A commentary on the five books of Moses with a dissertation concerning the author or writer of the said books, and a general argument of each of them / by Richard, Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells ; in two volumes.

THE Fourth Book of Moses, CALLED NUMBERS. (Book Numbers)

THE General Argument OF THE Fourth Book of MOSES, CALLED NUMBERS.

THIS Book is called Numbers, from the subject matter which it begins withall, viz. An account of the num∣ber of the People of Israel: This Ac∣count is taken by God's special command to Moses; in taking of which he was assisted by Aaron, as well as by the Princes of Israel, ch. 1.44. This Account is laid before us ch. 1. And the diligent Reader may from the Relati∣on there given, discern the special Providence of God over that People, and see very good reason for the Order in which the several Tribes are placed, and also why the Levites are not numbred here among the other Tribes.

We have next an Account of the Order of the several Tribes in their Tents, and of the number of their several Camps, ch. 2.

Next follows an Account of the Sons of Aaron, and of the setting aside the Levites to the Service of the Tabernacle instead of the First-born; of the number and charge of these Levites, and of the Redemption of the First-born of the Israelites, who were not redeemed by the Levites, ch. 3.

We have an Account (ch. 4.) of the Charge and Service of the Levites who are numbred from thirty years old to the age of fifty.

We have, after this several Laws, viz. Con∣cerning removing the Unclean out of the Camp; Of Restitution in case of Trespass; Of the tryal of Jealousie; Of the Nazarites; Of the form of blessing the People; and then we have a relation of the Offerings of the Prin∣ces at the Dedication of the Tabernacle and Altar, ch. 5, 6, 7. Of lighting the Lamps, and Consecrating the Levites, and the age and time of their Service; Of the Passover, and an allowance of a Second Passover, and guidance of the Cloud; Of the use of the Sil∣ver Trumpets; Of the removal of the Israe∣lites; Of the words which Moses used when the Ark set forward and when it rested. Of these things we have an account ch. 8, 9, 10.

After this we have a Relation of the burn∣ing at Taberah; Of the People's loathing of Manna, and lusting for Flesh; Of the Seventy

Elders, and of the Quails (ch. 11.) and of the Sedition of Miriam and Aaron, ch. 12.

We have next a Relation of the Spies sent in∣to the Promised Land; Of their Instructions, Of their Doings and Report of the Land; Of the People's murmuring hereupon; Of God's just Displeasure, and the Effects of it; Of the Intercession of Moses, and great Folly of the Israelites, ch. 13, and 14.

The fifteenth Chapter lays before us sundry Laws, viz. That concerning the Meat-offe∣ring as that Offering was an attendant upon a Bloody Sacrifice. And the Drink-offering; Of the Heave-offering; Of the first of the Dough; Of Sins of Ignorance and Presumpti∣on; Of the Profaner of the Sabbath, and of the Fringes.

We have next an Account of the Rebellion of Korah, and Dathan, and Abiram; Of their invading the Priest's Office, and their exem∣plary Punishment. The Memory of their Re∣bellion is perpetuated, and the Right of the Priests vindicated by the budding of Aaron's Rod; and their honorary Maintenance here∣upon particularly related, ch. 16, 17, 18.

The next Chapter gives account of the Wa∣ter made of the Ashes of the red Heifer; which is followed with a Relation of the death of Miriam, the murmuring of the People, the smiting the Rock, &c. and the death of Aaron, ch. 19.20.

And then we have an account of the Israe∣lites Victory over the Canaanites, of their murmuring, of the fiery Serpents, and of that of Brass; Of several Journeyings of the Israelites, and their Conquest over Sihon and Og, ch. 21.

After this we have a Relation of Balak's sending to Balaam to curse the Israelites; Of Balaam's Journey, and Balak's Disappointment. Several Predictions of Balaam are related, and there follows an account of the Israelites com∣mitting Whoredom and Idolatry at Shittim, and of their Punishment, ch. 22, 23, 24, 25.

Next to this we have an account of the num∣ber of the Israelites in order to the dividing the Land among them, ch. 26. And the Law of Inheritances upon occasion of the suit of the Daughters of Zelophehad, ch. 27.

In the two next Chapters we have a more particular account than was given before of the Stated Holocausts, and the Meat and Drink-offerings pertaining thereunto. This is follow∣ed with a Law concerning Vows, ch. 30.

We have after this an account of the Israe∣lites Conquest over the Midianites, and a Law concerning the dividing the Spoil, ch. 31.

Next follows the Request of the Reubenites and Gadites, and the success of it; and an ac∣count of the Journeyings of the Israelites in the Wilderness; Of the Borders of the Pro∣mised Land, and the names of the Men which should divide it; Of the Levites Cities, and the Cities of Refuge, with the Law concerning

Murther; Of the Inheritance of Daughters, and the Marriage of Heiresses in their own Tribe, which is followed with an account how the Daughters of Zelophehad were married, ch. 32, 33, 34, 35, 36.

By what hath been said any Man will see that this Book is very fitly called NUMBERS. For here we have the number of the twelve Tribes taken no less than three times, ch. 1. ch. 2. and ch. 26. And the Levites are num∣bred as often ch. 3, 4, 26. We have also several o∣ther things numbred. The things that were of∣fered, and the Princes, who offered those things, at the Dedication of the Altar, ch. 7. The Spoils taken in the War with Midian, ch. 31. And all the stated Holocausts that were yearly offered up, ch. 28, 29. Not to mention the Number and Names of the Cities of Levites, and of Refuge, and the particulars of the Israelites Marches or Journeyings in the Wilderness.

These are the principal Matters contained in this Book, which, if duly considered, will be of great use to us for the better governing our selves, as well as for the more clear under∣standing of the other parts of the Holy Scrip∣tures. It is not to be expected I should in this place make Reflections upon all the Particulars which are laid before us in this Book. It may suffice, that I lay before the Reader some few Particulars, and shew, how very much they tend to the use of Life, and serve to engage us to strict Obedience to the Will of God.

And for the other I referr the Reader to the following Notes.

I might here shew the admirable use that is to be made of the Relation of the numbring the People, and order of their Camp. For here is much of God's special Providence to be observed from those Relations, which we pass over in reading the Scriptures with too great Negligence. And there are many parts of the Holy Writ, which we pass over with little re∣gard, that are very instructive to us. But I will not insist upon this matter in this place I shall especially consider the following Parti∣culars.

I. The setting aside the Levites to the ser∣vice of God, their Charge and Service. This spake God's great care of his People, to ap∣point an Order of Men to attend upon his Ser∣vice, and to wait on his Sanctuary. And it does also instruct those that Minister in Holy Things, not onely to consider how they were called to that Holy Office, but to consider al∣so how they discharge it. The Particulars re∣lating to this Order of Men are very instructive to the People also. They were not numbred among the rest, having no Inheritance as the other Tribes had: They were to attend upon their Office in the service of God and his Peo∣ple; It was therefore the People's part to be kind to them, and there are in the Law of Moses many Precepts to this purpose. They were not onely obliged to pay them their Tithes (in

which even in some of the worst times they were scrupulously carefull) but to assist them upon other occasions that they might attend upon God's Service. This teacheth the People to communicate of their Temporal Things ve∣ry freely to those that watch over their Souls, and to honour them greatly for the sake of their Work and their Master.

II. That Law concerning the removing the Unclean from the Camp, chap. 5. This is very instructive to the Governors and Ministers of the Church: It is not fit that Profane and Scandalous Sinners should be ad∣mitted to partake of the holiest things. 'Tis very much the duty of those concerned, and the Interest of the whole Church that those should be debarred from her Communion who are notoriously scandalous. I know very well that that Law made a difference in the Unclean, and that there was a difference as to the Camps also, and 'twill well become us to observe it: But still we must do all we possibly can to ex∣clude those from the participation of Holy Things who live in contradiction to the Pre∣cepts of our Holy Religion.

III. The Law concerning Restitution in case of a Trespass mentioned in the same Chapter. This is of great use to us, and shews us the absolute necessity of making restitution for any wrong or injury that we have done. By this Law he that had done the wrong was obliged to make Restitution to the injured person; and

he is directed what to doe in case the injured person could not be found. 'Twas not his con∣fessing his sin, not his Sacrifice with that Con∣fession that would procure his Pardon if he did not make Restitution, as he is directed there. This is the Doctrine of the Law, and of the Prophets also, Ezek. 33.15. as well as of the New Testament, Luk. 18.8. Rom. 13.8, 9. This is a most unquestionable truth, and that the Reader ought to lay to Heart.

IV. The passages, related ch. 11, 12. are of great moment towards the awakening us to a∣void Murmuring, Discontent, and Sedition. We have severe Examples related there of the sad effects of those sins; and the Mischiefs that follow upon such Crimes are unspeakable. No Man can tell where his Discontent will stop, or what will be the effects of it. Let us see how the Apostle applies this; Neither murmur ye as some of them also murmured, and were de∣stroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall, 1 Cor. 10.10, 11, 12.

V. The Account we have of the Spies sent into the Land of Canaan, and of their Report of it; and what followed thereupon, ch. 13, 14. This represents to us the great mischief of Dif∣fidence and Distrust, and contempt of the King∣dom of Heaven. Let us see how the Author

of the Epistle to the Hebrews applies this; To whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entring into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it; Heb. 3.18, 19. and ch. 4.1. It follows, Let us therefore labour to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief, v. 11. Those Men that went to see the Land owned it to be a good Land, and brought some of the Fruit thereof thence. But after all, they discouraged the People from the difficulties that would attend their Conquest of it, notwithstanding the many Experiences which they had received of the Power and Providence of God. These Men died by the Plague in the Wilderness, the murmuring Is∣raelites wandered about in it till they were consumed, and they were a sad example of Distrust and Unbelief.

VI. The account we have of the Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram ch. 16. This Relation is of great moment to keep Men from the like sin for the time to come. These Men re∣belled against Moses and Aaron whom God had chosen. The Rebels were swallowed up by the Earth, and consumed with Fire from Hea∣ven; and God took care for the perpetuating the Memory of their sin, and asserting the Di∣vine right of the Priesthood. They envyed Mo∣ses in the Camp, and Aaron the saint of the

Lord. The earth opened and swallowed up Da∣than, and covered the company of Abiram: And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burnt up the wicked, Ps. 106.16, 17, 18. God would have the Israelites keep up the Memory of these things, and learn from this sad ex∣ample, to have due regard to them whom he chose to Minister in Holy Things. And to this purpose he commands that Plates should be made of the Censers of the Rebels for the Altar of Burnt-offering, that so there might remain a Memorial of this fatal Rebellion in the view of the People. He caused also Aaron's Rod to flourish, and to be preserved as a token against the Rebels. And upon that follows a most particular account ch. 18. of the Honorary Maintenance of the Priests. Such care God thought fit to take to vindicate the Priests, his Servants, and to keep up the Memory of this Relation.

VII. The account we have of the People's being bitten with the Fiery Serpents, and heal∣ed by looking upon the Brazen Serpent, ch. 21. This cure was (as the Jews call it) a Miracle in a Miracle. The Brazen Serpent was a Type of the Death of Christ (Joh. 3.14.) by whose Stripes we are healed: This Brazen Serpent is called by the Author of the Book of Wisdom, A Sign of Salvation: It was put upon a Pole, or set up for a Sign, and he that looked upon it lived, i. e. Recovered of the harm he had re∣ceived from the bite of the Fiery Serpent. He

that turned himself toward it was not saved by the thing that he saw, but by thee that art the Saviour of all, Wisdom 16.6, 7. Thus did God, sending his own son in the likeness of sinfull flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh, Rom. 8.3.

VIII. The account of Balak's sending to Ba∣laam to curse the Israelites, and his coming to him upon this occasion, and what he said and did, follows in Chapters 22, 23, 24. And that Relation is of great use to us, and such as well deserves our serious reflecting upon. It lets us know, that we need not fear the Curses of a false Prophet, nor the attempts of our most powerfull Enemies whiles we do adhere to God, and keep his Laws. God will so long defend us, and then we need not fear what Man can do unto us. We have also in that Relation ma∣ny excellent Prophecies, and one particularly of the Messias, of which the Reader will find an account in the Notes in their proper place.

IX. The account of the Whoredom and I∣dolatry of the People at Shittim, ch. 25. We have there a particular account of the sin, and very exemplary punishment of the People for their Wickedness. And the Reader will easily believe, that this was contrived by Balaam from what hath been said to that purpose in the No••es upon that History which follow. Balaam could not prevail by Inchantments and Divina∣tion, by Sacrifices or Magical Arts. He took the onely course that was left, and that was to tempt them by the Women of Midian to Whore∣dom

first, and then to Idolatry: The Beauty of the Women was the first sna••e, and thence they were drawn on to commit Idolatry; They called the people to the sacrifices of their Gods: And the people did eat, and bowed down to their Gods. Thus were they joined unto Baal Peor, and did eat the sacrifices of the dead, Ps. 106.28. Thus did the People fall by their own Wicked∣ness, whom Balaam and Balak could never have harmed any other way. So true are the words of Solomon, Righteousness exalteth a nati∣on, but sin is a reproach to any people, Prov. 14.34. This passage deserves great consideration.

It is not onely the Duty but the Interest of Kings and Governours to encourage Men in the exercise of true Religion, and by all pos∣sible ways and means to suppress Vice and all Profaneness. Where-ever a People are profane they are weak at the same time. Besides, that they by their Wickedness call down the Ven∣geance of Heaven, their very Wickedness does infeeble them, and render them an easie Prey to their Enemies. The Israelites were strong while Innocent, when they had forsaken their God they fell: Let us hear what Balaam was forc'd to say before their Whoredom and Ido∣latry; He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. God brought them out of E∣gypt: He hath as it were the strength of an Ʋni∣corn: surely there is no enchantment against Jacob,

neither is there any divination against Israel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Behold, the people shall rise up as a great Lion, and lift up himself as a young Lion: He shall not lie down till he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain, Numb. 23.21, 22, 23, 24. This was the condition of Israel; but alas they soon fell by their own Follies, whom no Power or Malice of their Enemies could have hurt.

There is nothing a plainer and more incon∣testable Truth than this, That true Religion and Vertue is not onely the Glory but the Strength and Safety of any Nation or King∣dom. On the other hand, Vice and Wickedness, Profaneness and Discontent are the greatest Mis∣chiefs and the saddest Presages of the Ruin of a∣ny People. The History of the Israelites de∣livered in this Book will confirm any consider∣ing Man in this belief. Here we have a Relati∣on of their Follies and their Wandrings, of their Vices and their Plagues, of their Sin and Pu∣nishment: They were delivered from the E∣gyptians, and from Amalek; They needed not to fear their Enemies about them. They fell indeed in the Wilderness, but they fell as the Jews say a drunken Man does; he needs none to throw him down, he falls of himself. They fell by their own Lust, their Discontent, their Profaneness and Idolatry. God grant that we, when we seem to stand, may take heed lest we fall.

X. There are in this excellent Book many other things of admirable use for the better un∣derstanding

the Jewish Religion and the other parts of the Holy Writ, which I have not time in this place to enlarge upon; but such things they are as will entertain with great variety and delight the inquisitive and diligent Reader. Such are the Law of the Nazarite's Vow, con∣cerning the Water of Jealousie; The form of blessing the People; The Law about a Second Passeover; The Relation of the guidance of the Cloud, and the Law concerning sins of Igno∣rance and Presumption, and of the Ashes of the red Heifer; The Relation of the smiting the Rock by Moses; Of the Conquest of Sihon and Og; The Laws concerning the stated Sacrifices, and concerning dividing the Spoil; Concern∣ing Inheritances, and the Marriage of Heiresses: Every one of which will deserve a serious Con∣sideration.

NOTES ON THE Book of NUMBERS.

CHAP. I.

The ARGUMENT.

Moses is commanded to number the People. The Princes of the Tribes who were appointed to assist in numbring them. The People of the several Tribes are numbered from Twenty years old and upward. The Number of the whole. The Levites are not numbred, but ap∣pointed to their Office.

* 1.11. AND the LORD spake unto Moses in the wil∣derness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the con∣gregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year, after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

2. Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Is∣rael, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their poll:

3. From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel; thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

4. And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.

5. And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: Of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.

6. Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

7. Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Aminadab,

8. Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

9. Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.

10. Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim, Elisha∣ma the son of Ammibud; of Manasseb, Gamaliel the son Pedahzur.

11. Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.

12. Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

13. Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran.

14. Of Gad; Estasaph the son of Deuel.

15. Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan.

16. These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.

17. And Moses and Aaron took these men, which are expressed by their names.

18. And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they d••••lared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fa∣thers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their poll.

19. As the LORD commanded Moses, so he num∣bred them in the wilderness of Sinai.

20. And the children of Reuben Israel's eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their poll, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

21. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

22. Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbred of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

23. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hun∣dred.

24. Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their fami∣lies, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

25. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.

26. Of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, accord∣ing to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

27. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thou∣sand and six hundred.

28. Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fa∣thers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

29. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.

30. Of the children of Zebulun, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, accord∣ing to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

31. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hun∣dred.

32. Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephra∣im, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fa∣thers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

33. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.

34. Of the children of Manasseh, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, accord∣ing to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

35. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hun∣dred.

36. Of the children of Benjamin, by their generati∣ons, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

37. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Benja∣min, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

38. Of the children of Dan, by their generations, af∣ter their families, by the house of their fathers, accord∣ing to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

39. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

40. Of the children of Asher, by their generations, af∣ter their families, by the house of their fathers, accord∣ing to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

41. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hun∣dred.

42. Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their ge∣nerations, after their families, by the house of their fa∣thers, according to the number of the names, from twen∣ty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

43. Those that were numbred of them, even of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

44. These are those that were numbred, which Moses and Aaron numbred, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.

45. So were all those that were numbred of the chil∣dren of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel;

46. Even all they that were numbred, were six hun∣dred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

47. But the Levites, after the tribe of their fathers, were not numbred among them.

48. For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, say∣ing,

49. Onely thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, nei∣ther take the sum of them among the children of Israel.

50. But thou shalt appoint the Levites ever the ta∣bernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof: and they shall mi∣nister unto it, and shall encamp round about the taberna∣cle.

51. And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the taber∣nacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up, and the stranger that cometh nigh, shall be put to death.

52. And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.

53. But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testi∣mony; that there be no wrath up∣on the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testi∣mony.

54. And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

1. IN the Wilder∣ness of Sinai:* 1.2 Where the law was lately given, and where they staid to the twentieth of this month, ch. 10.11, 12. Of the second month: This answers to our April. It appears from these words, compared with ch. 9.1. that this Book does not always relate things in that order of time in which they came to pass. [Another proof of this some think they have, by comparing ch. 7.1, &c. with Exod. 40.17, 18.]

2. Take ye the sum: Exod. 30.12. This was three times done in the Wilder∣ness; viz. [1.] Be∣fore the Tabernacle was set up, Exod. 38.26. [2.] Here in the second Month of the second Year of their coming out of Egypt. [3.] After this Generation were destroyed for their Sins, Numb. 26.64. And the doing of it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very in∣structive to the Israelites, as it put them in mind of Gods v••racity in making good his promise, (Gen. 46.••.) Of h••s Power and good Providence over them, and his special Re∣gard of them. After their families: i. e. The greater Fa∣milies into which the twelve Tribes were divided first, Numb. 26.5. And these were afterward divided into lesser Families, which were called by the Names of the several Fathers and Heads of it, Josh. 7.14, 17. And are here ex∣pressed by the house of their fathers. Fathers: The He∣brew Writers lay it down as a Rule here, That a Family is not named from the house of the mother.

3. Twenty years old and upward: This is particularly provi∣ded for in each of those Pollings above mentioned; vid. Exod. 38.26. Numb. 26.2. and Exod. 30.14. Numb. 14.29.1.20.32.11. And it was unlaw∣full to attempt the Numbring of the whole People, which by God's promise was to be Numberless, Gen. 13.16.15.5.16.10.32.12. See 1 Chron. 27.23, 24. and compare it with 2 Chron. 25.5.

4. Head: See verse 16.

16. These were the renowned, &c. i. e. Men very fit for this Employment being of great Note, Au∣thority and Eminence.

18. First day: Then they set upon the Work, which they finished after∣wards, during their stay in the Wilder∣ness of Sinai, v. 19.

21. Forty and six thousand, &c. Though Reuben were the el∣dest Son of Jacob, his Number was one of the smallest. His Father had fore-told that he should ••••t excell, Gen. 49.4. And Moses said, Let Reuben live, and not die, and let his men be few, Deut. 33.6.

24. Gad: The rea∣son why Gad, the Son of an Hand-maid, is next named, (whom the Greek omit i•• this place, putting in Judah, and pla∣cing Gad after Ben∣jamin) may be learnt from chap. 2.10, 14. viz. Because Gad belonged to the Standard of Reuben.

27. Threescore, &c. Judah hath far the greatest number of any other: This Tribe

had part of the Birth-right bestowed on it. See the Notes on Gen. 49.3.

28. Issachar: The reason why he is pla∣ced here, may be learnt from chap. 2.5.

32. Ephraim: He is placed before Ma∣nasseh, the reason of which may be learnt from Gen. 48.19.

37. Of Benjamin, &c. Benjamin hath the least number of any, except Manas∣seh, though he had more Sons than any of Jacob's Sons; and, excepting G••d, he had twice the number of those who had the most, as appears from Gen. 46. And his Tribe was afterwards al∣most destroyed, Judg. 20. And after the Schism upon So∣lomon's death is reputed frequently as an Accession to Ju∣dah: And may therefore justly be styled, little Benjamin, Psal. 68.27.

39. Of the tribe of Dan: Here is the greatest number by several Thousands of any, excepting that of Judah, and that which exceeds the number of Benjamin 27300; and yet whereas Benjamin had ten Sons, Dan had but one when they went into Egypt, Gen. 46.21, 23.

47. But the Le∣vites, &c. The Le∣vites were neither here, nor yet, Numb. 26. numbred among the other Tribes. God forbids it here, v. 48, 49. Nor was there any reason they should be numbred with the rest of the Tribes either here or there, if we consider the Causes of each Muster. This was taken with respect to War, and none are to be numbred but those who are above the Age of Twenty years, and able to go forth to War. But then the Muster mentioned Numb. 26. hath a farther reference and cause, and that was in order to the dividing their inheritance, Numb. 26.53. Now the Levites being set a-part to the Service of the Tabernacle, (Numb. 1.50.) were ordinarily excused from War, (Numb. 31.4, 5. with v. 30, 47.) as Josephus observes, [Antiqu. l. 3. c. 2. and lib. 4. c. 4.] And because they had no In∣heritance, they were not numbred among them who had, Numb. 26.62. And as they were not numbred among the rest, so they were numbred not as fighting Men, as the rest were, but from a month old and upwards, Numb. 3.15. and chap. 26.62.

51. Stranger: i. e. One who is not a Le∣vite, though he be an Israelite.

53. No wrath: No Error or Sin, as the Greek have it. And indeed they are both implied: The pro∣fane contempt of the Tabernacle, and the punishment of it were here provided against.

CHAP. II.

The ARGUMENT.

The Order of the Tribes in their Tents. The Standard of the Tribe of Judah on the East. The Standard of Reuben on the South. That of Ephraim on the West. That of Dan on the North.

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

2. Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own stan∣dard, with the ensign of their fa∣ther's house, far off about the ta∣bernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.

3. And on the east-side toward the rising of the sun, shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch, throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Aminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.

4. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

5. And those that do pitch next unto him, shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.

6. And his host, and those that were numbred thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.

7. Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliah the son of Helon, shall be captain of the children of Zebulun.

8. And his host, and those that were numbred thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

9. All that were numbred in the camp of Judah, were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies: these shall first set forth.

10. On the south side, shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben, according to their armies: and the cap∣tain of the children of Reuben, shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.

11. And his host, and those that were numbred there∣of, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

12. And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon, shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

13. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

14. Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad, shall be Eliasaph the son of Reael.

15. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.

16. All that were numbred in the camp of Reuben, were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies: and they shall set forth in the second rank.

17. Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites, in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.

18. On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim, according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim, shall be Elishama the son of Am∣mibud.

19. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were forty thousand and five hundred.

20. And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh, shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

21. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.

22. Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin, shall be Abidan the son of Gi∣deoni.

23. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

24. All that were numbred of the camp of Ephraim, were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hun∣dred, throughout their armies: and they shall go forward in the third rank.

25. The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north-side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan, shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

26. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hun∣dred.

27. And those that encamp by him, shall be the tribe of Asher, and the captain of the children of Asher, shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.

28. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.

29. Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali, shall be Ahira the son of E∣na••.

30. And his host, and those that were numbred of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hun∣dred.

31. All they that were numbred in the camp of Dan, were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred: they shall go hindmost with their stan∣dards.

32. These are those which were numbred of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers; all those that were numbred of the camps throughout their hosts, were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

33. But the Levites were not numbred among the children of Is∣rael; as the LORD commanded Moses.

34. And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.

2. Standard, or Banner; the setting up of which is a War∣like preparation, Ps. 20.5. with Jer. 51.27. Ensign: These Stan∣dards were distin∣guished by certain marks or signs: What those were, is not here expressed; but the Jewish Writers tell us, that the Ensign of Judah was a Lion; that of Reuben, a Man; that of Ephraim, an Ox; and that of Dan, an Eagle. Far off: Heb. Over-against. The distance between the Tabernacle and the Camp of Israel is not here expressed, but is probably col∣lected from Josh. 3.4. to be about the space of Two thou∣sand Cubits, or a Mile; which is called a Sabbath-days jour∣ney, Act. 1.12. [vid. Targum in Ruth 1.16.]

3. On the East∣side, &c. i. e. In the first or principal place, as the Greek have it. In this Quarter were Moses and Aaron and his Sons placed, ch. 3.38.

14. Reuel: Called Deuel ch. 1.14.

25. Dan: He was the Son of an Hand∣maid, but hath his Standard assigned him, a Dignity very agreeable to Jacob's Prediction; Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel, Gen. 49.16.

33. But the Le∣vites, &c. Se•• the Notes on ch. 1.47.

CHAP. III.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the Sons of Aaron. The Charge of the Levites, who are taken in lieu of the first-born. The Levites are numbred. The Number and Charge of the Gersho∣nites. Of the Kohathites, and of the Merarites▪ The Number of the whole. The First-born of the Is∣raelites are numbred, and freed by the Levites, the overplus are redeemed.

1. THese also are the generati∣ons of Aaron and Moses, in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.

2. And these are the names of the sons of Aaron, Nadab the first-born, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Itha∣mar.

3. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.

4. And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they of∣fered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministred in the priest's office, in the sight of Aaron their father.

5. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

6. Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.

7. And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congre∣gation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.

8. And they shall keep all the instruments of the ta∣bernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the chil∣dren of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.

9. And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the chil∣dren of Israel.

10. And thou shalt appoint Aa∣ron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh, shall be put to death.

11. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

12. And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from a∣mong the children of Israel, in stead of all the first-born that openeth the matrice among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine.

13. Because all the first-born are mine; for on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of E∣gypt, I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast, mine they shall be: I am the LORD.

14. And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Si∣nai, saying,

15. Number the children of Le∣vi, after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward, shalt thou number them.

16. And Moses numbred them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded.

17. And these were the sons of Levi, by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

18. And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni, and Shimei.

19. And the sons of Kohath by their families: Am∣ram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Ʋzziel.

20. And the sons of Merari by their families, Mabli, and Mushi: these are the families of the Levites, accor∣ding to the house of their fathers.

21. Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

22. Those that were numbred of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbred of them, were seven thou∣sand and five hundred.

23. The families of the Gersho∣nites shall pitch behind the taber∣nacle westward.

24. And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.

25. And the charge of the sons of Gershon, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall be the taber∣nacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hang∣ing for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

26. And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it, for all the service thereof.

27. And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Ʋzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.

28. In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keep∣ing the charge of the sanctuary.

29. The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.

30. And the chief of the house of the father of the fa∣milies of the Kohathites, shall be Elizaphan the son of Ʋzziel.

31. And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the

altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary, wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

32. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

33. Of Merari was the family of the M••hlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Me∣rari.

34. And those that were numbred of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and up∣ward, were six thousand and two hundred.

35. And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Me∣rari, was Zuriel the son of Abi∣hail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

36. And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari, shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,

37. And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.

38. But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, e∣ven before the tabernacle of the con∣gregation eastward shall be Moses and Aaron, and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary, for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh, shall be put to death.

39. All that were numbred of the Levites, which Moses and Aa∣ron numbred at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a mouth old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.

40. And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Is∣rael, from a month old and upward, and take the ••umber of their names.

