mh_parser/vol_split/4 - Numbers/Chapter 10.xml

<div2 id="Num.xi" n="xi" next="Num.xii" prev="Num.x" progress="67.89%" title="Chapter X">
<h2 id="Num.xi-p0.1">N U M B E R S</h2>
<h3 id="Num.xi-p0.2">CHAP. X.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Num.xi-p1">In this chapter we have, I. Orders given about the
making and using of silver trumpets, which seems to have been the
last of all the commandments God gave upon Mount Sinai, and one of
the least, yet not without its significancy, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.1-Num.10.10" parsed="|Num|10|1|10|10" passage="Nu 10:1-10">ver. 1-10</scripRef>. II. The history of the removal
of Israel's camp from Mount Sinai, and their orderly march into the
wilderness of Paran, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.11-Num.10.28" parsed="|Num|10|11|10|28" passage="Nu 10:11-28">ver.
11-28</scripRef>. III. Moses's treaty with Hobab, his
brother-in-law, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.29-Num.10.32" parsed="|Num|10|29|10|32" passage="Nu 10:29-32">ver.
29-32</scripRef>. IV. Moses's prayer at the removing and resting of
the ark, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.33" parsed="|Num|10|33|0|0" passage="Nu 10:33">ver. 33</scripRef>,
&amp;c.</p>
<scripCom id="Num.xi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.10" parsed="|Num|10|0|0|0" passage="Nu 10" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.xi-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.1-Num.10.10" parsed="|Num|10|1|10|10" passage="Nu 10:1-10" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.10.1-Num.10.10">
<h4 id="Num.xi-p1.7">The Moving of the Camp. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p1.8">b. c.</span> 1490.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xi-p2">1 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p2.1">Lord</span>
spake unto Moses, saying,   2 Make thee two trumpets of
silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use
them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the
camps.   3 And when they shall blow with them, all the
assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation.   4 And if they blow
<i>but</i> with one <i>trumpet,</i> then the princes, <i>which
are</i> heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves
unto thee.   5 When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie
on the east parts shall go forward.   6 When ye blow an alarm
the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall
take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys.
  7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye
shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.   8 And the sons
of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall
be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.
  9 And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that
oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and
ye shall be remembered before the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p2.2">Lord</span> your God, and ye shall be saved from your
enemies.   10 Also in the day of your gladness, and in your
solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow
with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the
sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a
memorial before your God: I <i>am</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p2.3">Lord</span> your God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p3">We have here directions concerning the
public notices that were to be given to the people upon several
occasions by sound of trumpet. In a thing of this nature, one would
think, Moses needed not to have been taught of God: his own reason
might teach him the conveniency of trumpets; but the constitution
of Israel was to be in every thing divine, and therefore even in
this matter, small as it seems. Moses is here directed, 1. About
the making of them. They must be made of silver; not cast but of
beaten work (as some read it), the matter and shape, no doubt, very
fit for the purpose. He was now ordered to make but two, because
there were but two priests to use them. But in Solomon's time we
read of 120 <i>priests sounding with trumpets,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.5.12" parsed="|2Chr|5|12|0|0" passage="2Ch 5:12">2 Chron. v. 12</scripRef>. The form of these
trumpets is supposed to have been much like ours at this day. 2.
