Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

CHAP. IV.

1 AND the LORD spake unto Moses, and un∣to Aaron, saying,

2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers:

3 From thirty years old a 1.1 and upward, even until fifty years old b 1.2, all that enter c 1.3 into the host d 1.4, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.

4 This shall be the service of the sons of Ko∣hath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things e 1.5.

5 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they f 1.6 shall take down the covering vail g 1.7, and cover the ark h 1.8 of testimony with it:

6 And shall put thereon the covering of bad∣gers-skins i 1.9, and shall spread over it a cloth whol∣ly of blue, and shall put in the staves there∣of k 1.10.

7 And upon the * 1.11 table of shew-bread l 1.12 they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the

dishes m 1.13, and the spoons, and the bowls and co∣vers to ‖ 1.14 cover withall: and the continual bread n 1.15 shall be thereon.

8 And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers-skins, and shall put in the staves there∣of.

9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and co∣ver the * 1.16 candlestick of the light, * 1.17 and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuff-dishes, and all the oil-vessels thereof, wherewith they mini∣ster unto it.

10 And they shall put it, and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers-skins: and shall put it upon a bar n 1.18.

11 And upon the golden o 1.19 altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a cover∣ing of badgers-skins, and shall put to the staves thereof.

12 And they shall take all the instruments of ministery p 1.20, wherewith they minister in the san∣ctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers-skins, and shall put them on a bar.

13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar q 1.21, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof r 1.22 wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the flesh-hooks, and the shovels, and the ‖ 1.23 basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers∣skins, and put to the staves of it.

15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it s 1.24: but they shall not touch any holy thing t 1.25 lest they die u 1.26. * 1.27 These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath, in the tabernacle of the congre∣gation.

16 And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, pertaineth x 1.28 * 1.29 the oyl for the light, and the * 1.30 sweet incense, and the daily meat-offer∣ing y 1.31, and the * 1.32 anointing oyl, and the over∣sight of all the tabernacle z 1.33, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

17 And the LORD spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron, saying,

18 Cut ye not off a 1.34 the tribe of the families of the Kohathite from among the Levites.

19 But thus do unto them, that they may live and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things, Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them every one to his service b 1.35, and to his burden.

20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

21 And the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon throughout the houses of their fathers by their families:

23 From thirty years old and upward, until fifty years old shalt thou number them: all that enter in † 1.36 to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for ‖ 1.37 burdens.

25 And * 1.38 they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle c 1.39, and the tabernacle of the congrega∣tion d 1.40, his covering e 1.41, and the covering of the badgers-skins that is above upon it, and the hang∣ing for the door of the tabernacle of the congre∣gation.

26 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar f 1.42 round about, and their cords, and all the instru∣ments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

27 At the † 1.43 appointment of Aaron and his sons, shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonite, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.

28 This is the service of the families of the sons

of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand g 1.44 of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt num∣ber them after their families by the house of their fathers.

30 From thirty years old and upward, even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entreth into the † 1.45 service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.

31 And * 1.46 this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation, * 1.47 the boards of the taberna∣cle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof h 1.48,

32 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords with all their instruments, and with all their ser∣vice: and by name i 1.49 ye shall reckon the instru∣ments of the charge of their burden.

33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

34 And Moses and Aaron, and the chief of the congregation numbred the sons of the Kohathite, after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

35 From thirty years old and upward, even unto fifty years old, every one that entreth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

36 And those that were numbred of them by their families, were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

37 These were they that were numbred of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do ser∣vice in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number, according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

38 And those that were numbred of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,

39 From thirty years old and upward, even unto fifty years old, every one that entreth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:

40 Even those that were numbred of them: throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

41 These are they that were numbred of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number, according to the commandment of the LORD.

