Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · Numbers
Numbers.
THis Book begins with the year of the World, Not the 2455, or 2544: But the 2514, or rather 2510 and a little over. Thus, 2369, to the end of Genesis, and death of Joseph. Thence 60 to the birth of Moses. Thence 80 to the coming of the Israelites out of Egypt. And thence, 1 year, and one monethmonth, to the beginning of this Book; which is the second year, second monethmonth, first day of their coming out.
It containes an History, not of 39, years; but expressely of 38. years and 9 moneths, Num. I. 1. and Ch. XXXIII. 48, 49. compared with Deut. I. 3, 4, 5. That in Num. IX. 1, &c. is but a Rehearsal of what was both given in charge, and was done before. And some other like Repetitions there are.
603550.] chapter I verse 46 From twenty years old, and upwards, besides the Levites. A wonderful multiplication from seventy persons in 211. yeares: yet fairly possible. Whereas, if they had been in Egypt it self 400 years, then their spawning or multiplying there had been very small; considering that from three persons that came out of the Arke with Noah, within the space of 400 years to the time of Abraham; issued such infinite numbers, and troops of people, in severall Kingdomes, and Countreys in the world; as out of the Sacred Text and Storie, doth plainly appear.
The Order of the Camp, chapter II & III and march of the Israelites in the Wildernesse, Ch. II. and III. is thus; viz:
The Tabernacle in the middest and Center of all the Hoast.
Round about the Tabernacle, the Levites camped and marched, viz: On the
West, the Gershonites; Num. III. 23.
South, the Kohathites, Num. III. 29.
North, the Merarites; Num. III. 35.
East, Moses & Aaron, & his sons, Num. III. 38
Males from a monethmonth old and upwards
7500.
8600.
6200.
22300.
Round about the Levites; at a good distance, (Josh. III. 4.) Camped, and Marched, on the
East-side, Judah; and in his Camp Issachar, and Zebulun; likely on either side, or each hand of Judah; he being in the midst. And so in the other Camps following.
South-side, Reuben; and in his Camp, Simeon and Gad.
West-side, Ephraim; and in his Camp, Manasse, and Benjamin.
North-side, Dan; and in his Camp, Asher, and Naphtali. Num. II. and X. Chap.
In all, 603550. And this is the same number of Males, from twenty years old and upwards, when they gave a Bekah, or ten Gerahs each man, that is half a Shekel, after the Shekel of the Sanctuary, to the building of the Tabernacle, Exod. XXXVIII. 26. As was commanded, Exod. XXX. 11,—16. In the last numbering in the wildernesse, in the fourtieth year, after the death of Aaron, and the death of that Generation, for their rebellion, and murmuring, Num. XIV. 29,—35. The males from 20 years old and upwards, all that were able to go to warre, were 601730. The Levites still numbered, not with them, but by themselves, Num. XXVI. 51.
22000.] chapter III verse 39 300 Male-Levites are omitted in this summe, as appears out of ver. 22, 28, 34. which make up 22300. being all the males from a monethmonth old and upwards. And the First-born males of all the children of Israel in the twelve Tribes, from a monethmonth old, and upwards, being 22273. Ch. III. 43. (which argues at least twenty seven males in each family): And the surplusage of 273. verse 46. being redeemed at five Shekels apiece, amounting to 1375. Shekels, verse 50: All this argues the foresaid 300. male-Levites to be wittingly left out in the casting up of the summe; most likely omitted so, Because they were such First-born of the Levites, as were born from the time of the coming out of Egypt to the time of this reckoning; and in that regard were sanctified to God as his own, by his Law and challenge, Exod. XIII. 2. and so could not come into the number of the other Levites which were to be changed for the First-borne of the other Tribes, and in their stead to be substituted, and appropriated to God and his service.
This number of the Levites was very farre lesse then were of each other Tribe, Ch. III. with Ch. I. The number of the least Tribe, from twenty years old and upward, males able to go forth to warre, being 3200. Of the greatest, 74600. And the number of the male-Levites from a monethmonth old and upwards, being onelyonly 22300.
