Numbers

For the law of the priesthood took care of nothing more than that no stranger, that was not of the house of Aaron, should be called to that office. See Exodus 29:33, Leviticus 22:10, Numbers 1:51, and Numbers 3:10: Aaron and his sons they shall wait on the priest's office [〈 in…

The emendated editions. Their authority equal to the Epistle of Clement or Polycarpe. [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]. Theodoret's citation out of Ignatius about the Eucharist. Jerome's about Christ's choosing the greatest sinners, Publicans. Num. 1. The Prefacer is pleased not to d…

An enumeration of Prymates, and Metropolitans. Num. 1. Having made this solemne promise, that I should be so highly rewarded in case I produced any intimation to prove, that there was any other but single particular Congregations, It was now timely remembred that I had done some…

When this way of designation ceased. Num. 1. Upon occasion of the former citation of some words out of Clemens, the displeasure is for a while removed from Ignatius, and another matter of discourse is sprung, concerning the power of the people in appointing Bishops and Deacons t…

Answer to a charge concerning Grotius. Num. 1. In the next place, this digression concerning the power of the people being absolved, I am called back again to Ignatius, and in him to that of his asserting the three Orders in the Church, which is thought fit to be considered a wh…

A Catholick, a National, a Metropolitical, a Diocesan Church in Ignatius. Num. 1. But we are from Clemens once more brought down to Ignatius again, and of the great prejudices and mistakes, and unjust apprehensions which we Prelatists have had in reading, and bringing testimonie…

Accordingly there were three sorts of persons that were in some kind of dignity and preeminence among the people, although it may be after their oppression began, they were hindered from exercising the authority that belonged to them. First, as to the Tribes there were some who…

Obadiah honored the Prophet Elijah (1 Kings 18:17). Why did God reckon the tribe of Levi for the firstborn (Numbers 3:12)? Why did he appoint that the prince should ask counsel of God by the priest (Numbers 27:21)?

Hereof the portion allotted to the priests out of various offerings or sacrifices was no small part, wherein the Levites had no interest, but they belonged and were delivered immediately to the priests. (2.) The Levites themselves were given to the priests for their service in a…

For the law of the priesthood took care of nothing more than that no stranger, that was not of the house of Aaron, should be called to that office. See Exodus 29:33, Leviticus 22:10, Numbers 1:51, and Numbers 3:10: Aaron and his sons they shall wait on the priest's office [〈 in…

8. Secondly, The patterns of this among the Jews, and those we know, the more considerable in this, because they were there instituted by God himself, and because many other observances in Christianity are by Christ and the Apostles visibly accommodated from the Jews. And again…

God had bestowed the priesthood on Aaron and his sons, (Exodus 28:1.) The other Levites were set apart to inferior offices, (Numbers 3:9.) David made no change in this respect; but his object was, partly to secure that nothing should be done in tumult and disorder, partly to opp…

The Lord commanded, that all the males should be dedicated to him, in remembrance of their deliverance; because when the angel slew all the first-born of Egypt, (Exodus 12:29,) he had spared the first-born of Israel. "On the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egy…

He rejects the use of the ordinary names to the heathens. And Philastrius makes the usage of them among Christians almost heretical, Num. 3. All the eastern nations also, among whom the planetary denomination of the days of the week first began, have since their casting off that…

(Genesis 44:33): I shall remain pledge (says Reuben) for the lad — [in non-Latin alphabet] in pledge for the lad. (Numbers 3:12): I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn, in stead of the firstborn. So Septuagint, [in non-Latin alphabet].

Agar feared if he were full, he should deny God, and say, Who is the Lord; (Proverbs 30:9). Prosperity breeds, 1. Pride: The children of Kohath were in a higher estate than the rest of the Levites, they were employed in the Tabernacle about the most holy things of all, (Numbers…

And Isocrates has an expression directly answering that of the Apostle in this place, ad Nicoc. [in non-Latin alphabet], the sum of what has been spoken; so [in non-Latin alphabet] Caput, the head, is used in the Hebrew, [in non-Latin alphabet] (Exodus 30:12). When you take the…

For a long time, that is, from the preparing of the Tabernacle to the building of the Temple, they administered in this Sanctuary promiscuously, under the care of God, and directions of the High Priest. For the inspection of the whole was committed in an especial manner to the H…

The making of this Table with its measures and use, its form, and fashion, are recorded (Exodus 25:23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29; chapter 37:10, &c.); [in non-Latin alphabet] Table. The manner of its covering when it was to be carried while the Tabernacle was movable, is described…

The care that God has of Christ and the Church in the types of them, seems to be equal. The Ark which was a type of Christ and the Table of showbread a figure of the Church, had three coverings, whereas all the rest of the vessels, etc. belonging to the ceremonial part had but t…

Use: Be careful in keeping the golden mean between two enormous extremes: one of tempting God in neglect of the means which he has appointed for our safety: the other, of presuming against God, in trusting so much to the means, as we seek not to him for help and succor. Into bot…

Damned caitiffs will have nothing to ease their torments; not one drop of honey in all their gall. In the sacrifice of jealousy, there was to be no oil put to it (Numbers 5). In hell there is no oil of mercy put to the sufferings of the damned, to lenify them.

It is a cup mixed; yet it is without mixture, namely, there shall be nothing to afford the least comfort, no mixture of mercy; so it is a cup without mixture. In the Sacrifice of Jealousy (Numbers 5:15), there was no oil put to it. So in the torments of the damned there is no oi…

(3.) In the pains of Hell there is no mitigation, no mixture of mercy. In this life, God in anger remembers mercy, (Habakkuk 3:2) but in Hell there is no alleviation or lessening of the pains: as in the sacrifice of jealousy, (Numbers 5:15) God would have no oil or frankincense…

As the seal leaves its print upon the wax, so labor that the word preached may leave the print of its own holiness upon your heart. Labor that the word may have such a virtue upon you as the water of jealousy, to kill and make fruitful, (Numbers 5:27). That it may kill your sins…

To see Christ crucified for us, is a means to crucify sin in us. Christ's death (like the water of jealousy) makes the thigh of sin to rot (Numbers 5:27). How can a wife endure to see that spear which killed her husband?

In Hell there's not a drop of mercy. There was no oil or frankincense used in the sacrifice of jealousy (Numbers 5:15); in Hell no oil of mercy to alleviate the sufferings of the damned, nor incense of prayer to appease God's wrath. 5. A fifth aggravation of the loss of this kin…

2. It was the pledge and means of God's residence or dwelling among them, which expresseth the peculiar manner of his presence mentioned in general before. The Tabernacle was God's house; nor did he promise at any time to dwell among them but with respect thereunto (Exodus 15:17…

It is further said, we must restore in the spirit of meekness. The word spirit is added, because it proceeds from the spirit of God, who is both the worker and continuer thereof: as on the contrary, the spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14), the spirit of error (1 John 4:6), the spi…

As for your cavil at the oath ex officio, since you will needs draw it in by head and shoulders; however little it concerns us, I return you this answer — That, if any of our profession have in the pressing of it exceeded the lawful bounds, I excuse him not, I defend him not; le…

11. That the Ashes be removed from the Altar every day (Leviticus 6:10). 12. That the Unclean be separated from the Camp and Temple (Numbers 5:2; Deuteronomy 23:10). 13. That Aaron and his Posterity have the principal place and honor in Sacred things (Leviticus 21:8).

But what this punishment was, or wherein it did consist, neither Jews nor Christians are absolutely agreed; the latter on this subject doing little more than representing the opinions and judgments of the other, which course also we may follow. Some of them say, that untimely de…

And hence does our Apostle use his [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], his almost in this business (Hebrews 9:22): Almost all things are purged with blood. The like allowance was in the offering of the jealous person: it was to consist of barley meal, the matter of the meat-offering; b…

And this life is called the blood, because it is contained or carried in the blood (Genesis 9:4). Further, it is also observable, that the Hebrews call the body separated from the soul, or a dead corpse, Nephesh (Numbers 5:2; 9:10; 19:11; Haggai 2:14). Though the life be quite g…

It is an excellent saying of Augustine: he truly bewails the sins he has committed who never commits the sins he has bewailed. True mourning is like the water of jealousy — it makes the thigh of sin to rot (Numbers 5:12). Psalm 74:14: you broke the heads of the dragons in the wa…

Keep your heart when you are in company; vain company is the bait by which Satan is angling for the heart. In the law, he who touched a dead body was unclean (Numbers 5:2); the heart is apt to be defiled by being among those who are dead in sin. It is easy to catch a disease in…

Whosoever has wronged others in their estate, by unjust fraudulent dealing, ought in conscience to make them recompence. There is an express Law for this, (Numbers 5:7). He shall recompence his trespass, with the principal of it, and give it to him against whom he has trespassed.

We would not willingly entertain one into our house who had the plague. Sin brings a curse along with it, which is the plague of God that cleaves to a sinner; sin is like the water of jealousy which made the belly to swell, and the thigh to rot, Numbers 5:22. The meditation of t…

The word is clear for both confession, and sorrow for sin: though Antinomians make it a work of the flesh in the justified person, either to confess sin, or to sorrow for it, or to crave pardon for it. For confession there is commandment, practice, promise (Numbers 5:6): Speak t…

As he is the God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33), so the God of peace (Philippians 4:9). This was the form of the priests blessing the people (Numbers 6:26): The Lord give you peace. 2. God the Son is the purchaser of peace.

5. Prescribed prayer: Our Savior has set us a pattern of prayer. God prescribed a set form of blessing for the priests (Numbers 6:23). 6. Public prayer; when we pray in the audience of others.

But whereas it has respect in all things to other ministerial administrations, it is not to be used but with reference to them, and that by them, by whom at that season they are administered. Secondly, there was an especial institution of a sacerdotal benediction under the Old T…

In the latter, the priests by virtue of God's ordinance were to bless the people with this authoritative blessing. And the Lord spake to Moses, saying, speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, On this wise shall you bless the children of Israel saying to them; The Lord bless you and…

1. Unless you keep it all is in vain if so be it be in vain (Galatians 3:4): 'tis in vain as to the final reward, 'tis not in vain as to the increase of punishment; you will lose all your cost you have been at for Christ (Ezekiel 18:24; John 2:8), your watchings, strivings, pray…

The priests too abstained from wine and strong drink, while they were performing their duties in the temple, (Leviticus 10:9.) The same abstinence was enjoined on the Nazarites, (Numbers 6:3,) until their vow should be fulfilled. By a striking mark God showed that John was dedic…

but Matthew refers, beyond all doubt, to the former meaning. For we nowhere read that Nazarites meant blooming or flourishing, but persons who were consecrated to God, according to the directions given by the Law, (Numbers 6.) The meaning is: though it was by fear that Joseph wa…

But while He is the only Author of all blessing, yet that men might obtain a familiar view of his grace, he chose that at first the priests should bless in his name as mediators. Thus Melchizedek blessed Abraham, (Genesis 14:19,) and in Numbers 6:23-27, a perpetual law is laid d…

6. That the Priests attend the Lamps of the Sanctuary (Exodus 27:21). 7. That the Priests bless the people (Numbers 6:3). 8. That every day the Shew-bread be renewed.

Secondly, his blessing of the people was two-fold. First, solemn, at stated seasons, § 8 according to a form prescribed to him (Numbers 6:23, 24, 25, 26, 27). Secondly, occasional, with respect to particular seasons, as Eli blessed Hannah (1 Samuel 1:17).

2. At the purification of a leper (Leviticus 14). 3. At the expiration of a Nazaretical vow (Numbers 6:14). 4. At the solemn dedication of the Tabernacle and Temple.

I take a set forme of prayer, either publikely or priuately, to be both profitable and necessarie; set (I say) both fer the matter and manner, and if need require, for the very words also: my reasons are these; I. That which God has ordained is both profitable and necessarie: bu…

In some Places it means inward Principles of Action, as the Law of Kindness, the Law of Sin; sometimes it signifies only Directions and Rules of Life, as Proverbs 13:14 the Law of the Wise, that is, Rule of Wisdom. In other Places it includes all the Orders and Injunctions that…

All that a man has done and suffered, watching, striving, praying, they come to nothing unless we stick to it and persevere. Under the Law a Nazarite was to begin his days of separation again, if he had defiled himself; if he had separated himself for a year, and kept his vow wi…

All your watchings, strivings, prayings, fastings, professing the name of God, all is come to nothing. The Nazarite under the law was to begin again, if the days of his separation were defiled (Numbers 6:12). If he had separated himself for such a while, though he kept almost al…

But Christ the substance being come, and all the types and shadows therefore done away, there are not, there cannot be typical places, or typical holiness in places in these times. 3. Those places of old were holy by virtue of God's institution, who did appoint and sanctify them…

I remember it's a speech of a learned man, even upon this very Scripture, says he, Where men see not present gain coming in, they despise Christ there. It's a speech of Iernovius, Where they may have to eat for the present, there they may be easily brought to believe such a way…

And this signification of that word is not only most common, but solely to be admitted in the Old Testament, if cogent reason be not given to the contrary; as where it denotes a dedication and separation to civil uses, and not to sacred, as it sometimes does, still retaining its…

14. That the Priests wear the Garments appointed to their special Ministry (Exodus 28:2). 15. That the Ark be carried on the shoulders of the Levites (Numbers 7:9). 16. That the Annointing Oyl be made to annoint King and Priest (Exodus 30:25, 26, 27).

