Numbers 27
DOYLYChap. XXVIII. ver. 2. Command the children of Israel, &c.] Moses, having numbered the new generation of men, who were to inherit the land, and received warning of his own death, is commanded to put them in mind of the ordinances which they were to observe in that land, Ps. cv. 44, 45. And the rather, because in their journeys in the wilderness they had not practised the laws and rites which they had received, Deut. xii. 8. Bp. Kidder.
ing thereof, thou shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Chap. XXIX. ver. 12. — a feast] The feast of tabernacles, Lev. xxiii. 34, which was kept at the close of their vintage and harvest, Deut. xvi. 13. This being a time of leisure and enjoyment, God thought fit to oblige the
Numbers 27:7
- — strong wine] The Hebrew word commonly signifies any strong drink; but here the noblest and most generous wine; for it was not lawful to use any other liquor in their sacrifices. The heathens also had this reverence to their gods, that they always offered to them the most excellent wines. Bp. Patrick.
Numbers 27:11
- — in the beginnings of your months &c.] This solemn sacrifice seems to have been ordained by God, to prevent the idolatry which was usual among the Gentiles; who worshipped the new moon with great rejoicings at its first appearance. Bp. Patrick.
Numbers 27:12
- — Get thee up into this mount Abarim.] A tract of mountains in the plains of Moab, one of which was called Nebo, and the top of it Pisgah. Bp. Patrick.
Numbers 27:15
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Let the Lord, — set a man over the congregation.] He, that was so tender over the welfare of Israel in his life, would not slacken his care in death: he takes no thought for himself, for he knew how gainful an exchange he must make; all his care is for his charge. Some envious natures desire to be missed, when they must go; and wish that the weakness, or want of a successor, may be the foil of their memory and honour. Moses is in a contrary disposition; it suffoceth him not, to find contentment in his own happiness, unless he may have an assurance, that Israel shall prosper with him. Bp. Hall.
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— unto the Lord] These words were added, to remind the people, at this time in particular, of the right object of worship. A goat being appointed to be offered at two other solemnities, and to be offered for a sin offering, ver. 22, 30, it is not, upon those occasions, said “unto the Lord,” though certainly intended, because there was no danger, at those times, of the
Before CHRIST 1452. Solemn feasts and their offerings. Before CHRIST 1432. a Lev. 23. 7.
Numbers 27:18
- — a man in whom is the spirit.] A man, whom I have endued with more than an ordinary measure of My spirit of wisdom. Bp. Hall.
— lay thine hand upon him:] By that rite set him apart for the office; see Numb. viii. 10. This laying on of hands was followed with increase of gifts from God, Deut. xxxiv. 9. Bp. Kidder.
Numbers 27:20
- — thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him.]
Communicate some of thy authority to him at present; and not let him be any longer as thy minister, but as an associate in the government. Bp. Patrick.
Numbers 27:21
- — he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, &c.] The high priest of God shall, upon all weighty occasions, ask counsel of God for him; and he shall receive directions from “the breastplate of judgment” in all his doubts. Bp. Hall. The great difference between Moses and Joshua consisted in this: Moses was never to make use of the priest, to know the will of God, for God spake to him Himself. Bp. Wilson.
Numbers 27:22
- — Moses did as the Lord commanded him:] In this we see the great integrity, the sincere humility and self-denial of Moses, that he readily submitted to have the government of Israel translated from his own family and tribe to another, who was of the tribe of Ephraim. By this means his own children were reduced to a mean condition; being not so much as priests, but mere Levites. This demonstrates that he acted not from himself, because he acted not for himself: but was contented to have the supreme authority placed, where God pleased, both in church and state, and to leave his own family in inconsiderable employment. This shews him to have
Solemn feasts and their offerings. Before CHRIST 1452.