Numbers 27 - Introduction
P.... [ Continue Reading ]
P.... [ Continue Reading ]
Since Manasseh is a tribe, and Machir and Gilead are tribal divisions, and Hepher (Numbers 26:32; 1 Kings 4:10) is a family, it is probable that Zelophehad and his five -daughters" are all names taken from smaller divisions or clans, settled in particular towns in Gilead. See Numbers 26:28-33 with G... [ Continue Reading ]
_A law on the inheritance of property_. The Hebrews always adhered firmly to the principle that landed property must not be alienated from the tribe or family to which it belonged. In early days, inheritance by daughters was not contemplated. If a man died without children, his widow might be marrie... [ Continue Reading ]
_he died in his own sin_ in the ordinary sinfulness of a man, like the rest of his generation who died during the forty years in the wilderness. They point out that their father had not taken part in the sin of Korah's company, that is, he had not committed any crime great enough to deserve the alie... [ Continue Reading ]
A formal statement of the law of inheritance. Failing sons, the property passes to a daughter; failing daughters, to brothers; failing brothers, to uncles; and failing uncles, to the next-of-kin (see on Numbers 27:8).... [ Continue Reading ]
_a statute of judgement_ The expression recurs in Numbers 35:29 only. It means -a statute which embodies a fixed and authoritative custom." 12 23 (P). _Moses views the land of Canaan, and Joshua is appointed to succeed him_.... [ Continue Reading ]
_this mountain of_ THE _Abarim_ See on Numbers 21:11. The spot is defined as -the top of the Pisgah" in Deuteronomy 3:27 (D), and still more closely as -Mount Nĕbo" in Deuteronomy 32:49; Deuteronomy 34:1 (P).... [ Continue Reading ]
The command to Moses to view the land from a mountain is not obeyed till Deuteronomy 34 (P). This long postponement might seem strange. But it must be remembered that before the greater part of Numbers 28-36 was added as an enlargement of P by later hands the book of Deut., which is represented, for... [ Continue Reading ]
_as Aaron thy brother_ See Numbers 20:23-29 (P).... [ Continue Reading ]
_because ye_ ACTED UNFAITHFULLY _against my word_ The verb is characteristic of P. It is different from that in Numbers 20:24. And see note on Numbers 20:10-11. _in the strife … to sanctify me_ The same play on the words Meribah (-strife") and Kadesh (-sacred") as in Numbers 20:3; Numbers 20:13. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
_The appointment of Joshua_.... [ Continue Reading ]
_the God of the spirits of all flesh_ See on Numbers 16:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
_as sheep which have no shepherd_ Cf. 1 Kings 22:17; Matthew 9:36 = Mark 6:34.... [ Continue Reading ]
_a man in whom is_(om. -the") _spirit_ An influence proceeding from God already dwells in him. This was not the frenzied spirit of prophecy (Numbers 11:25 f.) but as in Deuteronomy 34:9 -the spirit of wisdom," prudence, capacity. _and lay thine hand upon him_ This action has more than one significan... [ Continue Reading ]
_and give him a charge and_ THOU SHALT COMMAND HIM; i.e. declare to him solemnly the way in which he is to govern.... [ Continue Reading ]
_thou shalt put_ SOME _of_ THY MAJESTY _upon him_ The subst. denotes visible splendour and dignity. No man could be thought worthy to receive the whole of Moses" majesty; but Joshua was to receive enough of it to make the people honour and obey him. Cf. Numbers 11:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
_the Urim_ The sacred lot by which the priests ascertained the will of God. On the Urim and Tummim see the writer's note on Exodus 28:30. This verse exemplifies the thought that Joshua's dignity was to be less than that of Moses. Joshua must enquire of God's will through the priest, whereas Moses... [ Continue Reading ]