At the four corners, on the outside, were annexed to it four rings of gold, on § 9 each side two. Through these rings went two staves or bars, wherewith the Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites (Exodus 25:11, 12), for the neglect of which service strictly enjoin…

Thirdly, the declaration of the mind of the Lord in these two examples, was no Answer by Vrim; for besides that there is no mention in the text of the high Priest being spoken to put on the Ephod to enquire by Vrim, neither doe any Interpreters, understand it so, both the texts…

Then I asked him what I must do when I came; and he told me I must entreat upon my knees (Psalms 95:6; Daniel 6:10), with all my heart and soul (Jeremiah 29:12-13), the Father to reveal him to me. Then I asked him further, how I must make my supplications to him; and he said, Go…

Of these washings there were various sorts or kinds under the Law. For the priests were washed (Exodus 29:4), and the Levites (Numbers 8:12), and the people after they had contracted any impurity (Leviticus 15:8, 16). But the Apostle seems to have particular respect to the washi…

This was the sign of the communication of healing virtue from the Lord Christ by their Ministry. Thirdly, Imposition of hands was used in the setting apart of persons to the office and work of the Ministry (1 Timothy 4:14; chapter 5:22; Acts 6:6); the Rite herein was derived fro…

And such a ministry it signifies, as is performed with honor and ease, and is opposed to ministering with labor and burden. So the ministry of the Levites in bearing the burden of the Tabernacle is called a ministry with labor (Numbers 8), when the more easy and honorable employ…

So they killed the Bullocks, and the Priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the Altar. But those slayers seem not to have been the people, but the Levites, who were to assist the Priests in their service (Numbers 8:19), and who in all greater sacrifices, did the outward…

He that comes by water and blood, he is the Son of God: But Jesus Christ came by water and blood. His coming implies, 1 his Father's sending, 2 [illegible] own undertaking that great work of our recovery not only by Water, as the Levites who were washed (Numbers 8:6-7) but by Bl…

On the other hand, grant that the authority of the ministry dependeth on the law, ordinance and institution of Christ, that he calls men to this office by the collation of spiritual gifts to them, and that the actings of the Church herein is but an instituted moral means of comm…

There is no casting up of accounts in a crowd; nor can we examine ourselves when we are in a crowd of worldly businesses. We read, a man that was in a journey might not come to the Passover (Numbers 9:13), because his mind was full of secular cares, and his thoughts were taken u…

As Hushai said (2 Samuel 17:7), "The counsel is not good at this time." There was a set time enjoined for the Passover, when the Jews were to bring their offering to the Lord (Numbers 9:2). Had the people been reading the law at home, in the time of the Passover, it had not been…

For the Paschal Lamb was a sign of Christ the true Lamb of God, shadowing out diverse things worthy our observation: as first the Lamb; for the Passover was to be a Lamb of a year old, without spot or blemish: which signified unto us, that Christ was that immaculate Lamb of God…

For ought we see, this consequence is strong and undeniable, and so the Synod's argument in this place from the Old Testament is not at all overthrown, but rather more strengthned. As for what the Reverend Author says, pag. 18, 9. to the particular texts here alledged, namely Le…

The same sense is given by Lyranus, Cajetan, Oleaster, Tostatus, and Lorinus. And which is more to be thought of, Ainsworth himself expoundeth it so, and further sheweth that it cannot be meant of joyning to the faith and religion of Israel, or entering into the Church in that r…

(Ezekiel 23:49). And you shall bear the sins of your idols. (Numbers 9:13). The man that is clean — and forbears to eat the Passover — that man shall bear his sin. So when God lays sin to the charge of the sinner, in punishing it, he is said to lay a burden on the sinner, (2 Kin…

4. That other Prophets had not inspirations and answers from God at their own pleasures, but sometimes were forced to wait long, and pray for an answer before they could receive it. But Moses was wont when he pleased to say, stay and I will hear what God will command you (Number…

One religious, one civil, and two capital relating to religion; in these he made especial enquiry of God. The first was about the unclean that would keep the Passover (Numbers 9:7, 8). The second about the daughters of Zelophead, who claimed their inheritance (Numbers 27:4, 5).

The great God who has appointed the duties of his worship has appointed also the time. God enjoined a set time for the Passover (Numbers 9:2-3): let the children of Israel keep the Passover at his appointed season. Had the people of Israel been reading the law at home or praying…

(1) Because, ignorant and wicked men eating and drinking unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of Christ, and so bring judgment upon themselves (1 Corinthians 11:29). (2) Because, all were not admitted to eat of the Passover, neither was it for all promiscuously to partak…

God's people are called a willing people (Psalm 110:3), in Hebrew, Gnam nedaebot, a people of willingnesses; they give God a free-will offering, though they cannot serve him perfectly, they serve him willingly; a hypocrite though he does facere bonum, yet not velle, he has no de…

They are not only to provide good pasture, and feeding for them, but they must know their state and condition, that what they provide for them may be suitable and seasonable. And to this end there were at first some in the Church, who had the immediate inspection of the state an…

And it was a pledge of God's own institution, in imitation whereof, the superstitious heathens invented ways of obliging their idol-gods to be present among them for the same ends. Hence was that prayer at the removal of the Tabernacle and the Ark therein (Numbers 10:35, 36): Ri…

Sometimes it is called the Ark of the Testimony (Exodus 26:33; Chapter 29. 35; Chapter 40. 3, 5). Most commonly the Ark of the Covenant (Numbers 10:33; Chapter 14. 44; Deuteronomy 10:8; &c.). Sometimes the Ark of God (1 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 6:2; &c.).

1. There was then a clear word of institution for them. The trumpets of silver and cornets of horn, were instituted by the hand of Moses (Numbers 10, in the ten first verses, and Leviticus 23:23, 24), and in David's time there were added cymbals of brass, and harps and psalterie…

There was a time (says God by the Prophet) that you would not suffer any to go up to the feast, but now you shall be far enough from Jerusalem or any other place of worship, and the very remembrance of those solemn days shall be grievous to you, Oh! what will you do in those sol…

If you do not go with them, and are not still of their company, it will not be for want of their willingness, but your own. That which Moses said to Hobab is the language of every true saint of your acquaintance to you: We are journeying to the place of which the Lord said, I wi…

Some knowledge of the true God, was retained as it should seem until now among some of them, being received by tradition from their fathers. Moses' father in law, was a priest of this country (Exodus 2:15, 16), not altogether unacquainted with Jehovah (Exodus 18), and was himsel…

20. That the Lamb be then eaten with unleavened bread, and sour herbs (Numbers 19:10, 11). 21. That the sounding of Trumpets be used with the Sacrifice, in the day of the afflicting their souls (Numbers 10:9, 10). 22. That the Creatures to be sacrificed should be eight days old…

The appearance of a dissent from hence in an expression of our Apostle, chap. 9, shall be considered in its proper place. This Ark made at Horeb (1 Kings 8:9), that is, at the foot of the mountain where the people encamped, finished with the rest of the Tabernacle on the first d…

This being the first eminent pledge of the presence of God, with that people, let us consider what was indulged or granted to them thereby. First, they had hereby constant direction in all their journeyings, and undertakings, they were by this pillar directed in their way; so at…

That of Moses to Hobab, is the Language of every true Saint of your Acquaintance to you. Numbers 10:29 We are journeying unto the Place of which the Lord said I will give it you: Come thou with us, and we will do thee Good; for the Lord hath spoken Good concerning Israel. As Mos…

What shall we say? It is God, who is (as his name is (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 10:18; Psalm 86:15), and as he was yesterday, he is today) the God of grace and patience (Romans 15:5), and rich in it (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 1:13-16). Indeed, we are all living monuments and…

Now is a good time for Arminians to change their principles. I would now, as one of the friends of this work, humbly invite them to come and join with us, and be on our side; and if I had the authority of Moses, I would say to them as he did to Hobab (Numbers 10:29): We are jour…

For it is said, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, when he was to fight the battles of the Lord, against the Midianites, and Amalekites (Judges 6:34). Indeed, the Lord himself prescribes the manner, and way of making of war (Numbers 10:9; Numbers 31:27; Deuteronomy 20:2).…

So when things are cross, or strange, God's own people are apt to question, how they should be brought about with success. Moses, who was a man of God, and one of the brightest stars that ever shined in the firmament of God's Church, yet he was apt to be discouraged with seeming…

Christ had as much ado to raise her faith, as to raise her dead brother. And Moses, though a holy man, yet limits God's power through unbelief (Numbers 11:21). The people among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen, and you have said I will give them flesh for a whole mont…

Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst of them. 5. God bears his children in his bosom, as a nursing father does the sucking child (Numbers 11:12; Isaiah 46:4). To be carried in God's bosom shows how near his children lie to his heart.

God let her have a child, but it cost her her life (Genesis 35:18). Israel not content with manna (angels' food) they must have quails to their manna, God punished them by letting them have their will (Numbers 11:31): There went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails; an…

Before, when this Church consisted of her own people, her smell was as that of Lebanon (v. 4), and now by the access of the Gentiles it shall not be corrupt. Indeed when the Israelites came out of Egypt, the mingled of the Gentiles with them, drew them away to murmuring and lust…

Now their courage must not be a proud haughtiness, or an indiscreet cruelty; but a godly boldness, which may enable them to the duties of their calling, without fear of man. To this end, the Lord put of his spirit upon the seventy, which were to rule with Moses, Numbers 11.17. N…

And Joseph in Egypt in the years of plenty stored up against the years of famine. Wherefore in these words our Savior his meaning is only to condemn all distrustful care that distracts the minds of men, and to teach us to rest on his fatherly goodness from day to day in every se…

They despise government, presumptuous are they, and self-willed: [illegible, Dominion] some apply this to the dominion of Christ, which by their fables of the Aeones, or Lords Rulers they did set at naught, but of that in the fourth verse, but now he speaks of the government of…

It was the great sin of Israel in the wilderness, that though God had delivered them from their cruel servitude in Egypt, miraculously fed them in the desert, and was leading them on to a land flowing with milk and honey; yet as soon as any want did but begin to pinch them, pres…

It is not to bee thought there were many preaching Elders in a small village, hee speaketh in the plurall, Precor ut jubeas Presbyteros ejusdem loci &c. Basilius M[illegible]gnus in his Commentary upon Isaiah 3:2, where the Lord threatens to take away from Israel the Ancient, or…

And that's observable, that the dead body of a beast did not make men so unclean (by legal uncleanness) as the dead body of a man did. The dead body of a beast made one unclean but only till the evening, in (Numbers 11:31), but the dead body of a man made a man unclean seven day…

And Joseph in Egypt, in the years of plenty, stored up against the years of famine. Therefore, in these words, our Savior his meaning, is only to condemn all distrustful care, and to teach us to rest on his fatherly goodness from day to day, in every season: this is noted to us…

Rule 5. [illegible], or [illegible], is undeniably expounded of all that are saved only, and is restrictive; such a Physician cured all the city; that is, no man is cured but by him. Exodus 28:4 Jethro says to Moses, What is this that you do? you sit alone. [illegible] and all t…

Thus Iosua would have excluded Eldad and Medad from prophesying, and he would have Moses to be the onely prophet: but Moses says, I would to God all the people could prophecie. Num 11:29. Iohns disciples would have excluded Christ baptising: but John says, He must increase, and…

One only he here adds more, and [illegible] it of the children of Israel, whom God by many wonders brought out of the land of Egypt, and who for their unbelief died in the wilderness and were destroyed: so that of six hundred thousand men, beside women and children under twenty…

Section 10. The first considerable thing in God's command to this purpose is the authority with which it is accompanied — it is indispensably necessary that we should be holy on account of the authority of God's command; God himself uses this argument (Malachi 1:6), and there ar…

Their mistake lies in this, that prophecy consists principally in [illegible] and is distinguished into several degrees, by the manner of revelation; as by dreams, visions, appearances of angels, or men, and the like. But as [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], a Prophet, and [〈 in non-…

§ 66 Furthermore, as Moses had not a power of working miracles constantly resident with him, which he might exert according to his own will; so he was very far from being able to communicate any such power to others. God indeed took of the Spirit that was on him, and gave it to…

[in non-Latin alphabet] who: Daniel 9:25. Numbers 11.26. Tradition about the Prophecying of Eldad and Medad.

Winds are said sometimes to come from God; as (Exodus 10:13) the Lord brought an East wind upon the land of Egypt that it was covered with locusts, (one of the plagues of Egypt,) and verse 19, the Lord turned a mighty West wind which took away the locusts. And (Numbers 11:31) th…

Their greater Sanhedrin was their Supreme Court of Judicature, and consisted of seventy Elders, besides their chief Speaker or Moderator. You will find their first institution to have been by Divine Authority (Numbers 11:16). They sat only in Jerusalem; their sentence was decisi…

Under the Old Testament, but few had such honors put upon them by God. Moses wished that all the Lord's people were prophets, Numbers 11:29; whereas Joshua thought it much that Eldad and Medad prophesied. But now we find the wish of Moses fulfilled.

The Lord answers him; Is the Lord's hand shortened, that he cannot help? You shall see, that I am able to do it, (Numbers 11:21). It is therefore not an easy thing to believe God's power.

Thus it was with the rich fool, when he began to sing lullabies to his soul, and enjoy what he had got, he is taken away by death (Luke 12:20): You fool, this night your soul shall be required of you; then whose shall those things be which you have provided? And it is said (Numb…

Private spirits, that would impale and enclose religion, that they may shine alone, they do not love God, but themselves, their own credit, and their own profit. Would to God all the Lord's people were prophets! (Numbers 11:29). That was a free and noble speech.

The Lord may give a man riches and not love him: his prosperity may be as Israels Quails sawced with Gods wrath. Numbers 11:32, 33. But when God says, ye are mine, he cannot but love; every one loves his own. If God has any love better than other, his Covenant-People shall have…

1. Then the sinfulness of sin not only appears by, but consists in this, that it is contrary to God, yes, contrariety and enmity itself in the very abstract: Carnal men, or sinners, are called by the name of enemies to God (Romans 5:8, 10; Colossians 1:21), but the carnal mind o…

And that was it that magnified Abrahams faith so, that when there was so great difficulty that he must goe and offer his sonne, the sonne in whom GOD had promised that his seede should be blessed, who was called the sonne of the promise: Now here was a great degree of faith, bec…

He has low thoughts of God; he slights his sovereignty, questions his truth, looks upon all Gods Promises as a forged deed. The sinner therefore is said to despise God, Numbers 11.20. Again, the sinner lessens God, and brings him low in the thoughts of others.

