working <04639 08337> [six working.]
Sabbath <07676> [on the sabbath.]
porch <0197> [the porch.]
doorpost <04201> [by the post.]
priests <03548> [the priests.]
provide <06213> [prepare.]
Or, "offer," as the word {Æ’sah} frequently denotes. The whole of this seems to intimate the constant, reverential, and exemplary attendance of kings on the pure ordinances of religion, in the approaching flourishing days of the church.
bow <07812> [he shall worship.]
gate ............. gate ....................... gate ........ gate <08179> [but the gate.]
burnt offering <05930> [the burnt.]
The proportions of the burnt offerings, and also of the meat and drink offerings, are very different here form those prescribed in the Mosaic law. The meat offering, under the law, was only three tenths of an {ephah} to a bullock, two tenths for a ram, and one tenth for a lamb, with the fourth part of a {hin} of oil.
grain offering ........... grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
able ... give <03027 04991> [as he shall be able to give. Heb. the gift of his hand.]
enters .... come ............ go out <0935 03318> [he shall go.]
people <05971> [when the people.]
This may intimate, that every thing should be regulated, in divine worship, so as to prevent disorder and interruption, and also that men should go forward and make progress in religion, and not turn their backs upon God.
come before ......... enters .................... enters ........................... entered <06440 0935> [come before.]
come .......... enters ... way ............ way ....... enters ... way .......... way ........... way ...... entered <0935 01870> [he that entereth in.]
festivals <02282> [in the feasts.]
grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
freewill offering .......... voluntary offering <05071> [a voluntary.]
gate ...... opened ............................. gate <06605 08179> [open him.]
provide ............ did <06213> [as he did.]
daily <03117> [Thou shalt daily.]
It is observable, that there is nothing said about the evening sacrifice, or the additional lamb, morning and evening, on the sabbath, which makes an important difference between this and the old laws; and is probably an intimation of that change in the external forms of religion which the coming of the Messiah should introduce.
a year <01121 08141> [of the first year. Heb. a son of his year.]
morning ... morning <01242> [every morning. Heb. morning by morning.]
sixth <08345> [the sixth.]
perpetual <08548> [a continual.]
prince <05387> [If the prince.]
year <08141> [to the year.]
That is, the year of Jubilee, called the year of liberty, because there was then a general release: all servants had their liberty; and all alienated estates returned to their former owners.
prince <05387> [the prince.]
oppressively <03238> [thrust.]
inheritance ...... from their property ........ inheritance .... own possessions .............. property <05159 05157 0272> [inheritance out.]
people's ........................ people <05971> [my people.]
entrance <03996> [the entry.]
This entry was at the west side of the north gate of the inner court.
place <04725> [a place.]
This place was at the west corners of the inner court, or court of the priests; where they prepared the most holy things, the trespass and sin offering, which none but the priests might eat; that they might not "bear them out into the utter court, to sanctify the people," that is, by touching them incapacitate them from discharging their ordinary occupations.
boil ... guilt offering <01310 0817> [boil the trespass.]
bake ... grain offering <0644 04503> [bake the meat.]
holiness <06942> [to sanctify.]
court ........ corners .... court ....... every corner .... court ..... court <02691 04740> [in every corner of the court there was a court. Heb. a court in the corner of a court; and a court in a corner of a court.]
court .... courts <02691> [courts.]
These courts in the corners of the outer court, or court of the people, appear to have been a kind of uncovered apartments, surrounded with little chambers for the cooks, and used for dressing the peace offerings of the people. On these their families and friends feasted; and portions were sent to the poor, the widow, and the orphan; and thus the spirit of devotion preserved the spirit of mercy, charity, and benevolence, in the land.
small <07000> [joined. or, made with chimneys. corners. Heb. cornered.]
entrance <06607> [the door.]
water .................... water <04325 03318> [waters issued.]
