Numbers 1:1--26:65
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.]
people <05971> [And when.]
complained <0596> [complained. or, were as it were complainers. it displeased the Lord. Heb. it was evil in the ears of the Lord.]
fire <0784> [and the fire.]
outer parts <07097> [the uttermost.]
cried <06817> [cried.]
prayed <06419> [prayed.]
fire <0784> [the fire.]
died out <08257> [was quenched. Heb. sunk.]
Taberah <08404> [Taberah. that is, a burning.]
[the mixed.]
craved <0183> [fell a lusting. Heb. lusted a lust. the children.]
wept again <07725 01058> [wept again. Heb. returned and wept. Who shall.]
fish <01710> [the fish.]
cucumbers <07180> [the cucumbers.]
In Hebrew, {kishshuim,} in Arabic, {kiththa,} Chaldee, {keta,} and Syriac, {kati,} a species of cucumber peculiar to Egypt, smooth, of a longish cylindrical shape, and about a foot long. Prosper Alpinus says that it differs from the common sort by its size, colour, and softness; that its leaves are smaller, whiter, softer, and rounder; its fruit larger, greener, smoother, softer, sweeter, and more easy of digestion than ours. Hasselquist describes it in the same manner; and adds, that it is very little watery, but firm like a melon, sweet and cool to the taste, but not so cold as the watermelon, which is meant by the {avutichim} of the text.
manna <04478> [the manna.]
<05869> [colour thereof as the colour of. Heb. eye of it as the eye of. bdellium.]
people <05971> [the people.]
baked .... pans <01310 06517> [baked it.]
tasted <02940> [taste of it.]
weeping .... families <01058 04940> [weep throughout.]
anger <0639> [the anger.]
Moses .......................... Moses <04872> [Moses.]
afflicted <07489> [Wherefore hast thou.]
The complaint and remonstrance of Moses in these verses serve at once to shew the deeply distressed state of his mind, and the degradation of the minds of the people.
found <04672> [wherefore have.]
Carry ..... arms ...... bears <05375 02436> [Carry them.]
father <0539> [as a nursing.]
land <0127> [the land.]
me like .... kill ... immediately <02026> [kill me.]
see <07200> [let me not.]
trouble <07451> [my wretchedness.]
Two of Dr. Kennicott's manuscripts read, "their wretchedness." The Jerusalem Targum has the same, and adds, by way of explanation, "who are thine own people."
seventy <07657> [seventy.]
officials <07860> [officers.]
come down <03381> [I will come.]
speak ........ take part <01696 0680> [talk with.]
take part <0680> [I will take.]
bear ................ bear <05375> [they shall.]
Sanctify <06942> [Sanctify.]
wept <01058> [ye have wept.]
good <02895> [it was well.]
About a year before this, the people had been thus feasted for one day (Ex 16:13); but now such plenty was to be afforded them for a whole month, and they should use it so greedily, that at last they should entirely loathe the food for which they had so inordinately craved.
month <02320> [whole month. Heb. month of days.]
sick <02214> [and it.]
despised <03988> [despised.]
There is certainly a considerable measure of weakness and unbelief manifested in these complaints and questions of Moses; but his conduct appears at the same time so very simple, honest, and affectionate, that we cannot but admire it, while we wonder that he had not stronger confidence in that God, whose stupendous miracles he had so often witnessed in Egypt.
Lord ....... Lord's <03068> [Is the Lord's.]
That is, "Is the power of the Lord diminished?" That power which has been so signally displayed on your behalf, and which is as unchangeable as it is unlimited.
see <07200> [thou shalt.]
gathered <0622> [gathered.]
came down <03381> [came down.]
took <0680> [took.]
put ..... seventy <05414 07657> [gave it.]
From this place, Origen and Theodoret take occasion to compare Moses to a lamp, at which seventy others were lighted, without any diminution of its lustre.
prophesied <05012> [they prophesied.]
By prophesying here we are to understand, their performing those civil and sacred functions for which they were qualified; exhorting the people to quiet and peaceable submission, and to trust and confidence in the providence of God.
gone <03318> [went not out.]
Joshua <03091> [Joshua.]
lord <0113> [My Lord.]
jealous <07065> [Enviest.]
put <05414> [would.]
Lord's ....... Lord <03068> [that the.]
wind <07307> [a wind.]
brought <01468> [and brought.]
quail <07958> [quails.]
That the word {selav} means the quail, we have already had occasion to observe; to which we subjoin the authority of Mr. Maundrell, who visited Naplosa, (the ancient Sichem,) where the Samaritans live. Mr. Maundrell asked their chief priest what sort of animal he took the {selav} to be. He answered, they were a sort of fowls; and, by the description Mr. Maundrell perceived he meant the same kind with our quails.
day's journey ........ day's journey <01870 03117> [a day's journey. Heb. the way of a day. and as it were two cubits.]
That is, as the Vulgate renders, {Volabantque in a‰re duobus cubitis altitudine super terram,} "and they flew in the air, at the height of two cubits above the ground."
homers <02563> [homers.]
meat <01320> [And while.]
struck <05221> [smote.]
Kibroth Hattaavah <06914> [Kibroth-hattaavah. that is, the graves of lust.]
traveled <05265> [journeyed.]
Hazeroth ...... Hazeroth <02698> [unto Hazeroth.]
Hazeroth ...... Hazeroth <02698> [abode at. Heb they were in, etc.]
Miriam <04813> [Miriam.]
<03571> [Ethiopian. or, Cushite.]
married ..... married <03947> [married. Heb. taken.]
Lord ............... Lord <03068> [Hath the Lord.]
spoken ........ spoken <01696> [hath he not.]
Lord ............... Lord <03068> [And the.]
very <03966> [very.]
man <0120> [above.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
went <03318> [Come out.]
prophet <05030> [a prophet.]
vision <04759> [in a vision.]
dream <02472> [a dream.]
servant <05650> [My servant.]
faithful <0539> [faithful.]
<06310> [mouth.]
riddles <02420> [dark speeches.]
form <08544> [similitude.]
afraid <03372> [were ye.]
cloud <06051> [the cloud.]
Miriam ... leprous ........ Miriam ..... leprous <04813 06879> [behold.]
leprous ............ leprous <06879> [leprous.]
hold <07896> [I beseech thee.]
hold ... sin <07896 02403> [lay not.]
Do ... let <04994> [as one dead.]
flesh <01320> [of whom.]
spit <03417> [spit.]
Shut .............. brought back <05462 0622> [let her be.]
shut outside <02351 05462> [shut out.]
people <05971> [and the.]
Miriam ................... Miriam <04813> [till Miriam.]
After <0310> [afterward.]
Hazeroth <02698> [Hazeroth.]
The exact situation of this place is unknown. Dr. Shaw computes it to be three days' journey, i.e., thirty miles from Sinai. From this passage, it appears that the wilderness of Paran commenced immediately upon their leaving this station. Calmet observes, that there is a town called Hazor in Arabia Petr‘a, in all probability the same as Hazerim, the ancient habitation of the Hivites (De 2:23); and likewise, according to all appearances, the Hazeroth, where the Hebrews encamped.
wilderness <04057> [the wilderness.]
Send ... men .................. send <07971 0582> [Send thou.]
man ... each <0376> [of every.]
leader <05387> [a ruler.]
The wilderness of Paran, says Dr. Wells, seems to have been taken in a larger, and in a stricter sense. In the larger sense, it seems to have denoted all the desert and mountainous tract, lying between the wilderness of Shur westward, and mount Seir, or the land of Edom, eastward, the land of Canaan northward, and the Red sea southward. And in this sense, it seems to have comprehended the wilderness of Sin, and the wilderness of Sinai, also the adjoining tract wherein lay Kibroth-hattaavah and Hazeroth. In this sense it may be understood in De 1:19, where, by "that great and terrible wilderness," is intended the wilderness of Paran in its largest acceptation; for, in its stricter acceptation, it seems not to have been so great and terrible a wilderness; but is taken to denote more peculiarly that part of Arabia Petr‘a which lies between mount Sinai and Hazeroth west, and mount Seir east.
Caleb <03612> [Caleb.]
Hoshea <01954> [Oshea.]
[Jehoshua.]
[Joshua.]
Hoshea <01954> [Oshea.]
