CONTENTS In this Chapter the history of Israel is pursued. Here is an account of the desire of the Reubenites, and Gadites, to settle on this side Jordan: Moses reproves the thought; as if they wished to withdraw from the conquest of Canaan. They explain their intention, with which Moses is satisfi... [ Continue Reading ]
There can be no question but that those plains of Moab were most fruitful and desirable situations. But alas! what are the plains of Moab to the land of Judah, which is the glory of all lands. In like manner, in a spiritual sense, what are the pleasant things brought forth by the sun, or the pleasan... [ Continue Reading ]
We may in some measure account for the feelings of the man of GOD. He had earnestly requested that he might see the good land, and that the LORD would give him to enjoy it. And the Reubenites, and the Gadities, were indifferent about. Deuteronomy 3:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
I include the whole of these verses in one view, because they include the terms of agreement between Moses and the Reubenites and Gadites. The representation, which is here given of them, serves to raise the people somewhat higher in our view; but certainly their choice of setting up their rest on t... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, Moses having foreknowledge from the word of the LORD, that he himself should not live to see the event, leaves the business in charge with his successors. So faithful ministers commit the concerns of the church to faithful men. 2 Timothy 2:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
The terms are again, as it were, ratified and confirmed on both sides, and the LORD himself is considered as looking on. It is well when all church concerns are thus arranged and settled under the great Head of his church. Matthew 28:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, the children of half the tribe of Manasseh are here included in this grant.... [ Continue Reading ]
The reason of the change of names was most probably to observe that precept, that the children of Israel should not make mention of the names of the gods of the heathen about them; and their cities were called in honour of their gods: see Exodus 23:13. And hence, in after ages, the LORD promised to... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS REMARK, my soul, in the case of those Reubenites and Gadites, how injurious to the pilgrimage state in thy pursuit of Canaan, is a love of worldly ease and settlement. Alas! what have we, who profess ourselves to be strangers and pilgrims upon earth, and are supposed to be seeking a bet... [ Continue Reading ]