Who were to make use of them; not any inferior person, but the
priests themselves, the <i>sons of Aaron,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.8" parsed="|Num|10|8|0|0" passage="Nu 10:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. As great as they were, they must
not think it a disparagement to them to be trumpeters in the house
of God; the meanest office there was honourable. This signified
that the Lord's ministers should <i>lift up their voice like a
trumpet,</i> to show people their sins (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.58.1" parsed="|Isa|58|1|0|0" passage="Isa 58:1">Isa. lviii. 1</scripRef>), to call them to Christ,
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.27.13" parsed="|Isa|27|13|0|0" passage="Isa 27:13">Isa. xxvii. 13</scripRef>. 3. Upon
what occasions the trumpets were to be sounded. (1.) For the
<i>calling of assemblies,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.2" parsed="|Num|10|2|0|0" passage="Nu 10:2"><i>v.</i>
2</scripRef>. Thus they are told to blow the trumpet in Zion for
the calling of a solemn assembly together, to sanctify a fast,
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:Joel.2.15" parsed="|Joel|2|15|0|0" passage="Joe 2:15">Joel ii. 15</scripRef>. Public notice
ought to be given of the time and place of religious assemblies;
for the invitation to the benefit or ordinances is general:
<i>whoever will, let him come.</i> wisdom cries in the chief places
of concourse. But, that the trumpet might not <i>give an uncertain
sound,</i> they are directed, if only the princes and elders were
to meet, to blow but one of the trumpets; less should serve to call
<i>them</i> together, who ought to be examples of forwardness in
any thing that is good: but, if the body of the people were to be
called together, both the trumpets must be sounded, that they might
be heard at the greater distance. In allusion to this, they are
said to be blessed that <i>hear the joyful sound</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.7" osisRef="Bible:Ps.89.15" parsed="|Ps|89|15|0|0" passage="Ps 89:15">Ps. lxxxix. 15</scripRef>), that is, that are
invited and called upon to wait upon God in public ordinances,
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.8" osisRef="Bible:Ps.122.1" parsed="|Ps|122|1|0|0" passage="Ps 122:1">Ps. cxxii. 1</scripRef>. And the
general assembly at the great day will be summoned by <i>the sound
of the archangel's trumpet,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.9" osisRef="Bible:Matt.24.31" parsed="|Matt|24|31|0|0" passage="Mt 24:31">Matt.
xxiv. 31</scripRef>. (2.) For the <i>journeying of the camps,</i>
to give notice when each squadron must move; for no man's voice
could reach to give the word of command: soldiers with us that are
well disciplined may be exercised by beat of drums. When the
trumpets were blown for this purpose, they must <i>sound an
alarm</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.10" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.5" parsed="|Num|10|5|0|0" passage="Nu 10:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>), a
broken, quavering, interrupted sound, which was proper to excite
and encourage the minds of people in their marches against their
enemies; whereas a continued equal sound was more proper for the
calling of the assembly together (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.11" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.7" parsed="|Num|10|7|0|0" passage="Nu 10:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>): yet when the people were called
together to deprecate God's judgments we find an alarm sounded,
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.12" osisRef="Bible:Joel.2.1" parsed="|Joel|2|1|0|0" passage="Joe 2:1">Joel ii. 1</scripRef>. At the first
sounding, Judah's squadron marched, at the second Reuben's, at the
third Ephraim's, at the fourth Dan's, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.13" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.5-Num.10.6" parsed="|Num|10|5|10|6" passage="Nu 10:5,6"><i>v.</i> 5, 6</scripRef>. And some think that this was
intended to sanctify their marches, for thus were proclaimed by the
priests, who were God's mouth to the people, not only the divine
orders given them to move, but the divine blessing upon them in all
their motions. He that hath ears, let him hear that <i>God is with
them of a truth.</i> King Abijah valued himself and his army very
much upon this (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.14" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.13.12" parsed="|2Chr|13|12|0|0" passage="2Ch 13:12">2 Chron. xiii.