Joshua <03091> [Jehoshua.]
[Jesus.]
Negev <05045> [southward.]
hill country <02022> [the mountain.]
rich <08082> [whether it be.]
be brave <02388> [good courage.]
first ripe <01061> [the firstripe.]
wilderness ... Zin <04057 06790> [from the wilderness of Zin.]
The wilderness of Zin, is different from that called Sin. (Ex 16:1.) The latter was near Egypt, but the former was near Kadesh Barnea, not far from the borders of Canaan. It seems to be the valley mentioned by Burckhardt; which, under the names of El Ghor and El Araba, form a continuation of the valley of the Jordan, extending from the Dead sea to the eastern branch of the Red sea. The whole plain presents to the view an appearance of shifting sands, whose surface is broken by innumerable undulations and low hills. A few talk, tamarisk, and rethem trees grow among the sand hills; but the depth of sand precludes all vegetation of herbage.
Rehob <07340> [Rehob.]
Rehob was a city, afterwards given to the tribe of Asher, situated near mount Lebanon, at the northern extremity of the Promised Land, on the road which leads to Hamath, and west of Laish or Dan: compare Jud 1:31; 18:28; Jos 19:28.
Hamath <02574> [Hamath.]
Ahiman <0289> [Ahiman.]
descendants <03211> [the children.]
Hebron ............. Hebron <02275> [Hebron.]
Zoan <06814> [Zoan.]
valley <05158> [brook. or valley.]
Valley <05158> [brook. or valley.]
Eshcol <0812> [Eshcol. that is a cluster of grapes.]
forty days <0705 03117> [forty days.]
wilderness <04057> [unto the wilderness.]
Kadesh <06946> [Kadesh.]
strong <05794> [strong.]
saw ... descendants <07200 03211> [saw the.]
Amalekites <06002> [Amalekites.]
Hittites <02850> [the Hittites.]
presented <03318> [brought.]
land ....... land .......... land <0776> [a land.]
stature <04060 0582> [men of a great stature. Heb. men of statures.]
saw ... Nephilim .......... Nephilim <05303 07200> [saw the giants.]
seemed liked <05869> [and we were.]
murmured <03885> [murmured.]
only ............ only <03863> [Would.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
wives <0802> [our wives.]
Joshua <03091> [Joshua.]
tore ... garments <07167 0899> [rent their clothes.]
land ......... exceedingly good land <02896 0776 03966> [an exceeding good land.]
delights <02654> [delight.]
land ........ land .... flowing <0776 02100> [a land which.]
rebel <04775> [Only rebel.]
fear ............................ fear <03372> [neither.]
bread <03899> [are bread.]
[defence. Heb. shadow.]
{Tzillam,} a metaphor highly expressive of protection and support in the sultry eastern countries. (See the Parallel Passages.) The Arabs and Persians use the same word to express the same thing; using the expressions, "May the shadow {zulli} of thy prosperity be extended." "May the shadow of thy prosperity be spread over the heads of thy well-wishers." And in an elegant distich, "May your protection never be removed from my head; may God extend your shadow {zullikem} eternally." The loftiest and most esteemed title of the sultan, says Thornton, because given him by the kings of Persia, is {zil ullah,} shadow of God.
Lord .......................... Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
fear ............................ fear <03372> [fear them not.]
community <05712> [But all.]
glory <03519> [And the.]
people <05971> [How long will this.]
despise <05006> [provoke.]
believe ........ signs <0539 0226> [believe me.]
strike <05221> [smite.]
make <06213> [will make.]
Moses said .... Lord <04872 0559 03068> [And Moses said unto the Lord.]
From this verse to ver. 19, inclusive, we have the words of the earnest intercession of Moses: they need no explanation; they are full of simplicity and energy.
<04714> [Then the.]
heard <08085> [they have.]
seen <07200> [art seen.]
cloud ................. cloud <06051> [thy cloud.]
slow <0750> [long-suffering.]
visiting <06485> [visiting.]
forgive <05545> [Pardon.]
great <01433> [according.]
forgiven <05375> [and as thou.]
now <02008> [until now. or, hitherto.]
But truly <0199> [as truly.]
earth <0776> [all the.]
seen <07200> [which have.]
tempted <05254> [tempted.]
ten times <06471 06235> [ten times.]
means see .................. see <0518 07200> [Surely they shall not see. Heb. If they see.]
servant <05650> [my servant.]
different spirit <07307 0312> [another spirit.]
Caleb had another spirit; not only a bold, generous, courageous, noble, and heroic spirit, but the Spirit and influence of God, which thus raised him above human inquietudes and earthly fears. Therefore he followed God fully; literally, "and he filled after me:" God shewed him the way he was to take and the line of conduct he was to pursue, and he filled up this line, and in all things followed the will of his Maker.
followed ... fully <0310 04390> [followed me.]
Amalekites <06003> [the Amalekites.]
turn ... journey <06437 05265> [turn you.]
evil <07451> [How long.]
heard <08085> [I have heard.]
<03808> [As truly.]
spoken <01696> [as ye have.]
dead bodies <06297> [carcases.]
numbered <06485> [all that were.]
<03027> [sware. Heb. lifted up my hand.]
Caleb <03612> [save Caleb.]
little ones <02945> [little ones.]
said <0559> [ye said.]
enjoy <03045> [know.]
Their children, by possessing Canaan, knew what a good land their fathers had despised.
land <0776> [the land.]
wander .... wilderness ................. wilderness <07462 04057> [shall wander in the wilderness. or, feed.]
This implies, that they should move from place to place in the deserts, as the Bedounin Arabs, who have no certain dwelling, but rove about seeking pasture for their flocks.
forty years <0705 08141> [forty years.]
suffer <05375> [bear.]
number <04557> [After.]
number <04557> [the number.]
suffer for <05375> [shall ye bear.]
know <03045> [ye shall.]
thwart <08569> [breach of promise. or, altering of my purpose.]
{Tenooathi,} rather, my failure, or disannulling, from {noo,} to fail, disannul; for as they had broken their engagements, God was no longer held by his covenant.
will <0518> [I will surely.]
evil <07451> [this evil.]
men <0582> [those men.]
Thus ten of the twelve who searched out the land were struck dead, by the justice of God, on the spot. In commemoration of this event, the Jews, to this day, celebrate a fast, on the seventh day of the month Elul.
died <04191> [died.]
mourned greatly <056 03966> [mourned greatly.]
early <07925> [rose up.]
sinned <02398> [for we have sinned.]
We are sensible of our sin, and repent of it; and are now ready to do as Caleb and Joshua exhorted us. Or, though we have sinned, yet we hope God will make good his promise.
transgressing <05674> [do ye.]
succeed <06743> [but it shall.]
turned <07725> [because.]
dared <06075> [they presumed.]
This miserable people a short time ago, thought that, though Omnipotence was with them, they could not conquer and possess the land! Now they imagine, that though God himself go not with them, yet they shall be sufficient to drive out the inhabitants, and take possession of their country! Man is ever supposing he can do all things, or do nothing: he is therefore sometimes presumptuous, and at other times in despair.
ark <0727> [the ark.]
Amalekites <06003> [the Amalekites.]
Hormah <02767> [Hormah.]
It is very probable, that the transactions recorded in this and the four following chapters took place during the time the Israelites abode in Kadesh (De 1:46.)
make ...................................... create <06213> [will make.]
burnt offering <05930> [a burnt.]
sacrifice <02077> [a sacrifice.]
for discharging <06381> [performing. Heb. separating.]
freewill offering <05071> [or in a free-will.]
feasts <04150> [in your.]
aroma <05207> [a sweet.]
herd <01241> [the herd.]
Under the term {bakar,} are comprehended the ox, heifer, etc; and under {tzon,} are included sheep and goats. The animals enjoined in the Levitical law are the very same which commanded Abraham to offer. (Ge 15:9.) Hence it is evident, that God delivered to the patriarchs an epitome of that law which was afterwards given in detail to Moses, the essence of which consisted in its sacrifices; and these sacrifices were of clean animals, the most perfect, useful, and healthy of all that are brought under the immediate government of man. Gross feeding and ferocious animals were all excluded, as well as all birds of prey.
grain offering <04503> [a meat.]
fourth <07243> [the fourth.]
peace offering <08002> [peace.]
bull <01241> [with a.]
grain offering <04503> [a meat.]