The charge of Aaron, chapter III & IV and his sons, joyntly; and of Eleazar, and Ithamar, distinctly; and of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, severally, is prescribed in the taking down, and carrying, and setting up of the Tabernacle. See Ch. X. 17, 21.
From thirty] The Levites at the age of thirty years, chapter IV verse 3 entered into the full possession of their Offices, to waite upon the service of the Tabernacle, Num. IV. 3. At the age of twenty five they entered, or might enter upon them, as Novices, and subservients in some secondary, or inferiour administrations, as Probationers, and Proficients, Num. VIII. 24. And when the Temple should be builded, they were ordered to begin and enter at twenty years of age, 1 Chron. XXIII. ver. 24—27. Ezra III. 8. And that by Davids appointment together with the Prophets, Gad and Nathan, 2 Chron. VIII. 14. and Ch. XXIX. 25.
They continued in their Offices till fifty. Num. IV. 3, 47. At fifty they ceased waiting upon the service of the Tabernacle, but were Overseers there, Ch. VIII. 25, 26. And in their several Cities, as being well experienced in the Judicial Laws, they judged of matters brought before them. The Levites Offices distinct from the Priests, are set down in many particulars, 1 Chron. XXIII. 28,—32.
David in his time by divine warrant doth distribute them, for the service of the Temple, into three sorts, to three several Functions, and Offices. One was to Attend the Priests, and to be helpful and subservient unto them in their several Services. Of these there are sundry Orders set down, 1 Chron. XXIII. and XXIV. Chapters. A second to solemnize the Service of God, with all maner of Musick; by Voice; and Instruments, both winded, and stringed. The third sort was to be Porters. Of whom, 1 Chron. XXIII. 5. and Ch. XXVI. and 2 Chron. XXIII. 4, 5, 6, 19. and XXXV. 15. Their Orders are set down, 1 Chron. XXV. These three Sorts being divided by Lot into twenty four Orders, or Courses, as the Priests were; That the first Course of these might attend with the first Course of the Priests; and leave the Temple, when they left it.
The Levites also had other Offices, over the Treasures of the house of God; and of the Dedicate things; and for the outward businesse over Israel for officers, and Judges, in all businesse of the Lord, and in the service of the King, 1 Chron. XXVI. 20,—32. over divers Tribes. See further, 1 Chron. XXIII. 28,—32.
Even those] Levites numbered, males from thirty years old to fifty, are 8580. Upon which reckoning there was then one such Levite for every seventy such males in Israel. In Davids time, the Levites (besides the Priests) from thirty years old to fifty, were 38000. 1 Chron. XXIII. 3.
She] The Blessing of conceaving Seed, verse 28 seemes to be promised to the innocent Wife, chapter V though barren before, upon the triall of her innocency, in the case of her Husbands jealousie. We read not that the man in like case was subject to like triall: yet we finde that the Wife could divorce her Husband, Mar. X. 12.
Woman] Women might be Nazarites, chapter VI verse 2 Num. VI. 2. And such likely was Sampsons mother, Judg. XIII. 4.
The word Nazarite signifieth one that is separate: And the name Pharisee is of the same signification. And of these Nazarites, some were for a certaine time, of moneths, or years, at their own choice, by their own special vow; as Acts XVIII. 18. and Ch. XXI. 24. Of whom these Lawes here are chiefly to be understood. Some for terme of life; as Sampson, Judg. XIII. 5. and so Samuel, 1 Sam. I. 11, 28. And John Baptist, Luke I. 15. Our Saviour was not a Nazarite, as hath beene commonly mis-conceived, out of a mis-translation, and mis-understanding of that text, Matth. II. 23.
Offered] At the Consecration of the Tabernacle, chapter VII verse 1,—9. there were two Waggons, and four Oxen given to the Gershonites, for carriage.
Four Waggons and eight Oxen, to the Merarites, Num. VII. 7, 8. as they had the more need.
The Kohathites Levites were to carry upon their shoulders, Num. VII. 9. 2 Sam. VI. 6. 1 Chron. XV. 2, 13, 15. And what it was, see Num. III. 31. and IV. 15.