It was used to Sarah (Genesis 18:14), to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:37), to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32:27), and to the Disciples of Christ (Mark 10:27). And it is the rather to be thought of, because we are very prone by nature to make doubt thereof: for although in our judgments we are…

(3) Because, the Magistrate exercises, and executes God's judgments (Deuteronomy 1:17). (4) Because, the Magistrate receives all things from God, which are necessary, for the performance of his office (Numbers 11:17). (5) Because, the Lord has promised, that Magistrates under th…

God takes this ill at our hands, to speak evil of others, especially such as are eminently holy, and help to bear up the honor of religion. Numbers 12:8: "Were not you afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" "What — my servant, who has worked so many miracles, whom I have spo…

It is hard to find both: if one would seek for a faithful man, questionless he may find many; if for a wise man, he may find many; but if he seek for one both wise and faithful, this is rara avis, hard to find: yet it is possible, though not common. Moses, a man learned in all t…

The night casts its dark mantle upon the most beautiful flowers, but the light comes in the morning and dispels the darkness, and every flower appears in its orient brightness; so the wicked may by misreports darken the honor and repute of the saints, but God will dispel this da…

In this verse, the spirit of God proceeds to another example of Moses faith: and hereto also in the verse following, he adds a third. Now he is thus large in the commendation of his faith, for this end; to persuade the Hebrews, to whom this Epistle is sent, that they were not to…

Concerning the principle, see that it be good, it must not be zeal for our private concernments, but for the glory of God, not a strange fire, but a holy fire. Moses was the meekest man upon earth in his own cause (Numbers 12:3). When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, the ma…

Christ was meek and lowly, but I am proud and passionate. It was the high commendation of Moses — Numbers 12:3 — 'Now the man Moses was meek above all the men of the earth'; and this was the man who knew God face to face. It is said of Calvin and Ursinus that they were both of c…

It is no virtue to bear what we do not feel: indeed it is a most unbecoming temper, not to tremble when God is smiting. The Lord says to Moses, in the case of Miriam (Numbers 12:24), If her Father had spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? The face is the table…

Surely the Lord of time, is the best judge of time; and in nothing do we more discover our folly, and rashness, than in presuming to fix the times either of our comforts or troubles. As to our comforts, we never think they can come too soon, we would have them presently, whether…

The second duty of obedience is, in all commandments concerning the aforementioned duties, of the superiors towards them, willingly to perform them, and to submit themselves to rebukes, to admonitions, corrections, and such like with meekness. [Proverbs 4:1. Hear, O children, th…

Fifthly, you shall have gentleness and meekness sometimes mixed in a man, with much austerity and strictness, which is very much that they should meet in one man, at one and the same time: the wisdom that is from above is gentle and meek, and easy to be entreated. It was said of…

We read nothing there of dreams. The Apostle then seems to allege this place very unfitly: but it appears that Joel meant to signify nothing else in this place but prophecy; and uses the word dreams and [reconstructed: visions] for ornament sake, because the Lord in times past d…

My servant Moses is not so. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches,” (Numbers 12:6-8.) But we must understand that dreams of this sort differ widely from natural dreams; for they have a character of certainty engraven on them, and are imp…

In opposition hereunto the Apostle intimates, that the revelation of God and his will by Christ was accomplished [in non-Latin alphabet], in one only way and manner, by his preaching the Gospel who was anointed with the Spirit without measure. The last difference, or instance in…

The Jews of latter ages assign some difference among the books of the old Testament, as to their spring and original, or manner, of revelation though they make none as to their being all canonical. The book of the Law, they assign to a peculiar manner of revelation which they ca…

Or see the King's face, or obtain the joy of God's salvation? Not that God is so hard to be entreated, or delights in a poor creature's malady or misery, but that he may affect the heart with the evil of sin, stir up more longings after grace, prize Christ and pardon, and learn…

16. It is observable, that when Christ appeared to manage the affairs of his church in this period, he often appeared in the form of that nature that he took upon him in his incarnation. So he seems to have appeared to Moses from time to time, and particularly at that time when…

Then, O that I had wings as a dove! I would fly away, and be at rest. Then we cry to God for ourselves, as Moses for his sister Miriam, Heal her [now] O God, I beseech you (Numbers 12:13). Glorify me now, O Lord, I pray you!

Nor can we pray simply at the nod and stirring of free-will, only the Spirit of Jesus is steeresman here; and this is to be holden, that the Spirit so withdrawes, as we are guilty consenters to his withdrawing, and in the sinful omission of calling upon the Lord; and when the Sp…

2. Moses was the meekest man on the earth, and much of the actings of the spirit were on his soul, and he had the most near manifestations of God. The Lord spake to him mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches, he beheld the similitude of the Lord (Numbers 12:8;…

2. Moses was a pattern of meekness, it was his master grace, that in which, more than in any other, he excelled. This testimony the Holy Ghost gives of him (Numbers 12:3): that the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. This character o…

Mark, do not only forbear to execute your wrath and revenge upon them, but do good to them, yes, though they be enemies upon a religious ground; though religion be made a party in the quarrel, and so engage us to the greater fury; when that which should bridle our passions, is t…

God takes it ill at our hands to calumniate others, especially to asperse those who help to keep up the credit of Religion. Numbers 12:8. Were not ye afraid to speak against my Servant Moses? what my Servant, who has wrought so many Miracles, whom I have spoken with in the Mount…

Observe it, and humble yourselves in your Father's anger, when he seems to go cross to our prayers, and hopes, and gives to wicked men advantages against us. (Numbers 12:14.) If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? When God does not make goo…

Object 1. But why should not the ministry lie in common? Has the Lord spoken only by Moses (Numbers 12:2)? Why should not one preach as well as another?

Moses was a man of unparalleled meekness. Numbers 12:3: Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men who were upon the face of the earth. How many injuries did he bear!

Especially, take heed of wounding the names of the godly: God has set a crown of honor on their head, and will you take it off? Numbers 12:8: Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? To defame the saints is no less than defaming God himself, they having hi…

And though it may be understood in verse 23 of that chapter to signify an overcoming spiritual glory, as the principal thing there intended, such as no soul dwelling in flesh could behold without rending the veil and breaking all to pieces; yet, even there also, may such a degre…

Besides Gods way of answering Moses, and answering by Vrim were different things, as the Rabbins and other learned men who write of those things show, Gods answering Moses and giving him Lawes and Commandements being by voice, but answering by Vrim being in an other way by behol…

Touching divine dreams: that there are, or at least have been such, it is evident. For these be the words of God (Numbers 12:6): If there be a Prophet of the Lord among you, I will be known to him by a vision, and will speak to him by a dream. And Job says, that God speaks in dr…

The Lord seems to glory in having such a good and useful servant as Job was. Moses was a most fruitful man, and brought more glory to God than any one in the world in the age wherein he lived, and God delighted in him: yes, he was so dear to God as that He could not bear to have…

Let us therefore mark Moses his behavior, when they were singled. Numbers 12: Aaron, and Miriam offer him a private injury. It is said his meekness was such that he gave them not a word.

Thus Miriam and Aaron murmured against Moses, because he had married a woman of Ethiopia. But this was only a private offence, and therefore Moses behaved himself meekly towards them (Numbers 12:3). The third thing in good anger, is the right manner of conceiving it.

Meekness and quietness among God's people, when opposed and reviled, would be the surest way to have God remarkably appear for their defense. It is particularly observed of Moses, on the occasion of Aaron and Miriam their envying him, and rising up in opposition against him, tha…

The ways, and manners of old, was first by inspiration (2 Chronicles 15:1; Isaiah 59:21; 2 Peter 1:21). Secondly, by visions (Numbers 12:6, 8). Thirdly, by dreams (Job 33:14-15; Genesis 40:8).

(5) Because, if men, repenting of their faults committed against their brethren, and fellow Christians, be not received into the communion of the Church, both they and the Church are in hazard, lest Satan by his devices, gain an advantage of them (2 Corinthians 2:10-11). (6) Bec…

The soul does not sleep in the body, but returns to God that gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). The soul immediately partakes of those joys the blessed angels do: when the body returns to dust, the soul returns to rest: when the body is sleeping, the soul is triumphing: when the body…

In the second place, it is to be observed, when God promised this unto Abraham; even then when the land of Canaan was possessed by many mighty kings: so that it may be here further doubted, how Abraham could take any comfort in this promise, seeing it was at that day held by alm…

And the Sodomites had a city, even walled (as is likely) for Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom, when the two Angels came to him, Genesis 19:1, 2. And the Canaanites had cities walled exceeding high: (Numbers 13). But we find not, that ever God's children built them cities, un…

So was it with the people in the wilderness, whose carcasses fell therein because of their unbelief. The reasons they pretended and pleaded why they would not attempt to enter the land of Canaan, were that the people were strong, and the cities walled, and giants among them (Num…

2. His laws, a proud creature cannot endure to hear of restraints, we could love other things in God, but not his legislative power, the carnal mind will never stoop, but complains of him as harsh and severe, as if he had forbidden us the satisfying of those desires which he has…

3 The good land was a type of the heavenly rest (Hebrews 4:1), and (Hebrews 3:19) some entered not in through unbelief: why, what unbelief? The story shows us (Psalm 93:7; Numbers 14:9; Numbers 13:28) they doubted of the power of God, and believed the report of the unbelieving s…

Therefore (says he) if these things we have spoken be thus, if there [reconstructed: is] indeed truth in them, and you believe it so, what remains then, but to resolve for it upon any terms, to fit for the journey whatever be the difficulties, and in them all to keep up the soul…

These comforts are an earnest of glory; they put us in heaven before our time (Ephesians 1:13-14): You were sealed with that Holy Spirit, which is an earnest of the inheritance. The earnest is part of the sum behind; so the comforts of the Spirit are the earnest — the cluster of…

Besides this inborn hatred against Christ, the devil works to fan the coals and increase this hostility. He spreads an evil report upon religion, as those spies did concerning Canaan (Numbers 13:32): they brought up an evil report of the land. Satan says God is a hard Master and…

God gives double pay; he bestows a kingdom upon those that fear him. Satan may disparage the ways of God like those spies that raised an ill report of the good land (Numbers 13:32), but will Satan mend your wages if you serve him? He gives damnable pay; instead of a kingdom, cha…

Now here Christian was worse put to it than in his fight with Apollyon, as by the sequel you shall see. I saw then in my dream, that when Christian was got to the borders of the Shadow of Death, there met him two men, children of them that brought up an evil report of the good l…

The latter extreme, which is Despair, arises partly from too deep an apprehension of the power of the Devil (as if his power were infinite, and he were able to do whatever his malice led him to, and so could do what he would: or unlimited, God letting the reins loose to him, and…

Murmuring springs from a bitter root, it comes from pride and discontent: it is a reproaching of God, and a high taking his name in vain. It is such a sin as God cannot bear (Numbers 14:27). How long shall I bear with this people that murmur against me?

But pride conjures up this devil of discontent, and hence come murmurings. Murmuring is a sin that God cannot bear (Numbers 14:27): "How long shall I bear with this people that murmur against me?" The murmurer discovers much ingratitude.

Because 1. the angels pry and search into the abyss of gospel mysteries (1 Peter 1:12), which implies their nescience of some parts of Scripture; and sure they cannot be authors of that book which themselves do not fully understand. Besides, 2. what angel in Heaven dared be so a…

The Apostle says, Fly from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). But these rather fly to idolatry: herein we are like the people of Israel, who notwithstanding all the idolatry and tyranny of Egypt, yet longed to go back to Egypt (Numbers 14:4). Let us make a captain and return into E…

2. Distrust; men believe not that God can make a treacle of poison, bring good out of all their troubles, therefore they murmur (Psalm 106:24): They believed not his word, but murmured. Men murmur at God's providences because they distrust his promises; God has much ado to bear…

Alter idem. He is of another spirit (Numbers 14:24): My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit. When the harlot Lais came to one of her old acquaintance, after he was converted, and tempted him to sin, Ego non sum Ego, said he, I am not the same man.

Some may be mentioned in the confirmation of it. Numbers 14:33. Your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, [in non-Latin alphabet] and shall bear your whoredoms, v. 34. [in non-Latin alphabet] You shall bear your iniquities forty years; that is, the punishment due…

After this indeed that Generation added many other sins and provocations, before all things proceeded so far, that God swore in his wrath that they should never enter into his rest. This fell out on their professed unbelief, and murmuring at the return of the Spies (Numbers 14),…

That was an inheritance and was conveyed by a promise. And when God threatened to deprive them of that Land, he said he would disinherit them (Numbers 14:12). And this inheritance consisted not only in the Land itself, but principally in the privileges of holy worship and relati…

And this he did in his suffering. Moreover, where-ever in the Old Testament [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] is translated by [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] in the LXX, as Numbers 14:33, Isaiah 53:12, or by [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] with reference to sin, it constantly signifies to be…

1. He is made equal to God the Father, who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God (Philippians 2:6): again, All things that the Father has are mine (John 16:15). The children of Israel are said to have tempted Jehovah (Numbers 14:[22], 27): and Paul…

An excellent spirit was found in Daniel. (Numbers 14:24) My servant Caleb because he had another spirit with him. A wicked man has the spirit of the world (2 Corinthians 2:12).

Though many of them to whom the Apostle wrote, had renounced Gentilism, and were (as it were) come out of Egypt, and made God's people by visible profession; yet after all this, they might be destroyed in case of disproportionable practice, or disobedience to God in that profess…

The church's enemies are many and mighty — let that be granted. Yet that argument with which Caleb and Joshua strove to raise their own hearts is of as much force now as it was then: 'The Lord is with us; fear them not' (Numbers 14:9). The historian tells us that when Antigonus…

Well then, whatever God takes, be still thankful for what he leaves. It was the great sin of Israel in the wilderness, that though God had delivered them from their cruel servitude in Egypt, miraculously fed them in the desert, and was leading them on to a land flowing with milk…

4. Misinterpretations of providence. Such cursed jealousy had the Jews of God (Numbers 14:3): and why has the Lord brought us into this land to fall by the sword, were it not better for us to return into Egypt? As though God in that mighty deliverance had cheated them with a des…

Secondly, this generation was generally a generation of believers; for it was they that were to enter into the land within a while after; for they were forty years in the Wilderness, & this Covenant, was made in the last month save one of the last of those forty years (Deuterono…

Certainly this notes that God aimed at more by the land of Canaan than merely to possess them of so much ground. Further, yet there are divers titles that are given to this land; it is called a holy land in (Zechariah 2:12), and it is called a good land in (Numbers 14:7), that w…

From hence cometh it, that we fear not in greatest dangers (2 Kings 6:16; Psalm 3:7; Psalm 27:3); that in the time of affliction, we are patient (Proverbs 20:22; Hebrews 10:33); without all murmuring to hold our peace (Psalm 39:10); receiving them as from a father (Job 1:21; Psa…

3 The good land was a type of the heavenly rest (Hebrews 4:1), and (Hebrews 3:19) some entered not in through unbelief: why, what unbelief? The story shows us (Psalm 93:7; Numbers 14:9; Numbers 13:28) they doubted of the power of God, and believed the report of the unbelieving s…

3. There is a sinful tempting of God, and this is done two ways. 1. Generally, every transgression in a general sense is a tempting of God (Numbers 14:22): They have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice. Every eminent and notable provocation of thei…

Mark how they are comforted against the persecution coming upon them; partly because the cause was clearly God's, for all this trouble was by the instigation of the devil, making use of his instruments (Ephesians 2:2); he is called the Prince of the power of the air, the spirit…

For why should they enjoy that comfort which they had unkindly refused to give to others? He takes the mid-day here for extreme heat: and this similitude is often found in the scriptures, to wit, that the Lord was as a cloud at high noon, and as a pillar of fire by night (Exodus…

It is evident that there are Counterfeits of all Kinds of gracious Affections; as of Love to God, and Love to the Brethren, as has been just now observed: So of godly Sorrow for Sin, as in Pharaoh, Saul, and Ahab, and the Children of Israel in the Wilderness; Exodus 9:27, 1 Samu…

God will make all his Enemies to behold this, and to live in a most clear and affecting View of it, in Hell, to all Eternity. God hath often declared his immutable Purpose to make all his Enemies to know him in this Respect, in so often annexing these Words to the Threatenings h…

And though they could not doubt of God's authority, yet for all that, their frequent rebellions are plainly resolved into their infidelity. How long will this people provoke me? (Numbers 14:11) And how long will it be before [they believe me], for all the signs which I have show…

The Israelites were now going to Canaan, God does their work for them before hand. They did but go up and take possession; Joshua and Caleb tell the people not only that their enemies' defence was departed from them, but that they were but bread for them (Numbers 14:9). Not corn…

Though he were beloved by God, and were elected by him, yet his wives turned away his heart from the Lord. The like phrase you have (Numbers 14:23): After all these works I have done among them, and the miracles I have shown them in Egypt, and in the Wilderness, they have provok…

Where the Vulgar Latin translating the word Actively, and applying it to Moses; Stetit Moses cum eo invocans nomen Domini, quo transcunte coram eo ait, Dominator Domine Deus; Moses stood with him calling on the Name of the Lord, who passing by he said, O mighty Ruler, Lord God;…

Whoever he compounds with, and pays short, he will be sure God shall not be a loser. He gives God a daily sacrifice; he follows God fully (Numbers 14:14). But covetous persons make the world their treasure, and what is their treasure, that does most command their hearts.

