Exodus 24
DOYLYChap. XXV. ver. 4. — blue, and purple, &c.] These were probably woollen or yarn cloths; not made of silk, which it is thought, was not discovered in those early times; of fine linen there was a peculiar kind among the Egyptians called Byssus. It is supposed that the Israelites either brought the materials here mentioned with them from Egypt, or else obtained them by trafficking with some neighbouring tribes, and giving in exchange other valuables which they had brought with them. Bp. Patrick. — goats’ hair.] Many ancient and modern writers describe the goats of Asia, Phrygia, and Cilicia: their hair is very long, white, bright, and fine, and hangs to the ground; in beauty it almost equals silk, and it is never sheared, but combed off. The shepherds carefully wash their goats often in the rivers. The women spin the hair, and it is carried to Angora, where it is worked and finely dyed. It affords at this day a great trade at Angora and Aleppo. Calmet.
Exodus 24:5
- — badgers’ skins.] There are doubts respecting the meaning of the Hebrew word, translated badgers’ skins. The most ancient interpreters think that it does not signify any skin, but a colour. Bp. Patrick, Pyle. — shittim wood.] The shittim wood, of which very frequent mention is made in Scripture, grew in the neighbourhood of mount Sinai, as well as in other places, being exceedingly durable, smooth, and strong. Bp. Patrick. St. Jerome says that the shittim wood resembles the AND the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Exodus 24:8
- — a sanctuary.] A tabernacle or tent, called a sanctuary or holy place, because it was appropriated to God, and because no uncircumcised or unclean person might enter into it without profanation: there God was to dwell or to manifest His presence in a peculiar manner by a cloud or visible glory. Bp. Patrick.
Exodus 24:10
- — an ark] A chest or coffer. Bp. Patrick. A cubit, according to Bp. Cumberland, was about twentyone inches of our measure. See the tables.
Exodus 24:11
- — a crown of gold round about.] A mixed border O 2 Before CHRIST 1491. take for me. heave offering. a Chap. 25. 3.
Exodus 24:16
- — put into the ark the testimony] The two tables of stone, containing the Ten Commandments, which testified what the will of God was, which the Israelites consented to observe. Hence the ark itself is frequently called the ark of the testimony, chap. xl. 21. Bp. Patrick.
Exodus 24:17
- — thou shalt make a mercy seat] The lid or covering of the ark was called the mercy seat, or propitatory, because God here shewed Himself to be propitious, being appeased by the blood of the sacrifices which was sprinkled on this place. Bp. Patrick.
Exodus 24:18
- — cherubims] These were winged figures: and the circumstance of their being placed in the Holy of Holses, (a type of the highest heaven, Heb. ix. 24,) makes it probable that they represent the angels which stand before God continually, Matt. xviii. 10, ready to do God’s will, Heb. i. 14. Bp. Kidder. It is uncertain of what shape they were. Bp. Patrick, Dr. Wells. The Jewish doctors have always represented the cherubim
• between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
Exodus 24:29
- — the dishes — spoons — covers — bowls] It is thought that in the “dishes” the shewbread was placed. The “spoons,” vials or cups, as some translate, used in conveying the incense. The “covers,” with which the leaves and the incense were covered. The “bowls,” for the wine used in the sacrifices. Bp. Patrick, Dr. Wells. “To cover withal,” the most probable meaning is, that the above-mentioned utensils were to cover or furnish out the table. Bp. Kidder.
Exodus 24:30
- — shewbread] In Hebrew, the bread of the face or presence, because it was set before the ark of the covenant, where God was present. Bp. Patrick. See it described at Levit. xxiv. 5, 7.