One <0259> [One.]
statute ........................ statute <02708> [an ordinance.]
The oblation before prescribed seems to have been a general acknowledgment from the people at large; but this was an oblation from every one that reaped a harvest: who was required, previously to tasting it himself, to offer a portion of dough as a heave-offering to the Lord. This is supposed to have been given to the priests in their several cities, and not carried to the tabernacle.
cake <02471> [a cake.]
offering ...... raised offering <08641> [the heave-offering.]
This law concerning sins of ignorance, being entirely diverse from one before considered, occasions considerable difficulty. (Le ch. 4.) Some explain that law as relating to sins of commission, this to sins of omission: others explain the one of inadvertent violations of the moral law, and the other of the transgressions of the ceremonial law: and some think that related to the whole nation, this to any one tribe; or that to the bulk of the nation, this to the rulers and elders. The Jews say, that the former law referred to such national transgressions through heedlessness, as consisted with the maintenance of the prescribed worship in the main; but that this especially respected the case of the nation, when through inattention, and the example and authority of wicked rulers, they had turned aside and committed idolatry, or conducted their worship directly contrary to law; yet through a culpable ignorance, and not in presumption. This was evidently the case under several of their kings; and the explanation seems well grounded.
done ............. prepare <06213> [if ought.]
knowledge <05869> [without. Heb. from the eyes. one young bullock.]
grain offering <04503> [with his.]
customary <04941> [manner. or, ordinance. one kid.]
priest <03548> [the priest.]
forgiven ..... unintentional ......................... unintentional <05545 07684> [forgiven them.]
one law <08451 0259> [one law.]
sins <06213> [sinneth. Heb. doeth.]
acts <06213 07311> [doeth ought.]
<07311> [presumptuously. Heb. with an high hand.]
That is, bold, daring, deliberate acts of transgression against the fullest evidence, and in despite of the Divine authority. Such conduct "reproacheth the Lord," as if his commands were needless, unreasonable, and inimical to the happiness of man; his favour were not desirable, or his wrath not to be feared: in short, as if it were more advantageous to rebel against him than to serve him. Such acts admitted of no atonement: the person was condemned to bear his own iniquity, and to be cut off.
insults <01442> [reproacheth.]
despised <0959> [despised.]
iniquity <05771> [his iniquity.]
found ... man <04672 0376> [they found a man.]
This example seems to have been evidently introduced to illustrate the foregoing law. The man despised the word of the Lord, presumptuously broke his commandment, and on this ground was punished with death.
man <0376> [The man.]
stone .... stones <07275 068> [stone him.]
tassels ...... corners ............... tassel .... corners <03671 06734> [fringes in the borders.]
The word {tzitzith} properly denotes an ornament resembling a flower. From ver. 39, we learn that these were emblematical of the commands of God. That there is any analogy between a fringe and a precept, it would be bold to assert; but when a thing is appointed to represent another, no matter how different, that first object becomes the legitimate representative or sign of the other.
remember <02142> [remember.]
follow after ....... own ....... unfaithfulness <08446 0310> [ye seek not.]
unfaithfulness <02181> [go a whoring.]
be holy <06918 01961> [be holy.]
Korah <07141> [Korah.]
son ..... son ..... son ......... sons ...... son ...... Reubenites <01121 07205> [sons of Reuben.]
took <03947> [took men.]
As the word men is not in the text, some read "took counsel;" and some "took courage." Houbigant renders {yikkach, rebellionem fecerunt,} "they rebelled;" which scarcely any rule of criticism can ever justify. Dr. Geddes' translation is, "Another insurrection was raised against Moses by Korah," etc. Others think that it may mean, "behaved with insolence." But, as Dr. A. Clarke observes, the verb {wyyikkach,} "and he took" which though at the end of the sentence in English, is the first word in Hebrew, is not in the plural, but the singular; and hence cannot be applied to the acts of all these chiefs. In every part of the Scripture, where this rebellion is referred to, it is attributed to Korah, therefore the verb here belongs to him; and the whole verse should be translated, "Now Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, he took even Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, son of Peleth, son of Reuben, and they rose up," etc.; reading, with some MSS., the Samaritan, and Septuagint, {ben,} son, instead of {beney,} sons.
chosen <07148> [famous.]
assembled <06950> [gathered.]
too much ........ community <07227 05712> [Ye take too much upon you. Heb. It is much for you. all the.]
Lord ................ Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
holy <06918> [who is holy.]
approach ............ approach <07126> [will cause.]
chosen <0977> [even him.]
man <0376> [that the man.]
too much <07227> [too much.]
seem <04592> [Seemeth it but.]
separated <0914> [separated.]
seek <01245> [and seek.]
Lord <03068> [against.]
Aaron <0175> [what is Aaron.]
small <04592> [a small.]
land <0776> [out of a.]
kill <04191> [to kill.]
us ..... Now do ... want ... make yourself ... prince over us <08323> [thou make.]
Moreover <0637> [Moreover.]
blind <05365> [put out. Heb. bore out.]
very angry <02734 03966> [very wroth.]
respect <06437> [Respect.]
taken <05375> [I have not.]
Though Moses was their ruler, under God, yet, so far from oppressing them, he had not imposed the smallest tax, nor taken, as a present, so much as an ass from one of them. The common present that is now made to the great, in these countries, is a horse; but there is reason to believe, that an ass might formerly have answered the same purpose. "If it is a visit of ceremony from a {bashaw,}" says Dr. Russell, "or other person in power, a fine horse, sometimes with furniture, or some such valuable present, is made to him at his departure." As asses were esteemed no dishonourable beasts for the saddle, Sir. J. Chardin, in his MS., supposes, that when Samuel disclaimed having taken the ass of any one, (1 Sa 12:3,) he is to be understood of not having taken any ass for his riding. In the same light, he considers this similar declaration of Moses. His reason is "asses being then esteemed very honourable creatures for riding on, (ch. 22:21, 30. Jud 5:10. 2 Sa 16:2,) as they are at this very time in Persia, being rode with saddles."
company <05712> [Be thou.]
before <06440> [before.]
Korah <07141> [Korah.]
glory <03519> [and the glory.]
Separate <0914> [Separate.]
consume <03615> [that I may.]
threw <05307> [they fell.]
God <0430> [the God.]
one man sins <0376 02398 0259> [one man sin.]
It should seem that Dathan and Abiram had set up a spacious tabernacle in the midst of the tents of their families, where they kept court, met in council, and hung out their flag of defiance against Moses; it is here called the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. There, as in the place of rendezvous, Dathan and Abiram stayed, when Korah and his friends went up to the tabernacle of the Lord, waiting the issue of their trial; but here we are told how they had their business done, before that trial was over. God will take what method he pleases in his judgments.
Move ..... tents <05493 0168> [Depart, I pray you.]
The rebels, with all that belonged to them, were, as an accursed thing, devoted to utter destruction. (Le 27:28, 29. Jos 7:13-15, 23-26.) The people therefore were forbidden to touch anything belonging to them; that they might enter a solemn protest against their wickedness, acknowledge the justice of their punishment, and express their fear of being involved in it.
stationed <05324> [and stood.]
know <03045> [Hereby.]
<03820> [for I have.]
{Kee lo millibbee,} "and that not out of my heart." It was not of my own device or contrivance. It was not out of an ambitious desire to be great myself that I took upon me the government, nor out of private affection to my brother, that I appointed him and his family to the priesthood.
<03820> [of mine.]
death <04194> [the common, etc. Heb. as every man dieth. visited.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
something entirely new <01254 01278> [make a new thing.]
Heb. create a creature; {w‰im beriah yivra Yehowah,} "And if Jehovah should create a creation," i.e., do such a thing as was never done before.
down <03381> [and they.]
earth <0776> [the earth.]
men <0120> [all the.]
pit <07585> [into the.]
perished <06> [they perished.]
fled <05127> [fled.]
earth <0776> [Lest.]
out <03318> [And there.]
250 <03967> [two hundred.]
censers <04289> [the censers.]
holy <06942> [hallowed.]
{Kadashoo,} consecrated, i.e., to the service of God, though in this instance, improperly employed.
sinned <02400> [sinners.]
sign <0226> [a sign.]
who .......................... just <0834 0376> [that no.]
approach <07126> [come near.]
next day <04283> [on the morrow.]