This generation God was exceeding angry with, and swore in his wrath, that they should not enter into his rest. But the younger generation were not so; the generation that were under twenty years old when they came out of Egypt, and those that were born in the wilderness, the ge…

3. Beware of murmuring and angry and fretting words against God; (Exodus 14:11) Were there no graves in Egypt? (Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2; Numbers 14:2, 27) and much more. It is dreadful to contend with the Almighty; and for so small a thing as a drink of water, and for a piece…

Nor can we pray simply at the nod and stirring of free-will, only the Spirit of Jesus is steeresman here; and this is to be holden, that the Spirit so withdrawes, as we are guilty consenters to his withdrawing, and in the sinful omission of calling upon the Lord; and when the Sp…

The spirit of error (1 John 4:6). The spirit of unbelief that was in the ten spies led and drove many (Numbers 14:24). But Caleb had another spirit with him.

Those whose sins are punished in others, have such an interest in them, as that their being so, is a punishment to themselves. Therefore are such sinners threatened with the punishment and evils that shall befall their posterity or children for their sakes which is highly penal…

Think how often we have appeared before God and the world, without our ornament, without our livery, to our shame. God kept account of the particular instances of the unquietness of Israel: they have tempted me (says he) now these ten times (Numbers 14:22). Conscience is God's r…

There was his trouble. And Moses (Numbers 14:15-16): What will the nations say round about? Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which he swore to them, therefore he has slain them in the wilderness.

How long will this people slander me (says he,) and rob me of my honor? It is a complaint which he makes there by Moses (Numbers 14:11), and in many other places of the Scripture. And surely if Saint John's saying be true (John 3:33), namely, that when we believe God, we set to…

Our Saviour tells us, 'tis easier to say to an impotent man, "Arise, take up your bed and walk," than to say, "Your sins are forgiven you": and 'tis a declaration of his power (Matthew 9:5). And when Moses prays for pardon of Israel's sin, says he, let the power of the Lord be g…

And which forgiveness argues him to be a God of great love, rich in mercy, etc., or else sin could not be forgiven, it being easier to heal diseases, etc., than to forgive sins, as our Savior tells us (Matthew 9:5-6). 'Tis the manifestation of his power; according to what Moses…

In the end of it, and that is the honor and glory of God: whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Secondly, it is a universal obedience, which extends itself to all the commands of God alike, it respects the duties of both tables, such was the obedienc…

You forget, you misguided sinners, that God was present, and saw what you plotted, that God is omniscient, and knows what you intended, that he is the righteous judge of all the world, and will bring the secret things of darkness to light, and make known the hidden counsels of t…

So does the murmurer when a part of his estate is taken away; our murmuring is the Devil's music; this is that sin which God cannot bear. How long shall I bear with this people that murmur against me (Numbers 14:7)? It is a sin which whets the sword against a people, it is a lan…

An upright heart is a whole heart; the full stream of the affections runs out after God. A sincere heart follows God fully (Numbers 14:24). Third characteristic: a sincere heart is willing to come under trial.

But God in making children prepares and sanctifies them for this privilege; he changes their disposition, he smooths the ruggedness of their nature; he makes them not only sons but saints. They are of another spirit (Numbers 14:24). They become meek and humble; they are partaker…

Those whose sins are punished in others have such an interest in them that their being so punished is itself a punishment to themselves. Therefore such sinners are threatened with the punishment and evils that shall come upon their posterity or children for their sakes, which is…

I answer in general, Godliness is the sacred impression, and workmanship of God in a man, whereby of carnal he is made spiritual. When Godliness is wrought in a person, he does not receive a new soul, but he has another spirit, Numbers 14. 24. The faculties are not new, but the…

He would soon sink the Ship of Church and State, but that some of his Elect are in it: Yet such is the indiscretion of men as to injure the Saints, and to count them burdens which are the chief blessings. 6. The godly are of a brave Heroic spirit, Numbers 14:24. My servant Caleb…

For when servants are harshly dealt with, who will serve such masters? And this argument Moses uses (Numbers 14): 'Lord, spare them,' says he, 'and if it be but for your name's sake — for what will all the nations say?' Either that you are such a God as is unkind and would not s…

Which may the rather encourage us to look after salvation, because this work will not take us off our other work. A man may with Caleb follow God fully (Numbers 14:34), and yet with David follow the ewes great with young; piety and industry may dwell together. Sixthly, the inexc…

Christ intercedes for the weakest believers (John 17:20), and for all the sins of believers. In the law there were some sins the High Priest was neither to offer sacrifice for, nor yet to offer prayer (Numbers 15:30). The soul that does ought presumptuously shall be cut off.

God will not have his day encroached upon, or defiled in the least thing. The man that gathered sticks on the Sabbath, God would have him stoned (Numbers 15). One would think that a small thing, to pick a few sticks to make a fire; but God would not have his day violated in the…

(2.) Such sins are more heinous that are committed presumptuously. Under the Law there was no sacrifice for presumptuous sins (Numbers 15:30). Question: What is it to sin presumptuously, which does heighten and aggravate sin, and make it more heinous?

It cannot stand with angelical obedience to leave the least iota of God's will unfulfilled: this is to do God's will as the angels, when we do all his will, quicquid propter Deum fit aequaliter fit. This was God's charge to Israel (Numbers 15:40): Remember to do all my commandme…

And you shall write them on the posts of your house, and on your gate. Add hereunto the institution of fringes for a memorial of the commandments, which was one way of saying, Know the Lord (Numbers 15:38, 39). Two things may be considered in these institutions.

God alone by virtue of his sovereignty, could dispense with the execution of this sentence of the Law, as he did in the case of David (2 Samuel 12:13), but as to the people, they were prohibited on any account to dispense with it, or forbear the execution of it (Numbers 35:31).…

Indeed for involuntary surprises and unavoidable and lamented infirmities there is a pardon of course, but where is the promise to a daring sinner who sins upon a presumption of pardon? Pause a while, my soul, upon that Scripture — Numbers 15:27,30: 'And if a soul sin through ig…

A land is accepted, and a people's peace made with God, not by their repentance and humiliation, but by Christ believed on (Micah 5:5): This man shall be the peace when the Assyrian shall come into our land. There were sin-offerings, and burnt-offerings appointed in the Law for…

The same sense is given by Lyranus, Cajetan, Oleaster, Tostatus, and Lorinus. And which is more to be thought of, Ainsworth himself expoundeth it so, and further sheweth that it cannot be meant of joyning to the faith and religion of Israel, or entering into the Church in that r…

The Prophet in the name of God proceeds to further threatening of Israel; and this in the 4th verse is a very dreadful one: They shall not offer wine offerings to the Lord; neither shall they be pleasing to him. In their offerings there was wont to be wine and oil; to note cheer…

They suppose that this baptism of proselytes had its origin from another legal institution. For the same law applied to proselytes and to natives (Leviticus 11:49; Numbers 15:15) — that is, they were equally bound by the same law to the performance of the same duties. But all th…

Here is forbidden first, the want of these, and the contrary, as to waver or doubt (Psalm 13:1, 3; Psalm 88:15); to leave our hope (Hebrews 10:39); to despair (Genesis 8:13); impatience (Jeremiah 20:14, 18); to have trust in ordinary means, and to make flesh our arm, is forbidde…

David wept, and Paul was humbled for the sins of other men (Psalm 119:136; 2 Corinthians 12:21). Thirdly, we are here taught, not to give liberty to the best of our natural affections, as to zeal; but to mortify them, and to rule them by the word (Numbers 15:39); otherwise they…

He amplifies the crime of which he spoke before, that the people should not flatter themselves in their inventions. Now it is very likely that Isaiah alludes to Moses' words, wherein the Lord commanded that they should always have the Law before them: that they should fix it upo…

Hence, was the sanction of the transgressions of it, to be punished with death. So was it in particular, with respect to the Sabbath (Numbers 15:35), partly, that it might represent to them the original sanction of the whole law as a Covenant of Works, and partly to keep that st…

Moses did not so receive the Spirit of Prophecy, as that he could at his own pleasure reveal those things which were not discoverable but by that Spirit; or speak out the mind of God infallibly in any thing for the use of the Church without actual inspiration as to that particul…

For the word [in non-Latin alphabet], when it includes death, constantly denotes a poenal excision, or cutting off for sin. See Genesis 17:14; Exodus 12:15; Numbers 15:30. This the Jews themselves acknowledge to be the meaning of the word.

This about the borders of their garments, was an after institution, yet because of its answerableness to this, we may add it in this place. To this purpose, God gives his command (Numbers 15:38, 39, 40): Speak to the Children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes,…

14. To wear them on the arm, in the same place. 15. To make Fringes (Numbers 15:38, 39, 40). 16. To put Writings of the Scripture on the posts of our doors (Deuteronomy 6:9).

It is first mentioned (Genesis 17:14) in the matter of Circumcision. Sometimes emphatically (Numbers 15:31): [in non-Latin alphabet] Cutting off — that soul shall be cut off from among his people; and frequently afterwards (Exodus 12:15, 19; chapter 31:14; Leviticus 7:10; chapte…

Jacob offered a drink-offering, that is of wine, which was its primitive institution and practice. And it was always to be of wine (Numbers 15). This, chapter 28, verse 7, is called [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], Shechar, which although we generally translate strong drink, yet it ap…

"But if you will not hearken to me to hallow the Sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched." Indeed, God was so exacting about this, that he descends to a particular prohibition of seve…

This sin of uncleanness does debase the spirit made at first after God's own image; defiles both soul and body, which should be the temple of the Holy Spirit; and renders men unfit for communion with a holy God, who is of such pure eyes that he cannot approve of the least iniqui…

In this corrupt state of man, [illegible] by looking we come to liking, and are brought inordinately to affect what we do behold. (Numbers 15:39) That you seek not after your own heart, and your own eyes, after which you use to go a whoring. (Job 31:7) If my step has turned out…

When they did but look into the Ark, it cost them dear (1 Samuel 6:19). Gathering of a few sticks on the Sabbath, was severely punished (Numbers 15:32-36). These seem small matters, but in sin we must not consider so much what is, as why it is forbidden, and who forbids it.

There is in the Scripture an express prohibition to the contrary; which is (as a learned interpreter has well and [illegible] observed) a clear demonstration that Solomon does not speak in earnest but ironically, when he bids young men walk in the ways of their heart and in the…

It is a [illegible] current of corruption and [illegible] impudence, to sin in the face of a command, and under the eye and check of conscience, therefore our Savior leaves a star as it were, a memorandum upon that part of the story: Remember Lot's wife, beware how you go agains…

The subject matter of this Scripture is not to inquire of the Priests whether this were a casual or a willful murder, and for them to tell who were the murderers that had slain this man (the resolution of which questions by the Priests might indeed imply some color for the Pries…

(3) Because, the Lord says, if you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord honorable, and shall honor him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own wo…

The people of God have sins of daily incursion; and besides these, sometimes they lapse into great sins, and God is provoked, and his justice is ready to break forth upon them; but Christ's intercession is ready at hand, he daily makes up the breaches between God and them; he pr…

As he will wipe off tears from their eyes, so dust from their name. Moses when he was charged with ambition, that he took too much upon him, comforted himself with this, Tomorrow will the Lord show who are his (Numbers 16:5). So may the saints when reproached, comfort themselves…

The dulness of many in seeking after heaven is such, as if they did not believe there were such a kingdom, or as if it would not outweigh their labor, or as if they thought it were indifferent whether they obtained this kingdom or no, which is as much as to say, whether they wer…

They had the first lot, (Joshua 21:10). But as they were lifted up above others of the Levites in honor, so in pride, (Numbers 16:3). In the Thames when the tide rises higher, the boat rises higher; so when the tide of an estate rises higher, many men's hearts rise higher in pri…

(5) Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:23, 24; Joshua 24:19; Ezekiel 16. (6) Leviticus 10:1, 2; Numbers 16:3, 8, 9, 32, 35; 1 Samuel 2:28, 29; 2 Samuel 6:6, 7; 2 Chronicles 26:16, 19; 1 Corinthians 11:30. Explication.

Not all the posterity of Abraham but only those of Levi were set apart to receive tithes, and not all the posterity of Levi but only the family of Aaron did receive the priesthood. And this order of his sovereign pleasure God required of them all to submit to and acquiesce in (N…

And God gave an eminent instance of his severity with respect to this law in the punishment of Corah, though of the tribe of Levi, for the transgression of it. And he caused a perpetual memorial to be kept of that punishment, to the end they might know, that no stranger who is n…

But chiefly is it a day of manifestation in regard of the Sons of God (Romans 8:19). All is now hidden, Christ is hidden, and the saints are hidden, their life is hidden (Galatians 3:3), their glory is hidden (1 John 3:2), but then Christ shall appear, and we shall appear with h…

Oh! it were well with us if we did prevent God's heavy wrath by our repentance. Numbers 16:46: Moses said to Aaron, Take a Censer, and put fire therein from off the Altar, and put on Incense, and go quickly to the Congregation, and make an atonement for them; for there is wrath…

For this reason, in the midst of calamities, destructions, and public ruin, God preserved the Aaronic or priestly family to this extent — that there was never lacking from it one who would discharge the priesthood according to the prescription of the law. For He had strictly for…

Verse 14. The Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do. The second, Aaron's making an atonement for the people whereby the plague was stayed (Numbers 16:46). Take a censer quickly, for wrath is begun.

