Numbers 1

Numbers 1:2

TAke ye] This is the same Muster which was mentioned, Exodus 38:26. as it may appeare by the comparing of that place, with Numbers 1:1-54. v. 46 Families] h〈…〉peopl in generall was divided into twelve Tribes, and the tribes into seventy two great Families, Numbers 26:5. and these families into lesser families called of the Fathers, or belonging to the fathers, because every one of them bare the name of the head of the branch, See Joshua 7:14; Joshua 7:17.

Numbers 1:3

Al that are able] who by any defect or dbility of members, Deuteronomy 23:1. or by reason of old age, are not unfitting or unable to beare annes.

Numbers 1:14

Devel] or Revel, as it is Numbers 2:14.

Numbers 1:16

These were] They that represented the whole body of their tribes, in the great assembly of the councell of all the people; and it is likely they were the first borne of the tribes, others expound it, famous and honorable 〈◊〉 See Numbers 16:2.

Numbers 1:47

After] Because that it being of it selfe one of the ibes, they might be numbred as the rest in then order.

Numbers 1:49

Shalt not numler] Not at this time, because this muster was made, to set the campe in order for service of war, and 〈◊〉 to pay the halfe the s〈…〉kel〈◊〉, Exodus 30:13. where with the Tabernacle was to be built, where those Levites did minister, and therefore it is likely they were not comprehended within the command of ansme, but afterwards they were mastered and numbred, Num. 3. and 4. and 26. 57 1 Chr. 6. and 21. 6.

Numbers 1:50

Of testimony] Set up chiefly for to put the Arke of the Covenant in it, in which were the Tables of the Law, which was called the Testimony, Exodus 16:34.Minister unto it] to set it up, take it down, Keep it, &c. And after that these kinds of services were 〈◊〉, y reason of their setling in the land of Canaan, David did assigne unto the Levites, other standing services to do, in stead of these walking services, 1 Chronicles 23:26.

Numbers 1:51

The stranger] That is not a Levite, 〈◊〉 commeth nigh] to performe any of these kind of services, or to ouchany of th holy things.

Numbers 1:53

That there be no] That the Levites standing in the places appointed for them, neere the Tabernacle, may hinder the people, from 〈…〉usly and prophanely comming neere uno t, or touching it: whereby they might be grievously punished.