41. And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) in stead of all the first-born among the children of Israel; and the cattel of the Levites, in stead of all the firstlings among the cattel of the children of Israel.

42. And Moses numbred as the LORD commanded him, all the first-born among the children of Israel.

43. And all the first-born males, by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbred of them, were twenty and two thousand two hun∣dred and threescore and thirteen.

44. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

45. Take the Levites in stead of all the first-born among the children of Israel, and the cattel of the Levites in

stead of their cattel, and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.

46. And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen, of the first-born of the children of Israel, which are more then the Levites;

47. Thou shalt even take five shekels a piece by the p••ll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: the shekel is twenty gerabs.

48. And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.

49. And Moses took the redemption-money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites.

50. Of the first-born of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

51. And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed, unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD com∣manded Moses.

1. AND Moses: The Posterity of Moses, whose Sons were not Priests but Levites (1 Chron. 23.13, 14.) are numbred among the Kohathites, v. 27.

2. The first-born: Exod. 6.23.

3. Whom be conse∣crated: Heb. Whose hand he filled. See Exod. 29.9.

4. And Nadab, &c. Levit. 10.1. ch. 26.61. 1 Chron. 24.2. In the sight, &c. Or, With, as the Greek have it, viz. in the life-time of Aaron: And thus much the Hebrew imports else∣where. Vid. Gen. 11.28.

6. Minister: The Work and Office of the Levites was as fol∣lows, [I.] To mini∣ster to the Priests, as appears from this Verse, and from 1 Chron. 23.28. [II.] To serve at the Tabernacle, this is expressed by keep∣ing the Charge of the whole Congregation, v. 7. And herein they served the People. Vid. 2. Chron. 35.3. We have an account in this Chapter of the particular charge of the Gershonites, v. 25, 26. Of the Kohathites, v. 31. Of the Merarites, v. 36. And of their Carriages, ch. 4. and Deut. 10.8. From the Carriages they were excused in af∣ter-times, when the Temple was built; 1 Chron. 23.26. But then they were appointed. [III.] To be Singers, 1 Chron. 23.30. and ch. 24. [IV.] And P••rters to the several Gates of the Temple, 1 Chron. 26.13. [V.] They had the charge of the Treasure (1 Chron. 26.20.) of the House of God, and of the Dedicate things. And lastly, some of them were made Officers and Judges in Business of the Lord, and Service of the King. See 1 Chron. 26.29, 30.

7. His charge: That is, Aaron's, v. 6. whom they were to obey. The Hebrew imports this sense, Levit. 18.30. And the charge of the whole congregation: They were not onely ••o serve Aaron but the People also (2 Chron. 35.3.) out of whom they were taken instead of the First-born, v. 12. and whom they served when they attended upon the San∣ctuary and discharged the several duties of their place (v. 8.) The Levites Obligation to Aaron, and to the People may be learned from v. 9.

10. Priest's office: It was the proper and peculiar Office of the Priests to bless the People in the name of the Lord, to offer Incense, and to minister at the Altar, Numb. 18.7. Deut. 21.5. 1 Chron. 23.13. Stranger: i. e. Who is not of the Family of Aaron. See ch. 1.51. Put to death: See Numb. 16.

13. For on the day: Exod. 13.2. Levit. 27.26. chap. 8.16. Luk. 2.23.

14. Moses: Not to Moses and Aaron. The Number of the Israelites was to be taken by Aaron as well as Moses, ch. 1.3. and so was that of the Kohathites, ch. 4.2. And the Gershonites and Me∣rarites are expressly said to be numbred by Aaron as well as Moses, ch. 4.41, 45. But the Precept to number the Le∣vites here is onely directed to Moses, and by him was ex∣ecuted, v. 16. (whatever assistance or approbation Aaron might give, v. 39.) And again, we find that Moses was onely concerned in numbring the First-born of Israel (v. 40, 41, 42.) in which Aaron is not mentioned at all. For since the Money with which the First-born of Israel,

which exceeded the number of the Levites, were to be re∣deemed, was to be paid to Aaron and his Sons (v. 48.) He whose advantage it was that the number of the First-born of Israel should exceed, was not authorized to take the number.

15. From a month old, &c. The reason why the Levites were numbred here from a Month old, and not as the other Tribes, from twenty years old and upward, is, because they were taken in the stead of the First-born (v. 12.) and are therefore numbred at that age when the First-born were to be redeemed, Numb. 18.16.

16. Word: Heb. Mouth.

17. And these, &c. Gen. 46.11. Exod. 6.16. ch. 26.57. 1 Chron. 6.1.

23. Behind the ta∣bernacle westward: The East was reckon∣ed the first place, ch. 2, 3. and the West was consequently behind. The Gersho∣nites pitched between the Tabernacle and the Standard of Ephraim, ch. 2.18.

25. The charge, &c. Compare ch. 4.25.

29. Southward: Between the Sanctu∣ary and the Standard of Reuben, ch. 2.10.

31. Their charge: Compare ch. 4. v. 5, &c.

35. Northward: viz. Between the Sanctuary and the Standard of Da••, ch. 2.25.

36. Under the cu∣stody: Heb. The of∣fice of the charge. Compare chap. 4.31, 32.

38. Eastward: viz. Between the Standard of Judah and the Tabernacle, ch. 2.3. For the charge of the children of Israel: See the Note on the 7th verse of this Chapter.

39. Moses and Aa∣ron: See vers. 14. Twenty and two thou∣sand: The foregoing summs amount to 22300, which is a greater number than that of the First-born of the Israelites, which was but 22••••3 (v. 43.) And yet we find the num∣ber to be redeemed was 273 (v. 46.) so that three hundred are omitted here when the several Summs are collected, and a price is paid for 273, which were indeed over and a∣bove the number here mentioned, but 27 short of the real number of the Levites. This difficulty will be removed if we grant that the 300 not reckoned here, were the First-born of the Levites, which being due to God before from the Tribe of Levi as well as the other Tribes (Exod. 1••.2. and ch. 34.20.) were not to be reckoned among those Le∣vites who were to be taken instead of the First-born of Is∣rael.

40. From a month old: Compare v. 15.

46. More then the Levites: i. e. More then those Levites which were to be here accounted for, and more then are reckoned v. 39.

47. The shekel: Exod. 30.13. Levit. 27.25. chap. 18.16. Ezek. 45.12.

51. According to the word: V. 48.

CHAP. IV.

The ARGUMENT.

The Age and Time of the Levite's Service. The Office of the Priests when the Camp set forward. The Car∣riage of the Kohathites. The Charge of Eleazar. The Carriage of the Gershonites, and of the Merarites, who were under the direction of Ithamar. The whole Number of the Levites from thirty to fifty Years old.

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 and up∣ward, even untill fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

4. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things.

5. And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come and his sons, and they shall take down the covering veil, and cover the ark of the testimony with it:

6. And shall put thereon the covering of badger's skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

7. And upon the table of shew∣bread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withall, and the continual bread shall be thereon.

8. And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badger's skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

9. And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuff-dishes, and all the oyl-vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it.

10. And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a co∣••••ring of badger's skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

11. And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badger's skins, and shall put to the staves thereof.

12. And they shall take all the instruments of ministery, where∣with they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badg∣er's skins, and shall put them on a bar.

13. And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon;

14. And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the flesh-hooks, and the sho∣vels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badger's 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; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath, in the tabernacle of the congregation.

16. And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, per∣taineth the oyl for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily

meat-offering, and the anointing oyl, and the over-sight of all the tabernacle, 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 the tribe of the families of the Kohathites, 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, 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, saying,

22. Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, through∣out the houses of their fathers, by their families;

23. From thirty years old and upward, untill fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the con∣gregation.

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

25. And they shall bear the cur∣tains of the tabernacle, and the ta∣bernacle of the congregation, his co∣vering, and the covering of the badger's skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

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

27. At the appointment of Aa∣ron and his sons, shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their bur∣dens, 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 Gershon, in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29. As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their familes, by the house of their fathers.

30. From thirty years old and upward, even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every on•• that entreth in to the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congre∣gation.

31. And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards

of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof.

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 service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments 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 con∣gregation numbred the sons of the Kohathites, 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 fa∣milies, were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

37. These were they that were numbred of the families of the Kobathites, all that might do service in the taber∣nacle 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 Ger∣shon, 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 in to the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:

40. Even those that were numbred of them, through∣out their families, by the houses 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 families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, 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 num∣bred of them after their families, were three thousand and two hun∣dred.

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 ser∣vice of the ministery, and the ser∣vice of the burden in the taberna∣cle of the congregation;

48. Even those that were numbred of them were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore.

49. According to the command∣ment of the LORD, they were numbred by the hand of Moses, eve∣ry one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbred of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.

3. From thirty years old, &c. While the Tabernacle con∣tinued, the Levites were admitted into their several Offices and Employments at several Ages. They were not obli∣ged to the most burdensome before the Age of thirty years, nor after fifty. And of this sort is the Employment men∣tioned here. See v. 15, 25, 31. But there are other Offi∣ces belonging to the Levites, besides the hearing of the Tabernacle; for they were obliged to serve in it, Numb. 8.19. And to their attendance upon the Tabernacle they were admitted at the Age of Five and twenty years, Numb. 8.24. This reconciles this place with Numb. 8.25. The Levites there are considered as admitted to serve, which they might do at the Age of Twenty-five years. Here they are considered with respect to their burden, to which Em∣ployment they were not admitted till the Age of Thirty years. The service and burden of the Levites are of a di∣stinct consideration: E. g. This is the service of the fami∣lies of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens, v. 24.

Again, From thirty years old and upwards, even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the Service of the Mini∣stery, and the Service of the Burden, v. 47. In the 8th of Numbers there is no mention of the Burden, but of the Service of the Levites. As the Levites were not at the same Age received into every Employment, so they were not at the Age of Fifty years discharged from all atten∣dance, but were obliged to minister with their Brethren, ch. 8.21, 26. All that enter, &c. i. e. All that are fit to enter upon this Ministery, being of a just age, and suffici∣ent strength, and not legally excluded, ch. 5.2.1.3. This Service was a spiritual Warfare; and he that entred upon it, is said to enter into the Host. See v. 23. and 1 Tim. 1.18. 2 Tim. 2.3.

5. The covering veil: The same which is called the veil, Exod. 40.3. And the second veil, Heb. 9.3. The Veil which did divide between the Holy place and the most Holy, Exod. 26.31, 32, 33. The Covering of the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation was the Charge of the Gershonites, v. 25.

6. The covering of badger's skins: Thus Covering was a pe∣culiar Case or Cover, made on purpose to defend the Ark from the injury of Weather: Such a Case there was also for the Table of Shew-bread, v. 8. and for the Candlestick, v. 10. and for the Golden Altar, v. 11. and the Altar of Burnt-offering, v. 14. These seem to be meant by the Clothes of Service, which are mention'd (Exod. 31.10.) presently after the Ark, and Table, and Candlestick, the Altar of Incense, and the Altar of Burnt-offering, which are there reckoned up in the same Order in

which we find them, just before the mention of the Clothes of Service, v. 10. Put in the staves: i. e. Order and dis∣pose the Staves, as the Hebrew word elsewhere signifies, (Levit. 24.6. Gen. 28.11. Psal. 50.23.) that they might be so covered, that yet the Ark may be born with them, Exod. 25.14. Here is no mention in this place of putting them into the Rings, which is by other words expressed, Exod. 25.14. And it was Commanded that the Staves should be constantly in the Rings of the Ark, Exod. 25.15.

7. Table: Exod. 25.30. Cover with∣all: Heb. Pour out withall. See the Notes on Exod. 25.29.

9. Candlestick: Exod. 25.31. And his Lamps: Exod. 25.37, 38.

10. A Bar: For the better carrying of it, there being no Rings and Staves be∣longing to the Can∣dlestick.

11. Staves: See Exod. 30.5.

12. Bar: See v. 10.

13. Altar: i. e. The Altar of Burnt-offering: For of the Altar of Incense can was taken before, v. 11.

14. Censers: Or, Tongs: The Hebrew word denotes an In∣strument that takes the Fire or C•••••• Basons: Or, Bowls, Staves: See Exod. 27.7.

15. To bear: The Levites were gene∣rally obliged to bear the Ark, and the o∣ther Holy things mentioned here, See 1 Chron. 15.2, 15. But this is not so to be understood, as to exclude the Priest's from bearing the A••k upon occasion, which they did without being guilty of invading their Office, Deut. 31.9. Josh. 3.6. and 6.6. Die: 1 Chron. 13.10.

16. Sweet incens••: Exod. 30.34. A∣nointing oyl: Exod. 30.23.

18. Cut ye not off: i. e. Do not occasion their destruction, by neglecting to ap∣point them to their Service, and leaving the Holy things uncovered, v. 19, 20.

20. Lest they die: See 1 Sam. 6.19. com∣pared with Lev. 16.2. and Exod. 19.12.

23. To perform the service: Heb. To war the warfare.

24. Burdens: Or, Carriage.

25. The Curtains, &c. i. e. The ten Curtains, and the e∣leven which are men∣tioned Exod. 26. His covering: viz. That of Ram's Skins, Ex∣od. 26.14.

27. Appointment: Heb. Mouth.

28. Ʋnder the hand: Or, In the hand: i. e. The care and direction, v. 33.

30. Service: Heb. Warfare.

31. Boards: Ex∣od. 26.15.

32. By name: These things being very many of the smallest value, and therefore the more liable to miscarry, are to be numbred up particularly, that not a Pin or Cord might be wanting when the Tabernacle was to be set up again.

44. Three thousand and two hundred: The Number of the Merarites taken, chap. 3. was less than that of the Gershonites, or Kohathites: But the Number of them who are fit for Service, is greater than either of th••••; whereas there were four Families of the Kohathites, and but two of the Merarites: So that though they had the great∣est burden, and variety of things under their charge, they had no cause to complain, having also the greatest num∣ber of Men fit to do the work belonging to them. And as their number and burden was great, so was their allowance and encouragement also, chap. 7.7, 8, 9.

47. To do the ser∣vice of the ministery, and the service of the burden: See the Note on verse 3.

49. Thus were they numbred, &c. That they were numbred by Moses, &c. we are told before: The de∣sign of Numbring seems to be intima∣ted here, as well as the Order in which they are numbred. For here they are numbred according to their service; and for that reason the Kohathites are first numbred, because they were charged with the most Holy and Principal things belonging to the Sanctuary. Else∣where the Sons of Levi stand in another Order; Gershon being first named, then Kohath and Merari, Exod. 6.16. And the same Order is observed, where their Families are numbred from a month old and upwards, Numb. 3.21, 27, 33.

CHAP. V.

The ARGUMENT.

The Ʋnclean are removed out of the Camp. Of Restitu∣tion in case of Wrong done. Of the Water of Jealou∣sie.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Command the children of Is∣rael, that they put out of the camp every l••••er, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead.

3. Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.

4. And the children of Israel did so, and put them out without the camp: as the LORD spake unto Moses, so did the children of Israel.

5. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

6. Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;

7. Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.

8. But if the man have no kins∣man to recompense the trespass un∣to, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to the priest: beside the ram of the a∣tonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.

9. And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his.

10. And every man's hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.

11. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

12. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him,

13. And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner;

14. And the spirit of jealousie come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled; or if the spirit of jealousie come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:

15. Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley-meal; he shall pour no oyl upon it, nor put frankincense thereon, for it

is an offering of jealousie, an offer∣ing of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.

16. And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD.

17. And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel, and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water.

18. And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousie-offer∣ing: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that cau∣seth the curse.

19. And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lien with thee, and if thou hast not gone a∣side to uncleanness with another in stead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:

20. But if thou hast gone aside to another in stead of thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man hath lien with thee beside thine husband:

21. Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the wo∣man, The LORD make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the LORD doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell;

22. And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.

23. And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter wa∣ter:

24. And he shall cause the wo∣man to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.

25. Then the priest shall take the jealousie-offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar.

26. And the priest shall take an handfull of the offer∣ing, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the al∣tar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.

27. And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband; that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.

28. And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

29. This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth a∣side to another in stead of her husband, and is defiled;

30. Or when the spirit of jea∣lousie cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this low.

31. Then shall the man be guilt∣less from iniquity, and this woman shall bear her iniquity.

2. Camp: There were three several Camps, as may be learnt from the fore∣going Chapters, and as the Jewish Wri∣ters observe. [I.] The Shekinah, or Sanctuary where God was said to dwell, 2 Chron. 31.2. And to be especially pre∣sent with the Israelites, Exod. 29.42, 43. [II.] The Camp of the Levites, who with the Priests camped round about the Sanctuary, chap. 3. [III.] The Camp of Israel, which is described, chap. 2. Of this Camp are those words un∣derstood which we find Deut. 23.10, 11. Leper: Levit. 13.3. It was required before that he should dwell alone, and that his habitation should be without the Camp, Levit. ••3.46. That Law was not practicable till the Camp was setled, which was now done. It is certain that the Leper was excluded out of each of the Camps above named, for he was to dwell alone, and therefore shut out of the Camp of Israel, and out of the Cities afterward, 2 Kings 7.3. Issue. Levit. 15.2. He that was under this pollution, though he might continue in the Camp of Israel, (and was not confined or obliged to dwell alone as the Leper was, v. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.) yet he was not permitted to go into the Levite's Camp till he was clean, Levit. 15.13, 14. much less might he go into the Sanctuary. Dead: Levit. 21.1. This was still a lower degree of Uncleanness: For he that was unclean by an Issue, was upon that account to bring a Sacrifice for his Atonement, Levit. 15.14, 15. But he that had touched a dead Body, was not obliged to bring an expiatory Sacrifice, but to the use of the Water of Se∣paration onely, Numb. 19.12. Now though he that was thus defiled with the touch of a dead Body were excluded from the Sanctuary, (2 Chron. 23.19. Numb. 19.13.) in∣to which no person might enter that was in any thing un∣clean; yet have we no cause to suppose him excluded from any of the other Camps.

3. I dwell: Or, Am more peculiarly present.

6. When a man, &c. Levit. 6.3. That men commit: i. e. Which they are ordinarily obnoxious to, or o∣vertaken with. We have a more particular account of this matter, Levit. 6.

7. Confess: The Confession of Sin is required in order to Pardon, Prov. 28.13. Job 33.27, 28. And this Confession a∣mong the Jews was made in this form of words, O God, I have sinned, I have done perversely, I have trespassed before thee, and I have done thus and thus; and lo, I repent and am a∣shamed of my doings, and will never do so no more. [Mai∣mon. H. Teshub. c. 1.] His trespass: i. e. The thing in which he hath trespassed, or injured his Neighbour. With the principal: Or, In the principal, Levit. 6.5. Fifth: ••ee the Notes on Levit. 6.5.

8. No kinsman: Which might fre∣quently happ'n where the wronged per∣sons were Proselytes. Priest: Whom God substitutes as his Re∣ceiver. Ram of the atonement: See Levit. 6.6, 7.

9. Offering: Or, Heave-offering. See Numb. 18.8.

10. Hallowed things: Such were things se∣parated by Vow, Le∣vit. 27.21. Numb. 18.14. and First-fruits, Numb. 18.12. His: Levit. 10.13.

12. A trespass: This is to be under∣stood of Disloyalty to her Husband, and to be interpreted by the words which follow.

13. No witness, &c. For in such cases she was to be put to death, Levit. 20.10. Joh. 8.4, 5.

14. The spirit of jealousie: i. e. A jea∣lous Mind or Affecti∣on. As the spirit of meekness signifies a meek spirit or tem∣per, Gal. 6.1.

15. The tenth part of an Ephah: Or, an Omer. See the Notes on Exod. 16.36. Of Barley-meal; he shall pour no oyl, &c. This

Offering of Barley-meal, without either Oyl or Frankincense, betoken'd sorrow, and a sense of guilt; It was not an Offering of sweet savour, as that is called which had both Oyl and Frankincense, Levit. 2.2. But this is an Offering bringing iniquity to remembrance, and therefore will admit neither of Oyl nor Frankincense, Levit. 5.11.

16. Her: Or, It: i. e. The Offering, not the Woman of whom in v. 18. Be∣fore the LORD: See the Notes on Levit. 1.5.

17. Holy water: i. e. Water out of the Laver, Exod. 30.18. Dust: This was like∣wise a sign of sor∣row, Job 2.12. See the Notes on v. 15.

18. Ʋncover: This is likewise another token of sorrow, Le∣vit. 21.10. and v. 15. And the Woman's Fidelity and Chastity being questioned, the Covering of her Head (betokening her Sub∣jection and Chastity, 1 Cor. 11.) was fitly taken away. Bitter water: Though we are told by the Jewish Writers, that some bitter thing was put into this Water which made it bitter, yet it might be truly called bitter from the Effect of it upon the guilty; to whom bringing a Curse, it was bitter in the End.

19. Charge her by an oath: Or, adjure her, as the Vulgar Latin hath it. See the Notes on Levit. 5.1. With another instead of thy hus∣band: Or, being in the power of thy hus∣band: Heb. Ʋnder thy husband.

21. Charge: See v. 19. An Oath: An Example, saith the Vulgar. That is, a common instance in forms of Execration, which do accompany Oaths. Rot: Heb. Fall.

22. Amen: Or, Be it so. We have Amen here twice, and that perhaps with a distinct reference to v. 19. and to what follows from v. 20.

23. These curses: Those words from v. 20. at least. In a book: So a Scroll or Parchment, or small Writing, was called among the Jews, Deut. 24.1. Blot, &c. i. e. Shall blot out the Curses with the Water; and when he hath done so, the Woman must drink that Water which was the Receiver of these words of Execra∣tion, v. 24.

24. Bitter: See verse 18.

28. Conceive seed: Not by the virtue of the Water, which hath a contrary effect upon the guilty, but by the special Providence of God.

30. Set the woman: See v. 18.

31. Then shall the man be guiltless, &c. The Jews have from hence taught, that the Water would not try the suspected Woman, if her Husband were not innocent himself when he brought her to this tryal.

CHAP. VI.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the Vow of the Nazarites, and of their Offering for their Separation. The Form of the Priests Blessing the People.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Na∣zarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:

3. He shall separate himself from wine, and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vine∣gar of strong drink, neither shall ••e drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

4. All the days of his separa∣tion shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine-tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

5. All the days of the vow of his separation, there shall no rasor come upon his head: untill the days be fulfilled in the which he separa∣teth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy; and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

6. All the days that he separa∣teth himself unto the LORD, he shall come at no dead body.

7. He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.

8. All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.

9. And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath de∣filed the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

10. And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons to the priest, to the door of the ta∣bernacle of the congregation.

11. And the priest shall offer the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.

12. And he shall consecrate un∣to the LORD the days of his se∣paration, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass-offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

13. And this is the law of the Nazarite: When the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

14. And he shall offer his offer∣ing unto the LORD, one he-lamb of the first year without blemish, for a burnt-offering, and one ew-lamb of the first year without blemish, for a sin-offering, and one ram without blemish, for peace-offerings.

15. And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oyl, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oyl, and their meat-offering, and their drink-of∣ferings.

16. And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin-offering, and his burnt-offering.

17. And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat-offering, and his drink-offering.

18. And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation, at the door of the tabernacle of the con∣gregation; and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace-offerings.

19. And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer; and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his se∣p••ration is shav••n.

20. And the priest shall wave them for a wave-offering before the LORD; this is holy for the priest, with the wave-breast and heave-shoulder: and after that, the Nazarite may drink wine.

21. This is the law of the Na∣zarite, who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation, besides that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

22. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

23. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

24. The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

25. The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious un∣to thee.

26. The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

27. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

2. A vow of a Na∣zarite: i. e. A Reli∣gious promise of Ab∣stinence, for the He∣brew word signifies to separate or ab∣stain, Gen. 49.26. To separate them∣selves: Or, make themselves Nazarites. Ʋnto the LORD: By this Vow the Nazarite was separated to a greater mea∣sure of Sanctity, and Obedience; and therefore may be said to be separated unto the Lord; As the Priests were, whose Office and Employment required of them great degrees of Holiness.

3. From wine, and strong drink: That is, from Wine and any other Liquor that is apt to bring Drunkenness upon the drinker. From new and old Wine, says Onkelos. The Priests are under the same Prohibition when they went into the Tabernacle, Levit. 10.9. They who professed more than ordinary Sanctity, were obliged to abstain from Wine, as that which might make them forget the Law, and might deprive them of the Power of judging of things a-right, Prov. 31.5. Hos. 4.11. Isa. 28.7. with Levit. 10.10, 11.

4. Separation: Or, Nazariteship. See v. 1. Vine-tree: Heb. Vine of the Wine.

5. Rasor: Judg. 13.5. 1 Sam. 1.11. By Rasor here, is meant any thing which took off the Hair. Grow: In to∣ken that he hath pre∣served himself from legal defilements. For had he not, he would have been obliged to cut off his Hair. See v. 9. and Levit. 14.8, 9. And therefore this is fitly subjoined to those words, He shall be holy; of which the growth of Hair was a proof.

6. Dead body: This was a Figure of dead Works, which do re∣ally (as a dead Body did legally) defile the Man.

7. He shall not make himself unclean, &c. This Law was also given to the Priest. See the Notes on Levit. 21.1. Con∣secration: Heb. Se∣paration.

9. Defiled: Viz. By transgressing, v. 6. His cleansing: This day was the Seventh from his defilement, according to the Law in this case, Numb. 19.11, 12.

11. Sinned: i. e. Contracted a Legal defilement by the Dead. Hallow his head: i. e. Sanctifie or separate his Head a-new.

12. Lost: Heb. Fall, i. e. They shall not come into account, as the Greek have it.

14. His offering: Both his Offering of Praise (or Peace-of∣fering) for his having performed his Vow: And also his Ex∣piatory-offerings (or Burnt and Sin-offer∣ings) in token of his need of God's Mercy and Pardon, even when he had done his best, 1 Cor. 4.4.

15. Ʋnleavened bread: See Levit. 7.12. And their meat-offering, and their drink-offerings: i. e. Besides what is men∣tioned before the or∣dinary

Meat-offering and Drink-offerings; of which see Numb. 28.

18. And the Na∣zarite: Act. 21.24. Shave: This Shaving differs from that men∣tioned v. 9. which was for Uncleanness contracted; whereas this was out of thank∣fulness, for having ful∣filled the Vow, and for that reason the Hair was put into the fire, under the Eucharistical or Peace-offering.

19. The sodden shoulder: This must be understood of the left shoulder, because the right shoulder (called the heave-shoulder, Levit. 7.34. and in the 20th Verse of this Chapter) was the portion of the Priest out of every Peace-offering, Le∣vit. 7.32. Hence this Shoulder (which is an additional por∣tion belonging to the Priest from the Nazarite's Peace-offering) is said to be holy for the Priest, with the Wave-breast and Heave-shoulder, (v. 20.) which two last were reserved as his portion before, Levit. 7.34.

20. For a wave-offering: Exod. 29.27.

21. Besides that, &c. He is obliged, though poor, to do all which is prescri∣bed before; but if he be rich, he may add to it.

23. Aaron and un∣to his sons: It was the proper Office of the Priests to bless the People, Deut. 21.5. 1 Chron. 23.13.

24. Bless thee: That is, send thee plenty of good things▪ Keep thee: i. e. Preserve thee in that good and blessed E∣state.

25. Make his face to shine upon thee, &c. That is, manifest his great favour towards thee. This God did when he sent Christ into the World, who was the Light of it. And this great Blessing may well be supposed to be couched under these words: Compare with these words, 2 Cor. 4.4.

26. The LORD, &c. i. e. The Lord take thee into his care and special Pro∣vidence; and as a proof of that, give thee all the tokens of his kindness, the greatest of his benefits and favours.

27. They shall put my Name, &c. i. e. They shall in my Name pronounce this Blessing upon them.

CHAP. VII.

The ARGUMENT.

The Offerings of the Princes of the several Tribes upon the setting up of the Tabernacle, and for the dedica∣ting of the Altar. The Summ of what was offered collected. God speaketh to Moses from off the Mercy-seat.

1. AND it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had a∣nointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

2. That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers (who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were num∣bred) offered,

3. And they brought their offe∣ring before the LORD, six cove∣red wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

4. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

5. Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the ta∣bernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Le∣vites, to every man according to his service.

6. And Moses took the wagons, and the oxen, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gave them unto the Levites,

7. Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon according to their service.

8. And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Me∣rari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ith••∣mar the son of Aaron the priest.

9. But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them, was that they should bear upon their shoulders.

10. And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar, in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.

11. And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall of∣fer their offering each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.

