Numbers 1
PATJL HIS Book is called by the name of Numbers in our language; because it begins with an account of the numbering of the people in the beginning of the second.ycar after they came out of Egypt; though it contains a great many things besides that; particularly, anothcrnumbcring of them (chap, xxvi) towards the conclusion of their travels in the wilderness: for this book comprehends a history of about thirty-eight years, though most of the things related in it fell out in the first and in the last of these years; and it doth not appear when those things were done, which we read of aboutthe middle of the book,, from the fifteenth to the twentieth chapter.. r Ver.l. And the Lord spake unto Moses.] Who undertook nothing without order from God. In the wilderness of Sinai.) Where they had continued near a full year (as appears by comparing Exod. xix. 1. with this place), and shortly after this removed from it, (chap. x. 11.) [ In the tabernacle of the congregation.] From whence the Lord delivered those laws which we read in theforegoing book, (see on Lev. i.l.) and now seems to have admitted him into the. tabernacle, whereas before he only spake to him out of it. ■’ -1 Ou the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt.] All that is related in the foregoing book, seems to have passed in the first month of the second year after their coming out of Egypt, in the beginning of which the tabernacle was set up, (Exod. xl. 2. 17.) and in the middle of it the Passover was kept; as appears by this book, (chap. ix. 1; 2, &c.) There is less to be observed concerning the names of theso great men of each tribe; for whatsoever the import of them may be in tho Hebrew language (which Chytracus and others have endeavoured to make out), it signifies nothing to us: only most of them shew how much God was in the thoughts of those who imposed these names on their children; for Elizur signifies my God the rock; and Shelumiel is as much as God my peace, or God my reivarder; and Zurishaddai, my rock omnipotent, or all-sufficient, &c. [ciia*: il; And shall encamp round about the tabernacle^ As a guard unto it: they being like to the legions about the palace of a great king, to secure and defend it from violcnco or rudeness. Which was the reason that they did not march under any of the standards of the other tribes: because they, were to make a camp by themselves; the order of which is directed in the same third chapter. And for the same reason they were not to go to the wars; because their camp was to attend upon tho tabernacle, the house of God. Vcr. 51. And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when it is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up.] When the Israelites removed to a new station, the tabernacle was taken in pieces, that it might be the more easily carried ifrom place. to place: in which the Levites were to be employed; arid likewise in putting it together again, when it was to be set up, where they rested in their journeys; as is more fully ordered in the fourth chapter, where the manner of taking it down and. setting it up again is directed*; and every one’s office about it, whether priests (for they had some hand in,it) t or Levites, exactly appointed. And the stranger.] “W’ho is not of this tribe, though an Israelite.; That comes nigh.”] To perform any of the forenamed offices. t Shall be put to death.] As a presumptuous person, in meddling with that which doth not belong unto him; The author of Schebet jehudah extends this to all strangers, who worshipped strange gods; and saith, there was a golden sword hung up in the gate of the temple with this inscription, The stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Numbers 1:2
Take ye the sum. There had been a muster, as $ve may call it, of the people; before the tabernacle was erected, (Exod. xxx; 12.) and consequently some months before this; for it was in order to a contribution, ivhich every one was to make towards that holy work, (Exod. xxxviii. 