Which was the thing that caused both the apostles, Peter and Paul, and also the prophets so often to record and inculcate it. This caused Moses to say (Numbers 16): I have not taken so much as an ass from them: neither have I hurt any of them. And Samuel also (1 Samuel 12): You…

The water drowns Pharaoh and his chariots (Exodus 14:28). Earth swallows up Korah, with his fellow rebels (Numbers 16:32). Bears rend the children that mocked Elisha (2 Kings 2:24).

Now the train-bands are up in arms watching at every quarter for foreign men, because of the general fears and jealousies, and rumors that fire-balls were thrown into houses by several of them, to help on and provoke the too furious flames. Now goods are hastily removed from the…

And yet we must observe, that though Moses was the meekest man in the world, yet when God's honor and glory were concerned, none more warm and zealous; witness his resentment of the golden calf, when in a holy indignation at that abominable iniquity, he deliberately broke the ta…

The women reproved for offering incense to the Queen of heaven, did it not without their husbands, yet were they not excused thereby (Jeremiah 44:19). The children and others in the family submitted themselves to Dathan and Abiram in standing in the door of their tents at defian…

If they had a magistrate to choose, they go to God (Numbers 27:16): Let the Lord, the God of the Spirits of all Flesh, set a man over the congregation. If a judgment to be averted (Numbers 16:22): O God, the God of the Spirits of all Flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be ang…

This is the hideous and direful destruction that hardness of heart has wrought. Go, rebellious sinner, into the wilderness, into the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram: see them rising up against the Lord and his officers, and reproaching their persons and proceedings, "You take…

God is a great King, and these are his children, for to them pertains the adoption; and it is a noble employment to be made tutors to a King's children: men are wont to be curious in their choice of such: and God is much more, in the directions which he has given about the quali…

By ceremonial worship, I understand all sacrifices and offerings, the whole service of the Tabernacle, and afterwards of the Temple: all which were typical, and established merely for the present dispensation, not without purpose of their abrogation, when that which was to be mo…

Now the outward covenant made with them, who were the children of Abraham after the flesh, was representative of the Covenant of Grace made with the children of Promise, and that whole people typified the hidden elect people of God; so that of both there is the same reason. Thus…

This woman escaped one judgment, for she fell not by the destruction of Sodom; yet she was destroyed by another, as we see: she is turned into a pillar of salt. Hopeful: True, and she may be to us both caution and example; caution, that we should shun her sin; or a sign of what…

First, That God is a spirit. This expression is singular, and not to be parallell'd again in the Scripture; indeed we have often mention made in Scripture of the spirit of God, and the spirit of the Lord, which signifies a divine power and energy; and of the Holy Spirit, signify…

These things being laid, the arguments against traduction are these. First, the testimonies of Holy Scripture, calling God the Father of spirits, as our natural parent the father of our bodies (Job 33:4; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Isaiah 57:16; Numbers 16:22; Numbers 27:16; Hebrews 12:9…

Such was the dividing of the Red Sea: the striking of the rock: and the flowing out of the waters (Numbers 20:11). The destruction of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, was evident to all the Israelites (Numbers 16:31, 32). So were the miracles which were wrought by the holy prophets, s…

Why did he appoint that the prince should ask counsel of God by the priest (Numbers 27:21)? Why did the Lord show by that miracle of Aaron's rod flourishing, that he had chosen the tribe of Levi to minister before him (Numbers 17)? Why does Christ call his apostles the lights of…

Some think they are not so ungodly as others, because they do not swear, or are drunk, but you may be ungodly in murmuring: there are not only ungodly drunkards but ungodly murmurers; in fact, this is the height of ungodliness, namely, rebellion. Korah and his company murmured a…

For they were not so much as once to come into the holiest, where were the pledges and tokens of God's presence. And the prohibitions of their approaches to God were attended with such severe penalties, that the people cried out they were not able to bear them (Numbers 17:12, 13…

For he that despised Moses's Law died without mercy, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward. Hence was their complaint of old, Behold we die, we perish, we all perish; whoever comes near to the Tabernacle of the Lord shall die, shall we be…

Hereby it became sacred; and when Aaron was called to the office of the Priesthood, it was delivered to his keeping. For on the budding of it on the trial about the Priesthood, it was laid up before the Testimony, that is, the Ark (Numbers 17:10). That same Rod did Moses take fr…

But withal it was a great part and a great means of that state of servitude and fear, wherein the People or the body of the Church was kept. They might not so much as come nigh the pledges of God's presence, it was forbidden them under the penalty of death and being cut off, whe…

His justice also we tax, as if he did defraud us of our due; we think somewhat is due, or else why do we complain (Matthew 20:13): Friend, I do you no wrong, &c. 2. 'Tis injurious to others, it puts us upon acts of violence and sedition, the murmurers are called rebels (Numbers…

The embittered spirits of Christians have been sometimes too prone to such desires. It was an inordinate passion in Moses, when a froward people under his charge provoked him to say, in (Numbers 17:14), Kill me, I pray you out of hand. Had God granted his desire, he had lost thi…

Duty without fervency is as a sacrifice without fire; we should ascend to Heaven in a fiery chariot of devotion. 5. We do God's will as the angels in Heaven, when we give God the best in every service (Numbers 18:29): Out of all your gifts, you shall offer of all the best thereo…

And that which is recorded of him on other accounts, is so far from having respect to his right to the priesthood of the Law, that it directly proves and demonstrates that he had none. For his genealogy is evidently of the Tribe of Judah, which was excluded legally from that off…

The tithes therefore that were paid to the Levites were in the original grant of all to the priests. (3.) The priests tithed the whole people in that tenth of all which they received of the Levites; and that being given to them, what remained in the possession of the Levites the…

And some offerings, as those at the Feast of Expiation, were appropriated to the High Priests only. So is the case stated by Azariah the High Priest (2 Chronicles 26:18), Not to you Uzziah to burn incense to the Lord, but to the Priests the Sons of Aaron who are consecrated, fro…

And this may be added further, that this place seems not only to be meant of the private or personal conversion of this or that particular Christian, but also further, of the open and joint calling of a company, because it is said, they shall come, the children of Israel and the…

Another root is held to mean "to choose" and "to purify," by Mercerus at the root entry. Whatever its origin, the word often signifies a bare "promise," 2 Samuel 23:5; Jeremiah 31:31, 32; also a gratuitous and irrevocable "gift," Numbers 18:9; and a "statute" or decree of God, J…

For He had strictly forbidden that anyone who was not of the natural seed of Aaron should ever dare to undertake that office (Numbers 16:40). Moreover, He gave authority to that law by setting forth dreadful examples against those who had dared to intrude upon the priestly admin…

The last appointment of God occasioned by the mercy solemnly remembered in the § 22 Passover, was the dedication of all the first-born males to himself. The Law of this dedication is recorded (Exodus 13:12, 13), and the manner of its performance is farther added (Numbers 18:15,…

2. That being built, it should be reverenced (Leviticus 19:30). 3. That the Priests and Levites always keep the Temple, and no others (Numbers 18:2). 4. That the work or ministry of the Temple be performed by the Levites (Numbers 18:23).

For if all your comfort and happiness lies in God, all your diligence and care will be to please God. God was the portion of the Levites, it is said, because they ministered before him (Numbers 18:20). So it is true of the spiritual Levites — they that are careful to walk with G…

And God made another law in favor of the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28): At the end of three years you shall bring forth the tithe of your increase that same year and shall lay it up within your gates, and the Levite and the fatherless and the widow within your gates shall come and ea…

1. The judicial law may be considered, so far as concerns the distinction of the Jews from the Gentiles, and the typical signification of the kingdom of Christ; or only so much as belongs to the form of civil government. Now the judicial law, according to the first acception, is…

And the goat shall bear upon him all the iniquities of the children of Israel to a land not inhabited. The priest prayed that the sins, that is, the punishment of the sins of the people might be laid on the goat (Numbers 18:1). Aaron and his sons are to bear the iniquity of the…

Again, the reason alleged does not follow: for sometimes the Holy Ghost uses a reason that is perpetual, to enforce a ceremony. That Levi should have no part, nor inheritance among his brethren, was a ceremony commanded by God; and yet the Lord enforces it, with a reason that wa…

The second thing mentioned to the same end, is the Ashes of an Heifer; and the use of it, which was by sprinkling. The Institution, use and end of this Ordinance, is described at large (Numbers 19). And an eminent Type of Christ there was therein, both as to his suffering, and t…

But why the bread of mourners unclean? This Text has reference to what you read in (Numbers 19:11, 14), you may read there, that the dead body of a man it did defile whatever touched it, yes, whatever came near it, and all those that were at funerals that did mourn for the dead,…

19. That on the second month on the fourteenth day, another Passover be kept. 20. That the Lamb be then eaten with unleavened bread, and sour herbs (Numbers 19:10, 11). 21. That the sounding of Trumpets be used with the Sacrifice, in the day of the afflicting their souls (Number…

That which was torn, says Jacob to Laban, I brought it not to you, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], achatennah, I answered for it; I paid for it, I went by the loss of it. See Exodus 29:36; Numbers 19:19; Leviticus 6:26. According to this signification of [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]…

Or else men take up the empty forms of others. You shall see in Numbers 19 the waters of purification with which a man had been cleansed; if another touched it, he became unclean. Confessions are like those waters whereby one has cleansed himself: now to take up others' confessi…

He that believes on me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water, but this he spoke of the Spirit. The Spirit is like water, not only to make the soul fruitful, (for it causes the desert to blossom as the rose, Isaiah 32:15; Isaiah 35:1), but the Spirit is like water t…

Then it was the book of the judicial laws and promises (Hebrews 9:19): "For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law: he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water (lest the blood should thicken and congeal, nor being mixed with water, no…

A propitiation, a Propitiatory sacrifice. Sometimes by , Numbers 19:19. and , Purification or Cleasing. But absolutely does no where in any good author, nor in the scripture signifie a sacrifice for sin unless it may be allowed to do so in this one place alone.

Korah and his company murmured against God, and see how the Lord interprets this (Numbers 17:10): Bring Aaron's rod to be kept for a token against the rebels: To be a murmurer and a rebel is in God's account all one. Numbers 20:13: This is the water of Meribah, because the child…

And hereof an instance was given in Aaron the first of them. God to shew the nature of this priesthood to the people, and to manifest that the everlasting Priest was not yet come, commanded Aaron to dye in the sight of all the congregation (Numbers 20:25, 26, 27, 28). So did the…

For on the budding of it on the trial about the Priesthood, it was laid up before the Testimony, that is, the Ark (Numbers 17:10). That same Rod did Moses take from before the Testimony, when he was to smite the Rock with it, and work a miracle, whereof this was consecrated to b…

To justify, is to acquit from accusation; so does faith acquit God's truth in the word, from all the jealousies which the carnal world, and our carnal hearts do cast upon him. Faith is said to sanctify God (Numbers 20:12). To sanctify, is to set apart from common use; and God is…

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. The word signifies, they made haste, took it ill, they were not presently brought into that plenty, that was promised (Numbers 20:5). Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evi…

Therefore we are commanded in persecution to sanctify God in our hearts (1 Peter 3:17). And Moses, because he failed in the doing of this duty, was barred the land of Canaan (Numbers 20:12). In England God has wrought his wondrous works among us.

And yet the Prophet condemns not only the men of his age, but those also of the ages before. For we see that under the conduct of Moses himself, they rebelled and murmured against God (Exodus 17:2; Numbers 20:3). Hence it came, that God who tenderly loved them, as it is in verse…

Now in that arrangement, Abijah, son of Eleazar, held the eighth rank, (1 Chronicles 24:10.) Zacharias, therefore, belonged to the priestly family, and to the posterity of Eleazar who had succeeded his father in the high priest's office, (Numbers 20:28.) In what manner Elisabeth…

Get and keep mercies in God's way, or there is death in the pot. Forty years after this, when the first whole evil generation was consumed, the children who were risen up in their fathers' stead, fall a murmuring for water in the wilderness of Zin: and with a profligacy of rebel…

Vocatur autem Angelus quia mundum gubernat. Scriptum est enim Deuteronomy 6:21. eduxit vos Jehovah ex Aegypto; & alibi Numbers 20:6. misit Angelum suum & eduxit vos ex Aegypto. Praeterea scriptum est Isaiah 63:9. & Angelus facici ejus salvos fecit ipsos.

Even then when there may be occasion for a keenness of expression, and we are called to rebuke sharply ([illegible], cuttingly) (Titus 1:2), yet meekness forbids all fury and indecency of language, and everything that sounds like clamor and evil speaking (Ephesians 4:31). The me…

To glorify God, is, to do that which simply and absolutely tends to the manifestation of his excellency, without any relation to the creature: but to sanctify God, is, to set God above the creature, to do that which tends to exalt his greatness and excellency from and above all…

What a blessed frame of heart is this? A contented Christian is an advocate for God against unbelief and impatience; whereas discontent takes every thing from God in the worst sense; it does implead and censure God: this evil I feel is but a symptom of greater evil: God is about…

Now when men are brought into an intimacy with God, and have received great engagements from him, the Lord takes notice of every working and acting of their souls in an especial manner, and is oftentimes grieved and provoked with that in them which others can take no notice of.…

It is the want of faith that keeps good things from us; Christ could not do many things among them, because of their unbelief (Mark 6:5). Unbelief kept Moses and Aaron out of the promised land (Numbers 20:12), and the prince from tasting of the plenty (2 Kings 7, last verse). Al…

Such were the wonders of Egypt. Such was the dividing of the Red Sea: the striking of the rock: and the flowing out of the waters (Numbers 20:11). The destruction of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, was evident to all the Israelites (Numbers 16:31, 32).

Obj. 3. But did not Moses make the image of a brazen serpent, why then may not images be set up? Resp. That was done by God's special command (Numbers 21:8), Make a brazen serpent; and there was a special use of it, both literal and spiritual; but what, does the setting up this…

He did ill to make the vow, and worse to keep it: he became guilty of the breach of the third and sixth commandment. 11. When we speak evil of God, we take his name in vain (Numbers 21:5). They spoke against God.