12</scripRef>), <i>God himself is with us for our captain and his
priests with sounding trumpets.</i> (3.) For the animating and
encouraging of their armies, when they went out in battle
(<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.15" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.9" parsed="|Num|10|9|0|0" passage="Nu 10:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>): "<i>If you go
to war, blow with the trumpets,</i> signifying thereby your appeal
to heaven for the decision of the controversy, and your prayer to
God to give you victory; and God will own this his own institution,
and <i>you shall be remembered before the Lord your God.</i>" God
will take notice of this sound of the trumpet, and be engaged to
fight their battles, and let all the people take notice of it, and
be encouraged to fight his, as David, when he heard <i>a sound of a
going upon the tops of the mulberry trees.</i> Not that God needed
to be awaked by sound of trumpet any more than Christ needed to be
awaked by his disciples in the storm, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.16" osisRef="Bible:Matt.8.25" parsed="|Matt|8|25|0|0" passage="Mt 8:25">Matt. viii. 25</scripRef>. But where he intends mercy it
is his will that we should solicit it; ministers must stir up the
good soldiers of Jesus Christ to fight manfully against sin, the
world, and the devil, by assuring them that Christ is the
<i>captain of their salvation,</i> and will <i>tread Satan under
their feet.</i> (4.) For the solemnizing of their sacred feasts,
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.17" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.10" parsed="|Num|10|10|0|0" passage="Nu 10:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. One of their
feasts was called <i>a memorial of the blowing of trumpets,</i>
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.18" osisRef="Bible:Lev.23.23-Lev.23.25" parsed="|Lev|23|23|23|25" passage="Le 23:23-25">Lev. xxiii. 23</scripRef>, &amp;c.
And it should seem they were thus to grace the solemnity of all
their feasts (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.19" osisRef="Bible:Ps.81.3" parsed="|Ps|81|3|0|0" passage="Ps 81:3">Ps. lxxxi. 3</scripRef>),
and their sacrifices (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p3.20" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.29.27" parsed="|2Chr|29|27|0|0" passage="2Ch 29:27">2 Chron. xxix.
27</scripRef>), to intimate with what joy and delight they
performed their duty to God, and to raise the minds of those that
attended the services to a holy triumph in the God they worshipped.
And then their performances were for a <i>memorial before God;</i>
for he takes pleasure in our religious exercises when we take
pleasure in them. Holy work should be done with holy joy.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Num.xi-p3.21" osisRef="Bible:Num.10" parsed="|Num|10|0|0|0" passage="Nu 10" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.xi-p3.22" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.11-Num.10.28" parsed="|Num|10|11|10|28" passage="Nu 10:11-28" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.10.11-Num.10.28">
<h4 id="Num.xi-p3.23">The Removal of the Camp. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p3.24">b. c.</span> 1490.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xi-p4">11 And it came to pass on the twentieth
<i>day</i> of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud
was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.   12
And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the
wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of
Paran.   13 And they first took their journey according to the
commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p4.1">Lord</span> by the hand
of Moses.   14 In the first <i>place</i> went the standard of
the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and
over his host <i>was</i> Nahshon the son of Amminadab.   15
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar
<i>was</i> Nethaneel the son of Zuar.   16 And over the host
of the tribe of the children of Zebulun <i>was</i> Eliab the son of
Helon.   17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of
Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
  18 And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward
according to their armies: and over his host <i>was</i> Elizur the
son of Shedeur.   19 And over the host of the tribe of the
children of Simeon <i>was</i> Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
  20 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad
<i>was</i> Eliasaph the son of Deuel.   21 And the Kohathites
set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and <i>the other</i> did set up
the tabernacle against they came.   22 And the standard of the
camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their
armies: and over his host <i>was</i> Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  23 And over the host of the tribe of the children of
Manasseh <i>was</i> Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.   24 And
over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin <i>was</i>
Abidan the son of Gideoni.   25 And the standard of the camp
of the children of Dan set forward, <i>which was</i> the rereward
of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host
<i>was</i> Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.   26 And over the
host of the tribe of the children of Asher <i>was</i> Pagiel the
son of Ocran.   27 And over the host of the tribe of the
children of Naphtali <i>was</i> Ahira the son of Enan.   28
Thus <i>were</i> the journeyings of the children of Israel
according to their armies, when they set forward.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p5">Here is, I. A general account of the
removal of the camp of Israel from Mount Sinai, before which
mountain it had lain now about a year, in which time and place a
great deal of memorable business was done. Of this removal, it
should seem, God gave them notice some time before (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Deut.1.6-Deut.1.7" parsed="|Deut|1|6|1|7" passage="De 1:6,7">Deut. i. 6, 7</scripRef>): <i>You have dwelt
long enough in this mountain, turn you and take your journey
towards the land of promise.</i> The apostle tells us that <i>mount
Sinai genders to bondage</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Gal.4.24" parsed="|Gal|4|24|0|0" passage="Ga 4:24">Gal. iv.