It is not unlikely, that the people persuaded themselves that Moses and Aaron had used some cunning in this business and that the earthquake and fire were artificial; for, had they discerned the hand of God in this punishment, they would scarcely have dared the anger of the Lord in the very face of his justice. And while they thus absurdly imputed this judgement to Moses and Aaron, they impiously called the persons, thus perishing in their rebellion, "the people of the Lord!"
community <05712> [all the.]
killed <04191> [Ye have.]
community <05712> [when the.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
away <07426> [Get you up.]
threw ... down <05307> [And they.]
<06440> [from off.]
put ......... place <05414 07760> [and put.]
atonement <03722> [an atonement.]
wrath <07110> [there is wrath.]
plague ... begun <05063 02490> [the plague is begun.]
God now punished them by a secret blast, so as to put the matter beyond dispute; His hand, and His alone, was seen, not only in the plague, but in the manner in which the mortality was arrested. It was necessary that it should be done in this way, that the whole congregation might see that these men who had perished were not "the people of the Lord," and that God, not Moses and Aaron, had destroyed them.
ran <07323> [and ran.]
plague <05063> [and behold.]
placed <05414> [and he put.]
What the plague was we know not; but it seems from this to have begun at one part of the camp, and to have proceeded regularly onward.
14,700 <0505 0702> [fourteen thousand.]
staff .... tribe ........ staffs .......... staff <04294> [a rod.]
The word {matteh} signifies a staff, or sceptre, which the prince or chief of each tribe bore, and which was the sign of office or royalty among almost all the people of the earth.
leader <05387> [all their princes.]
staff .... tribe ....... twelve staffs .......... staff <08147 04294> [twelve rods.]
choose <0977> [Whom I.]
blossom <06524> [blossom.]
rid <07918> [I will.]
murmur <03885> [they murmur.]
leaders ..... staff one ... each leader ..... tribes ... staffs ... staff ....... staffs <05387 0259 04294> [a rod a-piece, for each prince one. Heb. a rod for one prince, a rod for one prince. See on ver.]
staff ... Aaron <0175 04294> [the rod of Aaron.]
This fact was so unquestionably miraculous, that no doubt could remain on the minds of the people, or the envious chiefs, of the divine appointment of Aaron: and as there were buds, blossoms, and fruit on the rod at the same time, which was never the case with branches in the natural and ordinary course, this evidently proved the miracle, and took away all suspicion of the fraud which has been impiously suggested, that Moses had taken away Aaron's rod in the night time, and put a living branch of an almond tree in the room of it. A sceptre or staff of office resuming its vegetative life, was considered an absolute impossibility among the ancients; and as they were accustomed to swear by their sceptres, this circumstance was added to confirm the oath.
sprouted <06524> [budded.]
Bring Aaron's <07725 0175> [Bring Aaron's.]
sign <0226> [for a token.]
rebels <04805> [rebels. Heb. children of rebellion.]
bring <03615> [and thou.]
die <01478> [Behold.]
die <01478> [we die.]
{Gawanoo,} "we expire:" it signifies not so much to die simply, as to feel an extreme difficulty in breathing, which producing suffocation, ends at last in death. See the folly and extravagance of this sinful people, in thus rebelling against the authority of those whom Jehovah had appointed to be their rulers.
comes close <07131> [Whosoever.]
comes close <07131> [any thing.]
<08552> [consumed.]
Aaron ..... sons .................. sons <0175 01121> [Aaron, Thou.]
bear ............... bear <05375> [shall bear.]
To counterbalance the high honour conferred on Aaron and his family, and to allay the fears and abate the envy of the people, it is here declared, that the priest must bear the blame of everything which was not properly conducted in the sanctuary.
join ..... minister <03867 08334> [joined unto thee.]
There is a fine paronomasia in the original. Levi is desired from {lawah,} to join, couple, associate; hence Moses says, the Levites {yillawoo,} "shall be joined," or associated, with the priests: they shall conjointly perform the sacred office, but the priests shall be principal, the Levites their associates or assistants.
minister ............ before <08334 06440> [minister.]
sons <01121> [but thou.]
near <07126> [only they.]
die <04191> [neither.]
unauthorized <02114> [a stranger.]
You ... be responsible <08104> [And ye.]
wrath <07110> [no wrath.]
chosen <03947> [And I.]
chosen <03947> [I have.]
given <05414> [given.]
sons <01121> [Therefore thou.]
<01004> [within.]
service <05656> [as a service.]
unauthorized <02114> [the stranger.]
responsibility <04931> [the charge.]
priestly portion <04888> [by reason.]
grain offering <04503> [every meat.]
purification <02403> [every sin.]
reparation offering <0817> [every trespass.]
most holy ........... holy <06944> [In the.]
male <02145> [every male.]
raised <08641> [the heave.]
Israelites ........... sons <01121> [unto thee.]
clean <02889> [every one.]
best .... olive oil ..... best <03323 02459> [best of the oil. Heb. fat.]
first fruits <07225> [the first-fruits.]
first ripe fruit <01061> [whatsoever.]
clean <02889> [every one.]
firstborn <06363> [openeth.]
firstborn sons ....... firstborn <01060> [the firstborn.]
redeemed ..... redeem <06299> [shalt thou redeem.]
Redemption of the firstborn is one of the rites which are still practised among the Jews. According to Leo of Modena, it is performed in the following manner:--When the child is thirty days old, the father sends for one of the descendants of Aaron: several persons being assembled on the occasion, the father brings a cup, containing several pieces of gold and silver coin. The priest then takes the child into his arms, and addressing himself to the mother, he says, "Is this thy son?" Mother. "Yes." Priest. "Hast thou never had another child, male or female, a miscarriage, or untimely birth?" Mother. "No." Priest. "This being the case, this child, as firstborn, belongs to me." Then turning to the father, he says, "If it be thy desire to have this child, thou must redeem it." Father. "I present thee with this gold and silver for this purpose." Priest. "Thou dost wish, therefore, to redeem this child?" Father. "I do wish so to do." The priest then turning himself to the assembly, says, "Very well: this child, as first-born, is mine; as it is written in Bemidbar, (ch. 18:16,) Thou shalt redeem the first-born of a month old for five shekels; but I shall content myself with this in exchange." He then takes two gold crowns, or thereabouts, and returns the child to his parents.
according to your estimation <06187> [according.]
twenty <06242> [which is.]
firstborn <01060> [the firstling.]
redeem .................. splash <06299 02236> [thou shalt.]
raised offerings <08641> [the heave.]
covenant <01285> [it is a.]
inheritance <05157> [Thou shalt have.]
The principal part of what was offered to God was the portion of the priests; who had no inheritance of land in Israel. The Rabbins say, 24 gifts were given to the priests; all of which are expressed in the law. Eight were only eaten in the sanctuary: 1. The flesh of the sin-offering. (Le 6:25, 26.) 2. The flesh of the trespass-offering. (Le 7:1, 6.) 3. The peace-offering of the congregation. (Le 23:19, 20.) 4. The remainder of the sheaf. ( Le 23:10.) 5. The remnants of the meat-offerings. (Le 6:16.) 6. The two loaves. (Le 23:17.) 7. The shew-bread. (Le 24:9.) 8. The log of oil offered by the leper. (Le 14:10.) Five they ate only at Jerusalem: 1. The breast and shoulder of the peace-offerings. (Le 7:31-34.) 2. The heave-offering of confession. (Le 7:12-14.) 3. The heave-offering of the Nazarite's ram. (Le 6:17-20.) 4. The firstling. (ch. 18:15.) 5. The first-fruits. (18:13.) Five were due to them only in the land of Israel: 1. The heave-offering of first-fruits. (ver. 12.) 2. Of the tithe. (ver. 28.) 3. The cake. (ch. 15:20.) 4. The first of the fleece. (De 18:4.) 5. The field of possession. (ch. 35.) Five were due both within and without the land: 1. The gifts of slain beasts. (De 18:3.) 2. The redemption of the first-born. (ver. 15.) 3. The lamb for a firstling ass. (Ex 4:20.) 4. That taken by violence from a stranger. (ch. 5:8.) 5. All devoted things. One was from the sanctuary, the skins, etc. (Le 7:8.)
inheritance <05157> [no inheritance.]
portion ......... portion <02506> [I am thy part.]
tithes <04643> [the tenth.]
service ...... service <05656> [even the service.]
approach <07126> [come nigh.]
bear ... sin <02399 05375> [bear sin.]
die <04191> [and die. Heb. to die.]