The Priests, Aaron and his sonnes being so few, were not then to Carry, but to Cover, Num. IV. ver. 5,—15. Deut. XXXI. 25. But afterwards growing more in number, they onelyonly were to carry the Arke, as Josh. III. 3, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 17. and IV. 3, 9, 10, 11, 18. and ch. VI. 4, 6. and 2 Sam. XV. 29. and not very rarely; as some writing on Josh. III, 3. and on 1 Chron. XV. 15. do conceive.
Altar] The Altar of Burnt-Offering had seven dayes spent for the Consecration and Expiation of it to sanctifie it, verse 10 as it was appointed by God, Exod. XXIX. 37. (As likewise for Ezekiels Altar, Ezek. XLIII. 18,—27.) Yet twelve dayes spent at the Dedication of it, Num. VII.
Silver charger] The silver Vessels of Chargers and Bowles, verse 13 were for the Altar of Burnt-offerings. All Vessels of, and in the Sanctuary, were of Gold, Exod. XXXVII.
From off the Mercy-seat] Moses hears the voice of one speaking to him from off the Mercy-seat, Num. verse 89 VII. 89. As the Lord promised, Exod. XXV. 22. Whereas formerly the Lord spake out of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, Levit. I. 1. Num. I. 1.
Take the Levites] The Consecration of the Levites was done in one day. chapter VIII verse 6,—22. That of the Priests, in seven dayes. Which was so appointed, Exod. XXIX. 35. and so executed, Levit. VIII. 33, 35.
Certain men] chapter IX The Passeover of the second monethmonth is extended to more dayes then are here mentioned, verse 6 or v. 10. As in Hezekiah's time, 2 Chron. XXX. 2. 15.
Priests] The blowing of Trumpets is to be used by the Priests alone, chapter X verse 8 Num. X. 8. 2 Chron. XXIX. 26. And that, in Convocating Assemblies; in journeying through the wildernesse; in going forth to warre, Num. X. 2,—9. and Ch. XXXI. 6. 2 Chron. XIII. 12, 14. in the first day, and tenth day, of the seventh monethmonth, Num. XXIX. 1. Levit. XXV. 9. in the New Moones, Num. X. 10. Psal. LXXXI. 3. In all their solemne Feasts; over their Burnt-Offerings, and Peace-Offerings, Num. X. 10. And upon Extraordinary Occasions, of Fasts, and Humiliations. Joel II. 1, 15, Or of Joy and Gladnesse, Num. X. 10. as when David brought in the Arke to the place which he had prepared for it, 1 Chron. XV. 24, 28. And appointed Priests to minister before it, 1 Chron. XVI. 6, 42. And when Solomon brought the Arke into the Oracle, he mightily had multiplied the number of Trumpets, and had 120 Priests sounding them at that Solemnity, 2 Chron. V. 12, 13. And at the Dedication of the Temple, the Priests sounded Trumpets, 2 Chron. V. 12. and VII. 6. As also at the laying of the foundation of the second Temple by Zerubbabel, Ezra III. 10. And the Dedication of the Walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah, chapt. XII. 35. And in Hezeki…h's joyful Reformation, 2 Chron. XXIX. 26, 27, 28. Besides, there were civil Trumpets for civil use, sounded by others then Priests; As in Warre, Judg. VII. 2 Sam. II. 28. At the Coronations of Kings, as of Solomon; Jehu; and Joash. And upon other occasions.
The Levites used other Instruments of Musick, and not Trumpets, 1 Chron. XV. 19, 20, 21. and Ch. XVI. 5. 2 Cron. V. 12. and Ch. VII. 6. and Ch. XXIX. 25, 26, 27, 28. And used them, and song, at the daily Sacrifices, and all Festival Sacrifices, 1 Chron. XXIII. 30, 31. And haply in the night, 1 Chron. IX. 33. Psal. CXXXIV. 1.
On the] The Israelites journeyed from Mount Sinai, verse 11 in the second year, second monethmonth, twentieth day, (having stayed there in that their twelfth Station, a year within thirteen dayes, Exod. XIX. I.) See v. 12. Deut. I. 6, 7.