26.) whereas this was for the better disposing of their camps about the tabernacle now that it was set tip; and for their jnore regular march when they removed from Mount Sinai, which they were to do shortly. •.Of all the congregation of the children of Israel.] Who alone were numbered; all except the Levites; but none of thejnixed multitude that came with them out of Egypt, (Exod. xii. 38.) • After their families,] It appears by Josh. vii. 1G, 17, &c. that the several tribe? of Israel were divided into families, and those families into households, and those households had every one of them a head or chief, who is called the father of it. There were seventy of these families in all; but some tribes had more, others fewer, according to the number of souls (as they arc called); that is, persons who were in each when they went down into Egypt, (Gen. xlvi.27.) By the house of their fathers.] Every family, as I said, being distributed into houses (which wc now call families); these houses were denominated from their chief, whom they called their father; for no houses were denominated from the mother, as Jews say. * • With the number of their names.] The names of every person,* in the several houses, were set down and registered, that they might be the better known. i Every male by their poll.] But no women; for the reason which follows. Vcr. 3. From twenty years old and upward.] Which was ever after this the age when men were thought fit for war. All that are able to go forth to war in Israel.] One would think by this they were not to number very aged and decrepit people, because they were no more able to go to.war than" women and children, and those under twenty years old. And if wc may believe Josephus (lib. ii. Antiq. cap. 0.) after fifty years old, men were not bound to pay the half shekel which was due in such musters; and therefore wo may reasonably think were excused from going to war, unless they had a mind themselves.’? “♦*; • Thou and Aaron.] Who had the highest authority in the nation..**,. » >..,. „ Shall number them by their armies.] This seems to import, that, in taking the account of them, they distributed them into certain troops orcompanies, out of which were formed regiments (as we now speak), and greater regular bodies, which composed several armies. We do not read this was required in the former numbering, (Exod. xxx.) that being for another end, as I now observed; not for their more orderly march in their remove from Mount Sinai. And here I cannot but take notice, what a vast difference there. was between this method and that rude wUy which Cecrops, the first king of Attica, after the Ogygian flood (which happened “about the time of Moses), took to know the number of his people; which the Greek writers say, was by requiring every one of them to bring a stone; koI /3aXXetv dc to fiiaov, and throw it down before them; which lie counting, found them twenty thousand. So’ the scholiast upon Pindar, (Ode ix.) and others in Meursius de Regibus Atheniens. (lib. i. cap. 7.)
Numbers 1:4
And there sliall be with you a man of every tribe. Whom’ they were to take for their assistants. Every one. head of the house of his fathers*] The LXX. and the Vulgar understand this to 1 signify the principal persons in each tribe, who were best acquainted.with every family and household in that tribe. And so it is expounded, ver. 6. and many/think these were the first-born in: their tribe: but there is this objection against it, that Nahshan, who is named for the tribe of Judah, (ver. 7.) was not descended from the first-born of that tribe; for Pharez was not Judah’s eldest son, Selah being before him, who had children, as we find in chap. xxvi. of this book, (ver. 20.) Besides, when the principles of the tribes arc reckoned again (chap, xxxiv. of this book); in the last year of their abode in the wilderness, none of them are derived from these men here mentioned, but from others: and therefore these were the most eminent men in the several tribes, upon a different account; either for wisdom or valour, or some other excellent quality. Vcr. 5. And these are the names of the men that shall stand.] Be assistants. With you.] i. e. With Moses and Aaron. Of the tribe of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur.] There is little to be observed concerning these tribes, but that they are here placed not in the order of their birth, but of their mothers who bare them. First, the children of Leah, who arc all reckoned in the same order wherein they were born of her, (vcr. G— 9.)‘Then the children of Rachel, (vcr. 10, 11.) and after themthe children of the two handmaids, in the four following verses; where (ver. 12.) Dan is set first, he being the first-born of Bilhah, whom Rachelgave Jacob for his wife, (Gen. xxx. 5;) but then the next’ that follow arc not reckoned according to the order of their birth; for Naphtali, who was born next, is placed the last; and the youngest son of Zilpah placed before the eldest; for which wc cannot now discern the reason, though if is likely it was upon the account of some pre-eminence or other which they had gained; as Ephraim, the youngest son of Joseph, is mentioned before Man^ssch the eldest, (ver. 10.) because Jacob had given him the precedence, when’ he” blessed them before his death, (Gen. xlviii/19.)
