Numbers 7 - Introduction
_A.M. 2514. B.C. 1490._ The offerings of the princes upon the dedication of the tabernacle, Numbers 7:1. Upon the dedication of the altar, Numbers 7:10, which God graciously accepts, Numbers 7:89.... [ Continue Reading ]
_A.M. 2514. B.C. 1490._ The offerings of the princes upon the dedication of the tabernacle, Numbers 7:1. Upon the dedication of the altar, Numbers 7:10, which God graciously accepts, Numbers 7:89.... [ Continue Reading ]
_On the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle_ Which he did on the first day of the first month of the second year after their coming out of Egypt, Exodus 40:17. Here we may observe, as in many other places, particularly Genesis 2:4; Genesis 35:3, that _day_ is put for an indefinite time, a... [ Continue Reading ]
_The princes of Israel_ The heads or chiefs of the several tribes, mentioned Numbers 1:5. _Offered_ In the manner, and on the days hereafter mentioned. _Before the Lord_ That is, they were presented to God at the door of the tabernacle, as it follows; _six covered wagons_ Wagons that were covered ab... [ Continue Reading ]
_According to his service_ More or fewer, as the nature of their service, and of the things to be carried required. And as the Gershonites had the less burdensome things to carry, (Numbers 4:25,) they had the fewer carriages allowed them. _Four wagons to the sons of Merari_ Proportionable to their g... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because of the sanctuary_, &c. The Seventy translate it more literally, _Because they have the service of the holy things_, (that is, of the ark, Numbers 4:5; Numbers 4:15.) _They shall carry it upon their shoulders_ This way of carrying the ark was both for greater dignity, on account of the super... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the dedicating of the altar_ Both of burnt-offerings and of incense, as appears from the matter of the offerings here said to be made. This is not meant of the first dedication of them, for they had been dedicated or consecrated before this time by Moses and Aaron, with solemn ceremonies which... [ Continue Reading ]
_Each prince in his day_ Thus the dedication continued no less than twelve days, which made it very solemn, and gave to every tribe an opportunity, by its representative, to express their devotion and reverence to God, and to receive tokens of gracious acceptance From him. And in this offering they... [ Continue Reading ]
_One silver charger_ This charger, or broad dish, appears to have been for the use of the altar of burnt-offering in the court of the tabernacle; for all the vessels of the sanctuary were of gold. The use of it seems to have been for receiving the flesh which was offered at the altar, or the fine fl... [ Continue Reading ]
_One young bullock_ As these sacrifices were so many, it is probable that the rest of the great men of the tribe of Judah joined with Nahshon in their contributions toward them, and that he offered in their names. And the same is to be observed as to the offerings of the other chiefs. _For a burnt-o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Peace-offerings_ This sacrifice was the last, and on a part of it the people feasted, in token of communion and reconciliation with God in consequence of their renewed repentance and dedication of themselves, signified by the former sacrifices. See on Leviticus 3:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Two thousand and four hundred shekels_ That is, about twelve hundred Roman ounces, or a hundred pounds troy. The whole weight is thus accurately set down by Moses, that the priests might know exactly how much gold and silver they had received, and that none of it might be sacrilegiously purloined.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Their meat-offering_ Which was not mentioned before, because it was sufficiently understood from the law which required it. _After it was anointed_ Which words are very conveniently added to explain in what sense he had so often said that this was done _in the day when it was anointed_ Namely, not... [ Continue Reading ]
_To speak with him_ To consult God upon occasion. _The voice of one speaking from off the mercy-seat_ Which Moses, standing without the veil, could easily hear. And this seems to be added in this place to show that when men had done their part, God was not wanting in the performance of his part and... [ Continue Reading ]