mh_parser/vol_split/4 - Numbers/Chapter 9.xml

<div2 id="Num.x" n="x" next="Num.xi" prev="Num.ix" progress="67.47%" title="Chapter IX">
<h2 id="Num.x-p0.1">N U M B E R S</h2>
<h3 id="Num.x-p0.2">CHAP. IX.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Num.x-p1">This chapter is, I. Concerning the great ordinance
of the passover; 1. Orders given for the observance of it, at the
return of the year, <scripRef id="Num.x-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.1-Num.9.5" parsed="|Num|9|1|9|5" passage="Nu 9:1-5">ver.
1-5</scripRef>. 2. Provisos added in regard to such as should be
ceremonially unclean, or otherwise disabled, at the time when the
passover was to be kept, <scripRef id="Num.x-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.6-Num.9.14" parsed="|Num|9|6|9|14" passage="Nu 9:6-14">ver.
6-14</scripRef>. II. Concerning the great favour of the pillar of
cloud, which was a guide to Israel through the wilderness,
<scripRef id="Num.x-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.15" parsed="|Num|9|15|0|0" passage="Nu 9:15">ver. 15</scripRef>, &amp;c.</p>
<scripCom id="Num.x-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.9" parsed="|Num|9|0|0|0" passage="Nu 9" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.x-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.1-Num.9.14" parsed="|Num|9|1|9|14" passage="Nu 9:1-14" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.9.1-Num.9.14">
<h4 id="Num.x-p1.6">The Law of the Passover. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p1.7">b. c.</span> 1490.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.x-p2">1 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p2.1">Lord</span>
spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of
the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt,
saying,   2 Let the children of Israel also keep the passover
at his appointed season.   3 In the fourteenth day of this
month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according
to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies
thereof, shall ye keep it.   4 And Moses spake unto the
children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.   5
And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month
at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p2.2">Lord</span> commanded Moses, so did the children
of Israel.   6 And there were certain men, who were defiled by
the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on
that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:
  7 And those men said unto him, We <i>are</i> defiled by the
dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not
offer an offering of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p2.3">Lord</span> in his
appointed season among the children of Israel?   8 And Moses
said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p2.4">Lord</span> will command concerning you.   9 And
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p2.5">Lord</span> spake unto Moses, saying,
  10 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of
you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body,
or <i>be</i> in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover
unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p2.6">Lord</span>.   11 The
fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it,
<i>and</i> eat it with unleavened bread and bitter <i>herbs.</i>
  12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break
any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover
they shall keep it.   13 But the man that <i>is</i> clean, and
is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the
same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he
brought not the offering of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p2.7">Lord</span>
in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.   14 And
if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover
unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p2.8">Lord</span>; according to the
ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so
shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger,
and for him that was born in the land.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p3">Here we have,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p4">I. An order given for the solemnization of
the passover, the day twelvemonth after they came out of Egypt, on
the fourteenth day of the first month of the second year, some days
before they were numbered, for that was done in the beginning of
the second month. Observe, 1. God gave particular orders for the
keeping of this passover, otherwise (it should seem) they would not
have kept it, for, in the first institution of this ordinance, it
was appointed to be kept when they should <i>come into the land of
promise,</i> <scripRef id="Num.x-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.12.25" parsed="|Exod|12|25|0|0" passage="Ex 12:25">Exod. xii. 25</scripRef>.