But ..... perform ... service <05656 05647> [do the service.]
among <08432> [among.]
offer <07311> [then ye shall.]
tithe ............................ tenth .... tithe <04643> [a tenth part.]
grain <01715> [as though.]
grain <01715> [the corn.]
give <05414> [and ye shall.]
best <02459> [best. Heb. fat.]
best <02459> [the best.]
be credited <02803> [then it shall.]
place <04725> [in every.]
wages <07939> [your reward.]
bear <05375> [bear.]
profane <02490> [pollute.]
ordinance <02708> [the ordinance.]
red heifer <06510 0122> [a red heifer.]
The following curious particulars have been remarked in this ordinance: 1. A heifer was appointed for sacrifice, in opposition to the Egyptian superstition, which held these sacred, and worshipped their goddess Isis under this form; and this appears the more likely, because males only were chosen for sacrifice. So Herodotus says, they sacrifice males, both old and young; but it is not lawful for them to offer females. 2. It was to be a red heifer, because the Egyptians sacrificed red bulls to the evil demon Typhon. 3. It was to be without spot, having no mixture of any other colour. Plutarch says, the Egyptians "sacrifice red bulls, and select them with such scrupulous attention, that if the animal has a single black or white hair, they reckon it [athuton,] unfit to be sacrificed." 4. Without blemish. (See note on Le 22:21.) 5. On which never came yoke: because an animal which had been used for a common purpose was deemed improper for sacrifice.
defect <03971> [no blemish. See on]
never <03808> [upon which.]
outside ... camp <02351 04264> [without the camp.]
sprinkle <05137> [sprinkle.]
clean ................. clean <02889> [clean.]
put <03240> [lay them up.]
water ... purification <05079 04325> [a water of separation.]
That is, water prepared by being mixed with the ashes of the heifer, and set apart for the special purpose of being sprinkled on those who had contracted any legal defilement. To this rite the apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews. (ch. 9:13, 14,) pointedly alludes: "For if," says he, "the blood of bulls and of goats," alluding, probably, to the sin-offerings and the scape-goat, "and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot unto God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God."
wash ... clothes <03526 0899> [wash his.]
Israelites <01121> [it shall be.]
touches ... corpse <04191 05060> [toucheth the dead.]
He who touched a dead beast was only unclean for one day, (Le 11:12, 27, 39;) but he who touches a dead man is unclean for seven days. This was certainly designed to show the peculiar impurity and sinfulness of man, and the hatefulness of sin, seven times worse than the vilest animal!
person <0120> [man. Heb. soul of man.]
purify ........................ purify <02398> [He shall purify.]
"Yithchatta," literally, "he shall sin himself," i.e., not add sin, but take it away, purify. So we say to fleece, and to skin, which do not signify to add a fleece, or a skin, but to take one away.
on ... third day ... on .... day .............. on ... third day ..... day <03117 07992> [third day.]
purify <02398> [purifieth.]
water <04325> [the water.]
uncleanness <02932> [his uncleanness.]
touches <05060> [toucheth.]
bone <06106> [a bone.]
grave <06913> [a grave.]
ashes <06083> [ashes. Heb. dust.]
fresh running water <04325 05414 02416> [running water shall be put thereto. Heb. living waters shall be given.]
sprinkle <05137> [shall sprinkle.]
on .... day ... on ... seventh day ... on ... seventh day <03117 07637> [on the seventh day he.]
purify <02398> [shall not.]
unclean <02931> [whatsoever.]
person <05315> [the soul.]
entered <0935> [An. Ex. Is. 40. Then.]
This was the first month of the fortieth year after the departure from Egypt. (Compare ch. 33:38, with ver. 28 of this chap. and De 1:3.) This year was the last of their journeyings, for from the going out of the spies (ch. 13) unto this time, was about thirty-eight years.
wilderness <04057> [into.]
Kadesh <06946> [Kadesh.]
This Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, is different from Kadesh-barnea, lying in, or adjoining to the wilderness of Paran, about eight leagues south of Hebron. (See ch. 34:3, 4. Jos 15:1, 3.) Kadesh is called Rekam, by the Targumists, Rekem, in the Syriac, and Rakim, in Arabic. Rekem, says Rabbi Nissin, (in Gittin, ch. 1.) is on the east, meaning of the land of Israel.
Miriam <04813> [Miriam.]
water <04325> [no.]
gathered <06950> [gathered.]
only <03863> [God.]
brothers <0251> [when.]
brought <0935> [why.]
cattle <01165> [that we.]
dreadful <07451> [this evil.]
place ..... place ... grain <04725 02233> [no place of. i.e., "no place for sowing."]
threw <05307> [they fell.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
staff <04294> [the rod.]
speak <01696> [speak.]
bring <03318> [bring forth.]
bring <03318> [we fetch.]
struck <05221> [smote.]
water <04325> [the water.]
trust <0539> [Because ye believed.]
holy <06942> [sanctify.]
bring <0935> [ye shall.]
waters <04325> [the water.]
Meribah <04809> [Meribah. i.e., Strife.]
[Meribah-Kadesh. he was.]
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
brother <0251> [thy brother.]
<04672> [befallen us. Heb. found us.]
ancestors ..................... ancestors <01> [our fathers.]
lived <03427> [dwelt.]
ancestors ................. treated ..... ancestors <07489 01> [vexed us.]
cried <06817> [we cried.]
sent ... messenger <07971 04397> [sent an.]
pass through <05674> [Thou shalt.]
Edom <0123> [And Edom.]
refused <03985> [refused.]
Israel ....... Israel <03478> [wherefore.]
Kadesh <06946> [Kadesh.]
Mount Hor <02023 02022> [mount Hor.]
Mount Hor was situated in Arabia Petr‘a, on the confines of Edom. It is described by Burckhardt, as being situated on the western side of a valley called Wady Mousa; in which are found the ruins of the ancient Petra, and which is two long days' journey north-east of Accaba (on the northern point of the Elanitic gulf of the Red sea,) in the Djebel Shera, or mount Seir, and on the east side of the Araba, the valley which forms the continuation of that of the Jordan. On the summit of the mountain is the tomb of Haroun, or Aaron, which is held in great veneration by the Arabs; which agrees with the testimonies of Josephus, Eusebius, and Jerome, all persons well acquainted with these countries, who agree in proving that the sepulchre of Aaron, in mount Hor, was near Petra. When visited by Mr. Legh, it was attended by a crippled Arab hermit, about 80 years of age, who conducted them into a small white building, crowned by a cupola, that contains the tomb of Aaron. The monument is of stone, about three feet high; and round the chamber where it stood were suspended beads, etc., the votive offerings of the devotees.
gathered <0622> [gathered.]
rebelled <04784> [because ye.]
word <06310> [word. Heb. mouth.]
Moses ....................... Moses <04872> [Moses.]
put ... on .... Eleazar ............... Eleazar <03847 0499> [put them.]
died ..... top <04191 07218> [died there.]
Arad <06166> [Arad.]
road ... Atharim <0871 01870> [the way of the spies.]
Dr. Kennicott remarks, that the word {atharim,} rendered spies in our version, is in the Greek a proper name ([Atharein,] Atharim).
fought <03898> [then.]
made <05087> [vowed.]
utterly <02763> [I will.]
listened <08085> [hearkened.]
utterly <02763> [and they utterly.]
{Wyyacharem,} rather with the LXX. [kai anethematisen,] "and they anathematised, or devoted them to destruction;" for it is certain that these Canaanites and Arad were not utterly destroyed till the time of Joshua. (Jos 12:14.)
name <08034> [the name.]
{Hormah,} that is, utter destruction. {Chormah,} rather a devoting to destruction: so LXX. [Anathema,] and Tremellius, {devotio sive anathema.}
Mount Hor <02023 02022> [mount Hor.]
road .................... way <01870> [by the way.]
around <05437> [compass.]
