Numbers 17

Numbers 17:1

spake. See note on Numbers 1:1.

Numbers 17:2

children = sons.

Numbers 17:4

tabernacle = tent. Hebrew. ’ohel. See App-40.

testimony = the ark of the covenant. Compare Exodus 25:16

you. Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read “thee”.

Numbers 17:7

laid up the rods. Korah’s rebellion added two things to the tabernacle: Aaron’s rod within, brazen plates without (Numbers 16:39, Numbers 16:40).

tabernacle of witness = tent of (or containing) the testimony (i.e. the ark, and the two tables). App-40. See note on Exodus 25:22.

Numbers 17:8

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

Numbers 17:10

said. See note on Numbers 3:40.

testimony = the ark of the covenant, as in Numbers 17:4.

rebels. Hebrew sons of rebellion. Genitive of character = rebellious ones.

take away = assuage, or, abate, as in Numbers 17:5. Compare Genesis 8:1.

Numbers 17:12

we perish, we all perish. Figure of speech Epizeuxis (App-6), to enhance the alarm of the People.

Numbers 17:13

tabernacle = habitation. Hebrew. mishkan. App-40.

die . . . dying. Figure of speech Epizeuxis (App-6), as in Numbers 17:12, to emphasize alarm.