And, no passover till they came to Canaan, <scripRef id="Num.x-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Josh.5.10" parsed="|Josh|5|10|0|0" passage="Jos 5:10">Josh. v. 10</scripRef>. This was an early indication of
the abolishing of the ceremonial institutions at last, that, so
soon after they were first appointed, some of them were suffered to
lie asleep for so many years. The ordinance of the Lord's supper
(which came in the room of the passover) was not thus intermitted
or set aside in the first days of the Christian church, though
those were days of greater difficulty and distress than Israel knew
in the wilderness; nay, in the times of persecution, the Lord's
supper was celebrated more frequently than afterwards. The
Israelites in the wilderness could not forget their deliverance out
of Egypt, their present state was a constant memorandum of it to
them. All the danger was when they came to Canaan; there therefore
they had need to be reminded of the <i>rock out of which they were
hewn.</i> However, because the first passover was celebrated in a
hurry, and was rather the substance itself than the sign, it was
the will of God that at the return of the year, when they were more
composed, and better acquainted with the divine law, they should
observe it again, that their children might more distinctly
understand the solemnity and the better remember it hereafter.
Calvin supposes that they were obliged to keep it now, and notes it
as an instance of their carelessness that they had need to be
reminded of an institution which they so lately received. 2. Moses
faithfully transmitted to the people the orders given him,
<scripRef id="Num.x-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.4" parsed="|Num|9|4|0|0" passage="Nu 9:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. Thus Paul
delivered to the churches what he <i>received of the Lord</i>
concerning the gospel passover, <scripRef id="Num.x-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.11.23" parsed="|1Cor|11|23|0|0" passage="1Co 11:23">1
Cor. xi. 23</scripRef>. Note, Magistrates must be monitors, and
ministers must <i>stir up men's minds by way of remembrance</i> to
that which is good. 3. The people observed the orders given them,
<scripRef id="Num.x-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.5" parsed="|Num|9|5|0|0" passage="Nu 9:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>. Though they had
lately kept the feast of dedication (<scripRef id="Num.x-p4.6" osisRef="Bible:Num.7.1-Num.7.89" parsed="|Num|7|1|7|89" passage="Nu 7:1-89"><i>ch.</i> vii.</scripRef>), yet they did not desire to
excuse themselves with that from keeping this feast. Note,
Extraordinary performances must not supersede or jostle out or
stated services. They kept the passover even in the wilderness:
though our condition be solitary and unsettled, yet we must keep up
our attendance on God by holy ordinances as we have opportunity,
for in them we may find the best conversation and the best repose.
Thus is God' Israel provided for in a desert.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p5">II. Instructions given concerning those
that were ceremonially unclean when they were to eat the passover.
The law of the passover required every Israelite to eat of it. Some
subsequent laws had forbidden those that had contracted any
ceremonial pollution to eat of the holy things; those whose minds
and consciences are defiled by sin are utterly unfit for communion
with God, and cannot partake, with any true comfort, of the gospel
passover, till they are cleansed by true repentance and faith: and
a sad dilemma they are in; if they come not to holy ordinances,
they are guilty of a contempt of them; if they do come in their
pollution, they are guilty of a profanation of them. They must
therefore wash, and then <i>compass God's altar.</i> Now,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p6">1. Here is the case that happened in Israel
when this passover was to be kept: <i>Certain men were defiled by
the dead body of a man</i> (<scripRef id="Num.x-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.6" parsed="|Num|9|6|0|0" passage="Nu 9:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>), and they lay under that defilement seven days
(<scripRef id="Num.x-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.19.11" parsed="|Num|19|11|0|0" passage="Nu 19:11"><i>ch.</i> xix. 11</scripRef>), and
in that time might not eat of the holy things, <scripRef id="Num.x-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Lev.7.20" parsed="|Lev|7|20|0|0" passage="Le 7:20">Lev. vii. 20</scripRef>. This was not their iniquity, but
their infelicity: some persons must touch dead bodies, to bury them
out of sight, and therefore they could, with the better grace,
bring their complaint to Moses.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p7">2. The application made to Moses by the
person concerned, <scripRef id="Num.x-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.7" parsed="|Num|9|7|0|0" passage="Nu 9:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>. Note, It is people's wisdom, in difficult cases
concerning sin and duty, to consult with their ministers whom God
has set over them, and to <i>ask the law at their mouth,</i>
<scripRef id="Num.x-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Mal.2.7" parsed="|Mal|2|7|0|0" passage="Mal 2:7">Mal. ii. 7</scripRef>. These means we
must use in pursuance of our prayers to God to lead us in a plain
path. Observe with what trouble and concern these men complained
that they were kept back from offering to the Lord. They did not
complain of the law as unjust, but lamented their unhappiness that
they fell under the restraint of it at this time, and desired some
expedient might be found out for their relief. Note, It is a
blessed thing to see people hungering and thirsting after God's
ordinances, and to hear them complaining of that which prevents
their enjoyment of them. It should be a trouble to us when by any
occasion we are kept back from bringing our offering in the
solemnities of a sabbath or a sacrament, as it was to David when he
was banished from the altar, <scripRef id="Num.x-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.42.1-Ps.42.2" parsed="|Ps|42|1|42|2" passage="Ps 42:1,2">Ps.