Like a sullen bird that is angry, and beats herself against the cage. 3. Murmuring cannot stand with submission to God's will: murmuring is the height of impatience; it is a kind of mutiny in the soul against God (Numbers 21:5): The people spoke against God. When a cloud of sorr…

1 Corinthians 8:6. And one Lord Jesus, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 10:9. Neither let us also tempt Christ as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents; compared with (Numbers 21:6). Phil. 2:5, 6. Let this mind be in you which was also in…

Objection 3. Some books of the canon of Scripture are lost, as the book of the Wars of God (Numbers 21:14), the book of the Just (Joshua 10:13), the books of Chronicles of the kings of Israel and Judah (1 Kings 14:19), and the books of certain prophets, Nathan, Gad, Iddo, Ahijah…

Reasons for investigating the origin of letters — Authors who maintain that the use of letters is antediluvian — Arguments in favor of that opinion — Whether it is probable that Adam invented letters — Jews and Mohammedans foolishly assert that letters were created by God — The…

If you look to him which hides his face from the house of Israel; if God hide his face from church and commonwealth, and yet our eyes are towards him, and we know not what to do, for our consciences, and liberty, and estates, and health, and peace, etc. But our eyes are to Chris…

If the faithful then at any time have desired that their faith might be confirmed by signs, we must not by and by follow them therein; because it was a thing very rare: as to Gideon, who being taken from the flail to govern the people, he gave two signs which he asked, to the en…

It is very comfortable and proper, to fetch similitudes from such manner of examples as this: which order Saint Paul also followed: (Galatians 4) where he records the mystery of the two sons of Abraham, and also his two wives, and afterward expounded the same. And Christ also (J…

1. In, and by its institution and erection; he made, framed, set up, and appointed that Church state, and all the worship of God therein observed. He it was who appeared to Moses in the Wilderness (Exodus 3:5; Acts 7:32, 33), and who gave them the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20;…

And this the most take to be total and final, the persons that fall under it being left to the judgement of God without hope of reconciliation to the Church. Hence it is called in the Targum (Numbers 21:25; Deuteronomy 7:27) the curse, the execration of God; and by the Talmudist…

The seventh part instanced, is her eyes, which were several times mentioned before; they point at her spiritual discerning, and understanding of spiritual things, and the believing-uptaking of them; in which respect, all natural men are blind, because of their ignorance and unbe…

God has required we should sue it out, and own our Advocate, as well as confess ourselves unable to satisfy, that we might know who is our Advocate. In the type of the bronze serpent, (Numbers 21:8) And the Lord said to Moses, Make you a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; an…

The sinner must see the unprofitableness of his unrighteousness, before he profits by Christ's righteousness. The Israelites are first stung with the fiery serpents, and then the brazen serpent is set up (Numbers 21:6-8). Ephraim is first thoroughly convinced, and then God's bow…

2. It prevents murmuring, a sin which is a degree higher than the other; murmuring is a quarreling with God, and inveighing against him. They spoke against God (Numbers 21:5); the murmurer says interpretatively, that God has not dealt well with him, and he has deserved better fr…

To set forth his healing virtue, Christ is compared in Scripture to the following: The bronze serpent (Numbers 21:9): those who were stung were cured by looking on the bronze serpent. So when the soul is stung by the old serpent, it is cured by looking to Christ.

"Let us not tempt Christ, as some of them tempted him, and were destroyed by the serpents." And this is he who led them, and brought them out of Egypt (Numbers 21:6-7), whom they tempted in the wilderness (verses 5-7). And he ascribes to himself the covenant (Hebrews 8:9): "Not…

5. Another sin which has brought us low, is the abuse of the Gospel. We are sick of Israels disease: they despised Manna, Numbers 21:5. Our soul loatheth this light bread.

Now I beheld in my dream, that they had not journeyed far, but the river and the way for a time parted, at which they were not a little sorry; yet they durst not go out of the way. Now the way from the river was rough, and their feet tender by reason of their travels; so the sou…

Reason 2: Faith has the same place in justification as the Israelites looking on the brazen serpent had in their healing (John 3:14, 15). Now they were not first healed, and then must look up to the serpent and see what it was that had healed them; but first they must look up to…

Secondly, this looking at Christ is to behold him with an eye of faith; not only to look at him as pierced by our sins, but also at this as our salvation, in which our salvation is laid up, if at all we come to be saved. This is an act of faith, to look at Christ with assurance,…

And to show that no particular man in any nation was excepted, but every mother's child included, Saint Mark setting down the same commission expresses every creature (Mark 16:15); meaning every reasonable creature. I will not here stand to discuss this question, whether the sou…

Q. 3. How prove you Jesus Christ to be truly God? A. Divers ways; first, by places of Scripture speaking of the great God Jehovah, in the Old Testament, applied to our Savior in the New, as, Numbers 21:5, 6 in 1 Corinthians 10:9; Psalm 102:24, 25 in Hebrews 1:10; Isaiah 6:2, 3,…

Q. 3. How prove you Jesus Christ to be truly God? A. Divers ways; first, by places of Scripture speaking of the great God Jehovah, in the Old Testament, applied to our Savior in the New, as, Numbers 21:5, 6. in 1 Corinthians 10:9. Psalm 102:24, 25. in Hebrews 1:10. Isaiah 6:2, 3…

Arist. As Balac said to Balaam (Numbers 22:37), Am not I able to promote you to honor? So if we hallow and sanctify God's Name, is not he able to promote us to honor?

And therefore he says to Abraham, "I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you" (Genesis 12:3), because he is over them and all their blessings and curses. Balak therefore was not a little mistaken when he tells Balaam, "I know that he whom you bless is bless…

1. 'Tis certain, the angels had a great care about the people of God in ancient times. Examples are found everywhere in the word of God; Lot was led out of Sodom by angels, Daniel taught by an angel, Cornelius answered by an angel, an angel withstood Balaam in the way (Numbers 2…

And he came to Abraham, at the close of the Day of Passover, and found him making unleavened cakes." To these add his account of the end of this same antediluvian Og, which he narrates at Numbers 22 thus: "And it came to pass that after the wicked Og... saw the camp of the Israe…

The LXX renders it "they are nothing." Some also think the related term is used in Numbers 22:21. XI. For the same cause of their effect, and with respect also to their outcome, they are called by a term meaning "vanities": Jeremiah 14:22, 8:19, 10:8, "Are there

On that mountain a sacred shrine had been built, which was called Beth-pehor; in Deuteronomy 34:6, Moses is said to be buried "in the valley in the land of the Moabites, over against Beth-pehor" — that is, the mountain on which the sacred shrine was built. The idol itself, there…

Also pride not to hear any excuse or defense delivered in duty, submission and obedience of child or servant. Finally bitterness, which may provoke wrath rather than cause amendment (Colossians 3:21. Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they be discouraged. Job 31:1…

And therefore God says (Ezekiel 14:4), Every man of the house of Israel, that sets up his idols in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to the Prophet, I the Lord will answer him that comes according to the multitude of his idols. Ba…

The whore of Babylon propounds her abominations in a golden cup (Revelation 17:4), and the great motive here is, "All this will I give you." Though the Devil comes not in person to us with his offers, he does by his instruments, as Balak when he sent to Balaam to curse the Israe…

It is our part therefore to wait as David did, who says of himself (Psalm 69:3): I am weary of my crying, my eyes fail me while I wait for my God. For if we give over our patient expecting, and faint in our minds, seeking to anticipate this due time, this period which God has pr…

The word [Satan] signifies an adversary, and so it is often times applied to men; as concerning Solomon, it is said that while he did walk exactly with God, there was neither adversary nor evil occurrence; the word in the original is, there was no Satan in his kingdom; and in (1…

He may be given up to Satan for his exercise and trial; but when he is given up to himself, to the sway of his own heart, to be besotted with his own counsels, and to have his own lusts, what a heavy judgment is this? When Balaam would not be satisfied, God said to him, Go (Numb…

Gabriel and Michael join against the Prince of Persia (Revelation 12:7); Michael and his Angels fought against the Dragon, and his Angels, and overcame. When Balaam hankered after the wages of unrighteousness, to curse Israel, the Angel of the Lord withstood him (Numbers 22:32).…

18. A man may obey the commands of God, indeed many of the commands of God, and yet be but almost a Christian. Balaam seems very conscientious of steering his course by the compass of God's command; when Balak sent to him to come and curse the people of God, says Balaam, If Bala…

Say therefore, Lord, it [reconstructed: is] not in man or means to do any good to my soul, [illegible] heart here, and be sure your soul be rightly [reconstructed: persuaded] of it. And mark what Balaam said, Lo, I [reconstructed: am] come now, have I now any power at all to say…

But also practically a man's heart may deceive his heart, and may persuade himself that he is godly and religious (James 1:26), and that his ways are right (Proverbs 14:12), and may say within his heart, and so think not only, I am holier than you, and yet not be so much as cere…

For Solomon in that place gives us to understand what power enchanters have, and what they may do by their charms if they come in time, namely, stay the poison of the serpent, so that he cannot hurt, either by biting or stinging. When Balak intended evil against Israel, he hired…

When a spark of Gods wrath flies into their conscience, or they are in fear of death, then they will fall to their confessions. Balaam, when he saw the Angels naked sword, could say, I have sinned, (Numbers 22:34). But true confession drops from the lips, as myrrhe from the tree…

And therefore the Apostle requires of Christian servants more (Ephesians 6:6). Because the Heathen would do thus much, the very donkey, when she saw the Angel in the passage, behaves herself accordingly (Numbers 22:23). If a man would therefore know, whether his heart be fitted…

The Saints live suitably to their high birth, they breathe after God's love, they aspire after glory, they set their feet where worldly men set their heart; they display the Banner of the Gospel, lifting up Christ's Name and interest in the world. 7. The godly are happy persons:…

When Christ cursed the fig tree, it presently withered, Matthew 21.19. Mens curses are insignificant, they shoot without bullets, but Numbers 22.6. He whom you curse, is cursed.

According to his ways. Sometimes the word way is taken more specially for some special course in the carrying of some particular action; as Numbers 22:33, Judges 4:9. More commonly, for the general course, and carrying of our whole lives, as Psalms 119:1, Matthew 10:5.

And Saint Paul says, that the fruits of wicked anger, are clamors, and crying speeches between person and person in their fury (Ephesians 4:31). And from there it is, that we find Balaam in his anger, to have been more void of reason than his ass (Numbers 22:27). Fifthly, when w…

Objection. But is not God said to repent? — there seems to be a change in his decree (Jonah 3:10): "The Lord repented of the evil that he said he would do to them." Response. Repentance is attributed to God figuratively and improperly (Numbers 23:19): "He is not man that he shou…

But if God be our God, he will not for every failing destroy us: He bears with his spouse, as with the weaker vessel: God may chastise (Psalm 89:32). He may use the rod and the pruning knife, but not the bloody axe (Numbers 23:21). He has not seen iniquity in Jacob: He will not…

They surely must needs go wrong who slight their guide; such as lay the reins upon the neck of their lusts, and never use the curbing bit of Scripture to check them, are carried to hell and never stop. 5. It condemns the abusers of Scripture: 1. who do muddy and poison this pure…

But may not a hypocrite have good desires? Numbers 23:10: Let me die the death of the righteous. Therefore I say, unfeigned desires evidence the kingdom of God within a man.

3. A sinner weeps but goes on in sin; his sins are not drowned in his tears. 5. A man may have good desires yet miss of the kingdom (Numbers 23:10). O that I might die the death of the righteous.

2. Here also we may be informed, that a man may be without sin in respect of justification, and yet have a great deal of the remainders of sin in him, in respect of sanctification. It has offered matter of no little perplexity to serious souls, when they read such texts of Scrip…

But some may think that this reason is not substantial, for men may seek for heaven that never had true saving faith. As, Balaam desired that his end might be like the end of the righteous, Numbers 23:10: wherewith no doubt he desired the state of the righteous after this life.…

That they should have a certain abiding place or country which they might freely inhabit, distinct from other nations, and under a rule or scepter of their own. So it is said of them, That the people should dwell alone, and not be reckoned among the nations (Numbers 23:9), and t…

This is found true by experience. For when Balaam the wizard should have cursed the people of Israel, and had assayed to do it many ways, but could not; at length he said, there is no sorcery against Jacob, nor soothsaying against Israel (Numbers 23:23). This is a notable comfor…

First from making the true God an idol in your thoughts, by forming apprehensions unworthy of the glory of his essence (Psalm 50:21), You thought that I was altogether like yourself. Now thus we do when we conceive him of such a mercy as to hold fellowship with one that continue…

2. There may be a taste of the sweetness of the things of Christ, of his word, grace, benefits and heavenly privileges (Hebrews 6:4-6). Having a taste of the gift of faith; they may also have a transitory and lighter participation of the sweetness of the word and joys of heaven,…

Sometimes he makes them act contrary to their intentions. Balaam comes to curse the people and God turns his tongue to bless them, which if guided by his own heart would have poured out execrations upon them (Numbers 23:7-8). God puts the words into his mouth but not in his hear…

Mr. Lowman himself styles him a Christian Prince, and protector of the Christian religion. God is very careful not to reckon his own people among the Gentiles, the visible subjects of Satan (Numbers 23:9): "The people shall not be reckoned among the nations." God won't enroll th…

From it the various conjectures we have recounted have arisen. But Pehor was a Moabite mountain: Numbers 23:28, "Balak led Balaam to the summit of Pehor." On that mountain a sacred shrine had been built, which was called Beth-pehor; in Deuteronomy 34:6, Moses is said to be burie…

Of the actions of the body orderly and reverently used, are bowing of our bodies (Isaiah 45:23). Reverent attention declared sometimes by rising up (Genesis 49:33; 1 Chronicles 28:2; Numbers 23:22; 2 Kings 23:2; 2 Chronicles 34:31; Nehemiah 8:6). Also lifting up of the hands and…

We dream of heaven, when there is no mortification, no exercising ourselves to godliness. A great many say as Balaam did, Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his (Numbers 23:10), but they care not for living the life of the righteous. If they can b…

But man is sooner convinced, than converted, than drawn off from worldly vanities, that he may seek after this happiness, and usually we have a quicker ear for offers of happiness, than precepts of duty and obedience. Balaam (Numbers 23:10): Oh that I could die the death of the…

Otherwise the wicked and profane may well discourse in words of God's mercy, and of life eternal, and yet in the meantime have no feeling at all of these things in their heart. As did that false Prophet Balaam, who knew well enough that that which he spoke was true; and yet for…

We may well call this man then, one that knows wisely how to forecast matters, and who has a deep insight into dark and obscure things, which are necessary; not by divinations or superstitious arts, but with a quick and prompt judgment, and with great dexterity of wit. Also in r…

So of Zeal, as in Jehu, 2 Kings 10:16, and in Paul before his Conversion, Galatians 1:14, Philippians 3:6, and the unbelieving Jews, Acts 22:3, Romans 10:2. So graceless Persons may have earnest religious Desires, which may be like Balaam's Desires, which he expresses under an e…

Numbers 23:23. According to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, what has God wrought? When I read you, my dear hearers, these words; when I consider what occasion, and by whom they were originally spoken, I cannot help thinking of that triumphant expression of the…

Separation and sequestration from the world and men of the world, with ways of false worship, until we be apparently a people dwelling alone, not wicked among the nations. Numbers 23:9. Behold, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. John 15:19…

That this was the cause and end of his call and separation is evident from hence, that immediately thereupon God assures him that in his seed all the kindreds of the earth should be blessed (Genesis 12:1, 2, 3; Chap. 22:18), which is all one as if he had expressly said to him, f…

Tradition about the Prophecying of Eldad and Medad. Numbers 23.21. Chap. 24.7, 17, 20, 24.

