Numbers 11:1--21:35
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.]
