Numbers 31
DOYLYNumbers 31:12
12.—the Kenezite.] Probably so called from Kenas, one of his ancestors. Bp. Patrick. Before CHRIST 1452. a Chap. 13. 24. b Chap. 14. 25, 29. dited after me.
Numbers 31:30
- And of the children of Israel’s half, &c.] In like manner, out of the half belonging to the people, who had borne no fatigue in the war, a much larger proportion was to be deducted out of each article of spoil, namely, a 50th part to be presented to the Levites, the other branch of God’s ministry. Pyle.
Numbers 31:49
- — there lacketh not one man of us.] The Israelitish army consisted of but twelve thousand men, a mere handful when opposed to the people of Midian. Yet when the officers made a muster of their troops after their return from the war, they found they had not lost a single man! This circumstance struck them as so decisive an evidence of God’s interposition, that out of the spoils they had taken they offered “an oblation to the Lord, an atonement for their souls.” Bp. Watson.
Numbers 31:50
- — tablets.] Some ornaments about the breasts; see Exod. xxxv. 22. Bp. Patrick. — to make an atonement for our souls &c.] The officers of the army were sensible, that in saving the captive-women alive they had transgressed their commission; and therefore they presented a great quantity of jewels and other rich spoils, both as an expiatory offering, to atone for their offence; and as a gratulatory offering, in acknowledgment of God’s goodness in giving them so great and signal a victory. Stackhouse. Reuben and Gad sue for inheritance. Moses reproveh them. Before CHRIST 1452. the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels.
Numbers 31:54
54.—for a memorial] A memorial at once of God’s mercy in preserving their number entire; and of their gratitude and piety in offering up their tribute of praise. Bp. Kidder. Chap. XXXII. ver. 1.—the land of Jazer.] Lately taken from the Amorites, after the death of Sibon, their king, Numb. xxi. 32. This city, and the country belonging to it, were near the spring of the river Arnon. Bp. Patrick. —the land of Gilead.] A rich country, so called from mount Gilead, which bounded it on the east, as Jordan did on the west, the river Jabbok on the south, and mount Libanus on the north. Bp. Patrick. —a place for cattle.] In this country was Bashan, Deut. iii. 12, 13, where were bred the largest and fattest oxen, Ps. xxii. 12, and sheep also, Deut. xxxii. 14, and therefore it is joined with Gilead, Mic. vii. 14; which, being woody and mountainous in some parts, was no less famous for breeding goats, see Cant. iv. 1, which delight to brouse on such trees as mount Gilead abounded with. Bp. Patrick.