xlii. 1, 2</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p8">3. The deliberation of Moses in resolving
this case. Here seemed to be law against law; and, though it is a
rule that the latter law must explain the former, yet he pitied
these Israelites that were thus deprived of the privilege of the
passover, and therefore took time to consult the oracles, and to
know what was the mind of God in this case: <i>I will hear what the
Lord will command concerning you,</i> <scripRef id="Num.x-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.8" parsed="|Num|9|8|0|0" passage="Nu 9:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. Ministers must take example hence
in resolving cases of conscience. (1.) They must not determine
rashly, but take time to consider, that every circumstance may be
duly weighted, the case viewed in a true light, and spiritual
things compared with spiritual. (2.) They must ask counsel at God's
mouth, and not determine according to the bias of their own fancy
or affection, but impartially, according to the mind of God, to the
best of their knowledge. We have no such oracle to consult as Moses
had, but we must have recourse to <i>the law and the testimony,</i>
and speak according to that rule; and if, in difficult cases, we
take time to spread the matter in particular before God by humble
believing prayer, we have reason to hope that the Spirit who is
promised to <i>lead us into all truth</i> will enable us to direct
others <i>in the good and right way.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p9">4. The directions which God gave in this
case, and in other similar cases, explanatory of the law of the
passover. The disagreeable accident produced good laws. (1.) Those
that happened to be ceremonially unclean at the time when the
passover should be eaten were allowed to eat it that day month,
when they were clean; so were those that happened to be <i>in a
journey afar off,</i> <scripRef id="Num.x-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.10-Num.9.11" parsed="|Num|9|10|9|11" passage="Nu 9:10,11"><i>v.</i> 10,
11</scripRef>. See here, [1.] That when we are to attend upon God
in solemn ordinances it is very necessary both that we be clean and
that we be composed. [2.] That that may excuse the deferring of a
duty for a time which yet will not justify us in the total neglect
and omission of it. He that is at variance with his brother may
<i>leave his gift before the altar,</i> while he goes to be
<i>reconciled to his brother;</i> but when he has done his part
towards it, whether it be effected or no, he must <i>come again and
offer his gift,</i> <scripRef id="Num.x-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.5.23-Matt.5.24" parsed="|Matt|5|23|5|24" passage="Mt 5:23,24">Matt. v. 23,
24</scripRef>. This secondary passover was to be kept on the same
day of the month with the first, because the ordinance was a
memorial of their deliverance on that day of the month. Once we
find the whole congregation keeping the passover on this fourteenth
day of the second month, in Hezekiah's time (<scripRef id="Num.x-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.30.15" parsed="|2Chr|30|15|0|0" passage="2Ch 30:15">2 Chron. xxx. 15</scripRef>), which perhaps may help to
account for the admission of some that were not clean to the eating
of it. Had the general passover been kept in the first month, the
unclean might have been put off till the second; but, that being
kept in the second month, they had no warrant to eat it in the
third month, and therefore, rather than not eat of it at all, they
were admitted, though not cleansed <i>according to the purification
of the sanctuary,</i> <scripRef id="Num.x-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.19-Num.9.20" parsed="|Num|9|19|9|20" passage="Nu 9:19,20"><i>v.</i> 19,
20</scripRef>. (2.) Whenever the passover was kept in the second
month, all the rites and ceremonies of it must be strictly