12. And he that offered his offe∣ring the first day; was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.

13. And his offering was one sil∣ver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of se∣venty shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offering:

14. One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

15. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-ffering:

16. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

17. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Ammina∣dab.

18. On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer.

19. He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the san∣ctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offering.

20. One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense.

21. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

22. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

23. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

24. On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer.

25. His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary,

both of them full of fine flower mingled with oyl, for a meat-offering:

26. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

27. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

28. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

29. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.

30. On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer.

31. His offering was one silver charger, of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offering:

32. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

33. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

34. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

35. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36. On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer.

37. His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offering:

38. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

39. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

40. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

41. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

42. On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered.

43. His offering was one silver charger, of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl for a meat-offering:

44. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

45. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

46. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

47. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48. On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered.

49. His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl for a meat-offe∣ring:

50. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

51. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

52. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

53. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54. On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pe∣dahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh.

55. His offering was one silver charger of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offering:

56. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

57. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

58. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

59. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60. On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered.

61. His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offe∣ring:

62. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

63. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

64. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

65. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.

66. On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishad∣dai, prince of the children of Dan, offered.

67. His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offe∣ring:

68. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

69. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

70. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

71. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Ahlezer the son of Ammishaddai.

72. On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered.

73. His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offe∣ring:

74. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

75. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

76. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

77. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran.

78. On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered.

79. His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oyl, for a meat-offering:

80. One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

81. One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt-offering:

82 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering:

83. And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

84. This was the dedication of the altar (in the day when it was a∣nointed) by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:

85. Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary.

86. The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels a-piece, after the shekel of the san∣ctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels.

87. All the oxen for the burnt-offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat-offering: and the kids of the goats for sin-offering, twelve.

88. And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace-offe∣rings, were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he-goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anoint∣ed.

89. And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congrega∣tion, to speak with him; then he heard the voice of one speaking un∣to him from off the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

1. ON the day: These words do by no means import a precise time, as will appear not only from the use of the words elsewhere (Gen. 2.4.35.3.) but from the 10th and 11th Verses of this Chapter. And therefore these words bring in the Relation of what hap∣pened after the erecting the Tabernacle, but by no means import that it came to pass assoon as ever the Tabernacle was set up and anointed. So that the numbring of the Tribes, and the ordering of their Standards, &c. before mentioned, may be allowed to have come to pass before this Offering of the Princes. Set up: Which was done on the first day of the first Month, Exod. 40.17, 18. Anointed them, and sanctified, &c. i. e. Had by anointing set them a-part to their holy or separate use, Exod. 40.9. with Le∣vit. 8.11, 12.

2. And were: Heb. Who stood. Thus these Men are said to stand with Moses and Aaron in numbring the People, Numb. 1.5.

3. Their offering: i. e. Their Gift, or Gifts, as the Latin and Greek well ren∣der the word; for the Gifts which they brought were direct∣ed to several purpo∣ses, as appears afterward.

5. To every man according to his ser∣vice: That is, To each according to their necessity. And so it was ordered af∣terward, that the Sons of Koh••••h had none of the Wagons, because their share was to be ta•••••• on Shoulders (v. 9.) The Sons of Gershon had two Wa∣gons allowed them, they being the smallest number of all the Levites, and having a greater Burden than the K••••••∣thites. But to the Sons of Merari, who had charge of the far greatest Burden, four Wagons are given.

8. Ithamar: See ch. 4.33.

9. Shoulders: Ch. 4.6, 8, 10, 11, 12▪ 14. with 2 Sam. 6.7▪ 2 Chron. 15.13.

10. Dedicating: Things are then said to be dedicated when they are first applyed to their right end and use. And such Dedications have in things of great moment been accom∣panied with solemn expressions of Joy and Devotion, •• Chron. 7.5, 7. Ezra 6.16, 17. 2 Macoab. 4.54, 56. Joh. 10.22. In the day: See v. 1.

12. Nahshon: He offered first being of the Tribe of Judah, which held the prin∣cipal place among the Tribes, and had the first Standard, ch. 2.3. The rest are reckoned up according to the order of their Encamp∣ing about the Sanctuary, ch. 2. Though Nahshon offered first, and might upon that account be envyed, and was the more conspicuous for the place he held, yet is he so far from being upon that account magnified in this Holy Writ, that he is the onely person among these Offerers who is not called here Prince of his Tribe.

13. Meat-offering: Levit. 2.1.

16. Sin-offering: Levit. 4.23.

19. He offered, See Envy and Ill-will, Vain-boasting, and Contempt of each o∣ther are very incident to Men of equal Au∣thority and Place, when they are to re∣present their several Tribes and Families, and express their Munificence. For the preventing of which, and of any occasion thereof, we have an intimation of these following Remedies. [I.] The Order in which they were to offer was provided for by the placing them about the Sanctuary by Divine Appointment, ch. 2. [II.] Some of their Gifts were presented together; viz. the Wagons and Oxen, v. 3, 6. [III.] Their Gifts were all equal. [IV.] There is a particular recital of the things which every Prince offered at large. [V.] The First-offerer, who was most likely to be envyed, is not called a Prince. See v. 12.

84. In the day: See the Notes on v. 1. compared with v. 88.

89. Into the taber∣nacle: At least into the Holy Place, and then he heard the voice thither from the Most Holy. Him: That is, God.

CHAP. VIII.

The ARGUMENT.

Of lighting the lamps in the Holy Place. The manner of Consecrating the Levites. They are taken in lieu of the First-born, and given to the Priests. Of the Age and time of the Levites Service.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

3. And Aaron did so; he light∣ed the lamps thereof, over against the candlestick; as the LORD commanded Moses.

4. And this work of the candle∣stick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft thereof, unto the flowers there∣of, was heaten work: according unto the pattern which the LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick.

5. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

6. Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.

7. And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.

8. Then let them take a young bullock with his meat-offering, even fine flour mingled with oyl, and ano∣ther young bullock shalt thou take for a sin-offering.

9. And thou shalt bring the Levites before the taber∣nacle of the congregation, and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together.

10. And thou shalt bring the Le∣vites before the LORD, and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites.

11. And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD, for an offering of the children of Israel; that they may execute the service of the LORD.

12. And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the ••eads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites.

13. And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto the LORD.

14. Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine.

15. And after that, shall the Levites go in, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shall cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.

16. For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even in stead of the first-born of all the children of Israel, have I ••a••en them unto me.

17. For all the first-born of the children of Israel are mine, both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and beast on the day that I smote every first-born in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for my self.

18. And I have taken the Levites for all the first-born of the children of Israel.

19. And I have given the Le∣vites as a gift to Aaron, and to his sons, from among the children of Israel; to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the chil∣dren of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary.

20. And Moses and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them.

21. And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes: and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made at atonement for them to cleanse them.

22. And after that, went the Levites in, to do their service in the tabernacle of the congregation before Aaron and before his sons: as the LORD had commanded Mo∣ses concerning the Levites, so did they unto them.

23. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

24. This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old, and upward, they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congrega∣tion;

25. And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve •••• more:

26. But shall minister with their brethren in the ta∣bernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touch∣ing their charge.

2. When thou light∣est, &c. Exod. 25.37. and 40.25. The Hebrew word implies lifting up, which consists very well with our rendring, this lifting up being in order to lighting.

3. Over against the candlestick: Heb. Over against the face of the candlestick; i. e. To the other

side of the Sanctuary (which had no Windows) where the Table of Shew-bread stood. See Exod. 25.37. and the Vulgar Latin in this place.

4. And this work, &c. See Exod. 25.31. Beaten work: See Exod. 25.18.

6. Levites: i. e. The remainder of the Tribe beside the Priests.

7. Water of puri∣fying: i. e. The Wa∣ter made with the Ashes of a Red Hei∣fer, of which see ch. 19. Let them shave, &c. Heb. Let them cause a rasor to pass over. See Levit. 14.8, 9. Numb. 6.9.

8. A young bullock, viz. for a burnt-offe∣ring, v. 12. which, though first named here was to be offe∣red in the second place. His meat-offering: See Numb. 28.12.

10. Put their hands▪ As the Offe∣rer was wont to do by his Sacrifice, so the Representatives

of the Israelites, at least, are required thus to dedicate the Levites in lieu of their First-born.

11. Offer: Heb. Wave. Offering: Heb. Wave-offering. The Latin renders it Gift, Eph. 4.8, 11. They may execute, &c. Heb. They may be to execute.

14. Mine: Chap. 3.45.

17. For all the first-born: Exod. 13.2. ch. 3.13. Luk. 2.23.

19. A gift: Heb. Given. The Levites were subject to the Priests, and were to minister to them in the service of the Sanctuary. To make an atonement: Not to offer Sacrifices, which was the Office of the Priests, but to make an Atonement, as they ministred to the Priests who did it, and as in the People's room and stead they worship∣ped God according to his own direction, and by that means, kept off from the People the tokens of God's An∣ger and Displeasure due to the Despisers and Profaners of his Worship.

24. From twenty and five years: See the Notes on chap. 4.3. To wait: Heb. To war the warfare.

25. Cease waiting upon the service: Heb. Return from the war∣fare of the service.

CHAP. IX.

The ARGUMENT.

The Law of the Passeover repeated. A Second Passeover allowed for the Ʋnclean or the Absent. The Cloud attends upon the Tabernacle, and guides the Israelites in their Removings.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilder∣ness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year, after they were come out of the land of Egypt, say∣ing,

2. Let the children of Israel al∣so keep the passeover at his appointed season.

3. In the fourteenth day of this month at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof shall ye keep it.

4. And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passeover.

5. And they kept the passeover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even, in the wilderness of Sinai: ac∣cording to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.

6. And there were certain men who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passeover on that day; and they came before Moses, and before Aa∣ron on that day.

7. And those men said unto him, We are defiled by the dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer an offering of the LORD in his appointed season among the children of Israel?

8. And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.

9. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

10. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you, or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passeover unto the LORD.

11. The fourteenth day of the second month at even, they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

12. They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the or∣dinances of the passeover, they shall keep it.

13. But the man that is clean, and is not in a jour∣ney, and forbeareth to keep the passeover; even the s••••e soul shall be cut off from his people, because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season: that man shall bear his sin.

14. And if a stranger shall so∣journ among you, and will keep the passeover unto the LORD, ac∣cording to the ordinance of the passeover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

15. And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, untill the morning.

16. So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.

17. And when the cloud was taken up from the taber∣nacle; then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.

18. At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed: and at the command∣ment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle, they rested in the tents.

19. And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and jour∣neyed not.

20. And so it was when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.

21. And so it was when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morn∣ing, then they journeyed: whether it was by day, or by night, that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.

22. Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year that the cloud tarried upon the taberna∣cle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.

23. At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD, by the hand of Moses.

1. IN the first month: viz. When the Passeover was to be kept, Exod. 12.2, 3. This was before the numbring of the People. See ch. 1.1.

2. Keep: Exod. 12.1. Levit. 23.5. ch. 28.16. Deut. 16.2. This is a special command to the Israelites: For the Passeover was annexed to the Land of Canaan in its first Institution, Exod. 12.25. Nor do we find that it was at any time beside this kept in the Wilderness, or that they were any farther obliged to it in the Wilderness where they might not be provided with L••••be, and where they continued in their Uncircumcision, Exod. 12.48. with Josh. 5.5.

3. At even: Heb. Between the two eve∣nings. According to all the rites, &c. i. e. According to all the Rites, &c. which were standing and perpetual, and not peculiar to the Passeover of Egypt. See Exod. 12.43, &c.

6. Who were de∣filed by the dead, &c. Such as these might not keep the Passe∣over; not because it was so provided at the first Institution of it, but by some other Laws which were made after∣ward, by which they were forbidden the use of Holy Things, and coming into the Sanctuary during their Un∣cleanness, Levit. 1.20. chap. 22.3. Numb. 5.2. and ch. 19.11. They came before Moses, &c. Though there were a Law made which excluded him that was defiled by the Dead from the Camp (chap. 5.2.) yet was not this Law made till afterwards. (Compare ch. 1.1. with ch. 9.1.) Nor was such a person excluded from the Levi•••• Camp, where Moses and Aaron were, but from the San∣ctuary onely. See the Notes on ch. 5.2.

7. An offering of the LORD: i•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Oblation or Gift ••••••∣scribed by him, and dedicated to his Ho∣nour. For so the Hebrew word Corban,

here used, signifies sometime, and not that which was offe∣red upon the Altar, Mark 7.11.

10. Shall be un∣clean by reason of a dead body: Tho' this Uncleanness be onely named, yet, from what hath been said on v. 6. it is credible, That other Unclean∣ness of as great a degree as this, did also put a barr to the Celebration of the Passeover. Afar off: i. e. So far off as that he could not be present at the place which the Lord should choose.

12. Nor break: Exod. 12.46. Joh. 10.36. To all the ordinances, &c. i. e. All the standing Or∣dinances (for there were some peculiar to the first Passeover in Egypt) viz. The taking up the Lamb on the tenth day, Exod. 12.3. stri∣king the Blood on the two Side-posts, and on the upper Door-post, ch. 12.7. with Loins girded, and Shooes on their Feet, &c. (v. 11.) Such as were (1.) The keeping it in the Evening, v. 11. with Exod. 12.6. (2.) With un∣leavened Bread and bitter Herbs, v. 11. with Exod. 12.8. (3.) The leaving none of it to the morning, v. 12. with Exod. 12.8. (4.) Not breaking a Bone of it, v. 12. with Exod. 12.46. (5.) The same Law for the Stranger and Native, v. 14. with Exod. 12.49.

14. Ye shall ha••e one Ordinance, &c. Exod. 12.49.

15. On the day: Exod. 40.34. The tent of the testimony: i. e. The Holy of ••o∣lies where the Law (or Testimony) was lodged.

18. At the Com∣mandment of the LORD: The Cloud was the sign of God's Will, Psal. 105.39. As long: 1 Cor. 10.1.

19. Tarried long: Heb. prolonged. Kept the charge of the LORD: i. e. They followed the directi∣on

which God gave them by the Cloud, and continued in their Camp round about the Tabernacle, and journeyed not.

21. Abode: Heb. Was.

22. Abode in their tents: Exod. 40.36, 37.

23. By the hand of Moses: That is, by the Ministery of Moses, who was their Law-giver and Di∣recter under God.

CHAP. X.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the two Silver Trumpets, and of their Ʋse. The Is∣raelites remove from the Wilderness of Sinai to that of Paran. The Order of their March. Moses desires Hobab not to depart. What Moses said at the Re∣moving, and Resting of the Ark.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Make thee two trumpets of silver: of an whole piece shalt thou make them that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.

3. And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

4. And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.

5. When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east-parts shall go forward.

6. When ye blow an alarm, the second time, then the camps that lie on the south-side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys.

7. But when the congregation is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but you shall not sound an a∣larm.

8. And the sons of Aaron the priests shall blow with the trum∣pets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

9. And if you go to war in your land against the enemy that oppres∣seth you, then ye shall blow an a∣larm with the trumpets, and ye shall be remembred before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.

10. Also in the day of your glad∣ness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt-offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace-offerings; that they may be to you for a me∣morial before your God: I am the LORD your God.

11. And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was ta∣ken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.

12. And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai, and the cloud rested in the wil∣derness of Paran.

13. And they first took their journey, according to the command∣ment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

14. In the first place went the standard of the camp of the chil∣dren of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

15. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar, was Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

16. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun, was Eliab the son of Helon.

17. And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

18. And the standard of the camp of Reuben set for∣ward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.

19. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon, was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

20. And over the host of the tribe of the children of God, was Eliosaph the son of Deuel.

21. And the Kohathites set for∣ward, bearing the sanctuary; and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.

22. And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies; and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.

23. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh, was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

24. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, was Abidan the son of Gideoni.

25. And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set for∣ward, which was the rere-word of all the camps throughout their hosts, and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

26. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.

27. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Nephtali, was Ahira the son of Enan.

28. Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel, according to their armies, when they set for∣ward.

29. And Moses said unto Ho∣bab, the son of Raguel the Midia∣nite, Moses's father-in-law, We are journeying unto the place, of which the LORD said, I will give it you; come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath sp••••••n good concerning Israel.

30. And he said unto him, I will not go, but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.

31. And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us in stead of eyes.

32. And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea it shall be, that what goodness the LORD shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.

33. And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days journey: and the ark of the cove∣nant of the LORD went before them in the three days journey, to search out a resting-place for them.

34. And the cloud of the LORD was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp.

35. And it came to pass when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee, flee before thee.

36. And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the ma∣ny thousands of Israel.

2. Two Trumpets: The Sons of Aaron, who were to blow with these Trumpets, v. 8. were but two at this time; when their number was en∣creased, the number of Trumpets was also greater, 2 Chron. 5.12. An whole piece: viz. For the greater strength, and preserving the more distinct and separate Sound, 1 Cor. 14.8.

3. Blow with them: i. e. When the Priests (v. 8.) shall blow, or make a simple or e∣ven Sound (v. 5.) with both of them, (v. 4.)

5. An alarm: Or, Loud and broken Sound, as the He∣brew word imports, and the Context intimates: Compare 1 Sam. 4.5. as it is in the Hebrew Text.

6. Second time: The other times are also to be understood, and are expressly mentioned by the Greek Interpreters.

7. Not sound, &c. Because there will be no need of a loud Call. See v. 3. and v. 5.

8. An ordinance for ever: i. e. Not onely during the stay in the Wilderness, but also in After-ages, expressed here by throughout your generations, 2 Chron. 5.12.

9. And ye shall be remembred, &c. That is, God will be mer∣cifull to you. See On∣kelos, and what fol∣lows. But then it is to be considered, that they were obliged by the blowing of the Trumpets to be awakened to a sense of their Sin, and the need of God's Mercy, Isa. 58.1. with Joel 2.15, 16, 17. 2 Chron. 13.14.

10. Gladness: viz. Upon the account of Victory obtained, or other times of extra-ordinary joy and fe∣stivity. Solemn days: Or, Stated festivals of God's appointment, Levit. 23. Ye shall blow with the trum∣pets: This was (as

hath been observed) the work of the Priests. Compare with this place, ch. 29.1. 1 Chron. 15.24. 2 Chron. 5.12. and 7.6. and 29.26. Ezra 3.10. Nehem. 12.35. Psal. 81.3.

13. According to the commandment of the LORD: The Will and Pleasure of God was signified to them by the removal of the Cloud, v. 11, 12. And by his express Command of which we find mention, Deut. 1.6, 7.

14. In the first place: Chap. 2.3. Nahshon: Ch. 1.4.

20. Deuel: See ch. 2.14.

21. Sanctuary: Ch. 4.4. The other; That is, the Gersh••nites and the Merarites, v. 17. This they did, that the Ark and other Holy Utensils, carried by the Kohathites, might be forth with received into their proper places.

25. Rere-ward: On the North-side, ch. 4.25. Here were collected or gathered together those not mentioned before, and such as were less able to fight; and those who were legally unclean (ch. 5.2.) did (as is pro∣bable) attend upon his hindmost Standard. See Josh. 6.9, 13.

28. Thus: Heb. These.

29. H••bab: The Father-in-law of Mo∣ses, as he is called expressly, Jud. 4.11. Elsewhere called Je∣thro, Exod. 3.1. ••••. 18.1.

31. In stead of eyes: If not to guide us in our way, which the Cloud was ap∣pointed to do, yet to advise and coun∣sel us upon occasion. See Exod. 18. and the Greek on this place.

33. The mount of the LORD: That is, Mount Sinai, when God had after a glo∣rious manner reveal∣ed himself unto the Israelites. To search out a resting-place for them: i. e. To prepare a place where the People might encamp, which was signified to them by the resting of the Cloud over the Ark.

35. Rise up, LORD: Psal. 68.1, 2. Moses speaks to God, who in the Ark was more peculiarly present. Compare v. 33. with Deut. 1.33.

36. Many thou∣sands: Heb. Ten thou∣sand thousands.

CHAP. XI.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the Burning at Taberah. The Israelites lust for Flesh, and despise Monna. Moses complains to God of his great Burden. Seventy Men are appointed to bear the Burden with him. Quails are given in an∣ger. A Plague is sent among them. The place called Kibroth-Hattaavah. The Israelites remove thence to Hazeroth.

1. AND when the people com∣plained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it, and his anger was kindled, and ••e f••e of the LORD burnt among ••hem, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

2. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.

3. And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them.

4. And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept a∣gain, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

5. We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the gar∣lick:

6. But now our soul is dried a∣way; there is nothing at all, be∣sides this manna, before our eyes.

7. And the manna was as cori∣ander-seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium.

8. And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oyl.

9. And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.

10. Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the an∣ger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.

11. And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burthen of all this people upon me?

12. Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom (as a nursing-father beareth the sucking child) unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

13. Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this peo∣ple? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.

14. I am not able to bear all this people alone, beca••se it is too heavy for me.

15. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

16. And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

17. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them, and they shall bear the burthen of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thy self alone.

18. And say thou unto the peo∣ple, Sanctifie your selves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh (for you have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with u•• in Egypt) therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.

19. Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five d••ys, neither ten days, nor twenty days;

20. But even a whole month, untill it come out at your nostrils, and it be lothsome unto you: because that ye have despi∣se•• the LORD which is among you, and have wept be∣fore him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?

21. And Moses said, The people amongst whom I am, ••••t six hundred thousand foot men; and thou hast said, I will gi••e them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.

22. Sha•••• the flocks and the ••••rd•• be slain for them to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them to suffice them?

23. And the LORD said un∣to to Moses, Is the LORD's hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my words shall come to pass unto thee, or not.

24. And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the el∣ders of the people, and set them round about the taberna∣cle.

25. And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the se∣venty elders: and it came to pass that when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

26. But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them (and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle) and they prophesied in the camp.

27. And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesie in the camp.

28. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

29. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD's people were pro∣phets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them.

30. And Moses got him into the camp, he and the el∣ders of Israel.

31. And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a days journey on this side, and as it were a days journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high, upon the face of the earth.

32. And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least, gathered ten homers, and they spread them all abroad for themselves round a∣bout the camp.

33. And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed; the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

34. And he called the name of that place, Kibroth-hattaavah: be∣cause there they buried the people that lusted.

35. And the people journeyed from Kibroth-hattaavah, unto Ha∣zeroth: and abode at Hazeroth.

1. COmplained: Heb. Were as it were complain∣ers. They began to mutter, and were dis∣content and uneasie upon their three days march, (ch. 10.38.) but did not openly mutiny and complain, as they did afterwards. It displea∣sed the LORD: Heb. It was evil in the ears of the LORD. The LORD heard it: It is not said that Mo∣ses heard it, as it is (v. 10.) when they openly complain∣ed. Fire of the LORD: i. e. A Fire which the Lord sent among them. Burnt: Psal. 78.21.

2. Was quenched: Heb. Sunk.

3. Taberah: That is, Burning.

4. Mixt multi∣tude: As, Exod. 12.38. Fell a lusting: Heb. Lusted a lust. Wept again: Heb. Returned and wept. Who shall give: 1 Cor. 10.6. This was a Sin distinct from that mentioned v. 1. and a greater and more severely pu∣nished, (compare v. 1. with v. 33.) and much aggrava∣ted upon the following accounts. [I.] Their Discontent (v. 1.) was improved into an open complaint, v. 4, 5, 6.) [II.] They declared their Distrust of God's Power and Pro∣vidence, of which they had had great experience, v. 4. and v. 18. with Psal. 78.22. [III.] They unthankfully despised God and his former Mercies, v. 6, 7, 20. [IV.] They cove∣tously desire Flesh, when they had much Cattel of their own, Exod. 12.32, 38. with Numb. 32.4. [V.] And this they did after God had plentifully provided for their natural necessities, Exod. 16.2.

5. Freely: With∣out price, or for a very mean price. The over-flowing of Nile may well be suppo∣sed to afford great plenty; and besides, that some of the Egyptians, at least by their Religion, could not lawfully taste them, [Hero∣dot. Book II.] nor yet the Onions, &c. which follow.

6. Dried away: Like the Earth that is parched and ren∣dered barren for want of moisture.

7. The Manna: Exod. 16.14, 31. The following words give us an account, that the Manna ought not to have been contemned, as here it is: For, (1.) It was pleasant to the sight: (2.) Of a delightfull taste: (3.) Fit to be dressed and prepared se∣veral ways, or, with great variety: (4.) It was fresh eve∣ry morning: (5.) And easily obtained. Colour thereof as the colour of: Heb. The eye of it as the eye of. Bdelli∣um: Chrystal, say the Greek. See Exod. 16.31.

8. Fresh oyl: It had the taste at once of Oyl and Honey, two of the choicest provisions of nature, Exod. 16.31.

12. As a nursing-father: That is, as one, who though he want not Compassi∣on, yet cannot quiet a sucking Child, as a nursing Mother, by her Breast.

15. Let me not see my wretchedness: i. e. Let me not suffer: To see death, is to die, Luk. 2.26. Psal. 89.48. To see Sal∣vation, is to be saved, Psal. 91.16.50.23. And to see Labour and Sorrow, is to suffer or to be miserable, Jer. 20.18.

16. Elders: Men at least grave for Wisedom, and of Place and Authori∣ty, who are called Officers: Such there were in Egypt, Exod. 5.14. And were to be in the Land of Promise, Deut. 16.18. And by the advice of Jethro, Ru∣lers had been chosen to judge in Civil and smaller Matters (Exod. 18.22, 26.) and of least difficulty. Stand there: viz. That they may thereby be the better known to the People, (compare v. 26, 27, 28.) and there receive the Spirit of Prophecy, (v. 25.)

17. Come down: Or, Reveal my self, as the Chaldee hath it. Take of the spi∣rit, &c. i. e. Impart of the same Gifts to them which were be∣stowed upon Moses; Which does not im∣ply any diminution to Moses, and is to be understood ac∣cording to the subject-matter in a Spiritual sense.

18. Sanctifie your selves: Or, Prepare your selves and be in readiness against to morrow, when you may expect Flesh.

20. Whole month▪ Heb. Month of days.

22. Fish: Who have a sort of Flesh, 1 Cor. 15.39.

23. Is the LORD's hand waxed short? Or, does the Lord want power? Isa. 50.2. and 59.1.

25. They prophesied and did not cease: i. e. They did hereupon, for some time, pro∣phesie without inter∣mission, in token of the power which God had endued them with, 1 Sam. 10.10. It does by no means hence follow that this continued with them, or that they were Prophets for the future. Their Prophesying, whether it were predicting Futu••ities, or e••∣plaining God's Will, was, in such a manner, as might b•• discerned by some visible and extraordinary Effect, (v. 27. and 1 Sam. 19.23, 24.)

26. Went not: Per∣haps, because not in the way when the Command was gi∣ven, or out of mo∣desty declining what they thought them∣selves unfit for, or under some legal defilement, which might hinder their approach to the Tabernacle, or under some other restraint, or impediment; vid. 1 Sam. 20.26. Jer. 36.5.

28. Forbid them: He not having seen them about the Ta∣bernacle (verse 16.) might question their authority.

31. A wind: Ex∣od. 16.13. Ps. 78.26. As it were a days journey▪ Heb. As it were the way of a day.

32. Ten Homers: That is, ten Ephahs, Ezek. 45.11.

33. Flesh: Psal. 78.30, 31.

34. Kibroth-hat∣taavah: That is, the graves of lust.

35. Abode at: Heb. They were in, &c.

CHAP. XII.

The ARGUMENT.

Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses. God's displea∣sure at it. Miriam is stricken with a Leprosie. She is shut out of the Camp seven days. The People rem•••••• from Hazeroth.

1. AND Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses, be∣cause of the Ethiopian woman, whom he had married: for he had mar∣ried an Ethiopian woman.

2. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken onely by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? and the LORD heard it.

3. (Now the man Moses was very meek▪ above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

4. And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

5. And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

6. And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet a∣mong you, I the LORD will make my self known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

7. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithfull in all mine house.

8. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the simili∣tude of the LORD shall he be∣hold: wherefore then were ye not a∣fraid to speak against my servant Moses?

9. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed.

10. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle, and behold, Mi∣riam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

11. And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

12. Let her not be as one dead; of whom the flesh is half consumed, when he cometh out of his mother's womb.

13. And Moses cryed unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

14. And the LORD said un∣to Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

15. And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days, and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

16. And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.

1. MIriam: A Prophetess, the Sister of Moses and Aaron, Exod. 15.20. She was prin∣cipal in the fault, as may be collected from this Verse, as it lies in the Hebrew Text, and from v. 10. compare 1 Tim. 2.13, 14. And thus the Sin of Lust began with the meaner and more feeble of the People, or mixt Multitude, ch. 11.4. Ethiopian: Or, Cushite; i. e. Zipporah, Exod. 2.21. Who was of the Land of Midian, which was in the Arabian Cush. See Hab••k. 3.7. compare Ezek. 30.9. 2 King. 19.9. 2 Chron. 14.9. with ch. 21.16. Isa. 18.1. and Zeph. 3.10. Married: Heb. Taken; i. e. Taken to Wife. That he had married a Stranger, and not one of the Stock of Israel, was perhaps the occasion of the Complaint; though the Jewish Writers affirm it to be upon the account of his separating from her, that he might with the greater freedom attend upon his holy Function.

2. Also by us? See Exod. 4.14, 15, 16. ch. 15.20. and Mic. 6.4. Heard it: i. e. Took notice of it so as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 punish it; Though Moses (such was his Meekness) did not regard it.

3. Very meek: Ec∣clus. 45.4.

6. In a vision: That is, an Enigma∣tical Representation of something there∣by signified. Such was that of the Wheels, and dry ••o••es in Ezekiel▪ Of the Ram in Daniel, &c. Hence a Prophecy is called a Vision, Isa. 1▪ 1. In a dream: Which was generally in the Night, and always when the Senses were suspended: And here the Representation was fre∣quently obscure, and not easily understood. Such was that of Jacob's Ladder, Pharaoh's Kine, &c.

7. Not so: i. e. He is a Prophet favour∣ed with clearer Re∣velations. Who is faithfull: Heb. 3.2.

8. Mouth to mouth, &c. Exod. 33.11. i. e. As one Friend speaketh to another, and that clearly, and not Enigmatically, when one thing is re∣presented and some∣thing else is meant, as in the Instances above-named of Visions and Dreams. The similitude of the LORD: No Man hath seen God, or can see him: The meaning is, That as Moses had the Will of God most plainly revealed to him, so he was admitted to a greater sight of his Glory than any other. See Exod. 33.22, 23.

10. Leprous: A fit punishment of Pride.

12. As one dead: The Leper was sepa∣rated from the Li∣ving, and defiled as the Dead.

14. Shut out: Vid. Lev. 23.46. with Numb. 19.11.

CHAP. XIII.

The ARGUMENT.

Heads of the several Tribes sent to search the Land of Canaan. Their Names. Moses gives them Instructi∣ons. Their Progress therein, and their Relation up∣on their return.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler a∣mong them.

3. And Moses by the command∣ment of the LORD, sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the chil∣dren of Israel.

4. And these were their names: Of the tribe of Reu∣ben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.

5. Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.

6. Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephun∣neh.

7. Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph.

8. Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nu••.

9. Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of R••••••••••.

10. Of the tribe of Zeb••l••••, Gaddiel the son of S••di.

11. Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi.

12. Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli.

13. Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.

14. Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi.

15. Of the tribe of Gad, G••nel the son of Machi.

16. These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun, Jehoshua.

17. And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way south-ward, and go up into the mountain.

18. And see the land what it is, and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, f•••• or many;

19. And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad, and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong hold;

20. And what the land is, whe∣ther it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land (now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes.)

21. So they went up and search∣ed the land, from the wilderness of Z••••, unto Rehob, as men come to H••math.

22. And they ascended by the s••••••h, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Tal∣••••••, the children of Anak were (now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt:)

23. And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from t••••••te a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they b••re it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

24. The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Is∣rael cut down from thence.

25. And they returned from searching of the land af∣ter forty days.

26. And they went and came to Moses and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shew∣ed them the fruit of the land.

27. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whi∣ther thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey, and this is the fruit of it.

28. Nevertheless, the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

29. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

30. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it.

31. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger then we.

32. And they brought up an e∣vil report of the land which they had searched, unto the children of Israel, saying, The land through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabi∣tants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

33. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight, as grashoppers, and so we were in their sight.

2. Send thou, &c. God gave this Com∣mand upon the Peo∣ple's request, as ap∣pears from Deut. 1.22.

3. Heads: Called Rulers v. 2. They were Men of Autho∣rity among their Tribes, Exod. 18.21.

16. Jehoshua: Or, as the Seventy, and Josephus, and the New Testament call him, Jesus, i. e. a Saviour, he being appointed to save the People, and bring them into the possession of the promised Land, and there∣in was a Type of our Blessed Saviour.

17. Moses sent them, &c. He did it by God's direction, v. 2. and after the People had desired it, Deut. 1.22. and not for his own satisfaction, or out of any distrust of God's Veracity. South-ward: i. e. Into the South part of the Land of Canaan; the most dry and barren part of it, Jo∣shua 14.1.3. with Judg. 1.15. and Psal. 126.4. Into the mountain: Or, Mountainous Region. See also ch. 14.40, 45.

20. Be ye of good courage: It required some Courage to bring away openly some of the Fruit of the Land; especially at that time it was more hazardous to bear away a Branch with a Cluster of the Grapes, and carry it openly between t•••••• Men, it being the time of the first ripe Grapes, when they were generally more watchfull of them.

21. Of Zin, unto Rehob: That is to say, from the South to the most Northern part of the Land, where Rehob was situate, something toward the West. H••math: Situate in the North toward the West.

22. Hebron: A Ci∣ty which was in the South part of the Country, and which fell to the Tribe of Judah. Anak: He was the Son of Arba, who gave denomina∣tion to Hebron, for it was called the City of Arba, Jos. 15.13. Gen. 23.2. Zoan: A principal City of the Egyp∣tians, who vaunted of their great Antiquity, Isa. 13.11.

23. And they came: Deut. 1.24. Brook: Or, Valley; and so v. 24.

24. Eshool: That is, A Cluster of Grapes.

27. Milk, &c. Exod. 33.3.

28. The people be strong, &c. The ten Spies discourage th•• People in these and the following words, and bewray great di∣strust of God, and the People soon imitate them, as ap∣pears from v. 31.

32. Eateth up the Inhabitants: H•••• they contradict them∣selves. Compare v. 28. and v. 33. Men of great stature: Heb. Men of statures.

CHAP. XIV.

The ARGUMENT.

The People murmur at the Report which the Spies made of the Land of Canaan. Joshua and Caleb endea∣vour to quiet them. God threatens to smite them with a Pestilence, and disinherit them. Moses inter∣cedes with God for them. God's Answer to Moses. The People are smitten by the Amalekites and Ca∣naanites.

1. AND all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.

2. And all the children of Is∣rael murmured against Moses, and against Aaron: and the whole con∣gregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt, or would God that we had died in this wilderness.

3. And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to re∣turn into Egypt?

4. And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

5. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assem∣bly of the congregation of the chil∣dren of Israel.

6. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes.

7. And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

8. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

9. Onely rebell not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the peo∣ple of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

10. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones: and the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregati∣on, before all the children of Israel.

11. And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

12. I will smite them with the pestilence, and disin∣herit them, and will make of thee a greater nation, and mightier then they.

13. And Moses said unto the LORD, Then the Egyptians shall bear it (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them.)

14. And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou, LORD, art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou go••st before them, by day-time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.

15. Now if thou shalt kill all this people, as one man; then the nations which have heard the fame of thee, will speak, saying,

16. Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

17. And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, say∣ing,

18. The LORD is long-suffe∣ring, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visi∣ting the iniquity of the fathers up∣on the children, unto the third and fourth generation.

19. Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people, according un∣to the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt, even until now.

20. And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

21. But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glo∣ry of the LORD.

22. Because all those men, which have seen my glory, and my miracles which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

23. Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fa∣thers, neither shall any of them that provoked me, see it:

24. But my servant Caleb, be∣cause he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully; him will I bring into the land, whereinto he went: and his seed shall possess it.

25. (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness, by the way of the Red sea.

26. And the LORD spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron, saying,

27. How long shall I bear with this evil congregation which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

28. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you.

29. Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbred of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have mur∣mured against me,

30. Doubtless ye shall not come into the land concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Je∣phunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

31. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.

32. But as for you, your carcases they shall fall in this wilderness.

33. And your children shall wan∣der in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wil∣derness.

34. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days (each day for a year) shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

35. I the LORD have said, I will surely do it un∣to all this evil congregation, that are gathered together a∣gainst me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.

36. And the men which Moses sent to search the land; who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land;

37. Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

38. But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.

39. And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly.

40. And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and

will go up unto the place which the LORD hath pro∣mised: for we have sinned.

41. And Moses said, Where∣fore now do you transgress the com∣mandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.

42. Go not up, for the LORD is not among you, that ye be not smitten before your enemies.

43. For the Amalekites, and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD; therefore the LORD will not be with you.

44. But they presumed to go up unto the hill-top: nevertheless, the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses departed not out of the camp.

45. Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.

2. Died in this wil∣derness: This which they foolishly wish for happens to them, v. 28, 29.

4. Let us return into Egypt: This was a great height of Wickedness; for God had delivered them from Egypt by a miraculous manner, and followed them ever since with miracles of Mercy. This

purpose of their Return speaks great Insolence, Ingratitude, and Contempt of God, Nehemiah 9.16, 17. Deut. 17.16.

5. Fell on their faces: Either to pray to God on their be∣half, or to prevail with the People to desist from so great a sin, Numb. 16.4.20.6. Deut. 1.29, 30.

6. Rent their clothes: This they did in token of Sor∣row.

9. They are bread: i. e. They will easily be devoured and de∣stroyed by us. Vid. ch. 24.8. Ps. 14.4. Their defence: Heb. Shadow. A Shadow being a defence a∣gainst Heat is used here for defence or protection. See Luk. 1.35. Ps. 91.1. Isa. 30.2. To which may be added Psal. 121.5, 6. The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand: The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. And it follows, v. 7. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. Their Defence was God, who hath now deserted them, their Ini∣quities being now full, Gen. 15.16. and it follows, The LORD is with us.

10. The glory of the LORD: By it is meant some extraor∣dinary light and brightness of the Cloud, as a sign of God's more special Presence at this time, in which his Servants were in dan∣ger of being stoned. See Exod. 24.16, 17. ch. 40.34. Levit. 9.23. Numb. 16.19, 42.20.6.

13. Moses said: Exod. 32.11.

14. Art seen face to face: i. e. Art known to be present by a visible sign thereof; see v. 10. Thy cloud: Exod. 13.21.

16. Able: Deut. 9.18.

17. Let the power of my Lord be great: i. e. Let the greatness of thy Power appear in pardoning and for∣bearing this People.

18. Long-suffering: Exod. 34.6. Ps. 103.8. Visiting the ini∣quity: Exod. 20.5. and 34.7.

19. Ʋntil now: Or, Hitherto.

20. I have pardon∣ed: At least God remits when he does not slay them as one Man and all at once, as the Israelites did deserve; and God, it is probable, had threatned, v. 15. with v. 12. though he did not wholly forgive the sin.

21. All the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD: q. d. Although this People be not brought into the promised Land, yet shall I be justified in my proceedings against them, and by my mighty and righteous Works sufficiently provide for the Honour of my Name (see v. 15, 16.) among all the Inha∣bitants of the Earth which shall hear of these things.

22. Because, &c. The destruction of the Israelites will not redound to the dishonour of God, because (I.) They

had been disobedient to him, they had tempted him, and provoked him. (II.) They were guilty of Rebellion a∣gainst God after the greatest Mercies, and proofs of God's Presence and Providence; they had seen his Glory and his Miracles. (III.) God did not punish them for their first fault, but they had often tempted him, which is here ex∣pressed by Ten times. See Gen. 31.7. (IV.) None of them are devoted to destruction but those who provoked God, v. 23, 24, 30. Nor are they destroyed suddenly.

23. Surely they shall not see the land: Heb. If they see the land.

24. Caleb: Josh. 14.6. With whom Joshua is reckoned, v. 30. Another spi∣rit: A Spirit of Cou∣rage and Truth, which ten of the Spies wanted.

25. (Now the A∣malekites and the Ca∣naanites dwelt in the valley:) God having consented, upon the Request of Moses, to spare the People, or not to destroy them suddenly (v. 20.) does here give them notice of their danger at present from the Amalekites and Canaanites, who at this time lay ready in the Valley to give them Battel. By Canaanites may well be understood any of the Inhabitants of the Land, Gen. 10.15, 18. or else perhaps some particular People or Family; for so the word Canaanite seems elsewhere to im∣port. Vid. Numb. 13.29. And whereas it is said, They dwelt in the valley, we need not extend it any farther than that they were there at this time, which does not contra∣dict what is said, v. 45.

28. As truly as I live: Chap. 26.65. and 32.11. Deut. 1.35.

29. From twenty years old and upward: Thus were the Peo∣ple numbred, ch. 1. but the Levites were numbred from a Month old and up∣ward, ch. 3.15. and are therefore not denounced against in the following words.

30. Sware: Heb. Lifted up my hand.

33. Wander: Or, Feed; like Herds∣men they shall shift from one place of the Desart to another. Forty years: These are to be reckoned from their coming out of Egypt, from which this was the second Year, Deut. 2.14. Whore∣doms:

i. e. The punishment thereof. Their departing from God, especially their Idolatry, is justly called a Spiritual Whoredom, or Fornication, ch. 15.39. Deut. 32.16.

34. Forty days: Psal. 95.10. Ezek. 4.6. My breach of promise: Or, Alte∣ring of my purpose. God cannot be said to break his Promise, or to alter his Pur∣pose. Nor do the ancient Versions favour such a rendring of this place: The Hebrew word onely imports a making void or breaking off: It imports here God's departure from this People who had first forsaken him, and failed in their Obedience which gave them a title to the promised good things, being the Condition on their part.

37. Died by the plague: 1 Cor. 10.10. Heb. 3.17. Jude v. 5.

40. We be here: Deut. 1.40.

41. The command∣ment: Mentioned v. 25.

44. The ark of the covenant: Their guide, ch. 10.33.

45. The Cananites: i. e. The Amorites, Deut. 1.44. See the Notes on v. 25. Discomfited: Deut. 1.44. Hormah: See ch. 21.3. So called here Proleptically, or, by way of An∣ticipation.

CHAP. XV.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the Meat-offering, and Drink-offering annexed to the S••crifices. The Proselyte is obliged to the same Law. Of the Cake for an Heave-offering. Of the Sacrifices for Sins of Ignorance. Of the presumptuous Sinner. Of him that gathered Sticks on the Sabbath Day. Of the Fringes.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habi∣tations, which I give unto you,

3. And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt-offering, or a sacrifice, in perform∣ing a vow, or in a free-will-offe∣ring, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:

4. Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD, bring a meat-offering of a tenth-deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oyl.

5. And the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink-offering shalt thou prepare, with the burnt-offering, or sa∣crifice, for one lamb.

6. Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat-offer∣ing, two tenth-deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oyl.

7. And for a drink-offering, thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

8. And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt-offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace-offerings unto the LORD.

9. Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat-offering of three tenth-deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oyl.

10. And thou shalt bring for a drink-offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire of a sweet sa∣vour unto the LORD.

11. Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid.

12. According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one, according to their number.

13. All that are born of the country, shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

14. And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offer∣ing made by fire of a sweet savour unto the LORD: as ye do, so he shall do.

15. One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and al∣so for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD.

16. One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.

17. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

18. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,

19. Then it shall be, that when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave-offering unto the LORD.

20. Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough, for an heave-offering: as ye do the heave-offer∣ing of the threshing-floor, so shall ye heave it.

21. Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD, an heave-offering in your generations.

22. And if ye have erred, and not observed all these command∣ments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses,

23. Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and hence-forward among your gene∣rations:

24. Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation; that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt-offer∣ing, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat-offering, and his drink-offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin-offering.

25. And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be for∣given them, for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin-offering before the LORD, for their igno∣rance.

26. And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance.

27. And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she-goat of the first year for a sin-offering.

28. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

29. You shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born amongst the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.

30. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously (whether he be born in the land, or a stran∣ger) the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

31. Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment; that soul shall utterly be cut off: his iniquity shall be upon him.

32. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks up∣on the sabbath-day.

33. And they that found him gathering sticks, brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congrega∣tion.

34. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.

35. And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death, all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

36. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

37. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

38. Speak unto the children of Israel, and hid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue.

39. And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the command∣ments of the LORD, and do them: and that ye seek not after your own heart, and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring.

40. That ye may remember, and do all my command∣ments, and be holy unto your God.

41. I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.

2. Speak: Levit. 23.10. When ye be come, &c. In these words they are given to understand that God would make good his Promise of giving the Land to their Children (ch. 14.31.) notwithstanding their Diffi∣dence and Murmurings, for which they were sentenced to die in the Wilderness, ch. 14.29.

3. An offering by fire: This is a gene∣ral expression of those Offerings which were in whole or part burnt upon the Altar. A burnt-offering, or a sacrifice: These two are the kinds of Offerings by Fire, to which the following Precept belongs. This Precept which follows, concerned the daily Burnt-offering as well as o∣thers, Exod. 29.40. By Sacrifice here is meant a Peace-offering: So the word Sacrifice does sometimes import, v. g. Exod. 18.12. Levit. 17.5, 8. ch. 22.37. Deut. 12.27. And that it does so here is evident from the words which follow, where we have mention of a Vow and Free-will-offering,

which are two of the distinct kinds contained under the general Head of Peace-offerings, Levit. 7.16. ch. 22.21. In performing: Heb. In separating, Levit. 22.21. Sweet Savour: Exod. 29.18.

4. Shall he: Le∣vit. 2.1. A tenth-deal: i. e. The tenth part of an Ephah, as the Vulgar Latin and Greek have it here, and is expressly said, Numb. 28.5. This tenth-deal of an Ephah is the same with an Omer. See the Note on Exod. 16.36. An Hin: This is a Measure of Liquids, contain∣ing about the quantity of our Gallon.

8. Or for a sacri∣fice: See the Note on v. 3. Peace-offer∣ings: i. e. The one kind thereof called a Free-will-offering, v. 3.

15. One ordinance: Exod. 12.49. chap. 9.14. Before the LORD: i. e. In matters relating to God's Service, which are here spoken of.

20. A cake of the first of your dough: This Cake was not to be offered upon the Altar, but to be given to the Priests, to whom all Heave-offerings, as well as the First-fruits, were due, ch. 18.8. The giving it to them, was giving it to the Lord, v. 19, 21. As ye do: See Levit. 2.14.

22. And not ob∣served, &c. See Le∣vit. 4.13. That place speaks of doing that which ought not to be done; This of not doing what ought to be done.

24. Committed: Or, admitted: For the word does not import this a Sin of Commission; and from the Context it appears, that a Sin of Omission is here spoken of. Without the knowledge: Heb. From the eyes. Man∣ner: Or, Ordinance.

27. If any soul: i. e. If any private person: Or, any one of the common people, as it is expressed, Le∣vit. 4.27.

29. Sinneth: Heb. Doeth.

30. Presumptuously: Heb. With an high hand: i. e. Wilfully and designedly, and not through igno∣rance and inadver∣tence.

31. Broken: Not onely broken, but disanulled and made void, by Contemn∣ing that Authority upon which the Commandment stands. His iniquity: i. e. The punish∣ment due upon account of his Sin.

32. Gathered sticks: Not onely gathered, but bound them up together, as the He∣brew word may well signifie, Exod. 5.7.

34. In ward: Le∣vit. 24.12. It was not declared, &c. They knew that he who

defiled the Sabbath, was obnoxious to Death, Exod. 31.14. ch. 35.2. But the kind of death they were not taught, and might be also at a loss, whether what this Man did was such a work as was forbid, and such as might be esteemed a defiling the Sabbath.

38. Bid them: Deut. 22.12. Matt. 23.5.

39. A whoring: This may be under∣stood of Idolatry, which is spiritual Whoredom.

CHAP. XVI.

The ARGUMENT.

The Rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. The Israelites separate from their Tents. The Earth swal∣lows up Korah, and those that belonged to him. A Fire from Heaven consumes them that offered Incense. The Censers are made into Plates. The People mur∣mur. A Plague is sent among them. Aaron makes Atonement for the People.

1. NOW Korah the son of Iz∣har, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi; and Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab; and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men.

2. And they rose up before Mo∣ses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred, and fifty prin∣ces of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown.

3. And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy every one of them, and the LORD is a∣mong them: wherefore then lift you up your selves above the con∣gregation of the LORD?

4. And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:

5. And he spake unto Korah, and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen, will he cause to come near unto him.

6. This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;

7. And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.

8. And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:

9. Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congre∣gation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation, to mini∣ster unto them?

10. And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?

11. For which cause both thou, and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?

12. And Moses sent to call Da∣than and Abiram the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up.

13. Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thy self altogether a prince over us?

14. Moreover, thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.

15. And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.

16. And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron to morrow:

17. And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censor, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also and Aa∣ron each of you his censer.

18. And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aa∣ron.

19. And Korah gathered all the congregation against them, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congre∣gation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

20. And the LORD spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron, saying,

21. Separate your selves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

22. And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

23. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

24. Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abi∣ram.

25. And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.

26. And he spake unto the con∣gregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

27. So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan and Abiram on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

28. And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works: for I have not done them of mine own mind.

29. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be vi∣sited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.

30. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

31. And it came to pass as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:

32. And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

33. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

34. And all Israel that were round about them, fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.

35. And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

36. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

37. Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder, for they are hallowed.

38. The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a co∣vering of the altar: for they offer∣ed them before the LORD, there∣fore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.

39. And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar.

40. To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

41. But on the morrow, all the congregation of the children of Is∣rael murmured against Moses, and against Aaron, saying, Ye have kil∣led the people of the LORD.

42. And it came to pass when the congregation was gathered a∣gainst Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.

43. And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.

44. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

45. Get you up from among this congregation, that I may con∣sume them as in a moment: and they fell upon their faces:

46. And Moses said unto Aa∣ron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atone∣ment for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.

47. And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.

48. And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stayed.

49. Now they that died in the plague, were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.

50. And Aaron returned unto Moses, unto the door of the taber∣nacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.

1. KOrah: Chap. 27.3. Ecclus. 45.18. Jude 11. This Korah was Cousin-German to Moses and Aaron; (Exod. 6.18, 20, 21.) And thought himself fit to be their Equal. Again, Elzaphan the Son of Ʋzziel, who was younger Brother to Izhar, (Exod. 6.18, 21, 22.) was appointed Chief of the House of the Father of the Fa∣milies of the Kohathites, (Numb. 3.30.) which might oc∣casion some discontent to Korah. Reuben: He was the First-born of Israel, but for his Sin was deprived of his Birth-right, (Gen. 49.3, 4.) and the Priviledges thereof, (1 Chron. 5.1, 2.) which his Posterity seditiously would usurp: They and Korah Confederate together: Besides their pretences, they had the easier opportunity of associa∣ting from their being placed by each other on the South∣side of the Camp, ch. 2. Took men: viz. The Two hun∣dred and fifty mentioned, v. 2.

2. Princes: Exod. 18.25. Numb. 1.16. Famous: Ch. 26.9.

3. Ye take too much upon you: Heb. It is much for you: i. e. Let it suffice that ye have hitherto exalted your selves. See Deut. 3.26.

4. He fell upon his face: See the Note on ch. 14.5.

5. Who are his: i. e. Who are chosen by him to govern and minister in holy things. And will cause, &c. That is, he will some way or other justifie the Vo∣cation of them to their eminent and separate Offices.

6. This do: This Command Moses gives by God's spe∣cial direction.

7. Before the LORD: That is, in the Sanctuary where God was more especially present.

9. To minister un∣to them? That is, to minister in their room and stead.

10. The priesthood: This was an higher Order above that of the Levites, and by God conferred upon Aaron and his Sons.

11. Against the LORD: They might well be said to ga∣ther together against the Lord, when they did it against those whom God had appointed, 1 Sam. 8.7. Luk. 10.16.

12. Moses sent to call Dathan, &c. He summoned them to come to him, by which means they might have been taken off from persist∣ing in their Sedition, by his perswasions, had they hearken∣ed to him.

14. Put out: Heb. Bore out.

15. Respect not, &c. Gen. 4.4.

19. The glory of the LORD: See the Note on ch. 14.10.

22. They fell: See v. 4. One man: Ko∣rah, who was the Principal, who sedu∣ced others into this Rebellion. See v. 1, 5, 8, 16, 19.

25. Went unto Da∣than, &c. Who refu∣sed to come to him, v. 12, 14.

26. Touch nothing of theirs: Because it is devoted to destru∣ction, Josh. 7.11.

27. Came out and stood: This seems to intimate their defi∣ance of Moses, and his Power, 1 Sam. 17.8, 16.

28. All these works: viz. The appointing Aaron to be Priest, and the Levites to minister, and his un∣dertaking the Go∣vernment, and appointing Korah and his Company to take Censers, v. 6.

29. The common death: Heb. As eve∣ry man dieth.

30. Make a new thing: Heb. Create a creature.

31. And it came to pass: Chap. 27.3. Deut. 11.6. Psal. 106.17.

32. And all the men: i. e. All those who continued with him at this time, and were of his Confede∣racy, which no way contradicts what is said, ch. 26.11. The children of Ko∣rah died not.

35. A fire from the LORD: See Le∣vit. 10.1, 2.

37. Ʋnto Elea∣zar: These evil Men attempted to deprive Aaron's Posterity of the Priesthood; and therefore Eleazar his Son is commanded to make the Censers into a standing Memorial of their fault, and of the Priesthood's being set∣led in the Family of Aaron. Out of the burning: Or, Out of the place where they who offered Incense were destroy∣ed by Fire, v. 35. Yonder: i. e. Farther from the Sanctu∣ary. Hallowed: That is, separated from common use (having been offered before the Lord, v. 38.) to the use which God should appoint them to.

38. Altar: That is, the Altar of Burnt-offering, and not the Altar of Incense, for this was over-laid with pure Gold, (Exod. 37.26.) and these Censers were of Brass, (v. 39.) Be∣sides, that the Altar of Incense was in the Holy place, out of the view of the People; and consequently Plates there placed would not serve as a sign to them.

41. On the mor∣row, &c. This Sin of theirs is greatly ag∣gravated from their having seen the strange Judgment of God upon the Seditious the day before.

42. The glory: See v. 19.

45. Fell, &c. See verse 4.

46. Take a censer, &c. God by what Aaron did and effe∣cted, did farther as∣sert his just Title to the Priesthood.

47. Put on incense, and made, &c. This Incense represented Prayer, and Aaron's offering it in behalf of the People, the intercession of Christ on our behalf, v. 48.

50. The plague was stayed: Upon Aa∣ron's offering Incense, a stop is put to the destruction; where∣as when they, who were not called of God, as Aaron, at∣tempted to offer it, the Judgment of God over-took them.

CHAP. XVII.

The ARGUMENT.

The Priesthood of Aaron and his Sons is confirmed by the Budding of Aaron's Rod. That Rod was to be kept for a Memorial.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers; of all their princes, accord∣ing to the house of their fathers, twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.

3. And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.

4. And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregati∣on, before the testimony, where I will meet with you.

5. And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.

6. And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod a-piece, for each prince one, accord∣ing to their father's houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aa∣ron was among their rods.

7. And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.

8. And it came to pass that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.

9. And Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod.

10. And the LORD said un∣to Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again, before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shal•• quite take away their murmu∣rings from me, that they die not.

11. And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he.

12. And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

13. Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the taber∣nacle of the LORD, shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?

2. Twelve rods: It is very probable that there were twelve besides the Rod of Aaron, for so many Princes there were, chap. 1. and chap. 7. and no less seems intimated, v. 6. And the Vulgar Latin there expressly affirms it.

3. Aaron's name: As the Prince or Head of the Tribe of Levi.

4. Before the testi∣mony: That is, be∣fore the Ark, which is called the Ark of the Testimony, (Ex∣od. 25.22.) because it contained the Tables of the Law, called the Testimony, (Exod. 25.16.) And that the Rods were laid in the Holy of Holies, is farther evident from this, That Moses was Commanded to bring again Aaron's Rod before the Testimony, (v. 10.) which was laid up in the Holy of Holies, Heb. 9.4. Where I will meet: Exod. 25.22.

5. Whom I shall choose: viz. To mi∣nister to me in the Priesthood.

6. A rod a-piece: Heb. A rod for one Prince, a rod for one Prince.

10. Aaron's rod: Heb. 9.4. To be kept for a token: That is, to be reserved or laid up for a token, and perpetual Memorial; For there were two Signs or Tokens of this matter; The Covering of the Altar, which was expo∣sed as a sign or token unto the Children of Israel, ch. 16.38. And the Rod of Aaron a reserved token against the Rebels, Rebels: Heb. Children of Rebellion.

