The lesson of this chapter is exactly that of Ephesians 2:8, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” In referring to their various rebellions, Moses here, as elsewhere, has regard not so much for the order of... [ Continue Reading ]
SO SHALT THOU DRIVE THEM OUT, AND DESTROY THEM QUICKLY - This is not inconsistent with Deuteronomy 7:22, in which instant annihilation is not to be expected for the reasons assigned. Here Moses urges the people to trust in God’s covenanted aid; since He would then make no delay in so destroying the... [ Continue Reading ]
ALSO IN HOREB - Rather, “even in Horeb.” The time and circumstances made the apostasy at Horeb particularly inexcusable.... [ Continue Reading ]
I FELL DOWN BEFORE THE LORD, AS AT THE FIRST - Moses interceded for the people before he came down from the mountain the first time Exodus 32:11. This intercession is only briefly alluded to in this verse. Afterward he spent another 40 days on the mountain in fasting and prayer to obtain a complete... [ Continue Reading ]
Israel could not even boast that its heads and representatives continued, faithful. Aaron had been already designated for the high priestly functions; but he fell away with the rest of the people. It was due therefore solely to the grace of God and the intercession of Moses that Aaron himself and hi... [ Continue Reading ]
See the marginal reference. Taberah was the name of a spot in or near the station of Kibroth-hattaavah, and accordingly is not named in the list of encampments given in Numbers 33:16. The separate mention of the two is, however, appropriate here, for each place and each name was a memorial of an act... [ Continue Reading ]