When Satan cannot prevail against us by one means, he does not despair of prevailing by another; He gives not his cause over for lost, because he cannot carry it at first, he will try, and try again. As it was with Balak, Numbers 23, when he sent for Balaam to curse the people,…

The people of God, on one account or other, shall be in all seasons a separated people. (Numbers 23:9) "Lo the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nation; yea they are separated from them, while they are in their bowels, and dwell in the midst of them."…

(Matthew 25:8) Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. With what a rapture was Balaam transported, when he said, Let me die the death of the righteous, and my last end be like his (Numbers 23:10)? Does the work of faith in some believers bear upon its top branches, the…

We read, that many shall say to Christ in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out devils, etc. and yet themselves at last cast out as a prey to devils. How divinely and rhetorically did a Balaam speak and prophesy (Numbers 23). What r…

He only would be an eased and painless man, and seeks not to be free of blaspheming God. See Balaam's, and the rich man's desire (Numbers 23:10; Luke 16:24; Revelation 6:15, 16, 17). 3. True it is, we love not moral influences; and to be actors in holiness, that spoils and robs…

That which follows next in order is his Immutability or Unchangeableness. Now that he takes this proper to himself, you shall see in Numbers 23:19. God is not as man that he should lie, neither the son of man that he should repent.

As for this doctrine of God's unchangeableness, what is the end, why it is revealed? You shall see in (Numbers 23:19): He is not as man that he should repent: Therefore I have blessed Israel, and he shall be blessed. The end is, to show that his favor is an unchangeable favor: S…

As it is reported of Bishop Cranmer, they used to say of him, If they would have Bishop Cranmer their friend, let them do him some ill turn: Do you not think how you may be even with them that have done you an ill turn, but rather go home, and all the way you are going, be musin…

Laban had power to do hurt, but no heart. When Balak called upon Balaam to curse Israel, God so dispirited Balaam that he could not discharge his thunderbolt, Numbers 23:8. How shall I curse whom God has not cursed?

Desperate expressions piercing the honor and glory of the Most High, willingly and wilfully, were doubtless his death-deserving crime. It is the same word that Balak used to Balaam, when he would have persuaded him to a deliberate cursing and pouring out of the imprecations on t…

They scoff at it with their tongues, but have a fear of it in their consciences: they revile at it while they live, but what mind are they of when they come to die? Then all speak well of a holy life, and the strictest obedience to the laws of God, (Numbers 23:10) Let me die the…

More distinctly: 1. Wicked men may desire their own happiness, though not upon God's terms (Numbers 23:10): "O that I might die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." At oportnit sic vixisse. John 6:34: "Evermore give us of this bread of life."

5. And lastly, they fully declare against sin as sinful, in that they desire to die the death of the righteous. Balaam, and others, that lived not the life of the righteous, but accounted their life madness, yet reckon their end happy, and therefore would that their own might be…

Yes, though the wicked count good and holy men's lives to be folly and madness, yet when they come to die, they would be glad with all their hearts, that their souls might be in as good a condition as theirs after death. Balaam that wicked wretch, who loved the wages of, and liv…

So did Balaam, when he went to curse the people of God, he had a great strife within himself: How shall I curse (says he) where God has not cursed? Or how shall I defy, whom the Lord has not defied (Numbers 23:8)? And did not Pilate strive against his sin, when he said to the Je…

As we know it in the country from where we came, some wily-headed persons get possession of a living, keep the owner in suit and restless wrangling many years together, against the evidence of their own conscience and reason, because so long they can keep the living, and reap th…

You shall not worship the Lord your God as the heathen idolaters — let the truth have his full scope now, therefore not as [reconstructed: they do]; [reconstructed: but] draw the curtain a little [reconstructed: toward] that way: Fashion not yourselves according to the world (Ro…

This is as truly ours to justify as it is Christ's to bestow. By virtue of this righteousness God looks upon us as if we had never sinned (Numbers 23:21). This is a perfect righteousness (Colossians 2:10): You are complete in him.

I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him. We often grieve the Spirit, abuse kindness; God will pass by much in his children (Numbers 23:21). He has not seen iniquity in Jacob; his love does not make him blind; he sees sin in his people, but not with an eye…

Suppose any do rouse him up, how then? He will not lie down, until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain (Numbers 23:24). Many poor creatures have by their opposition to his House roused up this Lion, and what has been the issue?

1. Circumcision, and the ceremonies; and the priesthood (Exodus 40:15), (Leviticus 16:29) the fast in the seventh month, shall be a statute, for ever. (Leviticus 6:18) All the [reconstructed: males] of the sons of Aaron shall eat the remainder of the meat-offering, it shall be a…

Now this Balaam was an enchanting witch, for though he be called a prophet, yet this was only in the reputation of the world, for his practice was to enchant by charms of words, and to that purpose he was hired to curse God's people, that is, to bring mischief upon them by charm…

Now if any man doubt, whether there be such Witches indeed as have been described, let him remember, that beside experience in all ages and countries, we have also sundry examples of them even in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament we read of Balaam (Numbers 23), who though he…

David had contracted horrible guilt, and polluted himself by his great sin, yet he presumes of being clean from both, if God will but apply this to him (Psalm 51:7): "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me and I shall be whiter than the snow." The effectual applicat…

3. That all the short comings in regard of his people, are displeasing to God. True, they do not shut them out of his favor; for, as he has accepted them in Christ as to their persons, so he has cast the robe of his righteousness over them, under which he has covered all their o…

What if he be stirred up? Why, he will not lie down, until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain (Numbers 23:24). There is no delivery from him.

The Lord work this good work and frame of grace in our hearts, for Jesus Christs sake, Amen. Alas who shall live when God does this? (Numbers 24:23). FINIS.

The wise men were guided by a star to Christ as King of the Jews, and came to pay homage to him in his infancy; when was the foundation of this remarkable event laid? Probably in Balaam's prophecy (Numbers 24:17): "I shall see him, but not now, I shall behold him, but not near.…

Nor can any plausible reason be given why Shem should be called preeminently the father of all those beyond the river, since the greatest part of his own posterity always dwelt on this side of the river, while very many families descended from Ham crossed over it. Moreover, what…

Jacob, about to set forth what would befall his posterity until the coming of the Messiah, begins his prophecy as follows (Genesis 49:1): "I will tell you what shall befall you in the last days" — which words the elders render as "in the last of the days." Similarly at Numbers 2…

Ans. Providence is full of mysteries, let the way be shame, the crown is glory, and the present condition be hell, the end is heaven; Providence is a hand-writing of mercy, though we cannot ever read it, more than Belshazzar could read his bill of justice; we see a woman with ch…

(Jeremiah 31:12) Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock, and of the herd, and their soul shall be as a watered garden, and they shall not…

5. Mortify therefore your members, that are on earth, fornication, uncleanness, etc. Beza, Piscator, and others think it probable that Christ uttered this prayer to his Father, in the Syriac tongue, because the Evangelist uses the word [illegible], to be lifted up from the earth…

Merely the Way of Persons receiving these imaginary Ideas, does not alter the Nature of the Ideas themselves that are received: Let them be received in what Way they will, they are still but external Ideas, or Ideas of outward Appearances, and so are not spiritual. Yea, if Men s…

By reason of the same wonderful conjunction, Christ is represented by a great variety of sensible things that are on some account excellent. Thus in some places he is called a Sun (Malachi 4:2); in others a Star (Numbers 24:17). And he is especially represented by the morning st…

"[⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], fire from Heaven, the fifth thing. But as this argument is ridiculous, both in general in wire-drawing conclusions from letters deficient or redundant in writing, and in particular in reference to this word, which in other places is written as in th…

And this Akiba, as Maimonides informs us, was a great wise man, and one of the wise men of the Mishnae, as his sayings in it manifest; so that all the wise men of that generation followed him, and took this Barcosba for their King and Messiah. And he first applied to him the pro…

Among them the principall is that of Scepter, an Ensign of Rule and Government. Nor is it absolutely used in any other sense, in that very frequently; Psalm 45. [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], A Scepter of uprightness is the Scepter of your Kingdom, Numbers 24:17. [〈 in non-Latin a…

Nature of it as given to him. Testified to and confirmed (Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17, 19; Job 19:25). Opened; with sundry other Places.

This expression of [in non-Latin alphabet], the End or last of the days, is an usual periphrasis of the days of the Messiah in the Old Testament. To that purpose it is used, Numbers 24, v. 14, Deuteronomy 4, v. 30, Isaiah 2, v. 2, Hosea 3, v. 5, Micah 4:1, and our Apostle expres…

Here are three prophecies given at this time that I would take notice of. The first is that of Balaam, Numbers 24:17, 18, 19. "I shall see him, but not now; I shall behold him, but not nigh: There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall…

Cant. 6:4 it is said of the Church, She is terrible as an army with banners; A Church of God that walks close to the rule, is terrible to guilty consciences. Let us walk so, as when the Balaams of the world look upon us, they may see our comely order, so as to be forced to say,…

Hence, as far as their own Personal concernments, as Saints, and Believers did lie in them, they are said [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], to make a diligent inquiry into and investigation of the things, which [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], the Spirit of Christ, that spake in themselv…

They were now to deal with the God of Israel, who would not be moved with such deceits and blandishments; therefore they will have a plot to disengage him from his people. It is insinuated (Numbers 24:14), Come now, and I will advise you what you shall do. Moses does not express…

Balaam makes a clear and rare prophecy of Christ, and yet has he no benefit by Christ, There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. But yet Balaam shall have no benefit by it, I shall see him but not now, I shall behold him but not nigh (Numbers…

If it be so that all these devices against the truth serve not his turn, in the fourth place he sets himself against the truth — he cares not for argument, but he will stand against the truth, and then God in his just judgment leaves him (2 Thessalonians 2:18): he gave them up t…

John must [reconstructed: lose his head] rather than Herod will part with his harlot. When [reconstructed: Balaam] cannot get leave of God to do what he desired, he goes without leave (Numbers 24:1) — he [reconstructed: set his face toward the wilderness], as if he would prevent…

We look that the Jews shall be Converted; I know, and am perswaded by the Lord Jesus, that it shall be so in the appointed time. We look that Chittim and Ashur (that is, Pope and Turk) shall perish for ever; but is it not said, Alas, who shall live when God does these things (Nu…

It fares with this soul as with surveyors of lands, that take an exact compass of other men's grounds, of which they shall never enjoy a foot. So did Balaam (Numbers 24:5-6), this false spirit shows them the glory of heaven and God's people. Thirdly, hereupon the soul comes to b…

And Herod put the whole college of the Jews, called their Sanhedrin, to the sword, in which college was the heir apparent of the kings' blood. Again, Balaam (Numbers 24:24) foretold that Kittim, that is, the Grecians and the Romans, should subdue Eber, the people of the East, an…

Praise is the quit-rent we pay to God; while God renews our lease, we must renew our rent. 12. We glorify God by being zealous for his name (Numbers 25:11): Phinehas has turned my wrath away, while he was zealous for my sake. Zeal is a mixed affection, a compound of love and ang…

There is the habit of faith, and the drawing of this habit into exercise: For a Christian to graft his hope of salvation only upon the stock of Christ's righteousness, and make Christ all in justification; to live on the promises as the bee on the flower, and suck out the sweetn…

But the Promise made to Phineas seems to be express for an eternity in this Priesthood. Behold, says God, I give to him my Covenant of Peace, and he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood (Numbers 25:12, 13). But this proves not a c…

And this may be added further, that this place seems not only to be meant of the private or personal conversion of this or that particular Christian, but also further, of the open and joint calling of a company, because it is said, they shall come, the children of Israel and the…

That which is here translated of the concrete, I find it may be as well translated of the abstract, They were abominable as their love: and so it's carried by interpreters, that is, they were abominable as their idols were that they did love, and their idols were called love in…

I. The first foreign god by whose worship the people, having returned from Egypt, defiled themselves was Baal-peor. He is first mentioned in Numbers 25:3: "Israel joined itself to Baal-peor." Also in Psalms 106:28: "They also joined themselves to Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifice…

By feeling of the heart, we choose, love, desire, delight, are zealous in the good thing itself, that it may be done; to refuse, hate, abhor, and are zealous against the known evil (Amos 5:14; Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1). Among these, zeal is an earnest affection of th…

Cor 10:8. meaning of the common sort, excluding those that were hanged vp: for in all there were 24 thousand. Num 25:9. Thus the contrarieti[•] which seemes to be between those two places, may be better accorded, then to say (as some doe) that the pen-men, or scribes, failed in…

But for the generality of the nation, being not heirs of the promise, they were fallen off to superstition and idolatry. Exceeding enemies they were to the people in the wilderness, vexing them with their wiles, and provoking them to abominations, that the Lord might consume the…

For these Shittim boards were reckoned among the stores of silver and brass, and such other things as they had brought with them into the Wilderness (Exodus 35:25), and that expression, [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩] Every one with whom was found Shittim-wood, intimates the rarity of…

Among those who walk with God, there is no greater motive and incentive unto universal holiness, and the preserving of their hearts and spirits in all purity and cleanness, than this — that the blessed Spirit who has undertaken to dwell in them as temples of God, and to preserve…

In the new Testament also, though the punishing by death according to Moses' law of apostates be approved of, as in pages 52, 53 of this book I have shown, and several judicial laws for the substance ratified pages 56, 57, yet the formalities, accessories, with all particulariti…

15. A godly man is a zealous man; grace turns a Saint into a Seraphim, it makes him burn in holy zeal; zeal is a mixed affection, a compound of love and anger, it carries forth our love to God, and anger against sin in the most intense manner. Zeal is the flame of the affections…

No, so ready is God to be taken off from this work, that he sets a high value upon those who stand in the gap to turn away his wrath. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, that I consumed them not in my jealousy; therefore behold I g…

In Numbers 16:15. Moses again is wroth, because Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against him, and in him against God. Phinehas (Numbers 25:8, 11) is said to have been zealous, that is, angry for God: the occasion was, because the Israelites committed fornication with heathenis…

(3) Because the capital punishment of evildoers makes others stand in awe and fear to offend. (Deuteronomy 13:11; Deuteronomy 19:20.) (4) Because if the Magistrate shall neglect to inflict due punishment, the Lord himself will be avenged on that Magistrate. (1 Kings 20:42; Numbe…

Secondly, we see that the Scripture makes a Lot, so the sentence of God, as in the most weighty matters of God and man, of life and death, it is the very oracle and declaration of God his will, wherein man must rest without any contradiction or motion to the contrary. So (Acts 1…

Non est puerorum aut Psittaeorum praedicatio, qui sine mente dant, accipiuntque sonum. Walemburg. Con. 4. Num. 26. It is well, that at length these men speak out plainly.