12. We die: By this Miracle they are convinced of the dan∣ger they were in if they should at any time invade the Office of the Priesthood, or press beyond their allowed limits.

CHAP. XVIII.

The ARGUMENT.

The Charge and Office of the Priests and of the Levites. The several Portions or Dues to the Priests, and to the Levites.

1. AND the LORD said un∣to Aaron, Thou and thy sons, and thy fathers house with thee, shall bear the iniquity of the san∣ctuary, and thou and thy sons with thee, shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

2. And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joyned unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee, shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.

3. And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: onely they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the al∣tar, that neither they, nor you al∣so die.

4. And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

5. And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar; that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Is∣rael.

6. And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from a∣mong the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

7. Therefore thou and thy sons with thee, shall keep your priests office for every thing of the altar, and within the veil, and ye shall serve: I have given your priests of∣fice unto you, as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh, shall be put to death.

8. And the LORD spake un∣to Aaron, Behold, I also have gi∣ven thee the charge of mine heave-offerings, of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them, by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons by an or∣dinance for ever.

9. This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat-offering of theirs, and every sin-offering of theirs, and every tres∣pass-offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee, and for thy sons.

10. In the most holy place shalt thou eat it; every male shall eat it: it shall be holy unto thee.

11. And this is thine; the heave-offering of their gift, with all the wave-offerings of the chil∣dren of Israel: I have given them

unto thee, and to thy sons, and to thy daughters with thee, by a sta∣tute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.

12. All the best of the oyl, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the first-fruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.

13. And whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto the LORD, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house, shall eat of it.

14. Every thing devoted in Is∣rael, shall be thine.

15. Every thing that openeth the matrice in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless, the first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

16. And those that are to be redeemed, from a month old shalt thou redeem according to thine esti∣mation, for the money of five she∣kels, after the shekel of the sanctua∣ry, which is twenty gerahs.

17. But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not re∣deem, they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

18. And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave-breast, and as the right shoulder are thine.

19. All the heave-offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a co∣venant of salt for ever, before the LORD, unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

20. And the LORD spake unto Aaron, thou shalt have no inheri∣tance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part, and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

21. And behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel, for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, e∣ven the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

22. Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.

23. But the Levites shall do the service of the taber∣nacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their ini∣quity: It shall be a statute for ever throughout your ge∣nerations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.

24. But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave-offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no in∣heritance.

25. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

26. Thus speak unto the Levites, ••••d say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes, which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave-offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.

27. And this your heave-offe∣ring shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshing-floor, and as the fulness of the wine-press.

28. Thus you also shall offer an heave-offering unto the LORD, of all your tithes which ye receive of the chil∣dren of Israel: and ye shall give thereof the LORD's heave-offering to Aaron the priest.

29. Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave-offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof, out of it.

30. Therefore thou shalt say un∣to them, When ye have heaved the best thereof from it, then it shall be counted unto the Levites; as the increase of the threshing-floor, and as the increase of the wine∣press.

31. And ye shall eat it in every place, ye, and your housholds: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.

32. And ye shall bear no sin, by reason of it, when ye have hea∣ved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

1. SHall bear the ini∣quity of the sanctuary: That is, Shall be liable to pu∣nishment for the Profanation of the Sanctuary, of which they have the charge.

2. Before the ta∣bernacle of witness: That is, Not one∣ly at the Altar, but in the Holy Place, as also (which was the Office of the High-priest) in the Most Holy Place on

the day of Expiation, Levit. 16.2. whereas the outer Ser∣vices of the Sanctuary were left to the Levites.

3. They shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary, i. e. They shall not ap∣proach to them to minister, though they were to carry them in the Wilderness, Numb. 4.15. By the Vessels of the Sanctuary here, are meant, the Ark, Candlestick, Golden Altar, and Table of Shew-bread, Numb. 4.5, 7, 9, 11. with v. 15. They nor you: They for presuming, and you for permitting them.

4. Charge: Or, Custody. A stran∣ger: i. e. One who is not a Levite.

5. Sanctuary: Where was the Altar of In∣cense, Candlestick, and Table of Shew∣bread, &c. Here the Priests were ob∣liged to minister, Exod. 30.7. and ch. 27.21. 2 Chron. 13.11. Altar: i. e. The Altar of Burnt-offerings, Le∣vit. 1.5, 7, 8, 9.

6. Taken: Chap. 3.45.

7. And within the veil: In the Most Holy Place, where the High-priest one∣ly was allowed to enter, Levit. 16.2. And from that place to the Brazen Altar inclusively, the infe∣rior Priests were al∣lowed to minister. A service of gift: i. e. That which is at once a Favour and Priviledge, and such an one as imports Duty and Service, 1 Tim. 3.1. The Priests Office might well be called a Gift, and was a great Priviledge. The Im∣ployment it self was a great Honour and Favour. And though the Priests had not an Inheritance with the rest, yet were they very plentifully provided for, that they might in∣distractedly attend upon their Holy Function. I have elsewhere spoken of their Work. [See the Notes on Levit. ch. 1.] I shall here shew what were their Allowances for that Work by the Law of Moses. And they were as follow; [I.] The Tithe of the Levites Tithe: This was very consi∣derable, they being but one Family of the Tribe of Levi, and that Tribe of Levi but small in comparison with the great number of the other twelve Tribes, v. 28. [II.] They had the Skins of the Burnt-offerings, Levit. 7.8. This was generally theirs. There is some Exception (Levit. 4.11, 12, 20, 21.) which is inconsiderable. [III.] The Sin and Trespass-offering was due to them, and so was the Meat-offering, v. 9. There were some few excepted Cases (Le∣vit. 6.23, 30.) [IV.] The Breast and Shoulder of the Peace-offering, Levit. 7.31. and the other Shoulder also, Levit. 7.32, 33. To which was afterward added as a far∣ther Allowance, the Cheeks and Maw, Deut. 18.3. [V.] The Shew-bread, Levit. 24.9. [VI.] Things or Per∣sons devoted or separated by a Vow (Levit. 27.21. an•• v. 14. of this Chapter.) [VII.] The Restitution Money, &c. mentioned (Num. 5.8. [VIII.] All the Heave and Wave-offerings, v. 8.11. [IX.] First-fruits, v. 12. [X.] First-born, v. 15. [XI.] The Tribute mentioned Numb. 31.29. Stranger: i. e. He who is not a Priest of the House of Aaron.

8. The charge of mine heave-offerings; i. e. The right to them, to be employ∣ed as I have appoint∣ed. See Levit. 7.32. Numb. 5.9. By reason of the anoint∣ing: i. e. Upon the score of the Office to which by anointing thou hast been set a-part.

9. Every oblation: Or, Every gift: This seems to be the gene∣ral Head, compre∣hending under it the several Most Holy Things which pre∣sently follow. Which they shall render: Or, Which they shall re∣store: This seems to referr to the Trespass-offering named last, when the Offerer made Restitution for the wrong he had done, Levit. 5.15, 16. Numb. 5.8.

10. In the most ho∣ly place: Not in the Holy of Holies (Le∣vit. 16.2. Heb. 9.7.) but in the Holy Place, in the Court (Levit. 6.16, 26.24.9.) Or the Court of the Priests, which with respect to the outer Court (2 Chron. 4.9.) and much more to the Camp of Israel, &c. was a most holy Place, as not receiving any but the most holy and separated sort of Persons. Holy unto thee: Consecrated to thee, says the Vulgar: That is, None ••ut the Priest's Family might eat thereof, Levit. 6.18.

11. And this: Here follows an account of what was the Priest's due from those Sacri∣fices which were less

Holy, which might be eaten by Women and Servants (Levit. 22.10, 11, 12, 13. with ch. 10.14.) Le∣vit. 7.34.

12. Best: Heb. Fat. Given thee: Deut. 18.4.

13. Which they shall bring: i. e. Which they shall bring of their Good∣will.

14. Every thing devoted, Lev. 27.28.

15. The matrice: Exod. 13.2, and 22.29. Lev. 27.26. chap. 3.13. And the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou re∣deem: If we look in∣to the Book of Exo∣dus we shall find it said, Every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem, ch. 13.13. This makes it highly probable, that an Ass is put there for other Beasts which were unclean for Sacrifice. See the Note on that place.

16. From a month old: See Numb. 3.47. Which is twenty gerahs: Exod. 30.13. Levit. 27.23. ch. 3.47. Ezek. 45.12.

17. Holy: i. e. Se∣parated or set a-part: See Deut. 15.19.

18. Wave-breast: Exod. 29.26.

19. A covenant of salt: i. e. a sure and lasting one, 2 Chron. 13.5.

20. No Inheri∣tance: The Levites, in the distribution of the Land, had not a portion of the Land with the other Tribes, but had their Cities to dwell in, Josh. 21.4. I am thy part: Deut. 10.9.18.2. Josh. 13.14, 33. Ezek. 44.28. God may be said to be the part of the Priests, both as he gave them those Gifts which were presented to him, and as he would more especially bless them, Deut. 18.1. Psal. 73.26.

21. For an inheri∣tance: i. e. instead of a Portion of the Land which the o∣ther Tribes received, v. 23, 24.

22. And die: Heb. To die.

26. For the LORD: viz. To be given to the Priest, who was the Lord's Receiver. See v. 28. and the Note on v. 20.

27. And this your, &c. That is, This payment of yours shall be accepted as well as if you had received Lands with the other Tribes, and had paid the Tithe out of the In∣crease of them as they were obliged to do.

29. Best: Heb. Fat.

30. As the increase, &c. i. e. What re∣mains shall be as much the Levites, and as freely to be used by them as any other part of any Man's increase is at the owners liberty. See v. 31.

32. And ye shall bear no sin, &c. i. e. Then ye shall be free from Guilt upon this account.

CHAP. XIX.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the Red Heifer burnt to Ashes. The Water of Se∣paration, and the use of it for the Purification of the clean.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron, saying,

2. This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath com∣manded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke.

3. And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face.

4. And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congre∣gation seven times.

5. And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn.

6. And the priest shall take cedar-wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.

7. Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even.

8. And he that burneth her, shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even.

9. And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel, for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.

10. And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer, shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the e∣ven: and it shall be unto the chil∣dren of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among them, for a statute for ever.

11. He that toucheth the dead body of any man, shall be unclean se∣ven days.

12. He shall purifie himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he puri∣fie not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean.

13. Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.

14. This is the law, when a man dieth in a tent; all that come into the tent, and all that is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days.

15. And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.

16. And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the o∣pen fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be un∣clean seven days.

17. And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel:

18. And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and up∣on him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:

19. And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the un∣clean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purifie himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.

20. But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purifie him∣self, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation: because he hath defiled the san∣ctuary of the LORD, the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him, he is unclean.

21. And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation, shall wash his clothes, and he that toucheth the water of separation, shall be unclean until even.

22. And whatsoever the unclean person toucheth, shall be unclean: and the soul that toucheth it, shall be unclean until even.

2. Which the LORD hath com∣manded: i. e. Which God commanded Moses before. For the Law required that the Unclean should be kept out of the Camp, ch. 5. and it may well be supposed, that the Water of Purifica∣tion might have been made once before, the manner of which Water follows in this Chapter. A red heifer, &c. This Law concerning the Water of Separation, for the pu∣rifying those who were legally unclean, fitly succeeds in this place; for the Israelites were now in great fear, that by coming near the Tabernacle they should be consumed, chap. 17.12, 13. Here is a way appointed to cleanse them from their legal Impurities, which would have ren∣dred their approach to the Sanctuary dangerous to them. This is a Type of Christ, Who hath washed us from our sins in his own blood, Rev. 1.5.

3. Ʋnto Eleazar: Not unto Aaron but to Eleazar; because Aaron being the High-priest was un∣der the strictest obli∣gation to shun every legal Uncleanness, Lev. 21.11, 12. which he who ministred in this Service could not do, v. 7. Forth without the camp: Heb. 13.11. His face: i. e. E∣leazar's.

4. Sprinkle: Heb. 9.13. Before the ta∣bernacle: viz. The place where God did more especially pre∣sentiate himself, and the Type of Heaven, into which we can onely by the Blood of Jesus hope to enter, Heb. 10.19.

5. Her skin: Ex∣od. 29.14. Levit. 4.11, 12.

7. Be unclean: The same is said of him that burned the Hei∣fer (v. 8.) and of him that gathered the Ashes (v. 10.) and of him that should sprinkle with the Water of Separa∣tion, or touch it, v. 21. which intimate to us the imper∣fection of the legal Dispensation, and Typifie Christ's be∣ing made a Curse for us. The red Heifer was a Type of Christ, who bore our sins, Isa. 53.12. 2 Cor. 5.21.

9. Clean: That is, Free from legal pollution. Separa∣tion: i. e. Which takes away the legal impurities from men, a Type of Christ's Blood which pur∣geth the Consci∣ence from dead works.

10. Ʋnclean: See the Note on v. 7. Stranger: i. e. Pro∣selyte.

11. Man: Heb. Soul of man. Seven days: He that touch∣ed the Carcase of an unclean Beast was unclean onely to the Evening, Levit. 11.24.

13. Defileth the ta∣bernacle: That is, By approaching to it in his Uncleanness he polluteth the Holy Place. For Holy Things were defiled by Unclean, Haggai 2.13. with Levit. 15.31.

16. Slain with a sword: Or, any o∣ther ways slain, as appears from the fol∣lowing words.

17. Ashes: Heb. Dust. Running wa∣ter shall be put: Heb. Living waters shall be given.

20. Defiled: See v. 13.

22. The unclean person: i. e. He that sprinkleth that Water of Separation, v. 21. as well as the men∣tioned v. 7. and he that gathered the Ashes of the Red Heifer, v. 10.

CHAP. XX.

The ARGUMENT.

The Children of Israel come to Zin. Miriam dieth. The People murmur for want of Water. Moses smites the Rock, and they were supplied with Water. Moses and Aaron excluded from bringing the Israelites into Canaan. Moses is denied passage through Edom. Aaron dieth.

1. THen came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desart of Zin, in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miri∣am died there, and was buried there.

2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathe∣red themselves together against Mo∣ses, and against Aaron.

3. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD.

4. And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cat∣tel should die there?

5. And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates, neither is there any water to drink.

6. And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.

7. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

8. Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes, and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them wa∣ter out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation, and their beasts drink.

9. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

10. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

11. And Moses lift up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12. And the LORD spake un∣to Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctifie me in the eyes of the children of Israel; therefore ye shall not bring this con∣gregation into the land which I have given them.

13. This is the water of Meri∣bah, because the children of Israel strove with the LORD: and he was sanctified in them.

14. And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh, unto the king of E∣dom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travel that hath befallen us:

15. How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time: and the Egyptians vex∣ed us, and our fathers.

16. And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of E∣gypt: and behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the utter∣most of thy border.

17. Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high-way, we will not turn to the right hand, nor to the left, until we have passed thy bor∣ders.

18. And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

19. And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high-way: and if I and my cattel drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will onely (without doing any thing else) go through on my feet.

20. And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And E∣dom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

21. Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.

22. And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, jour∣neyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.

23. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,

24. Aaron shall be gathered un∣to his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Is∣rael, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.

25. Take Aaron, and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:

26. And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Elea∣zar his son: and Aaron shall be ga∣thered unto his people, and shall die there.

27. And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor, in the sight of all the con∣gregation.

28. And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them up∣on Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.

29. And when all the congrega∣tion saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.

1. IN the first mouth: viz. Of the fortieth Year after they came out of Egypt (ch. 33.38.) and when the Gene∣ration of Men, who were fit for Bat∣tel, were consumed, Deut. 2.14. Miriam: She was Sister to Moses and Aa∣ron, and a Prophetess also, Exod. 15.20. Micah 6.4.

2. There was no water: The Water which came out of Horeb, and had sup∣plied them in the Wilderness (1 Cor. 10.4.) now they draw nigh the pro∣mised land, fails them, Exod. 17.6.

3. Chode: Exod. 17.2. When our brethren: ch. 11.33.

6. Fell upon their faces: See Chap. 14. v. 5.

8. The rod: i. e. That Rod with which Moses wrought his Miracles in Egypt, which is called his Rod, v. 11. and it is probable, was lodg∣ed in the Sanctuary, v. 9. For Moses is said (v. 9.) to have taken it from before the LORD.

12. Because ye be∣lieved me not, &c. It may be matter of enquiry wherein con∣sisted the sin of Mo∣ses, with which Aa∣ron is also charged, as

consenting to it. In answer to which it is to be considered, (I.) That the very Letter of God's command was broken; First, In that Moses smote the Rock with his Rod, and smote it twice (v. 11.) whereas he had received no such command from God, but was commanded to speak to the Rock (v. 8.) that the People might see how easily God could supply their want of Water. Whereas, in the Wa∣ters of Horeb he was indeed expressly required to smite with the Rod, as well as to take it, Exod. 17.5, 6. For though he were here commanded to take the Rod, yet that does not imply that he was to smite with it, as ap∣pears from the following Instances, Exod. 8.5, 6. with ch. 9.23. and ch. 10.13. and ch. 14.16. Secondly, In speaking to the People, which Moses had no Commission to do, and not to the Rock, which was expressly command∣ed, v. 8, 10. (II.) That this open breach of God's Com∣mand was committed in the sight and face of the Assembly (v. 8.) hence are Moses and Aaron charged for not sancti∣fying the Lord in the eyes of the children of Israel, v. 12. (III.) Moses was also guilty of some degree of Unbelief and distrust of God's Power and Veracity (as appears from v. 12. compared with v. 10. Must we (or, can we, as the Vul∣gar hath it) fetch water, &c. which seems to intimate a doubting, (Vid. Gen. 18.13.) and too much Anger and Commotion of Mind. They provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips, Psal. 106.33. And as the degrees of these sins were known to God onely, so it is cer∣tain, upon the whole, they were guilty of that which is elsewhere called Trespass and Rebellion, Numb. 27.14. Deut. 32.51. To sanctifie me, &c. i. e. By your ready and absolute Obedience to my Command, to own my Sove∣reignty as well as Veracity in the presence of the Children of Israel.

13. This is, &c. Ps. 106.32. Meri∣bah: That is, Strife. And he was sanctified in them: i. e. In Mo∣ses and Aaron, by punishing their Disobedience: See Le∣vit. 10.3. Ezek. 38.16, 22, 23.

14. Befallen us: Heb. Found us.

16. An Angel: See Exod. 3.2.

17. The King's high-way: i. e. The Common Road of all Travellers. See v. 19. and ch. 21.22.

21. Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: Though he refused this, yet he did not deny them Victuals and Water for Money as they passed by him. See Deut. 2.28, 29.

22. Kadesh: Ch. 33.37. Mount Hor: This Mount was up∣on the Coast of E∣dom, v. 23. Hence the Horims might have their Name, to whom the Children of Esau succeeded in Seir, Deut. 2.12. And hence Seir was called an Horite, Gen. 36.20.

24. Word: Heb. Mouth.

25. Take Aaron, &c. Ch. 33.38. Deut. 32.50.

26. Of his gar∣ments: viz. Of his Priestly Robes. This implied the devesting him of his Office, as the putting them up∣on Eleazar his Son, implied the succeeding of Eleazar in∣to his Father's Employment and Dignity, Isa. 22.20, 21.

28. Aaron died there: Deut. 10.6. and ch. 32.50. This happened in the for∣tieth year after the Israelites came out of Egypt, on the first day of the fifth

month, when Aaron was an hundred twenty and three years old, ch. 33.38, 39. The Death of Aaron shews the Insufficiency of the Levitical Priesthood, Heb. 7.23, 24.

29. Thirty days: See Deut. 34.8.

CHAP. XXI.

The ARGUMENT.

The Israelites get a Victory over the Canaanites. They murmur, and are thereupon destroyed with fiery Ser∣pents. They are, upon their Repentance, healed by a Serpent of Brass. They remove to a Place called O∣both; and after other Removes they come to Arnon, and thence to Beer. Some other Removes. Sihon and Og are over-come by the Israelites.

* 1.31. AND when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.

2. And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.

3. And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and deliver∣ed up the Canaanites: and they ut∣terly destroyed them and their ci∣ties: and he called the name of the place Hormah.

4. And they journeyed from mount Hor, by the way of the Red-sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

5. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Where∣fore have ye brought us up out of Egypt, to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water, and our soul lotheth this light bread.

6. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people; and they bit the people, and much peo∣ple of Israel died.

7. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD that he take a∣way the serpents from us: and Moses prayed for the peo∣ple.

8. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.

9. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a ser∣pent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he li∣ved.

10. And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth.

11. And they journeyed from O∣both, and pitched at Ije-abarim, in the wilderness which is before Mo∣ab, toward the sun-rising.

12. From thence they removed, and pitched in the valley of Za∣red.

13. From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Ar∣non, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the bor∣der of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

14. Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red-sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,

15. And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwel∣ling of Ar, and lieth upon the bor∣der of Moab.

16. And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Ga∣ther the people together, and I will give them water.

17. Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well, sing ye unto it:

18. The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the law-giver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Matta∣nah:

19. And from Mattanah to Na••••liel: and from Na∣haliel to Bamoth:

20. And from Bamoth in the valley that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.

21. And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

22. Let me pass through thy land; we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards, we will not drink of the water of the well: but we will go along by the king's high-way, untill we be past thy bor∣ders.

23. And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

24. And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and posses∣sed his land from Arnon unto Jab∣bock, even unto the children of Am∣mon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.

25. And Israel took all these ci∣ties: and Israel dwelt in all the ci∣ties of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.

26. For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Mo∣ab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Ar∣non.

27. Wherefore they that speak in proverbs, say, Come into Hesh∣bon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared.

28. For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.

29. Wo to thee, Moab; thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.

30. We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Di∣bon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.

31. Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites.

32. And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amo∣rites that were there.

33. And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to the battel at Edrei.

34. And the LORD said un∣to Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him, as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.

35. So they smote him, and his sons, and all his peo∣ple, untill there was none left him alive: and they posses∣sed his land.

* 1.41. KIng Arad: Ch. 33.40. By the way of the spies: There is no reason why these words should be under∣stood of the way which those Spies went, which went 38 years before this, to search out the Land, ch. 13. They may very well be understood of the way which those Spies went, which we suppose King Arad to have sent to bring him an account of the motion of the Israelites; tho' the Greek understand it of a proper Name.

3. Hormah: That is, utter destruction. It is to be considered that these Canaanites were destroyed in this Encounter, for which cause the Name of this place, where the Victory was obtained, might be called Hormah at present: But then their Cities which were now devoted to destructi∣on, (v. 2.) were not actually destroyed till after the Israe∣lites were come into the promised Land, Jud. 1.17.

4. Discouraged: Or, Grieved: Heb. Shortened. Because of the way: viz. Be∣cause it was far about, and therefore uneasie to them.

5. Our soul lotheth: Chap. 11.6.

6. The LORD: Wisd. 16.1, 5. 1 Cor. 10.9. Fiery serpents: These Serpents might well be called fiery, both from their Colour (v. 9.) and from the Effect of their venomous biting, which burnt those who were bitten, and because they kept aloft, and were probably flying Serpents, Isa. 14.29.

8. A fiery serpent: i. e. A Serpent of a fiery Colour, as ap∣pears from verse 9. where 'tis expressly said that Moses made a Serpent of Brass, Ezek. 1.7. Set it upon a pole: That it may be conspicuous, it was to be raised up on high. The word we render Pole, signifies a Sign, and several of the Ancients render the words to such a sense as imports, that this was to be set up as a sign. And indeed it was a very eximious Type of Christ, and particu∣larly of his Death upon the Cross; by whom we are re∣deemed from the Sting of Death, and the Power of the Devil, that old Serpent, Joh. 3.14. whom God sent in the likeness of sinfull flesh, and did by this way condemn sin in the flesh, Rom. 8.3.

9. And, &c. 2 King. 18.4. Joh. 3.14. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. The recovery was from God, and the way very unlike∣ly: Neither the Mat∣ter or Figure of this Serpent could contribute towards heal∣ing the bitten. But this was a Type of Christ, who con∣demned sin in the flesh, by the likeness of sinfull flesh. We are healed by his stripes, and receive the hopes of life, by his death; And therefore this brazen Serpent is truly called a Sign of Salvation, Wisd. 16.6, 7.

10. And pitched in Oboth: Ch. 33.43.

11. Fje-abarim: Or, Heaps of Abarim.

12. From thence: What follows to v. 21. seems not to be an account of the seve∣ral Stations of the Israelites, of which we have an account ch. 33. but of some places which they touched or bordered upon in their March, and before they sent their Messengers to Sihon King of the Amorites.

13. Between Mo∣ab and the Amorites: Arnon, as well as Heshbon, was once in the possession of the Moabites, but had before this been taken from a former King of Moab by Si∣hon (possibly a former, not the present) King of the Amo∣rites, v. 26, 28. Judg. 11.18, 22. And it being now in the possession of the Amorites, might lawfully be possessed by the Israelites, who were Commanded not to distress the Moabites, Deut. 2.9. but required at the same time to invade the Land of Sihon, the Amorite King of Heshbon, Deut. 2.24.

14. Wherefore it is said in the book: These words seem to be added here for the proof of what is said v. 13. That Arnon was now the border, and not the pos∣session, of Moab. This being of moment, (because the Is∣raelites were forbidden to invade the possession of Moab) he confirms it from a certain Book or Narrative of the Wars of the Lord, which was then well known, and now lost; Out of which he citing a fragment onely to his pre∣sent purpose, it is no wonder that the passage is obscure. What he did in the Red-sea: Or, Vaheb in Suphah. It is enough for the present purpose that the Author of that Narrative, who gives an account of the Wars of the Lord, (and particularly what he did at the Red-sea, or at Vaheb, in the Country of Suphah) gives also a Relation of what

happened about Arnon, (of which we have some account, v. 26.) and such a Relation as confirms what he said, v. 13. viz. That Arnon was now onely the Border of Moab.

15. Ar: A City of Moab, called Ar of Moab, v. 28. and Isa. 15.1. Lieth: Heb. Leaneth.

16. To Beer: Or, to the Well, which God promised to Moses, and supplied the Israelites with at this time.

17. Song: viz. O Praise. Spring up: Heb. Ascend. Sing: Or, Answer. It was the ancient Custom of the Hebrews to sing their Hymns of Praise alternately; and he that made the Response, or an∣swered, sang as well as he that began the Hymn. Then Miriam is said to answer, Exod. 15.20. And the Singing Women to answer one another, 1 Sam. 18.7.

18. Digged: i. e. They thrust their Staves against the ground, but God gave them the Wa∣ter, (v. 16.) Law∣giver: i. e. Moses, v. 16.

20. That is in: Or, that is nigh, or near: So the Hebrew Par∣ticle sometimes signi∣fies, 1 Sam. 29.1.

2 Chron. 15.16. Judg. 6.11. 1 King. 15.13. And this sense very well suits with this place. Country: Heb. Field. Pisgah: Or, the Hill. Jeshimon: Or, the Wilderness.

21. Sent messen∣gers: Though Sihon were devoted to de∣struction, yet this Course rendred him the more inexcusable, and the justice of his destruction more conspicuous.

22. Let me pass: Deut. 2.27. Judg. 11.19.

23. And Sihon: Deut. 29.7.

24. Israel: Josh. 12.2. Psal. 135.10, 11. Amos 2.9. Jab∣bock: A River on the Borders of Ammon. For the border of the children of Ammon was strong: These words are not brought in as the reason why the Israelites carried their Victory no farther, (for the Country of Am∣mon was no part of their promised Land, nay, they were forbid to invade it, Deut. 2.19.) but as the reason why Sihon had not gained upon the Country of the Children of Ammon, as he had upon that of Moab.

25. Villages: Heb. Daughters.

27. Wherefore they that speak in pro∣verbs, &c. The mean∣ing of the place seems to be this; That the Success of Sihon against the Moabites was so notorious, and his Strength, and that of Heshbon (which he took from them) so renowned, that Men were wont in that time commonly to triumph and boast of it, and say, Come into Heshbon, &c. A Proverb sometimes imports no more than a Common Saying, or By-word, 1 Sam. 24.13. accompa∣nied with insulting and boasting, Hab. 2.6. Deut. 28.37. And what we render, they that speak in proverbs, in the Hebrew is expressed by one word, which signifies ruling or imperious Men. Come into Heshbon, &c. These are the in∣sulting Words which were commonly used at that time, setting forth the Strength of Heshbon, now in the possession of a powerfull Prince; and therefore justly formidable to the remainder of Moab, which is insulted over as a destroy∣ed People, v. 29.