42 And those that were numbred of the fami∣lies of the sons of Merari, throughout their fa∣milies, by the house of their fathers:

43 From thirty years old and upward, even unto fifty years old, every one that entreth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,

44 Even those that were numbred of them after their families, were three thousand and two hun∣dred k 1.50▪

45 These be those that were numbred of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbred, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

46 All those that were numbred of the Levites, whom Moses, and Aaron, and the chief of Israel numbred, after their families, and after the house of their fathers:

47 From thirty years old and upward, even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministery, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation:

48 Even those that were numbred of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and four∣score l 1.51.

49 According to the commandement of the LORD they were numbred by the hand of Mo∣ses, every one according to his service, and ac∣cording to his burden: thus were they numbred of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes

• a 1.1

  This age was prescribed, as the age of full strength of bo∣dy, and therefore most proper for their present laborious work of carrying the parts and vessels of the Tabernacle, and of ma∣turity of judgment, which is necessary for the right manage∣ment of holy services. Whence even Iohn and Christ entred not upon their Ministery till that age. And it may still seem to be the fittest season for mens undertaking the Ministery of the Gospel, except in case of extraordinary abilities or the Churches pressing necessity. Object. They might enter upon this work at their 25th. year, Numb. 8. 24. and in David's time and after∣ward at their twentieth year. Answ. 1. Their first entrance upon their work was at their five and twentieth year, when they began as learners and acted onely under the inspection and di∣rection of their brethren, but in their thirtieth year they were compleatly admitted to a full discharge of their whole office. 2. David, being a Prophet, and particularly directed by God in the affairs of the Temple, might and did make a change in this matter, which he might the better do, both because it was but a change in a circumstance, and because the magnificence of the Temple, and the great multitude of sacred utensils and sacrifices, required a greater number of attendants than former∣ly was necessary.
• b 1.2

  When they were exempted from the toil∣some work of carrying burdens, but not discharged from the honourable and easie work done within the Tabernacle, Numb. 8. 26.
• c 1.3

  (i. e.) That do and may enter, having no defect, Levit. 21. 17. nor other impediment.
• d 1.4

  The society of sacred Ministers he calls an host, because of that excellent order which was among them as to persons, place, time, the matter and manner, of their services.
• e 1.5

  Hereafter mentioned, as the Ark, Table, Altar, &c. Com∣pare Numb. 3. 31.
• f 1.6

  For upon this necessary occasion the inferiour Priests are allowed to come into the Holy of Holies, which otherwise was peculiar to the High-priest, Heb. 9. 7.
• g 1.7

  The second vail, of which see Exod. 26. 31, &c. Levit. 4. 6. Heb. 9. 3. where∣with the Ark was covered while the Tabernacle stood, Exod. 40. 3.
• h 1.8

  Because the Levites, who were to carry the Ark, might neither see nor immediately touch it.
• i 1.9

  Whereby the Ark was secured from the injuries of the weather.
• k 1.10

  Object. How could these staves be put in, when they were never to be taken out, Exod. 25. 15. compared with 1 King. 8. 8. 1. Answ. These places may speak of the staves while the Ark and Tabernacle stood, but when they were to be removed the posture of all things was altered. 2. The Hebrew verb doth not signifie putting in, but barely putting or placing or disposing, and may be understood not of putting the staves into the rings, wherein they constantly remained, but of the putting of them either upon their shoulders to try and fit them for carri∣age, or into the holes or receptacles which probably were made in these coverings for the receiving and covering of these guild∣ed staves to keep them both from the touch of the Levites and from the inconveniences of bad weather.
• * 1.11

  Exod. 2•…•…. 3•…•….
• l 1.12

  Heb. Of faces or presence, for of the bread of faces or presence. i. e. of the bread which was continually standing in the presence of the Lord.
• m 1.13

  Upon which the shew-bread was put.
• ‖ 1.14

  Or. pour out withal.
• n 1.15

  (i. e.) Shew-bread so called because it was continually to be there, even in the wilderness, where though they had onely Manna for themselves, yet they reserved corn for the weekly making of these loaves, which they might with no great difficulty pro∣cure from some of the people bordering upon the wilderness in the innermost parts whereof they were.
• * 1.16

  Exod. 25. 31.
• * 1.17

  Exod. 25. 37, 38.
• n 1.18

  So contrived that this cloth containing the candlestick, &c. might be either laid upon it, or some other way fastened to it.
• o 1.19

  All covered with plates of gold.
• p 1.20

  The sacred garments used by the priests in their holy mi∣nistrations. See Exod. 31. 10.
• q 1.21

