CONTENTS This Chapter commenceth afresh the historical part of Israel's journey through the wilderness. From the end of the second year after the children of Israel's going forth from Egypt to the close of the thirty-ninth year, there is but little relation. But now, in the fortieth and last year w... [ Continue Reading ]
It is very awful to consider in our corrupt nature, (for Israel in all ages is the same), that neither past judgments for rebellions, nor past mercies when dispensed instead of punishments, have any effect in themselves. Nothing but preventing and restraining grace can bring the heart over to the si... [ Continue Reading ]
What a beautiful representation is here made of the conduct of the LORD'S servants. How charming doth grace appear, when a soul lies in silent humbleness and self-abasement before GOD? See Ezra 9:5. But Reader! raise your thoughts from the contemplation of the priests of old, to the contemplation of... [ Continue Reading ]
What is the glory of GOD but the goodness of GOD manifested in redemption! See Exodus 33:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
The conduct of Moses upon this occasion excited the LORD'S displeasure, and the reason is assigned more particularly: Numbers 27:12. If the LORD be not sanctified by his people, he will be sanctified upon them. If the Reader be at a loss to discover what was the offence of Moses in this instance, he... [ Continue Reading ]
I beg the Reader to remark with me the abounding grace of GOD. Though Moses had failed in his commission, GOD will not fail in his promise. Had the LORD restrained the water because Moses took the confidence to himself of implying that he fetched it, it would have been but a suitable rebuke to his p... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! do not fail to remark how the LORD deals in faithfulness. GOD will not allow iniquity in his people to go unrebuked. The tenor of the covenant indeed is, if the children (of the Redeemer) forsake his law, and walk not in his judgments, he will visit their transgression with the rod, etc. tho... [ Continue Reading ]
It should be observed, that there are two Meribahs. The one is mentioned, Exodus 17:7. The other is this Meribah-Kadish. Deuteronomy 32:51.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Reader will recollect the relationship by nature between Israel and Edom. Israel sprung from Jacob, and Edom from Esau. One might have thought (speaking after the manner of men), that such affinities would have induced grace. But no! there is and must be an everlasting war between nature and gra... [ Continue Reading ]
From Kadesh to Mount Hor was but a short stage.... [ Continue Reading ]
The same observation meets us here as at Numbers 20:11. The LORD'S people though chastened for sin are yet the LORD'S people still. The covenant of redemption subsists, though clouds and darkness rest upon it. Aaron must not enter into the promised land, though Aaron's name is written in the LAMB'S... [ Continue Reading ]
There is somewhat very interesting in this account, short as it is, of the close of Aaron's ministry. He ascends the mount it should seem with much cheerfulness and holy resignation, though he knew that he should descend no more. Yes, every true believer dies as he hath lived, believing the promises... [ Continue Reading ]
It must have been a very affecting circumstance to Moses, Eleazar, and the people, when he and Eleazar returned from the mount without Aaron. But surely it was that kind of mourning which the apostle speaks of, in those whose sorrow is not without hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13. Reader! GOD grant it may... [ Continue Reading ]