Hobab] Jethro, or Hobab, verse 29,—32. a Kenite, the sonne of Revel or Raguel, a Midianite, and father-in-Law of Moses, comes to Moses to Horeb, and brings to him his wife, and two sonnes. And Moses upon his counsel, appointing very many Rulers, and Judges over the people, Jethro returnes into his own Land, Exod. XVIII. Deut. I. 9,—18. He (rather then his supposed sonne Hobab, the supposed brother-in-law of Moses) being come again, as it seemeth, thither towards the end of that year, and intreated there by Moses to stay and go along with them, refuseth to do so; Yet being again prayed and pressed by Moses thereunto, in this Text he either yeeldeth, (no reply being mentioned); or not long after, both he, and his house, and kindred, return to Moses; (It may be, warned by Moses to come then; as Saul in his time warned them to depart from the Amalakites, 1 Sam. XV. 6) and so were saved from that destruction of the Midianites, Num. XXXI. which return is plainly gathered out of Num. XXIV. 21. Judg. I. 16. and IV. 11. and 1 Sam. XV. 6. 1 Chron. II. 55. Jer. XXXV. 6. compared with 2 King. X. 15, 23.
Seventy men] These LXX. chapter XI verse 16 Elders, were appointed about a year after those many Rulers, and Judges, Exod. XVIII. They prophesied, and did not cease for the time; like whereunto was the case of Saul, 1 Sam. X. 10. God by this signe sealing so, and at first honouring their Vocation; though this extraordinary Gift ceased afterwards. These LXX. are added to assist Moses in the Government of duplicate page duplicate page this People in the Wildernesse. Yet it seemes from hence in afterages the Jewes took their rise of Constituting their Sanedrim or Synedrion of LXX. Elders for their Senate, and Supreme Court of Judicature in that Nation. Of LXX. see Ezek. VIII. 11. Exod. XXIV. 1, 9. Luke X. 1, 17.
Quailes] Quailes given the second time, verse 31 above a full year after those, Exod. XVI. 13. those being at their eighth Station, in the Wildernesse of Sin, and before they came to Sinai. These at the thirteenth Station, and after they left Mount Sinai▪ in Kibroth Hattaavah: And continuing for a full monethmonth, Psal. LXXVIII. 26, —31.
Ethiopian] Zipporah called an Ethiopian or Cushite, chapter XII verse 1 from that Eastern Ethiopia, or part of Arabia, wherein Midian stood or bordered with it; Arabia containing other Nations also lying Northward upon the Arabick Gulph, or Red-Sea. Miriam her sister-in-law, seemes to envy her, and fall foul upon Moses: and being first and deepest in the fault more then Aaron, is exemplarily punished.
The man Moses] The commendation of Moses, verse 3,—8. God inspiring his pen, Num. XII. 3,—8.
Kadesh] Kadesh is Kadesh-Barneah in the Wildernesse of Paran, chapter XIII verse 26 and South-Confines of Canaan, in a Mountain of the Amorites, Deut. I. 19, 20. nigh to Mount Seir, ver. 44. whence Moses sent the Spies, Num. XII. 16. and Ch. XIII. 26. and XXXIV. 4. Josh. XV. 3. Being the fifteenth station of the Israelites, Deut. I. 2, 19. and II. 14. and IX. 23. Josh. XIV. 6, 7. and XV. 3. The Israelites abode at Kadesh-barneah, and compassed Mount Seir about the space of thirty eight years, compared with Deut. I. 2, 46 and II. 14.
Another Kadesh was a City in the uttermost border of Edom, or Idumea towards Ezion-Gaber, and the Red Sea, Num. XXXIII. 36. Deut. II. 8. and in the Wildernesse Sin, by the waters of Meribah, and the 33. Station of the Israelites. Thither they came in the fourtieth year, first monethmonth. And there Miriam died, four moneths before Aaron, who died in the next Station at Hor. Hence Moses sent Messengers to the King of Edom, Num. XX. 1, 14, 15, 16, 22, and XXVII. 14. and XXXIII. 36, 37, 38. Deut. XXXII. 51. Judg. XI. 17.