Solomon's temple and the second temple were doubtless well supplied with water, probably conveyed there by means of pipes; but these waters flowed from the temple, not as a common sewer, but as a fertilizing river. A fountain producing abundance of water was not in the temple, and could not be there on the top of such a hill; and consequently these waters, as well as those spoken of by Joel and Zechariah, must be understood figuratively and typically. These waters doubtless were an emblem of the "gospel preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven;" and their gradual rise beautifully represents it progress, from small beginnings to an immensely large increase; and the latter part of the representation may relate to the times when it shall fill the earth, and produce the most extensive and important effects on the state of making in every nation.
threshold <04670> [from under the threshold.]
north <06828> [northward.]
man <0376> [the man.]
water <04325> [waters were to the ancles. Heb. waters of the ancles.]
water ..... knee .............. water <04325 01290> [the waters were to the knees.]
water ......... swim <04325 07813> [waters to swim in. Heb. waters of swimming.]
seen <07200> [hast thou.]
banks <08193> [bank. Heb. lip.]
vast <07227> [many.]
flow down <03381> [and go down.]
Arabah <06160> [desert. or, plain.]
Sea .... sea <03220> [the sea.]
This was the Dead sea, or sea of Sodom, east of Jerusalem, in which it is said no living creature is found; or, at least, from its extreme saltness, it does not abound with fish like other seas. The healing of these waters denotes the calling of the Gentiles.
waters .......................... waters <04325> [the waters.]
creature ........................... live <05315 02425> [every thing.]
river ......................... river <05158> [rivers. Heb. two rivers.]
live ................... live <02421 02425> [shall live.]
many <07227 03966> [a very great.]
[Greek. for they.]
Fishermen <01728> [fishers.]
Apostles and preachers of the gospel.
Engedi <05872> [En-gedi.]
fish .... fish <01710> [the fish.]
Great quantities of all kinds of fish usually caught in the Mediterranean, genuine converts of all nations, kindreds, and people.
Great Sea <03220 01419> [the great sea.]
<03966> [exceeding.]
swamps <01207> [the miry places.]
Those who reject, neglect, or pervert the gospel.
[shall not be healed, they shall be. or, and that which shall not be, shall be, etc.]
<05414> [given.]
river's <05158> [by the river.]
<05927> [grow. Heb. come up. trees for meat.]
Probably, believers, "trees of righteousness," who still bring forth, "fruit unto holiness," and "whose end is eternal life."
leaves ................................. leaves <05929> [whose.]
fruit <01069> [new. or, principal. medicine. or, bruises and sores.]
Here .... borders <01454 01366> [This shall.]
Joseph <03130> [Joseph.]
vowed <03027 05375> [lifted up mine hand. or, swore.]
assigned <05307> [fall.]
border <01366> [And this.]
Hethlon <02855> [Hethlon.]
Zedad <06657> [Zedad.]
Hamath ............... Hamath <02574> [Hamath.]
Berothah <01268> [Berothah.]
[Berothai. Damascus.]
Hazer-hattikon <02694> [Hazar-hatticon. or, the middle village. Hauran.]
The district of Auranitis, now Haouran, S. W. of Damascus.
border ...... sea ...... border .......... border <01366 03220> [the border from.]
The Holy Land, as here described, extended from about 31 degrees to 35 degrees N. lat. and from 34 degrees to 37 degrees E. long.; being bounded on the north by a line drawn from the Mediterranean to Hamath; on the east by Damascus, Hauran, Gilead, and the land of Israel east of Jordan, unto the south of the Dead sea; on the south by Tamar and Kadesh, unto the river of Rhinocorura; and on the west by the Mediterranean sea, from the same point northward "till a man came over against Hamath;" and its length from north to south would be about 280 miles, and its breadth about 150 miles. The ten tribes, as well as Judah and Benjamin, were to be admitted to a full share in this inheritance, which seems to imply, that the future restoration to the promised land is predicted; while the admission of strangers who sojourned in the land to a share in the inheritance, as if native Israelites, plainly intimates the calling of the Gentiles into the church, and their joint inheritance of its privileges, and of the heavenly felicity.
Hazar-enan <02703> [Hazarenan.]
between ...... between ................. border <0996 01366> [from. Heb. from between. from Gilead.]
[Galead.]
Jordan <03383> [Jordan.]