24</scripRef>), and signifies the law there given, which is of use
indeed as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, yet we must not
rest in it, but advance towards the joys and liberties of the
children of God, for our happiness is conferred not by the law, but
by promise. Observe, 1. The signal given (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.11" parsed="|Num|10|11|0|0" passage="Nu 10:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>): <i>The cloud was taken up,</i>
and we may suppose it stood for some time, till they were ready to
march; and a great deal of work it was to take down all those
tents, and pack up all those goods that they had there; but every
family being employed about its own, and all at the same time, many
hands made quick work of it. 2. The march began: <i>They took their
journey according to the commandment of the Lord,</i> and just as
the cloud led them, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.13" parsed="|Num|10|13|0|0" passage="Nu 10:13"><i>v.</i>
13</scripRef>. Some think that mention is thus frequently made in
this and the foregoing chapter of the <i>commandment of the
Lord,</i> guiding and governing them in all their travels, to
obviate the calumny and reproach which were afterwards thrown upon
Israel, that they tarried so long in the wilderness, because they
had lost themselves there, and could not find the way out. No, the
matter was not so; in every stage, in every step, they were under
divine direction; and, if they knew not where they were, yet he
that led them knew. Note, Those that have given up themselves to
the direction of God's word and Spirit steer a steady course, even
when they seem to be bewildered. While they are sure they cannot
lose their God and guide, they need not fear losing their way. 3.
The place they rested in, after three days' march: They went <i>out
of the wilderness of Sinai,</i> and rested <i>in the wilderness of
Paran.</i> Note, All our removals in this world are but from one
wilderness to another. The changes which we think will be for the
better do not always prove so; while we carry about with us,
wherever we go, the common infirmities of human nature, we must
expect, wherever we go, to meet with its common calamities; we
shall never be at rest, never at home, till we come to heaven, and
all will be well there.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p6">II. A particular draught of the order of
their march, according to the late model. 1. Judah's squadron
marched first, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.14-Num.10.16" parsed="|Num|10|14|10|16" passage="Nu 10:14-16"><i>v.</i>
14-16</scripRef>. The leading standard, now lodged with that tribe,
was an earnest of the sceptre which in David's time should be
committed to it, and looked further to the captain of our
salvation, of whom it was likewise foretold that <i>unto him should
the gathering of the people be.</i> 2. Then came those two families
of the Levites which were entrusted to carry the tabernacle. As
soon as ever the cloud was taken up, the tabernacle was taken down,
and packed up for removing, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.17" parsed="|Num|10|17|0|0" passage="Nu 10:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>. And here the six wagons came laden with the more
bulky part of the tabernacle. This frequent removing of the
tabernacle in all their journeys signified the movableness of that
ceremonial dispensation. That which was so often shifted would at
length vanish away, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.8.13" parsed="|Heb|8|13|0|0" passage="Heb 8:13">Heb. viii.
13</scripRef>. 3. Reuben's squadron marched forward next, taking
place after Judah, <i>according to the commandment of the Lord,</i>
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.18-Num.10.20" parsed="|Num|10|18|10|20" passage="Nu 10:18-20"><i>v.</i> 18-20</scripRef>. 4. Then
the Kohathites followed with their charge, the sacred furniture of
the tabernacle, <i>in the midst of the camp,</i> the safest and
most honourable place, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.21" parsed="|Num|10|21|0|0" passage="Nu 10:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>. And they (that is, says the margin, the Gershonites
and Merarites) did <i>set up the tabernacle against they came;</i>
and perhaps it is expressed thus generally because, if there was
occasion, not those Levites only, but the other Israelites that
were in the first squadron, lent a hand to the tabernacle to hasten
the rearing of it up, even before they set up their own tents. 5.