29. People of Che∣mosh: Or, People that serveth Chemosh, as the Chaldee hath it. Chemosh was the Idol, or Abomination (as it is called, 1 King. 11.7.) of Moab.

30. In the land of the Amorites: i. e. In that Land which they at that time possessed, some of which was a∣while ago in the pos∣session of the Moabites.

32. Jaazer: A Ci∣ty at this time in the possession of the A∣morites, about which was good Pasture for Cattel, Numb. 32.1, 3, 4.

33. And they turn∣ed, &c. Deut. 3.1. and 29.7.

34. Thou shalt do, &c. Psal. 135.10, 11.

CHAP. XXII.

The ARGUMENT.

The Israelites remove to the Plains of Moab. Balak sends to Balaam to Curse the People of Israel; he re∣fuseth to come. He sends to him again, and he goeth. Of Balaam's Ass. An Angel meets him. He is re∣ceived by Balak.

1. AND the children of Is∣rael set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab, on this side Jordan by Jericho.

2. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

3. And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed, because of the children of Israel.

4. And Moab said unto the el∣ders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moa∣bites at that time.

5. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his peo∣ple, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me.

6. Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people, for they are too mighty for me: peradven∣ture I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest, is bles∣sed, and he whom thou cursest, is cursed.

7. And the elders of Moab, and the elders of Midian departed, with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

8. And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again as the LORD shall speak unto me: And the prin∣ces of Moab abode with Balaam.

9. And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?

10. And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zip∣por, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,

11. Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: Come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.

12. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them, thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.

13. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.

14. And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.

15. And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable then they.

16. And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:

17. For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: Come there∣fore, I pray thee, curse me this people.

18. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house-full of silver and gold, I cannot go be∣yond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

19. Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.

20. And God came unto Ba∣laam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

21. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and sadled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

22. And God's anger was kind∣led, because he went: and the an∣gel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him: Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

23. And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass to turn her into the way.

24. But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

25. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust her self unto the wall, and crusht Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.

26. And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

27. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

28. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I do•••• unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

29. And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.

30. And the ass said unto Ba∣laam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine, unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.

31. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

32. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse be∣fore me.

33. And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, su•••••••• also I had slain thee, ••••d saved her alive.

34. And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sin∣ned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

35. And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but onely the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak: So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

36. And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him, unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.

37. And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? Wherefore camest thou not unto me? Am I not able indeed to promote thee to ho∣nour?

38. And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come un∣to thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

39. And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth.

40. And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.

41. And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.

1. ON this side Jor∣dan by Jericho: That is, Over-against Jericho, Jordan being between Jericho and the Camp of Israel, vid. ch. 33.48.

3. Moab was sore afraid: This fear of Moab was predicted, Exod. 15.15. And did not arise from any injury they had received from the Israelites, who had used no Violence against them, nor were they permit∣ted to do it, Deut. 2.9. But on the other hand had sub∣dued the Amorites, their Enemies and Evil Neighbours. But Moab still feared their Number, which rendred them suspicious, and uneasie, which is expressed by their being distressed, because of the children of Israel.

4. Elders: By El∣ders are not meant onely the more anci∣ent Men, but such as were in Power and Authority: Such are elsewhere call'd Kings,

Numb. 31.8. and Princes, Josh. 13.21. Midian: The Midianites were the Off-spring of Abraham by Keturah, Gen. 25.1, 2.

5. He sent: Josh. 24.9. Balaam: He is call'd a South-sayer, Josh. 13.22. and is said to have sought for Enchantments, Numb. 24.1. And a Prophet, 2 Pet. 2.16. And though he were an Evil Man, yet did God make use of him in predicting things to come; as he did of Caiaphas, Joh. 11.51, 52. Pethor: The name of the Place in Mesopota∣mia, where Balaam lived, Deut. 23.4. Numb. 23.7. Ri∣ver: i. e. Euphrates, as the Chaldee hath it: For that is in Scripture sometimes called the River, Josh. 24.2, 15. And must be meant here, as appears from Numb. 23. and v. 7. with Deut. 23.4. Face: Heb. the Eye.

6. Come now there∣fore, I pray thee, curse: This he desires out of a great opinion of his power with God, as appears from the close of the Verse, and as that which would contribute greatly to∣wards his Victory o∣ver them.

7. With the re∣wards of divination in their hand: Or, with divinations, as it is in the Hebrew. It hath been thought, that by Divinations here, are meant the

Instruments that were used in Divination, or some appoint∣ed Forms and Terms of Execration, which Magicians were wont upon that occasion to use. But it is more reasonable to adhere to our Translation, and understand it of the Re∣wards of Divination. For besides, that it is not likely that Balaam was unfurnished with those things which belonged to his Art, or that they could think he needed their assi∣stance, he is taxed for loving the wages of unrighteousness, (2 Pet. 2.15.) and running greedily after reward, (Jud. 11.) Moreover, the Scripture is wont frequently to express the Reward or Wages of a thing by the name of the thing it self. Thus sin is often put for punishment; The work for the reward (Job 7.2.) and good tidings for the reward due upon that account, 2 Sam. 4.10. They came: i. e. The Princes of Moab came; for them of Midian there is not that Evidence: (See v. 8. and 14.)

8. As the LORD: Though Balaam were a South-sayer, yet he did acknowledge the true God; with which profession, as he join∣ed Enchantments, (ch. 24.1.) so he added Sacrifices on the high places of Baal, (v. 41. with ch. 23.2.)

9. God came, &c. i. e. God manifested himself to him, or the Word of God came to him, as the Chaldee. What men, &c. This is to introduce what follows, and does not imply that God did not know who they were. See Gen. 4.9, 10.

11. I shall be able to over-come them: Heb. I shall prevail in fighting against them.

13. The LORD refuseth, &c. This is not all which he might and ought to have said, to prevent any farther importu∣nity in this matter: For God had strictly forbid him to Curse this People, and assured him that they were Blessed; which Declaration was sufficient to have prevented any farther Message from Moab, and to have restrained Balaam from any farther inquiry in this matter.

14. Balaam refu∣seth: They ought to have said the Lord refuseth to give him leave, (v. 13.) in or∣der to the preventing of another Message.

16. Let nothing: Heb. Be not thou let∣ted from, &c.

18. If Balak would: Chap. 24.13. He professes himself re∣strained by God; from which restraint he is willing to get loose, as appears from the following words.

20. God came: See verse 9.

22. God's anger was kindled, because he went: This may seem strange that God should be an∣gry with him for go∣ing, when he bid him rise up, and go, v. 20. For the removing this difficulty, it is to be considered, I. That God had expressly forbid his going at the first: God had said to him, Thou shalt not go with them, (v. 12.) II. That God did after this onely permit, but not command, nor yet approve his going. God having declared himself positively, (v. 12.) Balaam ought not to have made far∣ther inquiry; yet this he did out of Covetousness, upon the arrival of more honourable Messengers, (v. 15. with 2 Pet. 2.15.) III. His going was attended with an evil design: The Angel says, Thy way is perverse before me, (v. 32.) and he seemed to go with a purpose to Curse Israel, which the King of Moab expressly desired, and God as expressly had forbidden, (v. 12.) Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam: But the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee: because the Lord thy God lo∣ved thee, Deut. 23.5.

23. The Ass saw: 2 Pet. 2.16. Jud. 11. Which was more than Balaam or his Servants did, God thinking fit to re∣strain their sight.

28. And the LORD opened the mouth, &c. This God did by his irresistible Power; and no Man can think it incredible, that believes that there is a God who made the World.

29. Balaam said, &c. Balaam seems not to be astonished at the speaking of the Ass; partly this may be imputed to that stupidity and hardness of heart to which we suppose him given up; and partly to this, That he be∣ing a South-sayer and Magician, he had been used to very uncouth appearances, and to things which to others would have been very astonishing.

30. Ʋpon which thou hast ridden: Heb. Who hast rid∣den upon me. Ever since I was thine: Or, Ever since thou wast, &c.

31. Fell flat on his face: Or, Bowed himself.

32. To withstand thee: Heb. To be an adversary unto thee.

34. I have sinned: for I knew not, &c. He He makes no Con∣fession of his Cove∣tousness, which was the faulty Principle which set him for∣ward. Displease thee: Heb. Be evil in thine eyes.

36. In the utmost coast: See chap. 21.16.

39. Kirjath-hu∣zoth: Or, a City of Streets: A place in the extremity of the Country of Moab. See the Vulgar Latin.

40. Sent to Bala∣am, &c. To feast upon the Oxen and Sheep which he had slain.

41. The high pla∣ces of Baal: i. e. The high places set a-part for the Worship of their Idol or False God, Baal. See chap. 25.2, 3. Thither Ba∣lak brings Balaam, as to a place most advantageous for his purpose, both as it was a place dedicated to Baal, and for its height, giving him a prospect of the Camp of Israel.

CHAP. XXIII.

The ARGUMENT.

Balak's Sacrifices. The Words of Balaam. Balaam is brought by Balak to another place. His Parable. He Blesseth the Israelites. Balak takes him to another place.

1. AND Balaam said unto Ba∣lak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen, and seven ra••s.

2. And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.

3. And Balaam said unto Ba∣lak, Stand by thy burnt-offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me, I will tell thee. And he went to an high place.

4. And God met Balaam; and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon eve∣ry altar a bullock and a ram.

5. And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.

6. And he returned unto him, and lo, he stood by his burnt-sacri∣fice, he, and all the princes of Mo∣ab.

7. And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, say∣ing, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defie Israel.

8. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defie, whom the LORD hath not defied?

9. For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I be∣bold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned a∣mong the nations.

10. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.

11. And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and behold thou hast blessed them altogether.

12. And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

13. And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

14. And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on eve∣ry altar.

15. And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt-offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.

16. And the LORD met Bala∣••••, and put a word in his mouth, ••••d said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

17. And when he came to him, behold he stood by his burnt-offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?

18. And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor.

19. God is not a man, that he should lye, neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

20. Behold, I have received commandment to bless; and he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

21. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen per∣verseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

22. God brought them out of E∣gypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

23. Surely there is no enchant∣ment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: ac∣cording to his time it shall be said of Jacob, and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

24. Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up him∣self as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

25. And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

26. But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

27. And Balak said unto Balam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place: peradventure it will please God, that thou mayest curse me them from thence.

28. And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.

29. And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here se∣ven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks, and se∣ven rams.

30. And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.

1. BƲild me here seven Altars: Balaam appointed this for the Worship of the true God, as appears from v. 4. But herein was blameable, that he would have Altars erected in the high places of Baal, where now he was, ch. 22.41. Such were they who feared the Lord, and yet had their Sacrifices in the houses of the high places; They are said to fear the Lord, and serve their own Gods, 2 King. 17.32, 33. Besides this, though his num∣ber of Sacrifices were not reproveable, (see Job 42.8. 1 Chron. 15.26. 2 Chron. 29.21.) yet the multiplying of Altars hath a bad name in the Scriptures, Hos. 8.11.

3. Stand by, &c. Attending upon the Service, and expect∣ing success. He went to an high place: Or, he went solitary. The Marginal reading is confirmed by the Chaldee, and is pre∣ferible to the other: For Balaam was in an high place be∣fore, (ch. 22.41.) and Solitude now best complied with the End of his going, which was to meet with a Divine Revelation.

6. He stood by: See verse 3.

7. Parable: The word signifies not onely a Similitude, or figurative Speech, but a weighty Sen∣tence, and such as deserves great esteem and regard; and so it doth in this place. East: A place noted for South∣sayers, Isa. 2.6.

9. I see him: Or, I have seen him. Ba∣laam had been taken by Balak into the high places, that he might thence see and Curse the Israelites, which Course proved ineffectual. Shall dwell alone: i. e. They shall not sojourn in a strange Country, as they have done in Egypt, but be possessed of a Land of their own. And shall not be reckoned among the nations: They shall be a peculiar and separate People from the rest of the Nations, both in their Religion and Laws; and also shall be under a more special Care and Providence of God, Exod. 19.5. Levit. 20.24, 26. Psal. 148.19, 20. 2 Sam. 7.23. Psal. 76.1, 2, 3. Ezra 9.2. Esth. 3.8. Deut. 11.12.

10. The dust: The seed, say the Greek, very agreeably to the sense of the word here. God promised Abraham to make his Seed as the Dust of the Earth, and not to be numbred like that, Gen. 13.16. and this Promise was repeated to Jacob, Gen. 28.14. Fourth part: i. e. One Camp or Squadron, which consisted but of three Tribes, and was with that re∣spect the fourth part: For thus they were divided by God's Command, Numb. 2. And perhaps more than this did not fall within his view. See chap. 22.41. Me: Heb. My soul, or, My life. Death of the righteous: i. e. Such a death as those die who are in Covenant with God, and obey his Precepts.

13. Shalt not see them all: Lest he should be dismayed at the sight of so great a number.

14. Pisgah: Or, The hill. See Deut. 3.27. and 34.1.

16. Put a word: Ch. 22.35.

19. God is not a man, that he should lye, &c. That is, God will make good his Promises, and par∣ticularly, that of bringing this People into the promised Land, he not being like a Man who, for want of Veracity or Power, performs not his Promise.

21. He hath not beheld iniquity in Ja∣cob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Is∣rael: That is, Where∣as it might be hoped, by the Enemies of the Israelites, that through their default they had forfeited all right to God's Promises, he adds, He hath not beheld, &c. It is weakly inferred from these words, that God sees no sin in his own People, and it is in it self a great untruth. That he hath not knowledge of their sins, no Man can affirm; nor ought any man to say, that he approves, or will not punish them: For, [I.] God hath declared otherwise. He said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people, Exod. 32.9. with Deut. 9.13, 14. And by the Prophet he said unto the whole Family of Israel, whom he brought out of

Egypt, You onely have I known of all the families of the earth, therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities, Amos 3.2. [II.] This cannot be the sense of these words, for then Ba∣laam would in vain have given Counsel to draw the Israe∣lites into sin, that they might be destroyed; of which, see an account chap. 24.14. The true sense of these words is next to be inquired after; and it is this, That God would not give up the Israelites to destruction for their sins, which were not like the sins of the neighbouring Countries which were now ready to be destroyed for them. He hath not beheld, may be rendred in the Present Tense, He doth not behold, and, Neither hath he seen, Neither doth he see. The word which we render Iniquity is observed to signifie an Idol in other places. See 1 Sam. 15.23. Isa. 66.3. And the Ancients understood it of Idolatry, as is evident from the Vulgar Latin, and Onkelos; and our Church under∣stands this place in the same sense, as may be seen in the Book of Homilies. The LORD is God, &c. i. e. Instead of any Image, or Idol (which was not now among them) God is with them, as their King giving them Victory and matter of Triumph. See 2 Chron. 13.12. with Numb. 10.9. compared with Josh. 6.16. 1 Sam. 4.5.

22. God, &c. Ch. 24.8. When Philo the Jew cites this passage where 'tis said, God brought them out of Egypt, he does it to this sense, That God did put an end to the many Calamities in Egypt, and bring their great numbers thence as One Man. [De vit. Mosis l. 1.] And thus are the People of Israel consi∣dered. God commands Moses to say unto Pharaoh, Israel is my son, even my first-born: and I say unto thee, Let my son go, Exod. 4.22, 23. Again, and called my son out of Egypt, Hos. 11.1. And agreeably hereunto is this passage cited by St. Matth. c. 2.15. and applied to the return of Jesus out of Egypt. He hath: i. e. Israel, who hath God for his help. An unicorn: It is matter of great question what Creature the Hebrew word denotes, and not fit to be de∣bated here: It is enough that it denotes one of eminent Power, and known so to be in those Eastern Countries and early days of the World.

23. No enchant∣ment against (Or, in) Jacob: These senses are both true, and very consistent with each other. En∣chantment and Di∣vination was neither at this time practised in Israel, nor could they prevail a∣gainst them. The first Sense is favoured by the Ancients, the Second confirmed by the Context. They despised these things, putting their trust in the One Governour of the World, [De vit. Mosis, l. 1.] These things were too weak to pre∣vail against the Strength of Israel, whatever feats they might do upon other People. According to this time, &c. That is, The time is now at hand when God shall do great things for Israel, bringing them by his mighty Pow∣er into the promised Land.

24. Behold, &c. These following words give an account of their vanquishing their E∣nemies.

28. Peor: An Hill whence Beth-Peor had its name, Deut. 34.6. Jeshimon: i. e. The Desart or Wilderness

CHAP. XXIV.

The ARGUMENT.

Balaam leaves off Enchantments, and foretells the Pro∣sperity of the Israelites. Balak is thereupon angry with him. Balaam's Prophecy of the Star, and sun∣dry other matters.

1. AND when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not as at other times, to seek for inchantments, but he set his face toward the wil∣derness.

2. And Balaam lift up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents, according to their tribes, and the spirit of God came upon him.

3. And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open, hath said:

4. He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling in∣to a trance, but having his eyes open:

5. How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy taber∣nacles, O Israel!

6. As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign-aloes, which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar-trees beside the waters.

7. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher then Agag, and his king∣dom shall be exalted.

8. God brought him forth out of Egypt, he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

9. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

10. And Balak's anger was kin∣dled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

11. Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour, but lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.

12. And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,

13. If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

14. And now behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee, what this peo∣ple shall do to thy people in the lat∣ter days.

15. And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open, hath said:

16. He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vi∣sion of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

17. I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Ja∣cob, and a Scepter shall rise out of

Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Seth.

18. And Edom shall be a posses∣sion, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies, and Israel shall do valiantly.

19. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

20. And when he looked on A∣malek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations, but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.

21. And he looked on the Ke∣nites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwelling place, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.

22. Nevertheless, the Kenite shall be wasted until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.

23. And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

24. And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall af∣flict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

25. And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.

1. AS at other times: Chap. 23.5, 15. To seek for en∣chantments: Heb. To the meeting of en∣chantments. For tho' he offered Sacrifice to the true God, yet he had also used Superstitious and Magical Rites, which he had hitherto found ineffectual, and therefore now he leaves them off as an unprofitable course. See the Note on ch. 23.1. Toward the wilderness: That is, Toward the place where Israel encamped, as appears from v. 2.

2. The spirit of God came upon him: The Divine Spirit, the Spirit of Truth came upon him and directed him to fore∣tell of the Messias, &c. So that the truth of what he foretells may be relyed upon.

3. And he took up, &c. Ch. 23.7, 18. Whose eyes are open: Heb. Who had his eyes shut, but now open. That is, Who is now enlightened, though he were once stupid and blind. See v. 1. and ch. 22.34.

4. Falling into a trance: So those who prophesied were wont to do, 1 Sam. 19.24. Ezek. 1.28.

6. As the valleys, &c. The tents of Ja∣cob he compares to things very goodly: Such are the far ex∣tended Valleys, Gar∣dens well watered, Trees bearing Spices of sweet smell, lof∣ty and tall Cedars planted by the Waters.

7. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many wa∣ters: These words are a Prophecy of the great encrease of Israel, whose Posterity should be very nu∣merous and powerfull: This encrease of Posterity is in the Scripture represented by the flowing out of Waters, Isa. 48.1. Prov. 5.15, 16, 17, 18. And many waters, in the Scripture phrase, are put for many people, Rev. 17.15. Psal. 144.7. Jer. 47.2. His king shall be higher then Agag: The Amalekites were at this time a powerfull and daring People. (See v. 20. with Exod. 17.20.) Agag was the common Name (as hath been with great probability thought) of the Kings of that People: As Pharaoh, and in after-times Ptolomy, was of the Egyptian Kings; and then

these words foretell the great Power of the Israelites which should exceed that of their most potent Neighbours. And with respect to the Amalekites also, as the Israelites had in some measure overcome them (Exod. 17.) so they did it af∣terwards in the days of Saul (1 Sam. 15.) and in the days of Mordecai, Esther 3.1. with ch. 7.10.

8. God, &c. chap. 23.22.

9. He couched: Gen. 49.9.

10. He smote his hands together: In token of great Anger and Displeasure, E∣zek. 21.17. and 22.13.

14. Come therefore, and I will advertise thee, &c. Or, Come I will counsel thee. The Chaldee so ren∣ders this Verse, as that it does both express Balaam's Counsel as well as his Prediction of what should come to pass in after-times. And though his Evil Counsel be not particularly set down here, yet both Philo the Jew, and Josephus tell us it thus; viz. That Balaam upon his departure told Balak, that the onely way to prevail upon this people would be to draw them into sin; and to that purpose he counselled him to tempt them with their beautifull Women: These were first to entice the Israelites with their Beauty and compliant Conversations; and, when they had entangled their Affections, they were to consent to their Embraces, upon condition that the Israelites would forsake their own Law, and worship the God of the Moabites. That this came to pass is evident from chap. 25.1, 2, 3. And that Balaam was the Author of this Ad∣vice is moreover confirmed from ch. 31.16. where Moses speaking of the Women of Midian, saith, These caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the Lord, in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord. Balaam is also said to have taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the Children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to Idols, and to commit Fornication, Rev. 2.14. In the latter days: That is, In time to come.

17. I shall see him, but not now, &c. Or, I do see though at a great distance, what I am now foretelling.

A Star out of Jacob: A Star, a King, says the Chaldee: And considering what fol∣lows, Shall smite the corners of Moab, it may very well re∣ferr to King David, 2 Sam. 8.2. Psal. 60.8. and the other Kings who subdued Moab, 2 King. 3.4. But then the Prophecy looks farther, even to the Messias (an eminent Type of whom David was, Jer. 30.9. Ezek. 34.23.) And well may he be called a Star here, who is elsewhere called, The Sun of righteousness (Mal. 4.2.) and the bright and morning Star (Rev. 22.16.) And the true light (Joh. 1.9.) and whose Birth was attended with a Star (Matt. 2.) And we find that the Jewish Writers acknowledge, that Balaam does here foretell of the Messias. A Scepter: The Chaldee renders it Messias. And a Rod or Scepter being the En∣sign of a Ruler, is put for the Person. The Messias is else∣where called a Ruler (Isa. 16.1. and chap. 22.23. compa∣red with the Greek) a Governour (Jer. 30.21.) Smite the corners of Moab: Or, Smite through the princes of Moab. How this was verified in David may be learned from 2 Sam. 8.2. But the Messias wrought a greater Conquest than David; his Dominion was to be from Sea to Sea, and from the River unto the ends of the Earth, Ps. 72.8, 9, 10. Ps. 2.8, 9. He vanquished the Superstition and Idolatry that had overspread the World, he did smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and slay the wicked with the breath of his lips, Isa. 11.4. Now as his Person was typified by Da∣vid, so the advancement of his Kingdom is represented here by his Conquests also over Moab and Edom, &c. It is said of David, that he put Garrisons in Edom, and all the E∣domites became David's servants, 1 Chron. 18.13. and up∣on this account David himself said, Moab is my washpot, over Edom will I cast out my shooe, Ps. 60.8. Compare Isa. 63.1, 2. All the children of Seth: By the Jews this is under∣stood of all Mankind, which are called the children of Seth because derived from him, [Nizachon pag. 70.] Abel was killed, and we read of no Children he had: The Children of Cain perished in the Flood, those that escaped, and from whom all Men proceeded, were the Posterity of Seth; and certain it is, that the Messias was to have Dominion over the World. However, it is very probable, that this is not

the meaning of the place here, and that by the Children of Seth is meant some particular People, either part of Moab or Ammon, or some other neighbouring Country then well known.

18. And Edom shall, &c. See the Note on v. 17. to which add Amos 9.12. and Obadiah v. 18.

19. He that shall have dominion: That is, David, and other powerfull Kings, but especially the Messias. Of the city: particularly of the Edomites, 1 King. 11.15. And the Messias shall overcome the strongest Enemies of his Church.

20. The first of the nations: i. e. The first of the nations that warred against Isra∣el, Exod. 17. This sense the Chaldee gives of the place. And the Victory the Israelites gained over Amalek was not onely a pledge of succeeding Victo∣ries over other Enemies, but over Amalek also. See Ex∣od. 17.16. Shall be that he perish for ever: Or, Shall be even to destruction. This was in great measure fulfilled, 1 Sam. 30.17. and farther afterward, 2 Sam. 8.12.

21. Kenites: A People of whom was Jethro, and who were mingled with the People of Midi∣an and Amalek, and that too in very secure places, which rendered them secure, as if they had been seated in a Rock, Exod. 3.1. Judg. 1.16. 1 Sam. 15.6.

22. Nevertheless, the Kenite (Heb. Kein) shall be wast∣ed: They shall from time to time suffer among the People with whom they were joined, viz. That of Midian and Amalek, &c. Ʋn∣til Asshur shall carry thee away captive: Or, How long shall it be ere Asshur carry thee away captive? The Kenites who lived in the Land of Israel (Judg. 4.11.) were invol∣ved in the Captivity by the King of Assyria, as well as they in the two Tribes, in that by the King of Babylon, which is also called the King of Assyria (Ezr. 6.22.) See 1 Chron. 2.55.

23. Alas, who shall live: These words imply, that great will be the Calamity of the Times last predicted of.

24. Ships shall come from the coast of Chit∣tim: Chittim was the Son of Javan, who was one of the Sons of Japhet (Gen. 10.4.) From him came a People who inhabited Greece, or the Isles of the Gentiles (Gen. 10.5.) and thence a Colony transplanted into Italy. Hence Chit∣tim sometimes denotes Greece, 1 Maccab. 1.1. and ch. 8.5. Sometimes Italy, Dan. 11.30. and so the Vulgar renders the word here. And in this place it may well denote both Greece and Italy. Shall afflict Asshur: i. e. Shall afflict the Eastern Empire, which was verified by Alexander of Ma∣cedonia, and by the Romans afterward, who subdued Greece, and the People whom the Greeks had subdued. Afflict E∣ber: i. e. The Hebrews, who were afflicted by Antiochu••, and destroyed by Titus and Vespasian. He also shall perish: i. e. Chittim: The Greeks are perished long since, and the Roman Empire in great measure also.

CHAP. XXV.

The ARGUMENT.

The Israelites sin at Shittim, they are joined to Baal-Peor. The Lord is angry with them. Zimri and Cozbi are slain by Phinehas; and his Zeal was pleasing to God. The Midianites are to be punished.

1. AND Israel abode in Shit∣tim, and the people begun to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

2. And they called the people un∣to the sacrifices of their gods: and and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.

3. And Israel joined himself un∣to Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Is∣rael.

4. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.

5. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men, that were joined unto Baal-peor.

6. And behold, one of the chil∣dren of Israel came and brought un∣to his brethren a Midianitish wo∣man, in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the ta∣bernacle of the congregation.

7. And when Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest saw it, he rose up from a∣mongst the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;

8. And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly: So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

9. And those that died in the plague, were twenty and four thou∣sand.

10. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

11. Phinehas the son of Elea∣zar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel (while he was zealous for my sake among them) that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousie.

12. Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace.

13. And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the cove∣nant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the chil∣dren of Israel.

14. Now the name of the Israe∣lite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish-woman, was Zimri the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites.

15. And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain, was Cozbi the daughter of Zur: he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian.

16. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

17. Vex the Midianites, and smite them:

18. For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you, in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.

1. SHittim: Chap. 33.49. This is called Abel-Shittim, and was in the Plains of Moab. With the daughters of Moab: And with those of Midian also, as appears from v. 6, 17, 18. chap. 31.16. Both these People were conf jederate against Israel, chap. 22.7.

2. The people did eat: That is, They did eat of their Sacri∣fices, as the Greek have it, and by eat∣ing of the remaining parts of the Sacrifice were guilty of Ido∣latry, 1 Cor. 10.20, 21. And this sense of the words is con∣firmed from the words of the Psalmist. They joined them∣selves unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead, Ps. 106.28. What they did was expressly against their Law, Exod. 34.15. and was the contrivance of Balaam, who was the Contriver of this Mischief to Israel, to eat things sa∣crificed to Idols, Rev. 2.14.

3. Baal-peor: Baal signifies a Lord, or Master, and is a more common name of an Idol or false God. Peor was an Hill, where this Idol was worshipped, chap. 23.28.

4. Take all the heads of the people: Deut. 4.3. Josh. 22.17. By the heads of the people here, is meant the Judges of Israel, as they are called v. 6. viz. The principal Officers among them: By their assistance, the People, who had sinned, were to be punished, as appears from v. 6. Hang them up: i. e. The People who had sin∣ned, and not all the Heads of the People, for they were concerned in the execution of the Sentence (v. 6.) [See Selden de Synedriis, l. 2. c. 1.] Against the sun: i. e. Pub∣lickly, and openly: It was also provided, that those who were hanged should be taken down the same day, Deut. 21.22, 23.