Fourty years] These fourty years wandring in the Wildernesse, chapter XIV verse 33 are not to be reckoned from the sending of Spies to search the Land; but from their coming out of Egypt, Num. XXXIII. 3, 38. Josh. IV. 19. Deut. VIII. 2. This appears also out of the ages of Moses and Aaron, Exod. VII. 7. compared with Num. XXXIII. 39. and Deut. XXXIV. 7. After the Return of the Spies, the Israelites continued in the Wildernesse but thirty eight years, and odde moneths; which yet are said to be fourty years, as the next full number. So Gideons seventy sonnes, Judg. VIII. 30. are said to be slain, Ch, IX. 5, 18, 56. though Jothan one of them escaped. And so the Disciples are called 11. to whom Jesus appeared on the day of his Resurrection at Evening, when yet Thomas was absent, Mark XVI. 14. Luke XXIV. 33,—40. John XX. 19,—25. compared together. And so the LXX. Elders are said to be gathered, and set round about the Tabernacle, when yet Eldad and Medad came not, Num. XI. 24. And not unlike is that of Davids reign fourty years, 2 Sam. V. 4, 5. when yet six moneths were over and above. And Solomons Building the Temple in seven years, 1 King. VI. 30. when yet six moneths are to be added, by comparing v. 1. and last.
Hormah] This History at Hormah is another, chapter XIV verse 45 and divers from that at Hormah, Num. XXI. 1, 2, 3. See another Hormah, Judg. I. 17.
And all the men] Compared with Ch. chapter XVI verse 32 XXVI. 11. yet doth shew that the Children of Korah were not swallowed up of the earth, likely miraculously saved: Or rather, they departing from their fathers tent, according to that command of God, and Moses, ver. 24, and 26. And of their race came such as made some of our Psalmes, or at least were famous Singers in the Temple; and Samuel also, the great Prophet, and Judge in Israel, 1 Chron. VI. 33,—38.
Broad plates] The Altar thus covered twice with Plates of brasse; verse 38 Here, and Exod. XXXVIII. 2.
Altar] The Levites might not approach to the Altar to minister at it, chapter XVIII verse 2,—7. nor eate of the Sacrifices.
The First-fruits] First-fruits seeme to be of many sorts; verse 12 First, A Sheaf of the first ripe Corne, or an Homer of it, presented the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Levit. XXIII. 10. Secondly, Two Wave-Loaves, of two tenth deales, at the Feast of Pentecost or weeks, Num. XXVIII. 26. Levit. XXIII. 15, 16, 17, 20. Thirdly, A Cake of the first of their doughs, for an Heave-offering, Num. XV. 20, 21. Fourthly, brought in a Basket, in the seventh monethmonth, when all their fruits were gathered in, as most understand that place, Deut. XXVI. 1,—11. First-fruits injoyned without any set or certain proportion or stint, Deut. XVIII. 4. Of these, and other kindes of First-fruits, see more in this Text, And Exod. XXII. 29. and XXIII. 19. and XXXIV. 22, 26. Levit. II. 12, 14, 15, 16. Deut. XVIII. 4. Ezek. XLIV. 30.
The tenth] So, verse 24 ver. 21. Tythes, and their kindes and sorts; thus; Tythes of the yearly increase of all things in the Land paid to the Levites, after the First fruits had been first deducted, and brought to the Priests, Exod. XXXIV. 26. Levit. XXIII. 10. Out of the nine parts remaining, there seems another Tenth taken, set apart for their Journeys, Sacrifices, and Feastings, thrice a year at Jerusalem; and therefore brought up thither, and there eaten by the owners, their families, and the Levites, as most probably appears out of Deut. XII. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 17, 18, 26. and Ch. XIV. 22,—26. And this second Tythe seems every third year to be distributed to the poor. Or rather a third Tythe every third year, not carried to Jerusalem, and eaten there; But gathered for these charitable uses onelyonly, and to be eaten any where throughout the Land, Deut. XIV. 28, 29. and XXVI. 12, 13. And this third year is therefore called the year of Tything, Deut. XXVI. 12. Amos IV. 4.