Tamar <08559> [Tamar.]
Meribath <04808> [strife. or, Meribah.]
river <05158> [river. or, valley.]
south ....................... south <08486 05045> [southward. or, toward Teman.]
allot .................................... allotted <05307> [ye shall divide.]
foreigners <01616> [and to the strangers.]
allot .................................... allotted <05307> [they shall have.]
names <08034> [the names.]
northern ....................... north <06828> [From.]
[a portion. Heb. one portion. Dan.]
Asher <0836> [Asher.]
Naphtali <05321> [Naphtali.]
border <01366> [by the border.]
In this division of the Holy Land, a portion is laid out for each of the twelve tribes directly across the country, from east to west; and deducting the square of 25,000 reeds, or nearly fifty miles on each side, between Judah and Benjamin, for the priests, Levites, city, and temple, with the inheritance of the prince to the east and west, (see on ch. 45:1,) from 280 miles, the length of the country from north to south, there will remain for each tribe a portion of less than twenty miles in width, and 150 in length. This division of the land entirely differs from that which was made in the days of Joshua, in which the tribes were not only differently placed, but confused and inter-mixed; while here distinct lots are assigned to each of the twelve tribes, in a regular mathematical form. Literally such a division never took place: it seems to denote the equality of privileges which subsists among all the tribes of Believers, of whatever nation, and whatever their previous character may have been.
Manasseh <04519> [Manasseh.]
Ephraim <0669> [Ephraim.]
Reuben <07205> [Reuben.]
Judah <03063> [Judah.]
allotment <08641> [the offering.]
sanctuary <04720> [the sanctuary.]
priests <03548> [for the priests.]
sanctuary <04720> [and the sanctuary.]
priests ..... apart <03548 06942> [It shall be for the priests that are sanctified. or, The sanctified portion shall be for the priests. the sons]
charge <04931> [charge. or, ward, or ordinance.]
Levites <03881> [as the Levites.]
most holy <06944> [a thing.]
eight and a quarter miles ..... three and one-third .......... eight and a quarter miles ..... three and one-third miles <06242 0505 02568> [five and twenty thousand in.]
sell <04376> [they shall.]
set apart <06944> [for.]
common <02455> [a profane.]
city ......... city <05892> [for the city.]
The holy oblation of 25,000 square reeds, or near fifty square miles, was divided into three parts from north to south (see on ch. 45:1): a portion on the north of 10,000 reeds in width, and 25,000 in length, for the priests, in the midst of which was the sanctuary or temple, surrounded by a wall 500 reeds square, (ver. 9, 10; see on ch. 42:15;) next to this another portion of the same dimensions for the Levites, (ver. 13, 14;) and on the south another portion of the same length, but only 5,000 reeds in breadth, for the city (ver. 15.) The city was situated in the midst of this portion, being 4,500 reeds, or about nine miles square, (see on ver. 30,) having a suburb of 250 reeds, or about half a mile, on each side, (ver. 17,) leaving 10,000 reeds or nearly ten miles, on the east side, and the same on the west side, for the profit of those who serve the city out of all the tribes, (ver. 18, 19.) On the east and west sides of this square of 25,000 reeds, is the portion of the prince; each of which, estimating the breadth of the land at 150 miles, would form a square of fifty miles. Thus the whole plan of the division of the country, laying out of the city, temple, and all its appendages, is perfectly regular and uniform; and would therefore convey to the minds of the Jews the most complete idea they were capable of conceiving of the most perfect church, commonwealth, city, temple, and conveniences, on the largest and grandest scale for the Divine worship; and it doubtless ultimately points out the land of Immanuel, the city of the New Jerusalem, and his temple, the Christian church, the house of the living God.
workers <05647> [that serve.]
workers ............ cultivate <05647> [shall serve.]
square <07243> [four-square.]
rest <03498> [the residue.]
westward ........... west <03220> [and westward.]
Benjamin <01144> [Benjamin.]
[a portion. Heb. one portion.]
Simeon <08095> [Simeon.]
Issachar <03485> [Issachar.]
Zebulun <02074> [Zebulun.]