6. In the sight, &c. Great was the sin of this Man, who durst transgress openly be∣fore Moses and the People, and at such a time when they were mourning for the Calamity which threatned them, and (as is probable) even after the Plague was begun, and, at least, some of the Offenders had been exemplary in their punishment (v. 8.)

7. When Phinehas, &c. Psal. 106.30. 1 Maccab. 2.54. What Phinehas did, will by no means be a warrant to private persons to put the greatest Malefactors to death. For besides that Phinehas was one of considerable Authority

(v. 7.) and who wanted not Commission (v. 5.) It is cer∣tain God approved of the action (v. 11.) and it may well be concluded, that as he did it not without the consent of Moses, so he did it by the direction of God himself.

9. Those that died, &c. 1 Cor. 10.8. The seeming diffe∣rence between these words and those of St. Paul is easily reconciled: For allow∣ing one thousand to be slain by the Judges (v. 5.) St. Paul gives a just account of the number of them who died of the Pestilence: What we render Plague here does not signifie Pestilence onely, but any other sudden stroke, and may therefore comprehend the Destruction that befell them from the Judges, as well as that which God immediately in∣flicted.

11. Phinehas: Ps. 106.30.

12. Behold I give unto him, &c. Ec∣clus. 45.24. 1 Mac. 2.54. The covenant of peace is expressed (v. 13.) by an everlasting Priesthood. The Office of a Priest was that of a Mediator between God and Man; and the End of the Sacrifices and Incense (the Type of Prayers) was to procure God's Favour, Numb. 16.47, 48.

13. His seed after him, &c. This was made good; we find his Posterity record∣ed to the Captivity, 1 Chron. 6. from v. 4. to v. 15. And after the Captivity Ezra was of his Line, Ezra 7.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. and we have no rea∣son to doubt of its continuance afterward.

14. Chief house: Heb. House of a fa∣ther.

17. Vex: Ch. 31.2. The Moabites are not named. See Deut. 2.9. It is probable, the Midianites were the great∣est Offenders. See v. 6. and ch. 31.16.

CHAP. XXVI.

The ARGUMENT.

The Summ of all the Israelites is taken from Twenty years old and upward. The Number of each Tribe. The Summ total. The Law concerning Dividing the Land. The Families of Levi numbred. The total Summ of them. None of them that were Numbred in the Wilderness of Sinai remained now, beside Caleb and Joshua.

1. AND it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron the priest, saying,

2. Take the sum of all the con∣gregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their father's house, all that are able to go to war in Is∣rael.

3. And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, say∣ing,

4. Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt.

5. Reuben the eldest son of Is∣rael: the children of Reuben; Ha∣noch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:

6. Of Hesron, the family of the Hesronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.

7. These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbred of them, were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.

8. And the sons of Pallu; Eliab.

9. And the sons of Eliab; Ne∣muel, and Dathan and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD.

10. And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up to∣gether with Korah when that com∣pany died, what time the fire de∣voured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

11. Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

12. The sons of Simeon after their families: of Ne∣muel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the fa∣mily of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Ja∣chinites.

13. Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.

14. These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thou∣sand and two hundred.

15. The children of Gad after their families: of Ze∣phon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:

16. Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:

17. Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.

18. These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbred of them, forty thousand and five hundred.

19. The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.

20. And the sons of Judah after their families were; Of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zar∣bites:

21. And the sons of Pharez were; of Hesron, the fa∣mily of the Hesronites: of Hamul, the family of the Ha∣mulites.

22. These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbred of them, threescore and six∣teen thousand and five hundred.

23. Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:

24. Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shim∣ron, the family of the Shimronites.

25. These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbred of them, threescore and four thousand and three hun∣dred.

26. Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

27. These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbred of them, three∣score thousand and five hundred.

28. The sons of Joseph after their families, were Ma∣nasseh and Ephraim.

29. Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Ma∣chirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.

30. These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the fa∣mily of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the He∣lekites.

31. And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites.

32. And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.

33. And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters:

and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad, were Mah∣lah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

34. These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were num∣bred of them, fifty and two thou∣sand and seven hundred.

35. These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bechrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.

36. And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.

37. These are the families of the sons of Ephraim, according to those that were numbred of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Jo∣seph after their families.

38. The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Be∣la, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahira∣mites:

39. Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.

40. And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.

41. These are the sons of Ben∣jamin after their families: and they that were numbred of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred.

42. These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the fa∣milies of Dan after their families.

43. All the families of the Shu∣hamites according to those that were numbred of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hun∣dred.

44. Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the fa∣mily of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites:

45. Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchi∣elites.

46. And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.

47. These are the families of the sons of Asher, according to those that were numbred of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

48. Of the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the families of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the fa∣mily of the Gunites:

49. Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.

50. These are the families of Naphtali; according to their fami∣lies: and they that were numbred of them, were forty and five thou∣sand and four hundred.

51. These were the numbred of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hun∣dred and thirty.

52. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

53. Ʋnto these the land shall be divided for an inheri∣tance, according to the number of names.

54. To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given, according to those that were numbred of him.

55. Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot: accord∣ing to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inhe∣rit.

56. According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided, between many and few.

57. And these are they that were numbred of the Levites, af∣ter their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Ko∣bath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Me∣rarites.

58. These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites: And Kohath begat Amram.

59. And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram, Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam their sister.

60. And unto Aaron was born Nadab and Abihu, Ele∣azar and Ithamar.

61. And Nadab and Abihu di∣ed, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.

62. And those that were num∣bred of them, were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbred among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.

63. These are they that were numbred by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbred the children of Israel in the plains of Moab, by Jordan near Jericho.

64. But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbred, when they numbred the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai.

65. For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

1. AFter the plague: Ch. 25.9.

2. From twenty: Ch. 1.3. The Num∣ber was now taken in order to the divi∣ding the Land among them, (v. 53.) which they were now ready to possess. Now was also the Generation of Men dead, who were excluded the Land for their Murmuring, (ch. 14.29. with verses 64 and 65 of this Chapter.) The remainder of them probably being slain by the Plague, (ch. 25.9.) Hence this Number is required to be taken after the plague, v. 1.

4. Commanded: Ch. 1.1.

5. Reuben the el∣dest: Gen. 46.8. Ex∣od. 6.14. 1 Chron. 5.1.

7. Forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty: When they were numbred, ch. 1. they were 46500: Their decrease in so great measure must be imputed to their Sin, and particularly that which is mentioned chap. 16.

9. Famous: Chap. 16.2.

10. A sign: i. e. A sad Example to others against Rebel∣lion, 1 Cor. 10.6.

14. Twenty and two thousand and two hundred: Thus are they also decreased from 59300, chap. 1. It is probable that many perished with Zimri, who was a principal Man of this Tribe, chap. 25.14.

18. Forty thousand and five hundred: Their number (ch. 1.) was 45650. All the Tribes of the Stan∣dard of Reuben are remarkably decreased.

19. The sons of Judah: Gen. 38.1, &c. and 46.12.

22. Threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred: Where∣as they were but 72600, chap. 1. Ju∣dah out-stripped his Brethren according to Jacob's Predicti∣on, Gen. 49.8.

25. Threescore and four thousand and three hundred: These are increased to this number from 54400, chap. 1.

27. Threescore thou∣sand and five hun∣dred: They were but 57400, chap. 1. So that each Tribe be∣longing to the Standard of Judah was encreased in their Numbers.

29. Machir: Josh. 17.1.

33. Zelophehad: Ch. 27.1.

34. Fifty and two thousand and seven hundred: They en∣creased from 32200, chap. 1.

37. Thirty and two thousand and five hun∣dred: They were when they came out of Egypt 40500, ch. 1.

41. Forty and five thousand and six hun∣dred: They are in∣creased from 35400, chap. 1.

43. Threescore and four thousand and four hundred: There were but 62700, chap. 1.

47. Fifty and three thousand and four hundred: They were but 41500, chap. 1.

50. Forty and five thousand and four hundred: They were 53400, chap. 1.

51. Six hundred thousand and a thou∣sand seven hundred and thirty: They were decreased from 603550 (chap. 1.) to the number of One thousand eight hundred and twenty.

54. To many: Ch. 33.54. Give the more inheritance: Heb. Multiply his inheritance. Give the less inheritance: Heb. Diminish his inheri∣tance.

55. Divided by lot: Chap. 33.54. Josh. 11.23. and 14.2. This dividing by Lot was very consistent with that Equality which is required, v. 54. And the most probable account of this matter is, That the several Coasts or Provinces of the whole Land were by Lot adjudged to the several Tribes; but then each Tribe was assigned a greater or less portion of that Tract where his Lot fell, as the number of its Fa∣milies were more or fewer. This exact measure of their portion was not determined by Lot, for then Simeon could not justly have been placed within the Tract where Judah inherited, Josh. 19.

57. And these are they, &c. Exod. 6.16, 17, 18, 19. These are numbred by them∣selves, because they were not to inherit with the other Tribes, and not distinctly numbred here.

59. Jochebed: Ex∣od. 2.1, 2. and 6.20.

61. Nadab and A∣bihu: Levit. 10.2. chap. 3.4. 1 Chron. 24.2.

62. Twenty and three thousand: They are now increased, chap. 3.

64. Among these: i.e. Among the Tribes to whom the Land was to be divided by Lot.

65. Shall surely die: Chap. 14.28. 1 Cor. 10.5, 6.

CHAP. XXVII.

The ARGUMENT.

The Request of the Daughters of Zelophehad. The Law concerning Inheritances thereupon. Joshua is appoint∣ed to succeed Moses, upon the notice he received of his Death.

1. THen came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of He∣pher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manas∣seh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

2. And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes, and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, say∣ing,

3. Our father died in the wil∣derness, and he was not in the com∣pany of them that gathered them∣selves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.

4. Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our fa∣ther.

5. And Moses brought their cause before the LORD.

6. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

7. The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.

8. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, say∣ing, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.

9. And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.

10. And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren.

11. And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.

12. And the LORD said un∣to Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the chil∣dren of Israel.

13. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.

14. For ye rebelled against my commandment (in the desart of Zin, in the strife of the congregation) to sanctifie me at the water, before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

15. And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,

16. Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation;

17. Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shep∣herd.

18. And the LORD said un∣to Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of N••••, a man in whom is the spi∣rit, and lay thine hand upon him.

19. And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: and give him a charge in their sight.

20. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

21. And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congrega∣tion.

22. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation.

23. And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Mo∣ses.

1. ZElophehad: Ch. 26.13. Josh. 17.3.

3. Died: Chap. 14.35. and 26.64, 65. Korah: Chap. 16. In his own sin: i. e. Not as a Ring-leader of a∣ny Rebellion or Sedi∣tion, or as a more no∣torious Sinner than other Men, but as a common and ordinary Sinner, to whom yet Death is due.

4. Done away: Heb. Diminished. Their Father being no no∣torious Sinner, his Children might well plead for an Inheri∣tance, which these Women had a fair

occasion to do, in their Father's right, at this time, because the Summ of the People was just now taken in order to the dividing the Land among them, chap. 26.53.

5. Brought their cause before the LORD: That is, He enquired of God in this matter, and to that purpose, it is probable, he went into the Tabernacle. See chap. 7.89. and Exod. 25.22.

9. Ʋnto his bre∣thren: That is, Up∣on supposition that his Father be dead: For if his Father be alive, the Inheritance (as the Jews say with great probability) returns to him, and comes not to his Brethren first, (excepting onely where the Widow of the deceased is married to a surviving Brother,) as may be collected from v. 10, 11. The Father is supposed to be dead, (v. 10.) it being very improbable otherwise that his Brethren should rather inherit than he, especially when it is provided that the Inheritance should pass to him that is next of the Family of him who is deceased, (v. 11.) And that the Brethren's claim is from the Father, as they were his Children, rather than as the Brethren of the deceased; [vid. Selden. de Success. cap. XI.]

12. Get thee up: Deut. 32.49. Into this mount Abarim: There were a Tract of Mountains so call∣ed in the Plains of Moab, ch. 33.47. This Mountain was called Nebo, Deut. 32.49. And they are called Abarim, it is like, because they were near the passage which was over Jordan, as the He∣brew word intimates.

13. Aaron: Chap. 20.24.

14. Rebelled: Ch. 20.24. See the Notes on ch. 20.12. Wa∣ter: Exod. 17.7.

17. Which may go out before them, and which may go in be∣fore them: i. e. Which may rule and govern them in War and Peace, and lead them as a Shepherd doth his Flock, Deut. 28.6.

When Moses expressed his unfitness for Government, he says, I can no more go out and come in, Deut. 31.2. See Psal. 121.8.

18. Spirit: i. e. The Spirit of God enabling him for his great Office. He was in this a Type of Je∣sus Christ, Joh. 3.34. with Isa. 11.2. Lay thine hand upon him: i. e. By that Rite set him a-part to his Office. See Numb. 8.10. This laying on of Hands (see v. 23.) was followed with encrease of Gifts from God. And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of Wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him, Deut. 34.9.

20. And thou shalt put some of thine ho∣nour upon him: i. e. Thou shalt not treat him barely as a Ser∣vant, but admit him forthwith as a Partner in the Go∣vernment, as becomes him who is the Elect Judge or Ru∣ler of his People.

21. Ask counsel: viz. In weighty and important Matters. After the judgment of Ʋrim: Exod. 28.30.

CHAP. XXVIII.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the daily or continual Burnt-offering. Of the additio∣nal Sacrifice on the Sabbath-day. Of that of the New Moons. Of that of the Passeover and Feast of Ʋnlea∣vened Bread. Of that of the Feast of Weeks.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Command the children of Is∣rael, and say unto them, My offer∣ing, and my bread for my sacrifi∣ces made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.

3. And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day for a continual burnt-offering.

4. The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even;

5. And a tenth part of an e∣phah of flour for a meat-offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oyl.

6. It is a continual burnt-offer∣ing which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacri∣fice made by fire unto the LORD.

7. And the drink-offering there∣of shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink-offering.

8. And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat-offering of the morning, and as the drink-offering thereof thou shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

9. And on the sabbath-day, two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth-deals of flour for a meat-offering mingled with oyl, and the drink-offering thereof.

10. This is the burnt-offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt-offering, and his drink-offering.

11. And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt-offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot.

12. And three tenth-deals of flour for a meat-offering mingled with oyl, for one bullock, and two tenth-deals of flour for a meat-offering mingled with oyl, for one ram.

13. And a several tenth-deal of flour mingled with oyl for a meat-offering, unto one lamb, for a burnt-offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

14. And their drink-offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb; this is the burnt-offering of every month throughout the months of the year.

15. And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering unto the LORD shall be offered, besides the continual burnt-offering, and his drink-offer∣ing.

16. And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passeover of the LORD.

17. And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.

18. In the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no manner of servile work therein.

19. But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt-offering unto the LORD; two young bul∣locks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish.

20. And their meat-offering shall be of flour mingled with oyl: three tenth-deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth-deals for a ram.

21. A several tenth-deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs.

22. And one goat for a sin-offering, to make an atone∣ment for you.

23. Ye shall offer these beside the burnt-offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt-offering.

24. After this manner ye shall offer daily throughout the seven days, the meat of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: it shall be offered beside the continual burnt-offering, and his drink-offering.

25. And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy con∣vocation; ye shall do no servile work.

26. Also in the day of the first-fruits, when ye bring a new meat-offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no ser∣vile work.

27. But ye shall offer the burnt-offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year:

28. And their meat-offering of flour mingled with oyl, three tenth-deals unto one bullock, two tenth-deals unto one ram,

29. A several tenth-deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

30. And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.

31. Ye shall offer them besides the continual burnt-offering, and his meat-offering (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink-offerings.

2. Command, &c. Moses, having num∣bred the new Ge∣neration of Men that were to inherit the Land, and recei∣ved warning of his own death, is com∣manded to put them in mind of the Ordinances which they were obliged to observe in that Land, Psal. 105.44, 45. And the rather, because in their Journeys in the Wil∣derness they had not practised according to the Rites and Laws which they had received, Deut. 12.8. A sweet sa∣vour unto me: Heb. A savour of my rest.

3. This is, &c. Exod. 29.38. Day by day: Heb. In a day.

4. At even: Heb. Between the two E∣venings. See the Note on Exod. 12.6.

5. A tenth part of an ephah: i. e. An Omer. See the Note upon Exod. 16.36. Meat-offering: Le∣vit. 2.1. Hin: See Exod. 29.40. with the Note upon that place.

6. Ordained in mount Sinai: They are referred to the first Institution. See Exod. 29.38.

7. In the holy place: i. e. On the Altar which stood in the Sanctuary or Holy place.

9. On the sabbath-day: The following Offering was additio∣nal, beside the daily Offering, as appears from v. 10.

15. One kid: See Numb. 15.24. Ʋn∣to the LORD: And not unto the Moon.

16. And in the fourteenth, &c. Ex∣od. 12.18. Levit. 23.5.

17. Feast: That is, the Feast of Un∣leavened Bread, as appears from the fol∣lowing words, and from Levit. 23.6.

18. First day: Le∣vit. 23.7.

19. Two young bul∣locks, &c. See the Note upon Deut. 16.2.

23. In the morn∣ing: By no means excluding that of the Evening. See v. 3, 4. The Morning is onely named, because then the Solemnity began.

26. Day of the first-fruits: That is, the Feast of Pente∣cost.

27. Two young bul∣locks: Besides what is required, Levit. 23.18. compare v. 11. with ch. 29.2, 6.

CHAP. XXIX.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the Feast of Trumpets. Of the Day of Expiation. Of the Feast of Tabernacles; And of the several Offer∣ings belonging to these Solemnities.

1. AND in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy con∣vocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.

2. And ye shall offer a burnt-offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD, one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish,

3. And their meat-offering shall be of flour mingled with oyl, three tenth-deals for a bullock, and two tenth-deals for a ram,

4. And one tenth-deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

5. And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering, to make an atonement for you.

6. Beside the burnt-offering of the month, and his meat-offering, and the daily burnt-offering, and his meat-offering, and their drink-offerings, according un∣to their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

7. And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation: and ye shall afflict your souls; ye shall not do any work therein.

8. But ye shall offer a burnt-offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour, one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year, they shall be unto you without blemish:

9. And their meat-offering shall be of flour mingled with oyl, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth-deals to one ram,

10. A several tenth-deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

11. One kid of the goats for a sin-offering, beside the sin-offering of atonement, and the continual burnt-offering, and the meat-offe∣ring of it, and their drink-offe∣rings.

12. And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no ser∣vile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days.

13. And ye shall offer a burnt-offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thir∣teen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year: they shall be without blemish.

14. And their meat-offering shall be of flour mingled with oyl, three tenth-deals unto every bullock of the thir∣teen bullocks, two tenth-deals to each ram of the two rams,

15. And a several tenth-deal to each lamb of the four∣teen lambs:

16. And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering, beside the continual burnt-offering, his meat-offering, and his drink-offering.

17. And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot.

18. And their meat-offering, and their drink-offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner.

19. And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering, beside the continual burnt-offering, and the meat-offering there∣of, and their drink offerings.

20. And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

21. And their meat-offering, and their drink-offerings, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

22. And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the continu∣al burnt-offering, and his meat-offering, and his drink-offering.

23. And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

24. Their meat-offering, and their drink-offerings, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be ac∣cording to their number, after the manner:

25. And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering, beside the continual burnt-offering, his meat-offering, and his drink-offering.

26. And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

27. And their meat-offering, and their drink-offerings, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

28. And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the conti∣nual burnt-offering, and his meat-offering, and his drink-offering.

29. And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

30. And their meat-offering, and their drink-offe∣rings, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

31. And one goat for a sin-offering, beside tie conti∣nual burnt-offering, his meat-offering, and his drink-offering.

32. And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

33. And their meat-offering, and their drink-offerings, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

34. And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the conti∣nual burnt-offering, his meat-offering, and his drink-offering.

35. On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do ••o servile work therein.

36. But ye shall offer a burnt-offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

37. Their meat-offering, and their drink-offerings, for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

38. And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the conti∣nual burnt-offering, and his meat-offering, and his drink-offering.

39. These things ye shall do un∣to the LORD in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your free∣will-offerings, for your burnt-of∣ferings, and for your meat-offe∣rings, and for your drink-offerings, and for your peace-offerings.

40. And Moses told the children of Israel, according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

1. IN the seventh month: viz. From that month in which the Passeover was kept, which was constituted the first month of the Eccle∣siastical year, Exod. 12.2. See the Note on that place. It is a day: Levit. 23.24.

2. One young bul∣lock, &c. This Of∣fering was to be over and above the addi∣tional Offering which belonged to this day, as it was the first day of a month, when they were obliged to offer two Bullocks, ch. 28.11. with v. 6. of this Chap∣ter. The seeming difference between Levit. 23.18. and Numb. 28.27. may hence be fairly reconciled; For the two Bullocks, one Ram, and seven Lambs, which were re∣quired at the Pentecost, or Feast of Weeks, (Numb. 28.27.) were to be added to the seven Lambs, one Bullock, and two Rams, which were to be offered with the Bread, (Le∣vit. 23.18.)

6. Beside: See chap. 28.3. and verse 11.

7. Ye shall have: Levit. 16.29. and 23.27.

11. Beside the sin-offering of atonement: Of which see Levit. 16.9, 30.

12. A feast: That is, the Feast of Ta∣bernacles, Levit. 23.34. which was kept at the close of their Vintage and Harvest, Deut. 16.13. This being a time of Leisure, and of Plen∣ty, God thought fit to oblige the Israelites to a long at∣tendance, and a greater number of Sacrifices than he requi∣red at the other Festivals.

17. Twelve: Here is an abatement of one Bullock for each of the seven days, out of that num∣ber which they were obliged to offer on that which went before.

35. Solemn assem∣bly: Levit. 23.36.

36. One bullock: Though the day were solemn, and the great day of the Feast (Joh. 7.37.) yet were the Sacrifices fewer than of the Seventh Day by six Bullocks and one Ram. And this, together with the gradual declining of the Sacrifices appointed in this Feast, do fairly mind us of the invalidity of Legal Sacrifices.

39. Do: Or, Of∣fer. Beside: The Offerings mentioned before were fixed and stated for every Day, Week, Month, or Year, at certain times; those which follow here were more uncertain upon Emergencies, or Voluntary Devoti∣on, and Inclination of them who were disposed.

CHAP. XXX.

The ARGUMENT.

Vows and Oaths are to be made good. Of the Vow of a Virgin, of a Wife, and of a Widow, or divorced Wo∣man.

1. AND Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes, con∣cerning the children of Israel, say∣ing, This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded,

2. If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do accor∣ding to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

3. If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind her∣self by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth;

4. And her father hear her vow, and her bond where∣with she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand.

5. But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father dis∣allowed her.

6. And if she had at all an husband when she vowed, or utter∣ed ought out of her lips, where∣with she bound her soul;

7. And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul, shall stand.

8. But if her husband disallow her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.

9. But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, where∣with they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.

10. And if she vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath;

11. And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and dis∣allowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond where∣with she hound her soul, shall stand.

12. But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void, and the LORD shall forgive her.

13. Every vow, and every bind∣ing oath to afflict the soul, her hus∣band may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

14. But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her, from day to day: then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds which are upon her: he confirmeth them be∣cause he held his peace at her, in the day that he heard them.

15. But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.

16. These are the statutes which the LORD command∣ed Moses between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter being yet in her youth in her father's house.

1. UNto the heads of the tribes: Who were to impart it to the rest of the People whom it con∣cerned.

2. A man: This denotes both the Sex (as appears from v. 3.) and a competent age. Vow a vow un∣to the LORD: i. e. Make a Religious Promise unto the Lord. Swear an oath, &c. i. e. Confirm his Vow with an Oath, by calling God to witness. Break: Heb. Pro∣fane. He shall do, &c. Provided what he vows be a law∣ful thing, Mark 6.23.

3. A woman: Who is in Subjection, as appears from what follows: And there∣fore the Law extends to other Subjects, who are not to dispose of themselves without the consent of their just Superiors. A Woman is named because she is most subject. Being in her father's house in her youth: That is, Being in the Family, and un∣der the Government of her Father, and not disposed of in Marriage. See v. 6, 9.

5. In the day that he heareth: i. e. Forth-with after it is come to his know∣ledge. See v. 8, 9, 14, 15. Shall for∣give her: Or, Will forgive her; i. e. Will not impute her not performing such a Vow unto her.

6. She vowed: Heb. Her vows were upon her.

9. Every vow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 widow: i. e. Every Vow made in her Widowhood, and when she had power to dispose of her self and Actions.

10. And if she vow∣ed in her husband's house: i. e. If she that is now a Widow, or divorced, did make her Vow during her Husband's life, or before she was divorced from him: This sense which is

very natural distinguisheth this Law from that in the sixth Verse.

11. All her vows shall stand: Those Vows which she then made shall oblige her in her Widowhood.

13. To afflict the soul: Such are Vows of Fasting or Absti∣nence, Levit. 16.29.

15. But if he shall any ways make them void, &c. i. e. If the Husband, after he hath by his silence established the Vow of his Wife, shall by his Power and Authority over her, hinder her from performing such a Vow, the sin in this case shall not be imputed to the Wife (who was ready to perform her Vow) but to her Husband who restrained her.

CHAP. XXXI.

The ARGUMENT.

The Israelites overcome the Midianites, and slay Balaam. They saved the Women alive, at which Moses is of∣fended, and commands them what they shall do with them, and also to purify themselves. Of dividing the Prey, and of the Lord's Tribute out of it.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.

3. And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of your selves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.

4. Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war.

5. So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thou∣sand of every tribe, twelve thou∣sand armed for war.

6. And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Elea∣zar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.

7. And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.

8. And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain: namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian; Ba∣laam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

9. And the children of Israel took all the women of Mi∣dian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattel, and all their flocks, and all their goods.

10. And they burnt all their ci∣ties wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles with fire:

11. And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.

12. And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil unto Moses and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by Jordan near Je∣richo.

13. And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them with∣out the camp.

14. And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds; which came from the battel.

15. And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?

16. Behold, these caused the chil∣dren of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass a∣gainst the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague a∣mong the congregation of the LORD.

17. Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.

18. But all the women-children that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for your selves.

19. And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whoso∣ever hath touched any slain, puri∣fie both your selves and your cap∣tives, on the third day, and on the seventh day.

20. And purifie all your rai∣ment, and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats-hair, and all things made of wood.

21. And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war, which went to the battel, This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses;

22. Onely the gold, and the sil∣ver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,

23. Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire, ye shall make go through the water.

24. And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye shall come into the camp.

25. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

26. Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation.

27. And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battel, and between all the con∣gregation.

28. And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war, which went out to battel: one soul of five hundred, both of the per∣sons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep.

29. Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave-offering of the LORD.

30. And of the children of Is∣rael's half, thou shalt take one por∣tion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

31. And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.

32. And the booty being the rest of the prey which the men of war had caught, was six hundred thousand, and seventy thousand, and five thousand sheep.

33. And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,

34. And threescore and one thousand asses,

35. And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.

36. And the half which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep;

37. And the LORD's tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen.

38. And the beeves were thirty and six thousand, of which the LORD's tribute was threescore and twelve.

39. And the asses were thirty thousand and five hun∣dred, of which the LORD's tribute was threescore and one.

40. And the persons were sixteen thousand, of which the LORD's tribute was thirty and two persons.

41. And Moses gave the tribute which was the LORD's heave-offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.

42. And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred,

43. (Now the half that pertained unto the congrega∣tion, was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep,

44. And thirty and six thousand beeves,

45. And thirty thousand asses and five hundred,

46. And sixteen thousand persons)

47. Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the ta∣bernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

48. And the officers which were over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses:

49. And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which are under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us.

50. We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, ear-rings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD.

51. And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels.

52. And all the gold of the of∣fering that they offered up to the LORD, of the captains of thou∣sands, and of the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thou∣sand seven hundred and fifty shekels.

53. (For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for him∣self)

54. And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the cap∣tains of thousands, and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, for a memori∣al for the children of Israel before the LORD.

2. Avenge the chil∣dren of Israel: Ch. 25.17. Moses is commanded here to avenge the Israelites, but (v. 3.) he requires the People to avenge the Lord. The Midianites had brought destructi∣on upon the People of Israel, and had drawn them from God into Idolatry, and upon both these accounts were ob∣noxious, as offenders against God, and Israel. See ch. 25. v. 15, 17, 18. Be gathered: Ch. 27.13.