Of Tythes see more, 2 Chron. XXXI. 4,—19. Nehem. X. 32, —39. and XII. 44, 47. and XIII. 5, 12, 13. Mal. III. 8, 10. Luke XI. 42. and XVIII. 12. Heb. VII. 2,—9.
The great maintenance of the Levites, appears in that the whole Tribe of Levi being three or four times lesse in number then any other Tribe, yet had they distinguished from all the Priests, the Tythes of all the Tribes, and so more then any one other Tribe; Besides their thirty five Cities and Suburbs, whereof five were Cities of Refuge; Josh. XXI. one belonging to the Kohathites Levites; two to the Gershonites, and two to the Merarites. In all twice at least more Cities then some other Tribes had that were twice their number. See also that, Num. XXXI. 30, 47.
The greater maintenance of the Priests appears, in that being but three persons at first, at least of ripe and mature age, yet they had the Tythes yearly of all the Levites Tythes, which were at first 8580 of thirty years old, and upwards; and so about the hundred part of all the fruits and increase of all Israel. And as the numbers of the Priests multiplied afterwards, so did in all probability the number of the other Tribes. They had also all the First-fruits of all things, from all persons, throughout the twelve Tribes, even of their doughs and bakings, Deut. XVIII. 4. Num. XV. 20, 21. which, as some think, exceeded their Tythes aforesaid. They had also all the First-borne of Oxen, Sheep, and Goats, which were given to them in kinde; And the Redemption money of the First-borne of Men, and of unclean Beasts and cattell, Num. III. 46—52. Exod. XXXIV. 19. 20, and Ch. XXII. 29, 30. Deut. XV. 19. They had also all Oblations, both Voluntary, and by Vow; And the Redemption of Things, and of Persons, Devoted to God: And all Sacrifices for Sinnes and for Trespasses, and the Meat and Drink Offerings, and Heave-offerings; And the Breast and Shoulder in Peace-offerings, Deut. XVIII. 3. And the Skins of the whole Burnt-offerings. And all their Tythes, First-fruits and Oblations were to be of the best and choisest sorts, Num. XVIII. 12, 29. Besides these they had thirteen Cities, and Suburbs, and Priviledges belonging to them, whereof one was a City of Refuge, Josh XXI. 13. See Num. XVIII. 8,—19. And that also Num. XXXI. 28, 29, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50. Levit. X. 12, 13, 14, 15. and Ch. XXVII. 21, 28. See the Annotations on Num. XVIII. 29.
Rock] At Rephidim by Mount Sinai, chapter XX verse 8.—13. Exod. XVII. 1,—7. being the eleventh Station of the Israelites, Num. XXXIII. 14. Moses with his miraculous Rod, struck the Rock in Horeb, in a due obedience to Gods commandment, and waters came forth: And he named the place Massah, and Meribah, Exod. XVII. 5, 6, 7. But at Kadesh in the Wildernesse of Zin, where Miriam died, being the thirty third Station, Num. XXXIII. 36. Moses, with Aarons miraculous Rod (for he took it from before the Lord, as he commanded him), having his spirit provoked by the rebellious people, smiles the Rock twice without any such command, or commission to smite at all. And he, and Aaron likewise, speak unadvisedly with their lips, uttering words of passion and incredulity, and so rebelling against Gods commandment. And thereupon they not sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of the children of Israel; He was sanctified in them, by his excluding them from entrance into the Land of Canaan. And this also is called the water of Meribah, or Strife; as here, so Ch. XXVII. 14. Psal. CVI. 32, 33.