Ephraim's squadron followed next after the ark (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.6" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.22-Num.10.24" parsed="|Num|10|22|10|24" passage="Nu 10:22-24"><i>v.</i> 22-24</scripRef>), to which some think the
psalmist alludes when he prays (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.7" osisRef="Bible:Ps.80.2" parsed="|Ps|80|2|0|0" passage="Ps 80:2">Ps.
lxxx. 2</scripRef>), <i>Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,</i>
the three tribes that composed this squadron, <i>stir up thy
strength</i> (and the ark is called his strength, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.8" osisRef="Bible:Ps.78.61" parsed="|Ps|78|61|0|0" passage="Ps 78:61">Ps. lxxviii. 61</scripRef>), <i>and come and
save us.</i> 6. Dan's squadron followed last, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.9" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.25-Num.10.27" parsed="|Num|10|25|10|27" passage="Nu 10:25-27"><i>v.</i> 25-27</scripRef>. It is called the
<i>rearward,</i> or <i>gathering host,</i> of all the camps,
because it gathered up all that were left behind; not the women and
children (these we may suppose were taken care of by the heads of
their families in their respective tribes), but all the unclean,
the mixed multitude, and all that were weak and feeble, and cast
behind in their march. Note, He that leadeth Joseph like a flock
has a tender regard to the hindmost (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.10" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.34.16" parsed="|Ezek|34|16|0|0" passage="Eze 34:16">Ezek. xxxiv. 16</scripRef>), that cannot keep pace with
the rest, and <i>of all that are given him he will lose none,</i>
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p6.11" osisRef="Bible:John.17.11" parsed="|John|17|11|0|0" passage="Joh 17:11">John xvii. 11</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Num.xi-p6.12" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.29-Num.10.36" parsed="|Num|10|29|10|36" passage="Nu 10:29-36" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.10.29-Num.10.36">
<h4 id="Num.xi-p6.13">Moses's Request to Hobab. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p6.14">b. c.</span> 1490.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xi-p7">29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel
the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the
place of which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p7.1">Lord</span> said, I will
give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p7.2">Lord</span> hath spoken good concerning
Israel.   30 And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will
depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.   31 And he said,
Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to
encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.
  32 And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be,
that what goodness the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p7.3">Lord</span> shall do
unto us, the same will we do unto thee.   33 And they departed
from the mount of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p7.4">Lord</span> three
days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p7.5">Lord</span> went before them in the three days'
journey, to search out a resting place for them.   34 And the
cloud of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p7.6">Lord</span> <i>was</i> upon
them by day, when they went out of the camp.   35 And it came
to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p7.7">Lord</span>, and let thine enemies be scattered;
and let them that hate thee flee before thee.   36 And when it
rested, he said, Return, <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xi-p7.8">O Lord</span>,
unto the many thousands of Israel.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p8">Here is, I. An account of what passed
between Moses and Hobab, now upon this advance which the camp of
Israel made towards Canaan. Some think that Hobab was the same with
Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, and that the story, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.18.1-Exod.18.27" parsed="|Exod|18|1|18|27" passage="Ex 18:1-27">Exod. xviii.</scripRef>, should come in here;
it seems more probable that Hobab was the son of Jethro,
<i>alias</i> Reuel, or Raguel (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.2.18" parsed="|Exod|2|18|0|0" passage="Ex 2:18">Exod.
ii. 18</scripRef>), and that when the father, being aged, went to
his own land (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.18.27" parsed="|Exod|18|27|0|0" passage="Ex 18:27">Exod. xviii.
27</scripRef>), he left his son Hobab with Moses, as Barzillai left
Chimham with David; and the same word signifies both a
<i>father-in-law</i> and a <i>brother-in-law.</i> Now this Hobab
staid contentedly with Israel while they encamped at Mount Sinai,
near his own country; but, now that they were removing, he was for
going back to his own country and kindred, and his father's house.