observed, <scripRef id="Num.x-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.12" parsed="|Num|9|12|0|0" passage="Nu 9:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. They
must not think that, because the time was dispensed with, any part
of the solemnity of it might be abated; when we cannot do as we
would we must do the utmost we can in the service of God. (3.) This
allowance in a case of necessity would be no means countenance or
indulge any in their neglect to keep the passover at the time
appointed, when they were not under the necessity, <scripRef id="Num.x-p9.6" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.13" parsed="|Num|9|13|0|0" passage="Nu 9:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. When a person is under
no incapacity to eat the passover in the appointed time, if he
neglects it then, upon the presumption of the liberty granted by
this law, he puts an affront upon God, impiously abuses his
kindness, and he shall certainly <i>bear his sin,</i> and <i>be cut
off from his people.</i> Note, As those who against their minds are
forced to absent themselves from God's ordinances may comfortably
expect the favours of God's grace under their affliction, so those
who of choice absent themselves may justly expect the tokens of
God's wrath for their sin. <i>Be not deceived, God is not
mocked.</i> (4.) Here is a clause added in favour of strangers,
<scripRef id="Num.x-p9.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.14" parsed="|Num|9|14|0|0" passage="Nu 9:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. Though it was
requisite that the stranger who would join with them in eating the
passover should be circumcised as a proselyte to their religion
(<scripRef id="Num.x-p9.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.12.48-Exod.12.49" parsed="|Exod|12|48|12|49" passage="Ex 12:48,49">Exod. xii. 48, 49</scripRef>), yet
this kind admission of those that were not native Israelites to eat
the passover was an intimation of the favour designed for the poor
Gentiles by Christ. As then there was one law, so in the days of
the Messiah there should be one gospel, for the stranger and for
him that was born in the land; for <i>in every nation he that fears
God and works righteousness is accepted of him,</i> and this was a
truth before Peter perceived it, <scripRef id="Num.x-p9.9" osisRef="Bible:Acts.10.34-Acts.10.35" parsed="|Acts|10|34|10|35" passage="Ac 10:34,35">Acts x. 34, 35</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Num.x-p9.10" osisRef="Bible:Num.9" parsed="|Num|9|0|0|0" passage="Nu 9" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.x-p9.11" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.15-Num.9.23" parsed="|Num|9|15|9|23" passage="Nu 9:15-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.9.15-Num.9.23">
<h4 id="Num.x-p9.12">The Pillar of Cloud and
Fire. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p9.13">b. c.</span> 1490.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.x-p10">15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared
up the cloud covered the tabernacle, <i>namely,</i> the tent of the
testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the
appearance of fire, until the morning.   16 So it was alway:
the cloud covered it <i>by day,</i> and the appearance of fire by
night.   17 And when the cloud was taken up from the
tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and
in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel
pitched their tents.   18 At the commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.1">Lord</span> the children of Israel journeyed, and
at the commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.2">Lord</span> they
pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested
in their tents.   19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the
tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge
of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.3">Lord</span>, and journeyed not.