Numbers 1:6
Of Simeon, Shelumid the son of Zarishaddai. 3 R 2
Numbers 1:14
Tlie son of Deuel. So he is called also, chap. vii. 42. and yet in tho second chapter, (ver. 14.) he is called the son of Reuel; for theso two letters, daleth and resch, are very often changed, tho one for the other; as Itipah (Gen. x. 8.) is called Dipath, (1 Chron. i. 6.) as, on tho other hand, Dodanim (Gen. x. 4.) is called Rodanira, (1 Chron. i. 7.) and it is to no purpose to heap tip more examples there are of this..’ Ver;lG. These were the renowned of the congregation.’] Tho Hebrew w f ord keruim signifies properly men called or named; that is, who had the honour to be named by God to this employment; which made them more noble than they were before. But, without this respect to their nomination by God, this word signifies, in general, famous men, as we translate it, (chap. xvi. 2. xxvi. 9.) or renowned, (Ezek. xxiii. 23.) Accordingly the Vulgar translates it, most noble. Princes of the tribes of their fathers.] As app ears more plainly from the noble oflerings which each of them made for the dedication of the altar, (chap, vii.) Heads of thousands in Israel,] Men not only of great authority; such as Jethro advised Moses to take to his aid in governing the people, (Exod. xviii. 21.) but the highest of that rank; being chief commanders over all the thousands that were in their several tribes; under whom, no doubt, were many inferior officers of great account; for so all people have found it necessary to submit themselves to the government of some supreme power, with several subordinate rulers under it. In which Israel excelled all other nations, being under the government of God himself, who appointed Moses immediately under him, with several others, as we here find, to assist him; for it is truly observed by Xenophon, that ouStv ovrwg ovr wxpyorov, ovte kclXov av OpwTroig d>cn raZig: nothing is either so profitable for men, or so becoming, as good order; and, on the contrary, nothing so mischievous, or unseemly, as confusion. Now order is nothing else but the apt disposition of every thing, in its proper place, for certain ends and uses. Accordingly among men nothing is more necessary, than that every one should know and keep his place in that degree and rank that belongs to him; as was here ordered by God for the preservation and good government of his people.
Numbers 1:17
And Moses and Aaron took these men. To be th6ir associates in the numbering of the people. Which are expressed by their names.] Whom God himself marked out by name to be joined with them. For as people cannot be preserved without order, so that cannot be preserved without rulers and governors; and they will signify nothing if their authority be not reverenced; and nothing can gain them such reverence, as a particular designation by God to their office.
Numbers 1:18
Arid they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month. They immediately executed their commission, on the same day they received it,(ver.l.)summoning all the people to appear before them. And they declared their pedigrees.] The people instantly obeyed, and every ono shewed from whom he was descended; or it may refer to Moses and Aaron, and the rest* who set down every man’s original in the public tables. After their families, by the house of their fathers, &c] First, they shewed of what family they were; and then of what house in that family; and then the name of every person in that house was given in. (See ver. 2.) Such a kind of distinction Cecrops made in Attica, when he numbered the people, whom he divided into four tribes (which in the days of Alcmocon, their last king, were increased into ten); every one of which had several people in it, which were like tho families in Israel; there being no less than ten 6r eleven people in that tribe which was called after his own name, KetcpoTrig. (See Mcursius, lib. i. de Reg-, Athen. cap. 7. and lib. ii. cap. 10.) And every one knows how Rome, at the first, had three tribes instituted by Romulus, which were divided into ten courts (if I may so call them), and those into certain families; which in aftertimes were increased into fivc-and-thirty tribes, according to the regions of the city*.
Numbers 1:19
As the Lord commanded Moses, so he numbered them. With the assistance of the forenamed persons. In the wilderness of Sinai.] Before they removed from Sinai; which being upon the twentieth day of this month, (chap, x.ll.) they finished this work in so many days, or less.
Numbers 1:20
And the children of Reuben, IsraeVs eldest son, by their generations, &c. The word generations seems to be larger than families, as that is than houses, comprehending every family in that tribe; as families comprehend every household, and household comprehends every person therein. So the meaning is, all that were descended from Reuben, according to their several families; and houses in those families; and persons in those houses.
