Numbers 27 - Introduction
_A.M. 2552. B.C. 1452._ The case of Zelophehad's daughters determined, Numbers 27:1. Notice given to Moses of his death, Numbers 27:12. His successor provided, Numbers 27:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
_A.M. 2552. B.C. 1452._ The case of Zelophehad's daughters determined, Numbers 27:1. Notice given to Moses of his death, Numbers 27:12. His successor provided, Numbers 27:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Before the princes_ By _princes_, it seems, are meant the heads of the tribes, or the highest of the judges appointed Exodus 18:25, called there the heads of the people; and by _all the congregation_ is intended the seventy elders or representatives of the people, Numbers 11:24. At the head of all... [ Continue Reading ]
_But died in his own sin_ The sin for which he alone was to suffer in his person, and not in his posterity, meaning, as some think, that incredulity for which all that generation was sentenced to die in the wilderness; and which, though, with respect to the rest of the people, it was not merely _his... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be done away_ As it will be, if it be not preserved by an inheritance given to us in his name and for his sake. Hence some gather, that the first son of each of these heiresses was called by their father's name, by virtue of that law, (Deuteronomy 25:6,) by which the brother's first son was to bear... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them_ They were to enjoy what would have fallen to their father's share, had he been alive; because they stood in his place, and represented his person. Accordingly they had their portion in the land, Joshua 17:1, &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
_No brethren_ Nor sisters, as appears from Numbers 27:8. _A statute of judgment_ A standing law or rule, whereby to judge of succession to inheritances in all future times, and whereby the magistrates should give judgment in such cases.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abarim_ The whole tract of mountains was called Abarim, whereof one of the highest was called Nebo, and the top of that Pisgah.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou shalt be gathered unto thy people_ Moses must die; but death does not cut him off; it only gathers him to his people, brings him to rest with the holy patriarchs that were gone before him. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were his people, the people of his choice, and to them death gathered him.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Moses spake unto the Lord_ Concerning his successor. We should concern ourselves both in our prayers and in our endeavours for the rising generation, that God's kingdom may be advanced among men, when we are in our graves.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The God of the spirits of all flesh_ God of all men; the Searcher of spirits, that knowest who is fit for this great employment; the Father, and Giver, and Governor of spirits, who canst raise and suit the spirits of men to the highest and hardest works.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go out before them_ That is, who may wisely conduct them in all their affairs, both when they go forth to war, or upon other occasions, and when they return home and live in peace. A metaphor from shepherds, who in those places used not to go behind their sheep, as ours now do, but before them, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_In whom is the spirit_ Or spiritual endowments from the Holy Ghost; for it is by the influence of the Spirit of God that all good gifts are communicated to the sons of men. It particularly means here, the spirit of wisdom, courage, and the fear of God, with other gifts necessary for a well-qualifie... [ Continue Reading ]
_Before all the congregation_ That they may be witnesses of the whole action, and may acknowledge him for their supreme ruler. _Give him charge_ Thou shalt give him counsels and instructions for the right management of that great trust.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Put some of thine honour upon him_ That is, communicate some of thy authority to him at present; no longer use him as a servant, but as a brother, and as thy associate in the government. This was enjoined in order that the people, being used to obey him while Moses lived, might do it afterward the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who shall ask counsel for him_ When he requires him so to do, and in important and difficult matters. From this and similar passages, it appears that the authority of the judge, or chief magistrate in Israel, however great, was not arbitrary, since in great emergencies he was obliged to have recour... [ Continue Reading ]