  Of burnt-offerings. Whereby it may seem probable, though it be denied by most, that they did offer some sacrifi∣ces in the Wilderness, though it may be not so frequently nor or∣derly as afterwards they did. Whence else were these ashes? And there are some undeniable instances of their sacrificing there, as Exod. 18. 12. and 24. 4. Numb. 7. &c. from which it seems rational to conclude that they did offer sacrifices at other times, though not so constantly and diligently, as they did in Canaan. And for the argument against it from Amos 5. 25. that may be easily dissolved, as we shall there see, if the Lord please. Moreover the taking away of the ashes onely doth sufficiently imply that the fire was preserved, which as it came down from Heaven, Levit. 9. So it was by Gods command to be continu∣ally fed and kept burning, and therefore doubtless was put into some vessel, which might be either fastened to the altar and put within this covering, or carried by some person appointed thereunto.
• r 1.22

  Amongst all these vessels here and abovenamed there is no mention of the brazen laver, though that be elsewhere reckon∣ed among the holy things, as Exod. 35. 16. and 38. 8. and 39. 39. and 40. 30. whereof possibly the reason may be be∣cause it was not covered, as not being capable of much hurt by the weather. Though some antient translations of the Bible do here adde these words. They shall take a purple covering, and co∣ver the laver, &c.
• ‖ 1.23

  Or, bowls.
• s 1.24

  To wit, upon their shoulders, not upon carts or wagons, as appears from Numb. 7. 9. the neglect of which order did pro∣voke the Lord, 2 Sam. 6. 6, 7. 1 Chron. 13. 7. and 15. 12, &c. Afterward the Priests themselves, being multiplied, carried these things, as appears from Deut. 31. 9▪ Ios. 3. 6. and 8. 33. 1 Sam. 4. 4. though the Levites also were not excluded, 2 Chron. 5. 5.
• t 1.25

  Immediately, or before they be covered.
• u 1.26

  As some did for that sin. See 1 Sam. 6. 19. 2 Sam. 6. 6, 7.
• * 1.27

  chap. 3. 31.
• x 1.28

  (i. e.) He himself is to carry these things, and not to com∣mit them to the sons of Kohath.
• * 1.29

  Exod. 25. 6.
• * 1.30

  Exod. 30. 3•…•…
• y 1.31

  Of fine flour, which was to be offered every morning and evening with the daily burnt∣offering. See Exod. 29. 38, 39.
• * 1.32

  Exod. 30. 29
• z 1.33

  (i. e.) The care that all the things above-mentioned be carried by the persons and in the manner expressed.
• a 1.34

  (i. e.) Do not by your neglect provoke God to cut them off for touching the holy things.
• b 1.35

  To that which is peculiarly allotted to him, the services and burdens being equally distributed among them.
• † 1.36

  Heb. to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• ‖ 1.37

  Or, carrie•…•….
• * 1.38

  chap. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• c 1.39

  (i. e.) The curtains or covering of goats-hair.
• d 1.40

  (i. e.) The ten curious curtains which covered the boards of the Ta∣bernacle, for the boards themselves were carried by the Mera∣rites.
• e 1.41

  (i. e.) The covering of rams-skins which was put next over those ten curtains.
• f 1.42

  (i. e.) Which court compassed both the Tabernacle and the Altar, Exod. 27. 16.
• † 1.43

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• g 1.44

  Under his conduct and direction. Thus the hand of Hige, Es•…•…h. 2. 3. is his care and custody.
• † 1.45

  Heb. warfare.
• * 1.46

  chap. 3. 36.
• * 1.47

  Exod. 26. 15.
• h 1.48

  Which were as the feet upon which the pillars stood, of which see Exod. 38. 27.
• i 1.49

  Every part and parcel therefore shall be put in an invento∣ry: which is required here rather than in the foregoing particu∣lars, partly because these were much more numerous than the former, partly because being meaner things and such as might easily be supplied, they might otherwise have been neglected, and partly to teach us, that God esteems nothing small in his worship and service, and that he expects his will should be observed in the minurest circumstances.
• k 1.50

  Here appears the wisdom of Divine providence, that where∣as in the Kohathites and Gershonites, whose burdens were fewer and easier, there were but about a third part of them which were fit for service, the Merarites, whose burdens were more and hea∣vier, had above one half of them fit for this work.
• l 1.51

  Which number was much inferiour to any other Tribe, for the reasons mentioned on Numb. 3. 39.