Numbers 1:21
Those that were numbered of them, &c. were forty and six thousand and five hundred. Some have observed, that this tribe was one of those who had the smallest number of men in it; in which they think was fulfilled the prophecy of Jacob, who foretold that Reuben should not excel, (Gen. xlix. 4.) But I do not look upon this as solid; for there were several tribes, who all this time had fewer persons in it than this; particularly the children of Joseph (whom Jacob compared to a fruitful bough, Gen. xlix. 22.) were very much fewer. (See below, ver. 33. 35.) Gad also, Benjamin and Asher, were fewer in number than Reuben; who, in this regard, excelled five tribes.
Numbers 1:23
Of the tribe of Simeon were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred. He had six children when they went down into Egypt, and Reuben but “four; which is a plain reason of the greater increase of this’ tribe than the former.
Numbers 1:24
Of the children of Gad, &c. It is probable that this tribe is therefore mentioned next, though descended from a handmaid, because they were to encamp and march together with Simeon under the standard of Reuben; as is ordered in the next chapter, ver. 14.
Numbers 1:25
Of the tribe of Gad were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty. He had more sons than Simeon (Gen. xlvi. 10. 1G.) when they came out of Egypt; and yet fewer descended from him, by many thousands, <s) CHAP.. I.] UPON NUMBERS. than there did from Simeon; of which the reason doth not appear.
Numbers 1:27
Of the tribe o/Juddk were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred. It may be justly thought, that Jacob’s prophecy concerning the power and strength of this tribe (Gen. xlix. 8, &c.) began already to.be fulfilled, they being far more numerous than any other.
Numbers 1:28
Of the tribe oflssachar, &c. There is a plain account why this tribe and Zebulun aTC mentioned next to Judah, because they two maTched under his standard, (chap. ii. 4, 5. 7.) It may be observed also, that these two tribes were more numerous than many other, who had more children when they came out of Egypt.
Numbers 1:32
Of the children of Ephraim. He had the preeminence given him to Manasseh long ago, (Gen.xlviii.19.) and therefore is here placed before him.
Numbers 1:33
Of the tribe of Ephraim were forty thousand and five hundred. Though they were hitherto but few in comparison with some other tribes; yet in this the prophecy of Jacob was fulfilled, (Gen. xlviii. 19, 20.) that they were more fruitful than Manasseh, there being above eight thousand persons more in this tribe than in the other, (ver. 35.)
Numbers 1:35
Of Manasseh were thirty and two thousand and two hundred. This was now the smallest tribe; but before they got to Canaan they grew very numerous, being increased above twenty thousand, (chap, xxvi.34.)
Numbers 1:37
Of the tribe of Benjamin were thirty-five thousand and four hundred. Though Benjamin had more chil T.dren than any of the rest of his brethren, when they went down into Egypt (Gen. xlvi. 21. where it appears he had.ten sons), yet his tribe had thefewestmen in it of all other, except Manasseh.
Numbers 1:39
Of Dan were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred. On the contrary, Dan, who had but one son when they went down into Egypt, (Gen. xlvi. 23.) grew to a greater number than any other tribe, except Judah. So variously did the Divine providence work in fulfilling the promise to Abraham, of multiplying his seed.
Numbers 1:41
Of Asher were forty and one thousand and five hundred. The growth of this tribe was not proportionable,to that of some other, considering how many children Asher had at their going down into Egypt. But they increased near twelve thousand more before they got out of the wilderness, (chap. xxvi. 47.)
Numbers 1:43
Of Naphtali were fifty and three thousand and four hundred. The great increase of this tribe is alleged by Bochartus, to justify his interpretation of Gen. xlix. 21. by altering the punctuation of the words. But I have there ^observed, that five other tribes were more numerous than Naphtali when this account was taken of them.
