Numbers 8
DOYLYChap. IX. ver. 1.—the Lord spake—in the first month] Here the history returns to speak of the passover in the first month; for all that has hitherto been said in this book relates to the second month, chap. i. 1. It should rather be here translated, “The Lord had spoken,” namely, in the first month. Dr. Wall.
Numbers 8:2
- Let the children of Israel also keep the passover] This is a special command to the Israelites on the present occasion: for the passover was annexed to the land of Canaan in its first institution, Exod. xii. 25. Nor do we find that it was at any time, besides this, kept in the wilderness; or that they were any farther obliged to it in the wilderness, where they might not be
provided with lambs, and where they continued in their uncircumcision, Exod. xii. 48; Josh. v. 5. Bp. Kidder.
Numbers 8:10
- — shall put their hands upon the Levites:] As the offerer was wont to do upon his sacrifice, thereby signifying the devoting of it to God. By the sanctification of the firstborn to God, Exod. xiii. 1, the whole family was sanctified, and their sin after a manner expiated. The offering of the Levites to God in this way, instead of the firstborn, was to have the same effect; namely, the sanctification and atonement of the children of Israel. Bp. Patrick.
Numbers 8:12
- — to make an atonement for the Levites.] The end proposed by the legal atonements was to recommend and make acceptable to God the things intended for His service, which on account of some unfitness, either natural or acquired, were objects of displeasure rather than of favour. Accordingly atonement implies a double effect; one referring to the thing, the other to God. With respect to the thing, it implies the removal of the uncleanness, which made it an object of displeasure: with respect to God, it implies a removal of the displeasure, which the uncleanness had occasioned. The atonement was made for the thing, which being in itself unclean and unholy, was in consequence cleansed and sanctified: but it was made to God, that He might be reconciled to, and take pleasure in, those things, which
thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.
Numbers 8:13
13.—the man that is clean, &c.] While provision was made to enable those who were defiled to keep the passover, strict charge was at the same time given, that no Israelite or Proselyte should omit the passover through negligence or forgetfulness; but that every member of their religion, by circumcision, should attend upon it in every annual return, upon pain of being cut off by the sentence of the judges, or by the hand of God. Pyle. Christians should observe and remember, what God has threatened to such as wilfully turned their backs upon the passover of the Jews, which was a representation of the Christian passover or Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper: “That soul shall be cut off from his people.” The least of that punishment was excommunication. If unclean by reason of sin, they
b Exod. 12. 46. John 19. 26. The cloud guideth the Israelites. The use of the Before CHRIST 1490.
soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.
Numbers 8:19
- — and to make an atonement] Not by offering sacrifice, which was the work of the priests alone; but by being offered themselves in the nature of an expiatory sacrifice. Bp. Patrick, Dr. Wells. By ministering to the priests, who made the atonement, and by worshipping God according to His own direction in the room and stead of the people. Bp. Kidder.
— that there be no plague &c.] Thus they kept the Before CHRIST 1409. e Exod. 13. 2. chap. 3. 13. Luke 2. 23. The passover is commanded again. Before CHRIST 1490.
Numbers 8:21
21.—whether it was by day or by night &c.] Pitts, describing the journey of a caravan through the desert, between Grand Cairo and Mecca, says, “They have lights by night, which is the chief time of travelling because of the exceeding heat of the sun by day; these lights are carried on the tops of high poles, to direct the pilgrims in their march.” Thevenot however travelled here in the day time, passing through these deserts in January, and even found the mornings cold before the sun was up: and it seems that Egmont and Heyman, who travelled to mount Sinai in July, travelled a good deal in the day time, and found very refreshing breezes. Moses in like manner relates that the cloud, which regulated the marches of the Israelites, was sometimes taken up by day, and sometimes by night; doubtless according to the season, or the temperature of the air, which a merciful God regarded in giving that signal. Harmer.
Numbers 8:23
23.—at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.] That is, by the ministry of Moses, who was their lawgiver and director under God. Bp. Kidder. All these circumstances are recited thus particularly by Moses, to show, that the Israelites did not wander so long in the wilderness from being bewildered and unable to find their way out; but that all their motions were directed by the special appointment of God. Bp. Patrick.
Chap. X. ver. 2. Make thee two trumpets &c.] Trumpets were used in the Jewish worship in the wilderness. Two were made of silver, as appears from this place; which, Josephus says, were near a cubit in length, curved at the end like a bell; and at the mouth just of width sufficient to admit the breath. The purpose of these instruments was for conducting the journeyings and restings of the camp. There are two Hebrew names for trumpets, which imply a difference, either of form or of material. The trumpets of Moses and Solomon are called Chatsotveroth; and this word seems to denote metal trumpets, Numb. x. 2; xxxi. 6; 2 Kings xi. 14;