<05315> [the soul.]
impatient <07114> [discouraged. or, grieved. Heb. shortened.]
spoke <01696> [spake.]
detest <05315> [and our soul.]
sinned ..... spoken <02398 01696> [We have.]
Pray ................ prayed <06419> [pray.]
Moses ............................... Moses <04872> [And Moses.]
bronze snake ............ snake .......... bronze snake <05175 05178> [A serpent of.]
looked <05027> [when he.]
<02425> [he lived.]
Oboth <088> [Oboth.]
Probably Oboda, a city of Arabia Petr‘a, mentioned by Ptolemy. Pliny assigns it to the Helmodians; but Stephanus to the Nabatheans.
Iye Abarim <05863> [Ije-abarim. or, heaps of Abarim.]
valley ... Zered <02218 05158> [the valley of Zared.]
[the brook Zered.]
Book <05612> [in the book.]
Waheb <02052> [What he did. or, Vaheb in Suphah.]
The following seems to be the sense of this passage: "From Vaheb in Suphah, and the torrents of Arnon, even the effusion of the torrents, which goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth for the boundary of Moab; even from thence to the well; (which is the well of which Jehovah spake unto Moses, Gather the people, and I will give them water. Then sang Israel this song: Spring up, O Well! Answer ye to it. The well, princes digged it; even nobles of the people digged it, by a decree, upon their borders;) and from the wilderness (or the well, as in LXX.) to Mattanah; and from Mattanah," etc. The whole of this, from ver. 14-20, is a fragment from "the book of the wars of Jehovah," probably a book of remembrances or directions written by Moses for the use of Joshua, and describes the several boundaries of the land of Moab. This rendering removes every obscurity, and obviates every difficulty.
Ar <06144> [Ar.]
falls off <08172> [lieth. Heb. leaneth.]
Beer <0876> [Beer.]
Gather <0622> [Gather.]
sang <07891> [sang.]
up <05927> [Spring up. Heb. ascend. sing ye. or answer.]
princes <08269> [princes.]
scepters <02710> [the lawgiver.]
wilderness <04057> [And from.]
country <07704> [country. Heb. field.]
top <07218> [to the.]
Pisgah <06449> [Pisgah. or the hill. Jeshimon. or, the wilderness.]
Sihon .... permit <05511 05414> [Sihon would.]
Jahaz <03096> [Jahaz.]
Israelites <03478> [Israel.]
Arnon <0769> [Arnon.]
settled <03427> [dwelt.]
Heshbon <02809> [in Heshbon.]
Heshbon was situated, according to Eusebius, twenty miles east of Jordan; and Jerome, who places it at the same distance, says it was, in his time, a very considerable city. It still subsists, in ruins, under the name of Heshban.
villages <01323> [villages. Heb. daughters.]
Arnon <0769> [Arnon.]
Arnon is a stream which takes its rise in the mountains of Moab, and, by a north-west course, during which it receives the waters of several streams, runs into the Dead sea. It is now called Wady Modjeb, and divides the province of Pelka from that of Kerek, as it formerly divided the kingdoms of the Moabites and Amorites. Its principal source is at a short distance to the north-east of Katrane, a station of the Syrian Hadj, where it is called Seyl Sayde; and lower down it receives the name of Esseim el Kereim, or Szefye.
fire <0784> [a fire.]
Ar ... Moab <06144 04124> [Ar of Moab.]
overpowered <03384> [have shot.]
Dibon <01769> [Dibon.]
Jaazer <03270> [Jaazer.]
[Jazer.]
turned <06437> [they turned.]
Bashan ...... Bashan <01316> [Bashan.]
Og <05747> [Og.]
fear ...... delivered ............. You will ...... you <03372 05414> [Fear him.]
delivered ............. You will ...... you <05414> [for I have.]
do ...... did <06213> [thou shalt.]
do ...... did <06213> [as thou.]
Israelites <01121> [the children.]
side <05676> [on this side.]
elders <02205> [elders.]
mass of people <06951> [Now shall.]
Balak <01111> [And Balak.]
sent <07971> [sent.]
son ................ Amaw <01121> [son of Bosor.]
Pethor <06604> [Pethor.]
Dr. Kennicott justly remarks, that "the description now given of Balaam's residence, instead of being particular, agrees with any place, in any country where there is a river; for he lived by 'Pethor, which is by the river of the land of his people.' But was Pethor, then, near the Nile in Egypt? Or in Canaan, near Jordan? Or in Mesopotamia, near the Euphrates, and belonging to the Ammonites? This last was in fact the case; and therefore, it is well that twelve Hebrew MSS. (with two of De Rossi's) confirm the Samaritan text here, in reading instead of {Æ’mmo,} 'his people,' Ammon, with the Syriac and Vulgate versions." Houbigant justly contends for this reading; and necessity urges the propriety of adopting it: and it thus agrees with De 23:4. Ptolemy calls Pethor, Pachura, and Eusebius, Pathura; who places it in upper Mesopotamia. Calmet is of opinion, that it was situated towards Thapsacus, beyond the Euphrates.
cover <03680> [they cover.]
face <05869> [face. Heb. eye.]
curse ... nation ........................................ curse ... cursed <0779 05971> [curse me.]
know <03045> [I wot.]
divination <07081> [rewards of divination.]
God <0430> [God.]
men <0582> [What men.]
able ... defeat <03898 03201> [able to overcome them. Heb. prevail in fighting against them.]
Balaam <01109 03212> [Balaam, Thou shalt.]
curse <0779> [thou shalt not curse.]
blessed <01288> [for they.]
Lord <03068> [for the Lord.]
Balaam refused <01109 03985> [Balaam refuseth.]
princes <08269> [princes.]
hinder ... from coming <04513> [Let nothing, etc. Heb. Be not thou letted from, etc.]
I ... honor <03513> [I will promote.]
do <06213> [and I will do.]
<03212> [come.]
curse .... nation <06895 05971> [curse me.]
An erroneous opinion prevailed, both in those days and in after ages, that some men had the power, by the help of their gods, to devote, not only particular persons, but cities and whole armies, to destruction. This they are said to have done sometimes by words of imprecation; of which there was a set form among some people, which ’schines calls [diorizomenen aran ,] "the determinate curse." Macrobius has a whole chapter on this subject. He gives us two of the ancient forms used in reference to the destruction of Carthage; the first, which was only pronounced by the dictator, or general, was to call over the protecting deities to their side, and the other to devote the city to destruction, which they were supposed to have abandoned. The Romans held, that no city would be taken till its tutelary god had forsaken it; or if it could be taken, it would be unlawful, as it would be sacrilege to lead the gods into captivity. Virgil intimates, that Troy was destroyed because {Excessere omnes adytis, arisque relictis dii, quibus imperium hoc steterat,} "All the gods, by whose assistance the empire had hitherto been preserved, forsook their altars and temples." See more on this subject in Dr. A. Clarke, Bp. Patrick, and Burder's Oriental Customs, No. 734.
Balak .... Balak <01111> [If Balak.]
could <03201> [I cannot.]
God <0430> [God.]
<0582> [If the men.]
but <0389> [but yet.]
God's <0430> [God's.]
angel <04397> [and the angel.]
stood <03320> [stood.]
donkey saw .................... donkey ................ donkey <07200 0860> [the ass saw.]
donkey ..................... donkey ... aside .............. donkey ..... turn <0860 05186> [the ass turned.]
pressed ....... crushed Balaam's <01109 03905> [crushed Balaam's.]
way <01870> [where was no way.]
Balaam ... Balaam ... angry ... he <01109 0639> [and Balaam's anger.]
Lord opened <06605 03068> [the Lord opened.]
And where is the wonder of all this? If the ass had opened her own mouth, and reproved the rash prophet, we might well be astonished; but when God opens the mouth, an ass can speak as well as a man. It is to no purpose to speak of the construction of the ass's mouth, of the formation of the tongue and jaws being unfit for speaking; for an adequate cause is assigned for this wonderful effect, "The Lord opened the mouth of the ass"; and no one who believes in a God, can doubt of his power to do this and much more.
done <06213> [What have I.]
kill <02026> [for now would.]
donkey said ........ donkey ......................... said <0559 0860> [the ass said.]
ridden <07392> [upon which thou hast ridden. Heb. who hast ridden upon me. ever since I was thine. or, ever since thou wast, unto, etc.]