Numbers 1:44
These are those that were numbered. This is the account that was taken of the number of men in each tribe. Which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel being twelve men.] See v, 3, 4, &c. Each one was for the house of his fathers.] Who could the better judge to what tribe every one belonged.
Numbers 1:45
So were all those that were numbered, &c. six hundred thousand and three thomand and five hundred and fifty. By which it appears there was not one man dead since their last numeration (seven months ago), when theywere taxed for the tabernacle; for they weTe at that time just so many as are here mentioned, (Exod. xxxviii. 26.) As for Nadab and Abihu, they were of the tribe of Levi, who are not here reckoned; and the man that was stoned for blasphemy (Lev. xxiv.) was not of Israel, by the-side of his father.
Numbers 1:47
But the Levites, after the tribe of their fathers, were not numbered among them. There was no account taken of them among the other tribes; as it is likely they were not comprehended in the former number, (Exod! xxxviii. 26.) being the persons who took the account, (ver. 21.) and had before this consecrated themselves to the Lord, (chap, xxxii. 29.) After the tribe of their fathers] Is a Hebraism/ for the fathers of their tribe; expressing, in short, what is at large said of all the Test, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, (ver. 20. 22. 24, &c.)
Numbers 1:48
For the Lord had spoken unto Moses, saying. He had received an order from God, when he commanded him to number the people, not to number them; which he sets down, that it might not be thought he favoured them^ because he was of their tribe, and therefore exempted therri from the wars, unto which all others were engaged!
Numbers 1:49
Only thou shall not number the tribe of Levi, &c. Because they’were intended for another service, and therefore were to be numbered by themselves. There was as stout and valiant men in this tribe as any other, (which appeared sufficiently when God’s honour was to be vindi* cated, Exod. xxxii.) but God did not design them for the wars of Canaan, they having employment enough in carrying and guarding the tabernacle. And from this example, the heathen learned to exempt all those who ministered to their gods from all other services; particularly from the war. Strabo notes (lib. ix. Geograph.) this custom to have been as old as Homer’s time; for in all his catalogue there is no mention of any ship that went against Troy from Alalcomenon, because that city was sacred to Minerva, who is thence called by Homer y A\aXKOfitv7itg’ASnva. The same is observed by Caesar (lib. vi.) of the ancient Druids, that they were freed from the wars, and from tribute also. Which privilege St. Basil challenges as belonging to the clergy, Kara rby 7rdXatbv vofiov, according to the ancient law, Epist eclxix. and S. Greg. Nazianzen doth the same in many places; particularly by his letter to Julianus, Epist. clxvi.
Numbers 1:50
But thou shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle. This was their work, to attend continually upon the house of God. Of testimony.] So it is called, because the ark of the testimony was there; for which it was principally made. See Exod. xxxviii. 21. and what I have noted upon Exod. xxv. 16. chap. xl. 3. And over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong unto it.] Not to use them in any sacred ministry (which belonged to the priests alone), but to carry them when they were to be rempyed; and to keep them in safety at all times. See chap. viii. ult. where it is expressly said, they shall do no service there. • ♦ They shall bear the tabernacle and all the vessels thereof] As is particularly directed in the fourth chapter. And they shall minister unto it.] Which ministry is at laTgc described in the third chapter.
Numbers 1:52
And the children of Israel. The rest of the tribes beforementioned. Shall pitch their tents every man by his own camp, &c] In the order prescribed in the next chapter.
Numbers 1:53
But? the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony. \ As i$ directed chap. iii. where they arc ordered to make a camp’ nearer the tabernacle, within the other camp of the Israelites. That there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel.] To prevent the other camp of the Israelites from coming too nigh the tabernacle; whereby they might have incurred God’s displeasure. And the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.] That is, therefore they were to be a constant guard about it; that no man might approach nearer than God allowed, and so bring heavy punishments upon himself and upon the congregation. Vcr. 54. And the children of Israel did according to all that tKe Lord commanded Moses, so did they.] Consented to. all that is here required, and did accordingly.