  20 And <i>so</i> it was, when the cloud was a few days upon
the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.4">Lord</span> they abode in their tents, and according to
the commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.5">Lord</span> they
journeyed.   21 And <i>so</i> it was, when the cloud abode
from even unto the morning, and <i>that</i> the cloud was taken up
in the morning, then they journeyed: whether <i>it was</i> by day
or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.   22
Or <i>whether it were</i> two days, or a month, or a year, that the
cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children
of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was
taken up, they journeyed.   23 At the commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.6">Lord</span> they rested in the tents, and at the
commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.7">Lord</span> they
journeyed: they kept the charge of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.8">Lord</span>, at the commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.x-p10.9">Lord</span> by the hand of Moses.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p11">We have here the history of the cloud; not
a natural history: <i>who knows the balancings of the clouds?</i>
but a divine history of a cloud that was appointed to be the
visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p12">I. When the tabernacle was finished this
cloud, which before had hung on high over their camp, settled upon
the tabernacle, and covered it, to show that God manifests his
presence with his people in and by his ordinances; there he makes
himself known, and to them we must look if we would <i>see the
beauty of the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="Num.x-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.27.4 Bible:Ezek.37.26-Ezek.37.27" parsed="|Ps|27|4|0|0;|Ezek|37|26|37|27" passage="Ps 27:4,Eze 37:26,27">Ps. xxvii. 4; Ezek. xxxvii. 26,
27</scripRef>. Thus God glorified his own appointments, and
signified his acceptance of his people's love and obedience.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p13">II. That which appeared as a cloud by day
appeared as a fire all night. Had it been a cloud only, it would
not have been visible by night; and, had it been a fire only, it
would have been scarcely discernible by day; but God would give
them sensible demonstrations of the constancy of his presence with
them, and his care of them, and that he <i>kept them night and
day,</i> <scripRef id="Num.x-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.27.3 Bible:Ps.121.6" parsed="|Isa|27|3|0|0;|Ps|121|6|0|0" passage="Isa 27:3,Ps 121:6">Isa. xxvii. 3; Ps.
cxxi. 6</scripRef>. And thus we are taught to <i>set God always
before us,</i> and to see him near us both night and day. Something
of the nature of that divine revelation which the Old-Testament
church was governed by might also be signified by these visible
signs of God's presence, the cloud denoting the darkness and the
fire the terror of that dispensation, in comparison with the more
clear and comfortable discoveries God has made of his glory in the
face of Jesus Christ.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.x-p14">III. This pillar of cloud and fire directed
and determined all the motions, marches, and encampments, of Israel
in the wilderness. 1. As long as the cloud rested upon the
tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place, and never
stirred; though no doubt they were very desirous to be pressing
forward in their journey towards Canaan, where they longed to be
and hoped to be quickly, yet as long as the cloud rested, if it was
a month or a year, so long they rested, <scripRef id="Num.x-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.22" parsed="|Num|9|22|0|0" passage="Nu 9:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. Note, He that believeth doth not
make haste. There is no time lost while we are waiting God's time.
It is as acceptable a piece of submission to the will of God to sit
still contentedly when our lot requires it as to work for him when
we are called to it. 2. When the cloud was taken up, they removed,
how comfortably soever they were encamped, <scripRef id="Num.x-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.17" parsed="|Num|9|17|0|0" passage="Nu 9:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. Whether it moved by day or
night, they delayed not to attend its motions (<scripRef id="Num.x-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.21" parsed="|Num|9|21|0|0" passage="Nu 9:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>), and probably there were some
appointed to stand sentinel day and night within sight of it, to
give timely notice to the camp of its beginning to stir, and this
called <i>keeping the charge of the Lord.</i> The people, being
thus kept at a constant uncertainty, and having no time fixed for
stopping or removing, were obliged to hold themselves in constant
readiness to march upon very short warning. And for the same reason
we are kept at uncertainty concerning the time of our putting off
the earthly house of this tabernacle, that we may be always ready
to <i>remove at the commandment of the Lord.</i> 3. As long and as
far as the cloud moved, so long and so far they marched, and just
where it abode they pitched their tents about it, and God's tent
under it, <scripRef id="Num.x-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.9.17" parsed="|Num|9|17|0|0" passage="Nu 9:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>.