<01540> [opened.]
bowed <06915> [bowed down.]
down .... face <0639 07812> [fell flat on his face. or, bowed himself.]
beaten <05221> [Wherefore.]
oppose ....... doing <07854 01870> [withstand thee. Heb. be an adversary unto thee.]
doing <01870> [thy way.]
[before me.]
killed <02026> [surely.]
sinned <02398> [I Have sinned.]
<07489> [if it displease thee. Heb. be evil in thine eyes.]
back <07725> [I will get.]
<03212> [Go.]
speak ....... speak .... So <01696> [I shall speak.]
out <03318> [went.]
border .......... territory <01366> [the border.]
[I am not able.]
able <03201> [have I.]
word <01697> [the word.]
<02351> [Kirjath-huzoth. or, a city of streets.]
Probably Rabbath-Moab, now called Rabba, the capital of the Moabites; and being the royal city, distinguished by its streets.
<01116> [high places.]
{Bamoth baal,} "the high places of Baal," probably the same as Bamoth mentioned in ch. 21.19, 20; evidently not far from Baal-meon, in the mountains of Abarim: for the Israelites were now encamped in the plains of Moab, which these mountains overlook. Baal, which signifies a lord or governor, was a name common to many idols; and probably here was the same as Chemosh, the god of Moab.
extent <07097> [utmost.]
Build ... seven ......... seven .... seven <01129 07651> [Build me.]
seven altars ........ seven .... seven <04196 07651> [seven altars.]
seven ......... seven bulls ... seven <06499 07651> [seven oxen.]
offered <05927> [offered.]
Station yourself <03320> [Stand.]
burnt offering <05930> [burnt.]
Lord <03068> [peradventure.]
deserted height <08205 03212> [went to an high place. or, went solitary.]
God <0430> [God.]
prepared <06186> [I have prepared.]
Then ... uttered <05375> [he took.]
oracle <04912> [parable.]
The word {mashal,} which as a verb is to rule, have authority, and also to compare, as a noun signifies whatever is expressed in parabolic or figurative language. All these oracular speeches of Balaam are in hemistich metre in the original. They are highly dignified and sublime; and may be considered as immediate poetic productions of the Spirit of God. (ch. 24:2.)
Aram <0758> [Aram.]
<03212> [Come.]
denounce Israel <02194 03478> [defy Israel.]
nation <05971> [the people.]
They shall ever be a distinct nation. This prophecy has been literally fulfilled, through a period of 3,300 years, to the present day.
alone <0910 07931> [dwell alone.]
be reckoned <02803> [shall not.]
count <04487> [can count.]
dust <06083> [the dust. i.e.,]
The posterity of Jacob, which was to be so numerous as to resemble the dust.
fourth part <07255> [the fourth.]
die <04191> [me. Heb. my soul, or, my life. the death.]
<07097> [utmost.]
Curse <06895> [and curse me.]
Pisgah <06449> [Pisgah. or, the hill.]
built seven <07651 01129> [built seven.]
Lord <03068> [What.]
Rise <06965> [Rise up.]
God <0410> [God.]
spoken <01696> [or hath he.]
bless .... blessed <01288> [he hath.]
reverse <07725> [I cannot.]
looked on <05027> [hath not.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
acclamation <08643> [the shout.]
God <0410> [God.]
strength <08443> [the strength.]
wild bull <07214> [unicorn.]
The {reaim,} most probably denotes the rhinoceros, so called from the horn on its nose. In size he is only exceeded by the elephant; and in strength and power inferior to none. He is at least twelve feet in length, from the snout to the tail; six or seven feet in height; and the circumference of the body is nearly equal to his length. He is particularly distinguished from all other animals by the remarkable and offensive weapon he carries on his nose; which is very hard horn, solid throughout, directed forward. He principally feeds upon large succulent plants, prickly shrubs, and branches; and delights in marshy places.
spell <05173> [no enchantment.]
Jacob ........ Israel .......... Jacob .... Israel <03290 03478> [against. or, in. according.]
God <0410> [What hath.]
lioness <03833> [as a great.]
lie <07901> [he shall.]
<03212> [Come.]
<03474> [peradventure.]
wilderness <03452> [Jeshimon.]
saw <07200> [saw.]
times <06471> [at other times.]
seek ... omens <07125 05173> [to seek for enchantments. Heb. to the meeting of enchantments.]
camped <07931> [abiding.]
Spirit <07307> [the spirit.]
uttered <05375> [he took up.]
oracle ............. eyes ... open <05002 05869 08365> [whose eyes are open hath said. Heb. who had his eyes shut, but now opened.]
falling ... on <02372> [saw.]
falling ..... ground with <05307> [falling.]
gardens <01593> [as gardens.]
aloes <0174> [as the trees.]
{Ahalim,} "lign-aloe trees." This tree, which grows in the East Indies, is described as being eight or ten feet in height, with a stem the thickness of a man's thigh. At the top grows a large tuft of jagged and thick leaves, thick and indented, broad at the bottom, but growing narrower towards the point, and about four feet in length. The blossoms are red, intermingled with yellow, and double like cloves; from which comes a red and white fruit, of the size of a pea, oblong and triangular, with three apartments filled with seed. The tree has a very beautiful appearance; and a forest of them is said to bear a resemblance to a numerous encampment.
Lord <03068> [which the.]
cedar <0730> [as cedar.]
pour <05140> [pour.]
water ............ abundant water ....... than <04325 07227> [many waters.]
king <04428> [his king.]
Agag <090> [Agag.]
kingdom <04438> [his kingdom.]
God <0410> [God.]
devour <0398> [shall eat.]
break <01633> [break.]
pierce <04272> [pierce.]
crouch <03766> [couched.]
stir <06965> [who shall.]
him Blessed ...... blesses <01288> [Blessed.]
struck <05606> [he smote.]
called <07121> [I called.]
said <0559> [I thought.]
Lord <03068> [the Lord.]
advise <03289> [I will advertise.]
future <0319> [the latter.]
see ....... behold <07200 07789> [I shall see him.]
The Targum of Onkelos translates this passage in the following manner: "I shall see him, but not now; I shall behold him, but he is not near. When a king shall arise from the house of Jacob, and the Messiah be anointed from the house of Israel; he shall slay the princes of Moab, and rule over all the children of men." The marginal references will direct the reader to the fulfilment of these remarkable prophecies.
star <03556> [a Star.]
scepter <07626> [a Sceptre.]
crush ... skulls ... Moab <06285 04124 04272> [smite the corners of Moab. or, smite through the princes of]
Moab.
Moab <04124> [Moab.]
sons <01121> [all the children.]
[Seth.]
Jacob <03290> [Of Jacob.]
destroy <06> [shall destroy.]
first .... nations <01471 07225> [the first of the nations. or, the first of the nations that warred against Israel.]
end ....... perish <0319 08> [his latter end.]
end ....... perish <05703 08> [shall be that he perish for ever. or, shall be even to destruction.]
Kenites <07017> [the Kenites.]
Kenite <07014> [the Kenite. Heb. Kain. until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. or, how long shall it be ere Asshur carry thee away captive?]
God <0410> [when God.]
Kittim <03794> [Chittim.]
afflict ..... afflict Eber <06031 05677> [and shall afflict Eber.]
perish <08> [and he also.]
Shittim <07851> [Shittim.]
people <05971> [the people.]
invited <07121> [they called.]
bowed <07812> [bowed.]
When ... joined <06775> [joined.]
anger <0639> [the anger.]
leaders <07218> [all the heads.]
hang ... up <03363> [and hang.]
Dr. Kennicott remarks, that the Samaritan and Hebrew texts must be united to make the sense of this verse complete: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto all the heads of the people; and let them slay the men that were joined to Baal-peor; and hang them up before the Lord, against the sun," etc.
fierce <02740> [that the fierce.]
judges <08199> [judges.]
Midianite <04084> [a Midianitish.]
view ... Moses <05869 04872> [in the sight of Moses.]
weeping <01058> [weeping.]
Phinehas <06372> [Phinehas.]
javelin <07420> [a javelin.]
thrust through <01856> [thrust.]
plague <04046> [So the plague.]