Aaron] Aaron, chapter XX verse 28 whose name may seem to signifie an Ark or Chest, dies seven moneths and seven dayes before Moses, at Mount Hor, (the Place called Mosera, Deut. X 6.) in the thirty fourth Station. For Aaron dying in the fourtieth year, fifth monethmonth, first day, Num. XXXIII. 38. And that compared with the moneths mourning for Moses, Deut. XXXIV. 8. and three dayes preparation to passe over Jordan, Josh. I. 1. and Ch. III. 2. And their coming out of Jordan, on the first monethmonth, tenth day, Josh. IV. 19. Do shew that Moses died in the twelfth monethmonth, seventh day: And so seven moneths, and seven dayes after Aaron. In which short interval of time, many, and mighty things were done and atchieved; as among other things, Sihon, and Og, and their Kingdomes conquered; the Midianites almost destroyed; among whom Balaam was slaine, Josh. XIII. 22. and the book of Deuteronomie written, Num. XXI. and XXXI. Deut. I. 1, 3.
Fiery Serpents onelyonly in the later part of the fourtieth year, chapter XXI verse 6 after Aarons death.
Heshbon] Heshbon a chief City in Moab; verse 26 afterwards of Sihon King of the Amorites, Deut. I. 4. afterwards of Gad; and out of that Tribe, given to the Merarites, Josh. XIII. 26. and XXI. 38, 39, 40. 1 Chron. VI. 80, 81. Afterwards recovered by the Moabites; and wasted by Shalmanesar, Esay XV. 4. and XVI. 8, 9. and after by the Babylonians, Jer. XLVIII. 45. There may seeme to be another Heshbon of the Ammonites, Jer. XLIX. 2, 3. And one in the Tribe of Reuben, Num. XXXII. 37. Josh. XIII. 15, 17. Heshbon signifies Devises; And an allusion is made to the name, Jer. XLVIII. 2. in the judgement there denounced against it; like to this is English, There is mischief devised against the Devises, the name of a town with us.
Balak] Balak needed not to have hired Balaam, chapter XXII verse 2 and feared Israel, Num. XXII. and XXIII. and XXIV. if he had known the prohibition of God to Israel, Deut. II. 9. which they obeyed, Judg. II. 15, 17, 18, 25. 2 Chron. XX. 10. Yet that part, which was great, of the Lands of Moab, which Sihon had lately conquered from Vehab, King of Moab, as Tremelius translates, Num. XXI. 26. the Israelites conquering Sihon, in that right possessed it, Num. XXXIII. 49. Deut. I. 5. and XXXIV. 1, 5, 6, 8. and it was given to the Reubenites, and Gadites, Josh. XIII.
Unicorne] So Deut. chapter XXIII verse 22 XXXIII. 17. Job XXXIX. 9, 10. Psal. XXII. 21. and XXIX. 6. and XCII. 10. Esay XXXIV. 7. Yet the translation of the word is doubted of; or at least the nature of the beast, such as the Pensil of our Painters doth portray out unto us; because no such beast was known or seen by any man. And the Unicornes horne so deemed, is of some strange Fish, not of any known Beast. Some learned render the word Bufale, or Buff; or else the wild Oxe called by the Latines Urus; eminent for bignesse, strength, hornes, and untamable fiercenesse.
Advertise thee] Balaam called a South-sayer, chapter XXIV verse 14 Josh. XIII. 22. and a Prophet, 2 Pet. II. 16. gives this advertisement to Balak, which seems to have a relation to that which follows in the residue of that Chapter. Yet besides he gives counsel to Balak, or at least after to the Midianites to draw the Israelites into sinne, Num. XXXI. 16. which coming so to passe, He himself in his return, is slaine by the sword amongst the Midianites, Num. XXXI. 8. in that Expedition, wherein Joshuah, though not named, may seeme to be the General, and Phineas chief of the Priests, sounding Trumpets in that warre, wherein 12000. Israelites, not having one man slaine, did yet slay five Kings of Midian, (or Dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the Countrey; as it is, Josh. XIII. 21.) and all the males of that populous Nation (save such as escaped by flight, whose posterities in the dayes of Gideon came to prevaile against Israel, Judg. VI. 1, 2.) And they took a mighty prey and booty; whereout, after Purifications of themselves, and the Prey, there was paid a tribute and portion to the Priests, and a portion to the Levites; and a voluntary Oblation after made by the Captaines to the Lord, Num. XXXI.