This woman escaped one judgment, for she fell not by the destruction of Sodom; yet she was destroyed by another, as we see: she is turned into a pillar of salt. Hopeful: True, and she may be to us both caution and example; caution, that we should shun her sin; or a sign of what…

Why did God reckon the tribe of Levi for the firstborn (Numbers 3:12)? Why did he appoint that the prince should ask counsel of God by the priest (Numbers 27:21)? Why did the Lord show by that miracle of Aaron's rod flourishing, that he had chosen the tribe of Levi to minister b…

16. That a man pursued by his Enemy to death, may be delivered with the death of his pursuer (Deuteronomy 25:12). 17. That the rights of Inheritances be determined according to the Law (Numbers 27:8, 9, 10, 11). § 18 These are the Precepts which they gather out of the Law, as Af…

The first was about the unclean that would keep the Passover (Numbers 9:7, 8). The second about the daughters of Zelophead, who claimed their inheritance (Numbers 27:4, 5). The third about the blasphemer (Leviticus 24).

The meaning then is explained in the words following, if there be any that executes judgment, that is, if there be a magistrate, a public man, that's the man I mean. So in Numbers 27:16, we find the word to signify a Magistrate, Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh,…

It is a title often given to God in Scripture, that he is the God of the Spirits of all Flesh. If they had a magistrate to choose, they go to God (Numbers 27:16): Let the Lord, the God of the Spirits of all Flesh, set a man over the congregation. If a judgment to be averted (Num…

In questions about moral things, sins and duties, the Priests are to give answer from the Law. As for that judgement of Urim spoken of in Numbers 27:21, which was by way of Oracle, the high Priest having Vrim and Thummim about him giving answers in God's name, which were of infa…

These things being laid, the arguments against traduction are these. First, the testimonies of Holy Scripture, calling God the Father of spirits, as our natural parent the father of our bodies (Job 33:4; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Isaiah 57:16; Numbers 16:22; Numbers 27:16; Hebrews 12:9…

Thirdly, by dreams (Job 33:14-15; Genesis 40:8). Fourthly, by Urim and Thummim (Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 30:7-8). Fifthly, by signs (Genesis 32:24; Exodus 13:21).

5. We do God's will as the angels in Heaven, when we give God the best in every service (Numbers 18:29): Out of all your gifts, you shall offer of all the best thereof. (Numbers 28:7): In the holy place should you cause the strong wine to be poured to the Lord for a drink offeri…

§ 8 The third Family relates to Sacrifices, containing fifty seven Precepts. As, 1. That the [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]Tamid, or continual Sacrifice, be offered every day (Exodus 29:38; Numbers 28:2, 3). 2. That the High-priest offer his Mincha or Corban every day (Leviticus 6:…

So says Moses, The seventh day is the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 5:14). Again, On the Sabbath day, you shall offer two lambs of a year old, without spot, and two tenth deals of fine flour, for a meat offering mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: and the burnt offering of…

By what reasons are they confuted? (1) Because, God under the law, appointed daily sacrifices even for sins, that were committed willingly (Numbers 28:3; Leviticus 6:1-8). (2) Because, God in the covenant of grace has promised, that he will not utterly take from them (with whom…

Willing: and not pride, nor gain, nor the like. Fourthly, the act [bind themselves] that now they are bound by their own word and promise, that they may say now, as (Psalm 56:12), your vows are upon me, or as (Numbers 30:2), if he bind his soul with a vow. Fifthly, the matter pr…

Chiefly until by the father's authority and consent, more full power be given to their children, because of their years and discretion. [Numbers 30:4. When a woman has vowed a vow to the Lord, or bound herself by a bond at her father's house in her youth, 5. If when her father h…

But our perverse and crooked nature is such, that what God commands, none are willing to follow, but what man's idle brain devises, after that men run headlong. Furthermore, God has willed this commandment of wives' obedient subjection to their husbands, to be so firmly and invi…

55. That he shave his hair after his vow is accomplished (ver. 9). 56. That every man perform his vows to God (Deuteronomy 23:23; Numbers 30:2). 57. That judgment be made of the Obligation of vows according to the Law (Numbers 30:3, 4, 5).

This implicit consent may be gathered either by his silence when he is present to see a thing done, or otherwise has knowledge thereof: or else when he is absent, by his former carriage or disposition in other like cases. The Scripture accounts a husband's silence, when he knows…

6. Repent of your forgetfulness of sacredvows. A vow is a binding ones soul to God, (Numbers 30:1). Christians, have not you since you have been bound to God, forfeited your Indentures?

5th Commandment: Honor your father, etc. He breaks this commandment: who mocks or reviles or beats his superiors (Genesis 9:22); who disobeys their lawful commandments (Romans [reconstructed: 13]:30); who is unthankful to parents and will not [reconstructed: relieve] them if nee…

To this purpose God has given special commandment in sundry places. Numbers 30:3: Whoever swears an oath, to bind his soul by a bond, he shall not break his word, but shall do, according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Matthew 5:33: You shall not forswear yourself, but sh…

First, if he be at his own liberty, (as touching the things whereof he makes his vow,) and not under the government of a superior. Thus in the Old Testament, if a daughter had made a vow, without the consent or allowance of her father, it might not stand in effect (Numbers 30:4,…

We speak the words of God, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things: So that there is a holy, a sanctified, a spiritual eloquence, an eloquence fit for spiritual things, and that eloquence mus…

Although there is no question but many of them offered their free-will offerings at the tabernacle. And when God would have a sacred portion out of the spoils, as he would have in the wilderness, out of those that were taken from the Midianites, to manifest that they fell not un…

But there were two sorts of purifications under the Law, wherein blood was neither formally nor virtually applied or used. The one was by fire in things that would endure it (Numbers 31:23). And the Apostle speaks of things as well as persons, as the word [in non-Latin alphabet]…

The next part of the description is [And ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward]. His story begins (Numbers 22) and his tragedy you have (Numbers 31:8). Balaam had linguam venalem, oracles to sell; so they adulterated the doctrine of the Gospel out of covetousness and…

Yet the Midianites also offered sacrifices to it along with the Moabites. For they employed their snares against the Israelites who were sacrificing to it; and they did so with Balaam as their instructor (Numbers 31:15, 16); and in the New Testament, the enticements to fornicati…

Psalm 99:8. You were a God that pardoned, or forgave them, though you took vengeance of their inventions. The same word [in non-Latin alphabet] is given to God, when he takes vengeance on his enemies, (Numbers 31:2; Isaiah 1:24). I will be avenged of my enemies. (2 Kings 9:7). T…

In the days of Jacob, they were great merchants (Genesis 37:28). At this time in less than 400 years, they were so multiplied, that they had five kings of their nation (Numbers 31:1). Some knowledge of the true God, was retained as it should seem until now among some of them, be…

By what reasons are they confuted? (1) Because, God appointed, and commanded lawful war (Numbers 31:2). For it is said, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, when he was to fight the battles of the Lord, against the Midianites, and Amalekites (Judges 6:34).

So (Hosea 2:16) God would no more be called Baal, though it signified Lord and Husband, because the title had been applied to idols. The Israelites when they took cities, they changed their names if they had any tincture of idolatry (Numbers 32:38), Nebo and Baalmeon, their name…

The prohibition is renewed (Joshua 2:7), You shall not make mention of the names of their Gods; which is yet extended farther (Deuteronomy 12:3) to a command, to destroy and blot out the names of the gods of the people, which by this means are retained. Accordingly the children…

Besides they observe the number of the verses at the end of every book: as also that [in non-Latin alphabet] in [in non-Latin alphabet] Leviticus 11:42 is the middle letter of the Law; [in non-Latin alphabet], Leviticus 10:16 the middle word; Leviticus 13:33 the middle verse; th…

Now he that by Faith has Interest in his Surety, has his Discharge, his Quietus est, sealed in the Blood of Christ; all Process at Law, or from the Law, is stopt Romans 8:1. But if you be an impenitent, persisting sinner, your debt remains upon your own score. And be sure your s…

Besides, our affections to heavenly things languish when all things succeed with us in this world according to heart's desire; and this coldness and remissness is not easily shaken off. Many are like the children of Reuben and Gad (Numbers 32), who when they found convenient pas…

Sin will follow the sinner like a blood hound, and will find him out at last. Therefore Moses said to the Rubenites (Numbers 32:23), Be sure your sin will find you out: and it will not be long first. Punishment treadeth on the heels of sin.

Salvian observes, that in Africa, when the Church of God had degenerated from its purity, the Land abounded in Vice, and was sick of a Pleurisy of sin, then the Vandals entered Africa, and the enemies Sword let them blood. Numbers 32.23. Be sure your sin will find you out: as a…

The Ark and Mercy Seat stood in the Sanctum Sanctorum, at the west end of the Temple, not the East, and the Jewish Synagogues both anciently, and now were built round, or in an oval manner: neither is there any law, or canon of the Church or state of England, for the building of…

So likewise (Isaiah 30:21), you shall defile also the covering of your graven images of silver, the very coverings, those costly garments which Idolaters were wont to put upon their Idols, and the ornament of their molten images of gold, you shall cast them away as a menstruous…

At Exodus 12:12, God threatens "that He will execute judgments against all the gods of the Egyptians." That He gave effect to that threat, whatever it consisted in, Moses records at Numbers 33:4. Among the other cattle, there is no doubt that He slew Apis himself and the other a…

XIII. They are also variously called with respect to their outward form. Most frequently by a term meaning "images, likenesses": Numbers 33:52, "You shall destroy all their molten images." LXX., "molten images."

Now these were the Jews' near neighbors, and hated them deadly: these were the remainder of the nations which the Israelites had spared, although the Lord had expressly commanded them to be wholly rooted out. The people's infidelity was the cause why the Lord suffered this remna…

Here they came on the third day. For although it is said, that they went three days in the Wilderness and found no water (Exodus 15:22), after which mention is made of their coming to Mara, v. 23, yet it was in the evening of the third day; for they pitched that night in Mara (N…

3. It is a tree of long continuance, and keeps long green; hence (Psalm 92:12, 14) it is said of the righteous, they shall flourish like the palm tree; therefore (Joel 1:12) it is an evidence of great drought, when the palm tree withers. 4. They were looked on as most fit to be…

When the iniquity of the Amorites was full, then God sent Israel to commence a war against them (Judges 11:21). Use 1. Lamentation, that this land is so defiled with blood (Numbers 35:33). How common is this sin in this hectoring age!

But there are words and phrases both in the Old Testament, and in the New, that are equipollent to it, and express the matter or thing intended by it: as in the Old are, [in non-Latin alphabet] and [in non-Latin alphabet]. This last word we render satisfaction (Numbers 35:32–33)…

1. They are [in non-Latin alphabet]; say we, that fly for refuge; Qui cursum corripiunt. It is the judgement of many that here is an allusion to him who had slain a man unawares under the law, whose safety and life depended on his speedy flight to one of the cities of refuge (Nu…

Concerning them it was provided in the Law, that those who were guilty of them should be put to death. God alone by virtue of his sovereignty, could dispense with the execution of this sentence of the Law, as he did in the case of David (2 Samuel 12:13), but as to the people, th…

In which sense the word Elders is taken (Genesis 50:7), as Tostatus and Rivetus expound that place. In the same manner we say of Deuteronomy 19:12, and in that case it is further to be remembered that the cities of refuge had a kind of a sacred designation and use, for the altar…

I shall next put him in mind that the Septuagint sometime turn Kahal by [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], as (Proverbs 26:26), His wickedness shall be shewed before the whole Congregation, [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩]. And it is plain that the name of the Congregation, or Church, is given…

For it is a main and direct fence to the sixth commandment. Consider another reason: the whole land (says the Lord) shall be defiled with blood, till his blood be shed that kills a man (Numbers 35:33). Example 6. The adulterer and the adulteress shall both be put to death (Levit…

The latter clause which he quotes, he who kills shall be liable to the judgment, confirms what I said a little before, that Christ charges them with turning into a political scheme the law of God, which had been given for the government of the heart. 22. But I say to you His rep…

11. That six Cities of refuge for the Man-slayer be appointed, and the ways to them be prepared (Deuteronomy 19:2). 12. That the Levites have Cities and Suburbs granted them (Numbers 35:2). 13. That the tops of the Houses have a battlement about them (Deuteronomy 22:8).

First; Pecuniary in a quadruple restitution in case of theft. Secondly, Personal in banishment, or confinement to the City of Refuge for him that had slain a man at unawares (Numbers 35:25). Thirdly, Capital punishments they inflicted four ways.

The word which we render (stain,) signifies properly to redeem a thing, either by price or by power, to redeem a thing by paying for it, or to redeem a thing by rescuing of it; hence among the Jews, he that was to redeem his deceased brother's land, and marry the widow, was call…

The guilt lay upon him, and the punishment due to it overtook him; although we do not read, that he was any otherwise guilty of it, than in not punishing those who had committed it. And those magistrates, who upon any respect whatever, suffer a murder to escape unpunished, are s…

The kings of Egypt and Babylon used these [Mecashephim] for sundry purposes, and made them of their counsel; and if they had been according to this allegation, poisoners, it is not likely they would have so fitted the humors of those two princes, Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, much…

A third way in which the death of Christ for sinners is expressed is satisfaction — that by his death he made satisfaction to the justice of God for the sins of those for whom he died, so that they might go free. It is true that the word 'satisfaction' does not appear in the Lat…

And this very law of exception does sufficiently prove the liberty of all others. For the words of it are, Every daughter, that possesses an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Is…

And thus the Prophet shows, that both the head and the members shall live eternally. The will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.] This word hand, is often taken for ministry: as where it is said, that the Lord gave the Law by the hand of Moses (Numbers 36:13). Also the Lord…

A question arises, how Elisabeth, who was of the daughters of Aaron, (verse 5,) and Mary, who was descended from the stock of David, could be cousins. This appears to be at variance with the law, which prohibited women from marrying into a different tribe from their own, (Number…

The reply is easy. The daughters of the tribe of Judah, or of any other tribe, were at liberty to marry into the tribe of the priesthood: for they were not prevented by that reason, which is expressed in the law, that no woman should “remove her inheritance” to those who were of…

And of that Family, and no other, was he to be reckoned, who was born of her, after those espousals. Now that the reckoning of Families and Relations among the Jews by God's own appointment, did not always follow Natural Generations, but sometimes Legal Institutions, is manifest…

3. That if a man that had sold his land could by no means redeem it again, at the year of Jubilee he was to have the possession of it again (verse 28). 4. That if daughters were heirs they should not marry out of their father's tribe: and this reason is given, that every man may…