St. Paul reckons only 23,000: Moses includes in the 24,000 he names, the 1,000 men who were slain in consequence of the judicial examination, (ver. 4,) as well as the 23,000 who died of the plague; while St. Paul only refers to the latter.
turned ... anger <07725 02534> [turned my.]
zeal for my sake .............. zeal <07068> [for my sake. Heb. with my zeal.]
consume <03615> [that I.]
descendants <02233> [his seed.]
permanent <05769> [an everlasting.]
zealous <07065> [zealous.]
atonement <03722> [atonement.]
leader <05387> [a prince.]
clan <01004 01> [chief house. Heb. house of a father. the Simeonites.]
Zur <06698> [Zur.]
Balaam's counsel seems to have been first given to Balak, king of Moab; but probably the Midianitish women, especially of the higher ranks, as Cozbi was, were the principal tempters; and the nation of Midian seems to have come into the execrable measure more generally and heartily than that of Moab: they were therefore first selected to be made examples of, for a warning to the Moabites, who were spared at this time.
trouble ...... treachery <06887 05231> [vex you.]
deceived <05230> [beguiled.]
killed <05221> [which.]
The plague having swept away the last of that devoted generation, which provoked the Lord to "swear in his wrath that they should not enter" Canaan; he now, after an interval of 38 years, commands another census of the Israelites to be made, to preserve the distinction of families, and to regulate the tribes previous to their entry into the promised land, as well as to ascertain the proportion of land which should be allotted to each tribe. For, though the whole was divided by lot, yet the portions were so disposed, that a numerous tribe did not draw where the lots assigned small inheritances, or the contrary.
firstborn <01060> [the eldest.]
[thy children.]
earth opened <06605 0776> [earth opened.]
Korah <07141> [together.]
The Samaritan text does not intimate that Korah was swallowed up, but that he was burnt, as appears to have been the fact; and the Psalmist also, (Ps 106:17,) only mentions Dathan and Abiram as having been swallowed up. "And the earth swallowed them up, what time that company died; and the fire devoured Korah with the 250 men, who became a sign."
warning <05251> [they became a sign.]
It seems to be intimated in ch. 16:27, 31-33, that the sons and the little ones of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were swallowed up; but the text here expressly affirms, that the children of Korah "died not;" and their descendants were famous even in David's time. On a close inspection, however, of ver. 27, we shall find, that the sons and the little ones of Dathan and Abiram alone are mentioned.
Nemuel <05241> [Nemuel.]
[Jemuel. Jachin.]
[Jarib.]
Zerah <02226> [Zerah.]
[Zohar.]
The immense decrease of this tribe, no less than 37,100, renders it highly probable, that, influenced by the bad example of Zimri, the Simeonites had been peculiarly criminal in the late wickedness, and that multitudes of them had died of the plague. It is remarkable, that Moses, in De ch. 33, bestows no blessing upon this tribe.
Zephon <06827> [Zephon.]
[Ziphion, Haggai, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, Areli.]
[or, Ezbon.]
[Arodi.]
Er ... Onan ... Er ... Onan <0209 06147> [Er and Onan.]
Shelah <07956> [Shelah.]
Perez <06557> [Pharez.]
[Perez.]
[Phares. Zerah.]
[Zarah.]
Issacharites <01121> [the sons.]
Puah <06312> [Pua. or, Phuvah.]
Jashub <03437> [Jashub. or, Job.]
64,300 <08346> [threescore.]
Machir ........ Machir <04353> [Machir.]
Iezer <0372> [Jeezer. called Abiezer.]
Zelophehad .................. Zelophehad <06765> [Zelophehad.]
Beker <01071> [Becher.]
[Bered. Tahath. Eladah. Tahath.]
Benjaminites <01144 01121> [sons of Benjamin.]
Ahiram <0297> [Ahiram.]
[Ehi.]
[Aharah.]
Shupham <08197> [Shupham.]
[Muppim, and Huppim.]
Ard ... Naaman .......... Naaman <05283 0714> [Ard and Naaman.]
[Addar.]
[Shuam.]
[Hushim.]
Asherites <0836 01121> [the children of Asher.]
[Jimnah. Ishuah. Isui.]
[Imnah. Isuah. Ishuai.]
Serah <08294> [Sarah.]
[Serah.]
Naphtalites <05321 01121> [the sons of Naphtali.]
Shillem <08006> [Shillem.]
[Shallum.]
The following comparative statement will show how much some of the tribes had increased, and others had diminished, since the enumeration in ch. 1: Now. Before. 1. Reuben 43,730 46,500 2. Simeon 22,200 59,300 3. Gad 40,500 45,650 4. Judah 76,500 74,600 5. Issachar 64,300 54,400 6. Zebulun 60,500 57,400 7. Manasseh 52,700 32,200 8. Ephraim 32,500 40,500 9. Benjamin 45,600 35,400 10. Dan 64,400 62,700 11. Asher 53,400 41,500 12. Naphtali 45,400 53,400 _______ _______ Total 601,730 603,550 _______ _______ Thus we find there was the following increase and decrease in the several tribes: 1. Reuben 2,770 decrease 2. Simeon 37,100 decrease 3. Gad 5,150 decrease 4. Judah 1,900 increase 5. Issachar 9,900 increase 6. Zebulun 3,100 increase 7. Manasseh 20,500 increase 8. Ephraim 8,000 decrease 9. Benjamin 10,200 increase 10. Dan 1,700 increase 11. Asher 11,900 increase 12. Naphtali 8,000 decrease _______________ Decrease in all . . . . . . 61,020 Increase in all . . . . . . 59,200 ______ Decrease on the whole . . . 1,820 It should be observed, that among these there was not one of the former census, except Joshua and Caleb. (See ver. 64, 65.) Thus, though there was such an amazing increase in seven tribes, yet so great was the decrease in the other five tribes, that the balance against the present census is 1,820, as appears above. Notwithstanding the amazing increase in some, and decrease in other tribes, the same sort of proportion is kept in their several divisions; so as to keep the division in the front the largest, and that in the rear the next.
larger <07227> [many.]
group <07235> [give the more. Heb. multiply his. give the less. Heb. diminish his.]
lot <01486> [by lot.]
This division by lot seems to have respect only to the quarter, or situation, which each tribe was to possess, and not to the quantity or extent of land, which was to be proportioned to the numbers of each tribe, according to the register now formed. Thus, for instance, it was determined by lot which of the twelve tribes was to inherit in the south, which in the north, etc.: then, in that quarter where the lot fell, a larger or smaller portion of land was assigned them, according to the goodness of the soil, and in proportion as they were more or less numerous. Thus the decreasing of any tribe in the wilderness, proved the decrease of their future political importance and affluence in all succeeding ages. This equal division of property was, under God, the great bulwark and strength of the Hebrew commonwealth. According to the most exact calculations, Canaan contained 14,976,000 acres; which, divided among 600,000 men, will allow of more than 21 acres and a half to each, with a remainder of 1,976,000 acres for the princes of tribes, Levitical cities, etc.: so that there was an ample provision to enable each person, with all the advantages of that fertile country and fine climate, to live, if not in affluent, yet in very comfortable circumstances. Canaan lies between lat. 31 degrees and 33 degrees 30' N., and long. 35 degrees and 37 degrees E.; its length, from the city of Dan to Beersheba, is about 200 miles; and its breadth, from the shores of the Mediterranean to the eastern borders, about 90. The Canaanites, the descendants of Canaan, son of Ham, and the original inhabitants of the land, were divided into seven principal nations,--the Amorites, Hittites, Jebusites, Girgashites, Canaanites, Perizzites, and Hivites, and formed themselves into almost as many kingdoms as they had cities. After their defeat by the Israelites, such as escaped the sword became tributary; but in process of time, having seduced them to their idolatries, they recovered many of the strongest places in the country; and even formed themselves into a mighty kingdom in Galilee. They were, however, again defeated by Barak, but were not finally subdued till the reign of David and Solomon; the latter of whom employed 153,600 in the most servile parts of the work of building the temple, palace, etc.
numbered <06485> [these are.]
Gershon <01648> [of Gershon.]
numbered ................ numbered <06485> [those that.]
numbered ................ numbered <06485> [they were not.]
inheritance <05159> [because.]
surely die <04191> [They shall.]
Caleb <03612> [save Caleb.]