Of the 24000. chapter XXV verse 9 that died in the Plague and stroak of Gods vengeance; the 23000. mentioned, 1 Cor. X. 8. likely were the vulgar sort that died in the slaughter, Num. XXV. 5. and the other thousand were the heads of the people hung up, ver. 4. without supposing any Pestilence at that time. Or if by Plague, Num. XXV. 9. Psal CVI. 30. we understand the Pestilence, then most probably, the 23000. died of it; and the other thousand by Hanging, and Slaughter.
22200.] chapter XXVI verse 14 In this last numbering of the people in the Plains of Moab; in the fourtieth year of their wandering in the Wildernesse, Simeon was farre the least in number, and Judah the most. And the whole number of fighting men of the twelve Tribes, after that generation died in the Wildernesse, upon that judgement, Numb. XIV. 29,—35. and upon sundry other judgements besides, was now 1820. lesse in number, then in the former numbering at Mount Sinai, thirty nine years before.
23000.] And so but 700 more then they were in the former numbering at Sinai, Ch. III. verse 62 Being likely not altogether free from that sinne and punishment, Num. XIII. and XIV.
Sin] This Wildernesse differs from Zin, chapter XXXIII verse 11 ver. 36. This being the eighth Station of the Israelites: that of Zin the thirty third, which is Kadesh, where Miriam died, as was said, Num. XXXIII. 11, 36.
Rephidim] See the Observations on Ch. verse 14 XXVIII. 8.
Abarim] Pluraly; verse 47 Mountains; being a continuation of Mountains or Hills, Num. XXXIII. 47. in the Confines of the Amorites, and Moabites; whereof the tops had several names, as Nebo, Pisgah, Pehor: But Mount Sinai was none of them, being farre enough of.
Salt Sea] Is not that Lake of Genesareth. chapter XXXIV verse 3 But only that Dead Sea, and Salt Sea, where formerly Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim had stood, Deut. XXIX. 23. Hos. XI. 8.
Riblah] Riblah in the Land of Hamath, part of the East border of Canaan, near the North quarter. Here Pharaoh-Nechoh put Jehoahaz in bonds, 2 Kings XXIII. 33. And Nebuchadnezzar put King Zedekiah in bonds, and put out his eyes, 2 King. XXV. 6, 7. And slew the High Priest, and second Priest, and the sonnes of Zedekiah, and other prime men, ver. 18,—21. Jer. LII. 10, 27. This Riblah seems to be that which was afterwards called Antiochia in Syria. Of this see my Annotations on Ezek. XI. 10, 11.
Chinnereth] Num. XXXIV. 11. Deut. III. 17. Josh. XI. 2. and XII. 27. and XIX. 35. is called in the New Testament Genezareth. Luke V. 1. which Lake is also called the Sea of Galilee, Matth. IV. 18. Mark I. 16. And the Sea of Tiberias, Josh. XXI. 1. And absolutely the Sea, Matth. XVII. 27.
Suburbs] The Suburbs of the Cities of the Priests, chapter XXXV verse 4 and Levites were 1000. Cubits from the Cities on every side: And so 2000. in the limits and utmost Bounds and Borders of each Quarter, East, West, North, and South.
Fourty eight Cities] See Josh. verse 7 XX. and XXI. and 1 Chron. 6. compared together; and the Great Annotations upon the said sixth Chapter.
Shall not be guilty] The innocent man, verse 27 that by meere accident, against his will slew a man, might yet, as it seemes, be lawfully slaine by the revenger of blood, if he took him without the Citie of refuge. Which the more shews the wrath of God against murder.
OnelyOnly to the family] Israelites might marry wives of other Tribes, chapter XXXVI verse 6 so that they were not inheritrixes of Land, Num. XXXVI. Yea, of other Nations if they were Proselytes; and not of those Nations which God expressely devoted to destruction, Deut. VII. 3. and XXI. 10, —13. Of their marriages with Heathens, and mixing the holy seed, See Ezra IX. and X. Ch. Neh. IX. 2. and X. 30. and XIII. 3. 23,— 30.