4. Of every tribe a thousand: Heb. A thousand of a tribe, a thousand of a tribe.

5. Twelve thou∣sand: The Levites were excused. See the Note on ch. 1.47.

6. Phinehas: A Man of great Zeal, and fit to excite and move the People: See ch. 25. But it by no means appears, that he went as Com∣mander, but as a Priest to direct the People, and to awaken them to their Duty, and to that purpose he is provided with the Holy In∣struments (or Ʋrim and Thummim, 1 Sam. 30.7.) and the Trumpets, ch. 10.9.

8. Evi: Josh. 13.21. These were Dukes during the life of Sihon, and after∣ward Kings. Zur: The Father of Cozbi, ch. 25.15.

10. Burnt: This they did not onely to prevent their own taking up their Rest there, but to prevent others from settling in those strong places.

14. Battel: Heb. Host of war.

16. These caused: Chap. 25.2. The Women were great∣ly Criminal; and though the Daugh∣ters of Moab onely are mentioned (ch. 25.1.) yet they of Midian are to be in∣cluded. Compare ch. 25.6. and v. 17, 18. Counsel: 2 Pet. 2.15. See the Note on ch. 24.14.

17. Kill: Judg. 21.11. That hath known man: i. e. That is Adult and Mar∣riageable. This seems to be the sense of the words, as this Precept is distinct from that which goes just before, and opposed to that which immediately follows v. 18. Him: Heb. A male.

18. For your selves: For your own use and service, or to sell as Slaves.

19. Whosoever hath touched: Ch. 19.11, &c. Purifie: Ac∣cording to the Law in that case made and provided, ch. 19.

20. That is made of skins: Heb. In∣strument or vessel of skins.

22. Onely the gold, &c. Which was not provided for in the Law given Num. 19.

26. That was ta∣ken: Heb. Of the captivity. Of man and of beast: The Prey taken of the Midianites was of three kinds, viz. of Persons, v. 18. of Beasts, v. 32, 33, &c. and of Moveables, v. 22, and v. 50. The two first of these were divided among the Warriors and the Congre∣gation, the last were left in the Hands of those who went out to Battel, v. 48, 50.

27. Two parts: That is, Two equal parts, as appears from what follows. Those who went out to Battel, for their pains

and hazard, have as great a share as the Congregation which staid at home, though they were but about the fifti∣eth part of them.

28. One soul of five hundred: Or, One of five hundred. This is but the tenth part of what was ta∣ken out of the other Moyety belonging to the Congregation: This being taken for the Priests, the other for the Levites. Now as the Levites were far the greater number, so the same proportion is observed here as in the Tithes, where the Priests received but one tenth of what was paid to the Levites.

30. One portion of fifty: The Congre∣gation not having ha∣zarded their lives are enjoined to part with ten times as much as those who went to the Battel, and in such a proportion as the number of them that went to Battel held to the whole Congregation, which was about the fiftieth part. For that is the propor∣tion between the 12000 Men of War and the whole Con∣gregation, which made up the number of 600000 and up∣wards, ch. 26. Flocks: Or, Goats.

32. The rest of the prey: i. e. That re∣mained after they had killed the Males and the adult Wo∣men, v. 17. and pos∣sibly eaten some of the Cattel also.

37. Six hundred, &c. Which is ex∣actly the proportion, of one in five hun∣dred, injoined v. 28. See the Note there.

49. Charge: Heb. Hand.

50. Gotten: Heb. Found. To make an atonement: For they had sinned, as ap∣pears from v. 14.

52. Offering: Heb. Heave-offering.

53. For himself: See the Note on v. 26.

54. A memorial: A Memorial at once of God's Mercy in preserving their num∣ber intire, and of their Gratitude and Piety in offering up their Tribute of Praise.

CHAP. XXXII.

The ARGUMENT.

The Reubenites and Gadites desire their Inheritance on that side of Jordan. Moses is displeased with their Request. They offer Conditions, whereupon their Re∣quest is granted.

1. NOW the children of Reu∣ben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattel: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gi∣lead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattel;

2. The children of Gad, and the children of Reuben, came and spake unto Moses; and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,

3. Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrab, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon;

4. Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattel, and thy servants have cattel.

5. Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a pos∣session, and bring us not over Jordan.

6. And Moses said unto the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?

7. And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel, from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?

8. Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.

9. For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.

10. And the LORD's anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,

11. Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; be∣cause they have not wholly followed me:

12. Save Caleb the son of Je∣phunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

13. And the LORD's anger was kindled against Is∣rael, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, untill all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the LORD was consumed.

14. And behold, ye are risen up in your father's stead, an increase of sinfull men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.

15. For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet a∣gain leave them in the wilderness, and ye shall destroy all this people.

16. And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattel, and cities for our lit∣tle ones.

17. But we our selves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, untill we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities, be∣cause of the inhabitants of the land.

18. We will not return unto our houses, untill the chil∣dren of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance:

19. For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

20. And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,

21. And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, untill he hath driven out his enemies from before him.

22. And the land be subdued be∣fore the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless be∣fore the LORD, and before Is∣rael; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.

23. But if ye will not do so, be∣hold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

24. Build ye cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.

25. And the children of Gad, and the children of Reu∣ben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

26. Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattel, shall be there in the cities of Gilead.

27. But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the LORD to battel, as my lord saith.

28. So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:

29. And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad, and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battel before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession.

30. But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Ca∣naan.

31. And the children of Gad, and the children of Reu∣ben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

32. We will pass over armed before the LORD unto the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours.

33. And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and un∣to half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Si∣hon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land with the cities thereof, in the coasts, even the cities of the coun∣try round about.

34. And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and A∣roer,

35. And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbe∣hah,

36. And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.

37. And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,

38. And Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names being changed) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

39. And the children of Ma∣chir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and disposses∣sed the Amorite which was in it.

40. And Moses gave Gilead un∣to Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.

41. And Jair the son of Ma∣nasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havoth-jair.

42. And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villa∣ges thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

1. JAzer: The Name of a place taken from the Amorites, ch. 21.32. Gilead: A place fa∣mous for Pasture, di∣vided to the Reube∣nites and Gadites, and the half Tribe of Manasseh, Deut. 3.12, 13. with Jer. 50.19. and Micah 7.14.

3. Nimrah: This place is called Beth-Nimrah, v. 36. It is usual among the Hebrews, in the

names of places to cut off the former part. Thus Jeru∣salem is sometimes called Salem (Psal. 76.2.) and Shittim is put for Abel-Shittim (ch. 25.1. with ch. 33.49.) and Lehi for Ramath-Lehi, Judg. 15.17, 19.

7. Discourage: Heb. Break.

8. Thus did your fathers: That is, They did discourage the Congregation. See ch. 13.31, 32.

9. When: Chap. 13.24.

11. From twenty: Chap. 14.28, 29. Wholly followed me: Heb. Fulfilled after me.

12. The Kenezite: He was so called from Kenaz, 1 Chron. 4.13, 15. compared with Josh. 15.17.

17. Because of the inhabitants: i. e. Lest they should destroy them.

20. Moses: Josh. 1.13. Before the LORD: i. e. Before the Ark, which was the Symbol of the Lord's Presence. And this they did when the Congrega∣tion passed over Jordan, before the Ark passed over, (Josh.

4.11.) it being expressly said, that the Children of Reuben and Gad, and half the Tribe of Manasseh, passed over arm∣ed before the children of Israel, (v. 12.) and that about forty thousand prepared for war, passed over before the Lord unto battel, (v. 13.)

22. Shall be your possession before the LORD: i. e. You shall possess it with the Lord's approba∣tion and leave.

23. Your sin will find you out: i. e. You shall be punished for your Disobedience: Or, as the Greek hath it, Ye shall know your sin when Evils over-take you.

27. But thy ser∣vants: Josh. 4.12.

33. Moses gave: Deut. 3.12. Josh. 13.8. and 22.4. And unto half the tribe of Manasseh: These are added by Moses, there being more Land here than what was needfull for the Children of Gad and Reuben. And the rea∣son why he gave it to the Children of Manasseh, was, because they had dis∣possessed the Amorite, and had thereupon a fairer pretence. See v. 39. and compare it with Josh. 17.1.

34. Built: Or, re∣paired and fortified.

38. Their names being changed: They were changed upon the Conquest, and probably upon the account of the Idolatry which their old Names were the Memorials of: This may be presumed of Nebo and Baal∣meon. Baal, or Bel, was the name of an Idol, and so was Nebo also. Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, says the Pro∣phet, Isa. 46.1. Gave other names unto the cities: Heb. They called by names the names of the cities.

39. Machir: Gen. 50.23.

40. Gilead unto Machir: i. e. He gave half Mount Gi∣lead to the Posterity of Machir, Deut. 3.12, 13. See v. 39.

41. Jair the son of Manasseh: Deut. 3.14. Jair was by his Mother's side of the Posterity of Manasseh, 1 Chron. 2.21, 22.

CHAP. XXIII.

The ARGUMENT.

The several Removes or Journeys of the Israelites. They are Commanded to destroy the Inhabitants of Canaan, and their Monuments of Idolatry, under a severe Pe∣nalty.

1. THese are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt, with their armies, under the hand of Moses and Aaron.

2. And Moses wrote their go∣ings out according to their journeys, by the commandment of the LORD: and these are their journeys accor∣ding to their goings out.

3. And they departed from Ra∣meses in the first month, on the fif∣teenth day of the first month, on the morrow after the passeover, the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the E∣gyptians.

4. (For the Egyptians buried all their first-born, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.)

5. And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.

6. And they departed from Suc∣coth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness.

7. And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pi-hahiroth, which is before Baal-zephon: and they pitched before Migdol.

8. And they departed from be∣fore Pi-hahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea, into the wilderness, and went three days journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.

9. And they removed from Ma∣rab, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm-trees; and they pitched there.

10. And they removed from E∣lim, and encamped by the Red-sea.

11. And they removed from the Red-sea, and encamped in the wil∣derness of Sin.

12. And they took their journey out of the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah.

13. And they departed from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush.

14. And they removed from A∣lush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.

15. And they departed from Re∣phidim, and pitched in the wilder∣ness of Sinai.

16. And they removed from the desart of Sinai, and pitched at Ki∣broth-hattaavah.

17. And they departed from Ki∣broth-hattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth.

18. And they departed from Ha∣zeroth, and pitched in Rithmah.

19. And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmon-parez.

20. And they departed from Rimmon-parez, and pitch∣ed in Libnah.

21. And they removed from Libnah, and pitched at Rissah.

22. And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah.

23. And they went from Kebelatbab, and pitched in mount Shapher.

24. And they removed from mount Shapher, and en∣camped in Haradah.

25. And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth.

26. And they removed from Makheloth, and encamp∣ed at Tahath.

27. And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah.

28. And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah.

29. And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah.

30. And they departed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Mo∣seroth.

31. And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan.

32. And they removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad.

33. And they went from Hor-hagidgad, and pitched in Jotba∣thah.

34. And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah.

35. And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-gaber.

36. And they removed from Ezion-gaber, and pitched in the wil∣derness of Zin, which is Kadesh.

37. And they removed from Ka∣desh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.

38. And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor, at the com∣mandment of the LORD, and di∣ed there in the fortieth year, after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.

39. And Aaron was an hundred and twenty and three years old, when he died in mount Hor.

40. And king Arad the Canaa∣nite (which dwelt in the south, in the land of Canaan) heard of the coming of the children of Israel.

41. And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.

42. And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon.

43. And they departed from Punon, and pitched in Oboth.

44. And they departed from O∣both, and pitched in Ije-abarim, in the border of Moab.

45. And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Di∣bon-gad.

46. And they removed from Dibon-gad, and encamp∣ed in Almon-diblathaim.

47. And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

48. And they departed from the mountains of Aba∣rim, and pitched in the plains of Moab, by Jordan near Jericho.

49. And they pitched by Jor∣dan from Beth-jesimoth, even unto Abel-shittim, in the plains of Mo∣ab.

50. And the LORD spake unto Moses, in the plains of Moab, by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

51. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan, into the land of Canaan;

52. Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from be∣fore you, and destroy all their pi∣ctures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places.

53. And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to pos∣sess it.

54. And ye shall divide the land by lot, for an inheritance a∣mong your families, and to the mo ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance; every man's inhe∣ritance

shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers, ye shall in∣herit.

55. But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you: then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them, shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

56. Moreover, it shall come to pass, that I shall do un∣to you, as I thought to do unto them.

2. By the Com∣mandment of the LORD: These words may well re∣ferr both to their Journeyings, which were directed by God (Exod. 13.21.14.2. Numb. 10.13.) and to Moses his description of them in this place, which tended to the rendring the History the more credible, and to perpetuate the Memory of God's miraculous Works, and special Providence.

3. Departed from Rameses: Exod. 12.37. Here follows an account of Two and forty Mansions, rec∣koning Rameses, the place from whence they set forth, for one.

4. Ʋpon their Gods: See the Note upon Exod. 12.12.

6. From Succoth: Exod. 13.20.

8. Passed through: Exod. 15.22.

9. Came unto Elim: Exod. 15.27.

10. By the Red-sea: i. e. Upon the Shoar of it.

11. Wilderness of Sin: Exod. 16.1.

14. Rephidim: Ex∣od. 17.1.

15. Wilderness of Sinai: Exod. 19.1. Hither they came in the third month af∣ter they came out of Egypt, and stayed here near a year, viz. to the twentieth day of the second month of the fol∣lowing year, Numb. 10.11, 12.

16. At Kibroth-hattaavah: i. e. The graves of lust. See ch. 11.34. This was in the Wilderness of Paran, ch. 10.12. and three days Jour∣ney from their last Mansion, v. 33.

17. Encamped: Ch. 11.35.

18. Rithmah: This place was likewise in the Wilderness of Pa∣ran, ch. 12.16. near Kadesh-Barnea, ch. 13.26.

30. Encamped at Moseroth: Deut. 10.6. and the Note up∣on that place.

31. Bene-jaakan: Called Beeroth of the children of Jaakan, Deut. 10.6. See the Note on ch. 32.3.

32. Hor-hagidgad: Called Gudgodah, Deut. 10.7.

33. Jotbathah: The same with Jotbath, Deut. 10.7.

35. Ezion-gaber: This lay on the Shoar of the Red-sea, 1 King. 9.26.

36. Wilderness of Zin: Chap. 20.1. Which is Kadesh: That is, it was at Kadesh where they pitched. There was a twofold Kadesh; viz. Kadesh-barnea, which was the fifteenth Mansion: (See verse 18.) and in the South part of Canaan, (chap. 34.4. Josh. 15.3.) and in the Wilderness of Paran, (chap. 12.16.) And Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin; of which mention

is made here. This was upon the Borders of Edom, (chap. 20.14.) towards Ezion-gaber, and the Red-sea, (chap. 2.8.)

37. Kadesh: Ch. 20.22. Mount Hor: See ch. 20.22, 23. the same with Mosera, Deut. 10.6. See the Note on that place.

38. Aaron: Chap. 20.25. Deut. 32.50.

40. King Arad: Chap. 21.1, &c.

41. Hor: Chap. 21.4.

44. Ije-abarim: Or, Heaps of Aba∣rim. This is called Iim (being absolute∣ly taken) verse 45.

49. Abel-shittim: Or, the Plains of Shittim. See chap. 25.1.

51. When ye are: Deut. 7.2. Josh. 11, 12.

52. All their pi∣ctures: All those I∣mages and Repre∣sentations upon what Material soever they were wrought, which were worshipped, or designed for such an use. See Deut. 16.22. with Levit. 26.1. High places: i. e. All Groves or Chappels for Worship, which were ge∣nerally in high places. See Deut. 12.2.

54. Ye shall di∣vide: Chap. 26.53. and the Note on verse 55. Give the more inheritance: Heb. Multiply his in∣heritance. Give the

less inheritance: Heb. Diminish his inheri∣tance.

55. Pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides: Josh. 23.13. Judg. 2.3. i. e. They shall torment and mischief you as Pricks and Thorns are wont to do.

CHAP. XXXIV.

The ARGUMENT.

Of the Borders of the Land of Canaan. The Names of those Men who were to divide it.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses, say∣ing,

2. Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof.)

3. Then your south-quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin, a∣long by the coast of Edom, and your south-border shall be the out-most coast of the salt-sea east-ward.

4. And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of A∣brabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadesh-barnea, and shall go on to Hazar-addar, and pass on to Azmon.

5. And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the ri∣ver of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

6. And as for the western-bor∣der, you shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west-border.

7. And this shall be your north-border; from the great sea, you shall point out for you mount Hor.

8. From mount Hor ye shall point out your border unto the entrance of Hamath: and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad.

9. And the border shall go on to Ziphron; and the go∣ings out of it shall be at Hazar-enan: this shall be your north-border.

10. And ye shall point out your east-border from Ha∣zar-enan to Shepham.

11. And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah; on the east-side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth east-ward.

12. And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt-sea: This shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

13. And Moses commanded the children of Israel, say∣ing, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half-tribe.

14. For the tribe of the chil∣dren of Reuben, according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad, according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance, and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance.

15. The two tribes and the half-tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan near Jericho, east∣ward, toward the sun-rising.

16. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

17. These are the names of the men which shall divide the land un∣to you: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun.

18. And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to di∣vide the land by inheritance.

19. And the names of the men are these: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

20. And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, She∣muel the son of Ammihud.

21. Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chis∣lon.

22. And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli.

23. The prince of the children of Joseph, for the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod.

24. And the prince of the tribe of the children of E∣phraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan.

25. And the prince of the tribe of the children of Ze∣bulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach.

26. And the prince of the tribe of the children of Is∣sachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan.

27. And the prince of the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi.

28. And the prince of the tribe of the children of Naph∣tali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.

29. These are they whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.

3. Your south-quar∣ter: Josh. 15.1. In this Quarter fell the Lot of the Tribe of Judah. And the Land, which they were a∣bout

to enter into, was thus set out, that they might know the bounds of their Conquest, and not think themselves at liberty to invade the Possessions of their Neighbours. Salt-sea: This is also called the Dead-sea, and is the Lake of So∣dom. See the Note on Gen. 14.3.

4. Kadesh-barnea: See the Note on ch. 33.36.

5. Ʋnto the river of Egypt: See Gen. 15.18. with the Note.

6. The great sea: That is, the Sea call∣ed the Mediterrane∣an.

7. Mount Hor: Not the place where Aaron died, but a Mount in the Nor∣thern Coast of the Land, and perhaps Libanus, which was remarkable for its Eminence: The Vulgar renders it the highest Mountain.

11. Side: Heb. Shoulder. Sea of Chinnereth: This is called the Lake of Genesareth, Luk. 5.1. and the Sea of Gali∣lee, or of Tyberias, Joh. 6.1. A farther account of the Bounds of this Land, which did lie within Jordan, is to be had from the Book of Joshua.

14. For the tribe: Chap. 52.33. Josh. 14.2, 3.

17. Eleazar: Josh. 19.51.

CHAP. XXXV.

The ARGUMENT.

Eight and forty Cities are appointed for the Levites. Of the Suburbs of those Cities. Of the Cities of Refuge. Of Man-slaughter, and of Murder.

1. AND the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab, by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

2. Command the children of Is∣rael, that they give unto the Le∣vites of the inheritance of their possession, cities to dwell

in: and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

3. And the cities shall they have to dwell in, and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattel, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.

4. And the suburbs of the cities which ye shall give unto the Le∣vites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward, a thousand cubits round about.

5. And ye shall measure from without the city on the east-side two thousand cubits, and on the south-side two thousand cubits, and on the west-side two thousand cubits, and on the north-side two thousand cubits: and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

6. And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites, there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the man∣slayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.

7. So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites, shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.

8. And the cities which ye shall give, shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many, ye shall give many; but from them that have few, ye shall give few; every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites, ac∣cording to his inheritance which he inheriteth.

9. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

10. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan, into the land of Canaan:

11. Then ye shall appoint you ci∣ties, to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither which killeth any person at una∣wares.

12. And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the man-slayer die not, until be stand before the congregation in judgment.

13. And of these cities which ye shall give, six cities shall ye have for refuge.

14. Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.

15. These six cities shall be a re∣fuge, both for the children of Is∣rael, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that e∣very one that killeth any person un∣awares, may flee thither.

16. And if he smite him with an instrument of iron (so that he die) he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

17. And if he smite him with throwing a stone (wherewith he may die) and he die, he is a mur∣derer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

18. Or if he smite him with an hand-weapon of wood (wherewith he may die) and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

19. The revenger of blood him∣self shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

20. But if he thrust him of ha∣tred, or hurl at him by laying of ••••it, that he die;

21. Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that s••ote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the mur∣derer, when he meeteth him.

22. But if he thrust him sud∣denly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait:

23. Or with any stone wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm:

24. Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer, and the revenger of blood, according to these judgments.

25. And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high-priest, which was anointed with the holy oyl.

26. But if the slayer shall at any time come with∣out the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled;

27. And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:

28. Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge, until the death of the high-priest: but after the death of the high-priest, the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.

29. So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you, throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

30. Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testifie against any person, to cause him to die.

31. Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a mur∣derer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.

32. And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that it fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

33. So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are? for blood it defileth the land: and the land can∣not be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

34. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell a∣m••ng the children of Israel.

2. Command: Josh. 21.2.

4. A thousand cu∣bits round about: The Greek Interpre∣ters say two thou∣sand: And this seems to agree best with what is said in the following Verse. But the difficulty which ariseth from comparing these words with verse 5. may be solved, without supposing any Error in the Hebrew Text in this place. For supposing One thousand Cubits in length from each side of the City to be the extent of its Suburbs, which is here affirmed, the Two thousand Cubits (v. 5.) is but the Measure of the breadth of the Suburbs on each quarter of the City; viz. On the East and South, and West and North-sides of it. Nor does it appear that the fifth Verse imports any more than the breadth of the seve∣ral Sides, or extremities of the Suburbs.

6. Six cities for refuge: Deut. 4.41. Josh. 20.2. and 21.3. These were for the relief of the Man-slayer, but not of the Murderer, verse 21. To them ye shall add: Heb. Above them ye shall give.

8. He inheriteth: Heb. They inherit.

10. When: Deut. 19.2. Josh. 20.2.

11. Ʋnawares: Heb. By Error: i. e. Without Malice or Design. See v. 20, 21.

12. From the a∣venger: He is called The avenger of blood, v. 19. The Hebrew signifies a Redeemer, and, because the right of Redemption of Estates belonged to the nearest of the kindred, it imports such a Kinsman here. Ʋntil he stand before the Congregation: The City of Refuge protected the Innocent, and such as were not condemned, but it did not protect them from giving an account before the Judges: This they were obliged to do at their entrance into the Ci∣ty of Refuge, Josh. 20.4. or in the place where the fact was committed.

15. For the stran∣ger: Or, Proselyte, as the Greek have it; i. e. One who under∣takes the Religion of the Israelites, and was thereby distin∣guished from the So∣journer, who though he did not oblige himself to all their Laws, was yet permitted to live among them.

16. And if he smite him, &c. Exod. 21.14. Here are men∣tioned an Instrument of Iron, a Stone, and Hand-weapon of Wood, because it is presumable that he who strikes with such killing Instruments does intend to take away life; whereas it is indeed the Design and Enmi∣ty which speak a Man a Murderer, v. 20, 21.

17. With throwing a stone: Heb. With a stone of the hand.

19. The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: He may not onely do it lawfully, but is obliged to see it be done by others, at least; for the Murderer ought not to live: See v. 31. and the City of Refuge must not protect him, Deut. 19.12, 13.

20. If he: Deut. 19.11.

21. With his hand: In this case where the Enmity is proved, he that kills is a Mur∣dererer, whatever In∣strument he used. And on the other hand, he that did not hate is no Murderer, though he killed a Man with a killing Instrument. See the Note on v. 16.

22. Without enmi∣ty: Exod. 21.13.

24. The congrega∣tion: The Judges or Elders to whom such Causes belong. See v. 12. and Josh. 20.4.

25. Ʋnto the death of the high-priest: That being a time of publick mourning, when their great Ad∣vocate died, was a fit season for Men to lay aside their private Animosities, and for∣get their particular Feuds and Quarrels. Beside, this does fairly intimate, that our Redemption and our Liberty from the guilt of our

sins is owing to the death of Christ, our great High-priest.

27. He shall not be guilty of blood: Heb. No blood shall be to him.

29. In all your dwellings: That is, In the whole Land which you are going to possess, you shall observe this Law, which did not oblige them out of their own Land. See v. 10.

30. Mouth of wit∣nesses: Deut. 17.6. and 19.15. Matt. 18.16. 2 Cor. 13.1. Heb. 10.28.

31. Satisfaction: Or, Price. Guilty of death: Heb. Faul∣ty to die.

33. Pollute: Or, Make it guilty. The land cannot be clean∣sed: Heb. There can be no expiation for the land.

34. Defile not: Do not render un∣clean by your evil practices.

CHAP. XXXVI.

The ARGUMENT.

A Question put to Moses relating to the Inheritances of Daughters. The Law concerning the Marriage of Heiresses. The Marriage of the Daughters of Zelo∣phehad agreeably to that Law.

1. AND the chief fathers of the families of the chil∣dren of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the fami∣lies of the sons of Joseph, came 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and spake before Moses, and before the princes the chief fathers of the children of Israel:

2. And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel; and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheri∣tance of Zelophebad our brother, unto his daughters.

3. And if they be married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel; then shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance.

4. And when the jubile of the children of Israel shall be, then shall their inheritance be put unto the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall their in∣heritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fa∣thers.

5. And Moses commanded the children of Israel, ac∣cording to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.

6. This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophe••••a, say∣ing, Let them marry to whom they think best; onely to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.

7. So shall not the inheritance of the children of Is∣rael remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the chil∣dren of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.

8. And every daughter that pos∣sesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wise unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the chil∣dren of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.

9. Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe; but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel shall keep himself to his own inheritance.

10. Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad.

11. For Mahlah, T••zah, and Hog••••b, and Mi••••••••l, and Naab, the daughters of Z••lap••••bad, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 depar∣ting 〈…〉〈…〉 fathers, brothers 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

12. And they were married in∣to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the sone of Ma∣na•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 and their 〈…〉〈…〉 in the tribe 〈…〉〈…〉 their father.

13. These are the commandments and the judgments which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 children of Israel in the ••elus of Moab, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉.

1. AND the chief fathers of the families of the chil∣dren of Gilead: These principal Men it well became to take care of the common In∣terest of the whole Tribe; but then they were, it is likely, that part of them who had not yet received their Inheri∣tance (it being their Interest) but were to receive it in Ca∣naan. For it is evident, that the Daughters of Zelophehad received their Inheritance within the Land of Canaan, and not on the other side of Jordan, Josh. 17.3.

2. The LORD: Ch. 27.1. Josh. 17.3.

3. Then shall their inheritance, &c. This inconvenience might be very great, and affect the other Tribes, and bring in a great confusion, in∣somuch that the di∣stinction of Tribes might in time be lost; for the Inheritance would be in the hands of another Tribe, and the Children would be of the Tribe of their Father. Whereunto they are received: Heb. Ʋnto whom they shall be.

4. And when the jubile, &c. q. d. This mischief will not be remedied by the year of Jubile, which yet was designed for the preserving Inheritan∣ces in the Tribes and Families in which they were at the first, because by these Marriages the Families will be lost, being quite passed away to another Family and Tribe unto which these Daughters shall happen to marry.

6. Marry. Heb. Be 〈…〉〈…〉: Too 〈…〉〈…〉 the family of the tribes. They were confined not onely to the Tribe, but also to the Family; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appears from 〈…〉〈…〉 v. 8. and also from the Reason of the Law, ••hich ••••••••¦ed the preservation of the Family as well as of the Tribe. And the Daughters of Zelophehad, when they begged an Inheritance, said; Why should the name of our father be done ••ay from among his family? ch. 25.4. And 〈…〉〈…〉 reason why the Law was made of marrying a Brother's Wife, Deut. 25.6. And agreeably hereunto these Daugh∣ters of Zelophehad marry to their first Cousins (v. 11.)

8. Every daughter that possesseth: This Law concerns Daugh∣•••••••• 〈…〉〈…〉, who might marry into other Tribes. And not all Daugh∣ters, but such onely as were Heiresses.

9. Neither shall the inheritance, &c. Which by this Law was effectually pre∣vented.

11. For Mahlah, &c. ch. ••••. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈…〉〈…〉.

12. Into the fami∣lies: Heb. To some that were of the fami∣lies.

Notes

• * 1.1

  2514. 1490.
• * 1.2

  2514. 1490.
• * 1.3

  2552. 1452.
• * 1.4

  2552. 1452.