Note, It is uncomfortable staying when God has departed, but very
safe and pleasant going when we see God go before us and resting
where he appoints us to rest. This is repeated again and again in
these verses, because it was a constant miracle, and often
repeated, and what never failed in all their travels, and because
it is a matter which we should take particular notice of as very
significant and instructive. It is mentioned long after by David
(<scripRef id="Num.x-p14.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.105.39" parsed="|Ps|105|39|0|0" passage="Ps 105:39">Ps. cv. 39</scripRef>), and by the
people of God after their captivity, <scripRef id="Num.x-p14.6" osisRef="Bible:Neh.9.19" parsed="|Neh|9|19|0|0" passage="Neh 9:19">Neh. ix. 19</scripRef>. And the guidance of this cloud
is spoken of as signifying the guidance of the blessed Spirit.
<scripRef id="Num.x-p14.7" osisRef="Bible:Isa.63.14" parsed="|Isa|63|14|0|0" passage="Isa 63:14">Isa. lxiii. 14</scripRef>, <i>The
Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest, and so didst thou lead thy
people.</i> This teaches us, (1.) The particular care God takes of
his people. Nothing could be more expressive and significant of
God's tenderness of Israel than the guidance of this cloud was; it
led them by the <i>right way</i> (<scripRef id="Num.x-p14.8" osisRef="Bible:Ps.107.7" parsed="|Ps|107|7|0|0" passage="Ps 107:7">Ps.
cvii. 7</scripRef>), went on their pace: God did by it, as it were,
cover them with his feathers. We are not now to expect such
sensible tokens of the divine presence and guidance as this was,
but the promise is sure to all God's spiritual Israel that he will
<i>guide them by his counsel</i> (<scripRef id="Num.x-p14.9" osisRef="Bible:Ps.73.24" parsed="|Ps|73|24|0|0" passage="Ps 73:24">Ps.
lxxiii. 24</scripRef>), <i>even unto death</i> (<scripRef id="Num.x-p14.10" osisRef="Bible:Ps.48.14" parsed="|Ps|48|14|0|0" passage="Ps 48:14">Ps. xlviii. 14</scripRef>), that all the children of God
shall be <i>led by the Spirit of God</i> (<scripRef id="Num.x-p14.11" osisRef="Bible:Rom.8.14" parsed="|Rom|8|14|0|0" passage="Ro 8:14">Rom. viii. 14</scripRef>), that he will <i>direct the
paths</i> of those who in <i>all their ways acknowledge him,</i>
<scripRef id="Num.x-p14.12" osisRef="Bible:Prov.3.6" parsed="|Prov|3|6|0|0" passage="Pr 3:6">Prov. iii. 6</scripRef>. There is a
particular providence conversant about all their affairs, to direct
and overrule them for the best. <i>The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="Num.x-p14.13" osisRef="Bible:Ps.37.23" parsed="|Ps|37|23|0|0" passage="Ps 37:23">Ps. xxxvii.
23</scripRef>. (2.) The particular regard we ought to have to God
in all our ways. In our affections and actions we must follow the
direction of his word and Spirit; all the motions of our souls must
be guided by the divine will; at the commandment of the Lord our
hearts should always move and rest; in all our affairs we must
follow Providence, reconciling ourselves to all its disposals, and
bringing our mind to our condition, whatever it is. The people of
Israel, having the cloud for their guide, were eased of the trouble
of holding councils of war, to consider when and whither they
should march, which might have occasioned strifes and debates among
them: nor needed they to send spies before to inform them of the
posture of the country, or pioneers to clear the way, or officers
to mark out their camp; the pillar of cloud did all this for them:
and those that by faith commit their works to the Lord, though they
are bound to the prudent use of means, yet may in like manner be
easy in the expectation of the event. <i>"Father, thy will be
done;</i> dispose of me and mine as thou pleasest; here I am,
desirous to be found <i>waiting on my God continually,</i> to
journey and rest at <i>the commandment of the Lord.</i> What thou
wilt, and where thou wilt, only let me be thine, and always in the
way of my duty."</p>
</div></div2>