Numbers 31

Numbers 31:8

Fifty two thousand and seven hundred - Whereas they were but thirty two thousand and two hundred, in Numbers 1:35. So they are now increased above twenty thousand, according to that prophecy, Genesis 49:22.

Numbers 31:12

The sons of Benjamin - Who were ten, Genesis 46:21, whereof only five are here mentioned, the rest probably, together with their families, being extinct.

Numbers 31:17

Threescore and four thousand and four hundred - All from one son and family, whereas of Benjamin who had ten sons, and five families, there were only forty five thousand and six hundred, to shew that the increase of families depends singly upon God’s blessing and good pleasure.

Numbers 31:25

These were the numbered - Very nigh as many as there were before, Numbers 1:46. So wisely and marvellously did God at the same time manifest his justice in cutting off so vast a number; his mercy in giving such a speedy and numerous supply; and his truth in both.

Numbers 31:27

The land shall be divided - The land was divided into nine parts and an half, respect being had in such division to the goodness as well as to the largeness of the several portions, and the lot gave each tribe their part. Of names - Of persons, the share of each tribe was divided amongst the several families, to some more, to some less, according to the number of the persons of each family. And withal, if one of the portions proved too large or too little for the families and persons of that tribe, they might give part of their portion to another tribe, (as Simeon and Dan had part of Judah’s share) or take away a part from the portion belonging to another tribe.

Numbers 31:29

By lot - For the tribes, not for the several families; for the distribution of it to them was left to the rulers wisdom according to the rule now given.

Numbers 31:30

Many and few - That share, which shall by lot fall to each tribe, shall be distributed to the several families and persons in such proportions as their numbers shall require.

Numbers 31:39

Not left a man - Only of the Levites, who being not guilty of that sin did not partake of their judgment.

Numbers 31:41

Not left a man - Only of the Levites, who being not guilty of that sin did not partake of their judgment.

Numbers 31:42

By the door of the tabernacle - Nigh unto which it seems was the place where Moses and the chief rulers assembled for the administration of publick affairs, which also was very convenient, because they had frequent occasion of recourse to God for his direction.

Numbers 31:43

In his own sin - For his own personal sins. It was a truth, and that believed by the Jews that death was a punishment for mens own sins.

Numbers 31:44

Be done away - As it will be, if it be not preserved by an inheritance given to us in his name and for his sake. Hence some gather, that the first son of each of these heiresses was called by their father’s name, by virtue of that law, Deuteronomy 25:6, whereby the brother’s first son was to bear the name of his elder brother, whose widow he married. Give us a possession - In the land of Canaan upon the division of it, which though not yet conquered, they concluded would certainly be so, and thereby gave glory to God.

Numbers 31:50

No brethren - Nor sisters, as appears from Numbers 27:8.

Numbers 31:51

A statute of judgment - A statute or rule, by which the magistrates shall give judgment in such cases.

Numbers 31:52

Abarim - The whole tract of mountains was called Abarim, whereof one of the highest was called Nebo, and the top of that Pisgah.

Numbers 31:53

Thou shalt be gathered unto thy people - Moses must die: but death does not cut him off; it only gathers him to his people, brings him to rest with the holy patriarchs that were gone before him. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were his people, the people of his choice, and to them death gathered him.