Gad <01410> [Gad.]
Tamar <08559> [from Tamar.]
Meribath Kadesh <06946 04808> [strife in Kadesh. Heb. Meribah-kadesh.]
Stream <05158> [the river.]
Great Sea <03220 01419> [the great sea.]
exits <08444> [the goings.]
one and one-half miles <0702> [four.]
It is certainly most obvious to interpret these measures, not of cubits, but of the measuring reed which the prophet's conductor had in his hand; according to which, the city would be about thirty-six miles in circumference, and nine miles on each side of the square; which was nearly nine times larger than the greatest extent to which Jerusalem ever attained, (See on ver. 15; ch. 42:16.) The large dimensions of the city and land were perhaps intended to intimate the extensive and glorious propagation of the gospel in the times predicted; and the land was not called Canaan, nor the city Jerusalem, probably because they were figurative of spiritual blessings to the church and to Israel.
name <08034> [and the name.]
<03074> [The Lord. Heb. JEHOVAH shammah.]
CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL. The character of Ezekiel, as a Writer and Poet, is thus admirably drawn by the masterly hand of Bishop Lowth: "Ezekiel is much inferior to Jeremiah in elegance; in sublimity he is not even excelled by Isaiah; but his sublimity is of a totally different kind. He is deep, vehement, tragical; his sentiments are elevated, animated, full of fire and indignation; his imagery is crowded, magnificent, terrific; his language is grand, solemn, austere, rough, and at times unpolished; he abounds in repetitions, not for the sake of grace or elegance, but from vehemence and indignation. Whatever subject he treats of, that he sedulously puruses; from that he rarely departs, but cleaves, as it were, to it; whence the connexion is in general evident and well preserved. In other respects he may perhaps be exceeded by the other prophets; but, for that species of composition to which he seems adapted by natural gifts, the forcible, impetuous, grave, and grand, not one of the sacred writers is superior to him. His diction is sufficiently perspicuous; all his obscurity arises from the nature of his subjects. Visions (as for instance, among others, those of Hosea, Amos, and Zechariah,) are necessarily dark and confused. The greater part of Ezekiel, particularly towards the middle of the book, is poetical, whether we regard the matter of the language." Abp. Newcombe judiciously observes, The Prophet is not to be considered merely as a poet, or as a framer of those august and astonishing visions, and of those admirable poetical representations, which he committed to writing; but as an instrument in the hands of God, who vouchsafed to reveal himself, through a long succession of ages, not only in divers parts constituting a magnificant and uniform whole, but also in different manners, as by voice, by dreams, by inspiration, and by plain or enigmatical vision. "Ezekiel is a great poet, full of originality; and, in my opinion, whoever censures him as if he were only an imitator of the old prophets, can never have felt his power. He must not, in general, be compared with Isaiah, and the rest of the old prophets. Those are great, Ezekiel is also great; those in their manner of poetry, Ezekiel in his." To justify this character the learned prelate descends to particulars, and gives apposite examples, not only of the clear, flowing, and nervous, but also of the sublime; and concludes his observations on his style, by stating it to be his deliberate opinion, that if his "style is the old age of Hebrew language and composition, (as has been alleged,) it is a firm and vigorous one, and should induce us to trace its youth and manhood with the most assiduous attention." As a Prophet, Ezekiel must ever be allowed to occupy a very high rank; and few of the prophets have left a more valuable treasure to the church of God than he has. It is true, he is in several places obscure; but this resulted either from the nature of his subjects, or the events predicted being still unfulfilled; and, when time has rolled away the mist of futurity, successive generations will then perceive with what heavenly wisdom this much neglected prophet has spoken. There is, however, a great proportion of his work which is free from every obscurity, and highly edifying. He has so accurately and minutely foretold the fate and condition of various nations and cities, that nothing can be more interesting than to trace the exact accomplishment of these prophecies in the accounts furnished by historians and travellers; while, under the elegant type of a new temple to be erected, a new worship to be introduced, and a new Jerusalem to be built, with new land to be allotted to the twelve tribes, may be discovered the vast extent and glory of the New Testament Church.