Here is, 1. The kind invitation Moses gives him to go forward with
them to Canaan, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.29" parsed="|Num|10|29|0|0" passage="Nu 10:29"><i>v.</i>
29</scripRef>. He tempts him with a promise that they would
certainly be kind to him, and puts God's word in for security:
<i>The Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.</i> As if he had
said, "Come, cast in thy lot among us, and thou shalt fare as we
fare; and we have the promise of God that we shall fare well."
Note, Those that are bound for the heavenly Canaan should invite
and encourage all their friends to go along with them, for we shall
have never the less of the treasures of the covenant, and the joys
of heaven, for others coming in to share with us. And what argument
can be more powerful with us to take God's people for our people
than this, that God <i>hath spoken good concerning them?</i> It is
good having fellowship with those that have fellowship with God
(<scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:1John.1.3" parsed="|1John|1|3|0|0" passage="1Jo 1:3">1 John i. 3</scripRef>), and going
with those with whom God is, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.6" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.23" parsed="|Zech|8|23|0|0" passage="Zec 8:23">Zech.
viii. 23</scripRef>. 2. Hobab's inclination, and present
resolution, to go back to his own country, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.30" parsed="|Num|10|30|0|0" passage="Nu 10:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>. One would have thought that he
who had seen so much of the special presence of God with Israel,
and such surprising tokens of his favour to them, would not have
needed much invitation to embark with them. But his refusal must be
imputed to the affection he had for his native air and soil, which
was not overpowered, as it ought to have been, by a believing
regard to the promise of God and a value for covenant blessings. He
was indeed a son of Abraham's loins (for the Midianites descended
from Abraham by Keturah), but not an heir of Abraham's faith
(<scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.8" osisRef="Bible:Heb.11.8" parsed="|Heb|11|8|0|0" passage="Heb 11:8">Heb. xi. 8</scripRef>), else he would
not have given Moses this answer. Note, The things of this world,
which are seen, draw strongly from the pursuit of the things of the
other world, which are not seen. The magnetic virtue of this earth
prevails with most people above the attractives of heaven itself.
3. The great importunity Moses used with him to alter his
resolution, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.9" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.31-Num.10.32" parsed="|Num|10|31|10|32" passage="Nu 10:31,32"><i>v.</i> 31,
32</scripRef>. He urges, (1.) That he might be serviceable to them:
"<i>We are to encamp in the wilderness</i>" (a country well known
to Hobab), "<i>and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes,</i> not to
show us where we must encamp, nor what way we must march" (which
the cloud was to direct), "but to show us the conveniences and
inconveniences of the place we march through and encamp in, that we
may make the best use we can of the conveniences, and the best
fence we can against the inconveniences." Note, It will very well
consist with our trust in God's providence to make use of the help
of our friends in those things wherein they are capable of being
serviceable to us. Even those that were led by miracle must not
slight the ordinary means of direction. Some think that Moses
suggests this to Hobab, not because he expected much benefit from
his information, but to please him with the thought of being some
way useful to so great a body, and so to draw him on with them, by
inspiring him with an ambition to obtain that honour. Calvin gives
quite another sense of this place, very agreeably with the
original, which yet I do not find taken notice of by any since.
"<i>Leave us not, I pray thee,</i> but come along, to share with us
in the promised land, <i>for therefore hast thou known our
encampment in the wilderness, and hast been to us instead of
eyes;</i> and we cannot make thee amends for sharing with us in our
hardships, and doing us so many good offices, unless thou go with
us to Canaan. Surely for this reason thou didst set out with us
that thou mightest go on with us." Note, Those that have begun well
should use that as a reason for their persevering, because
otherwise they lose the benefit and recompence of all they have
done and suffered. (2.) That they would be kind to him: <i>What
goodness the Lord shall do to us, the same we will do to thee,</i>
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.10" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.32" parsed="|Num|10|32|0|0" passage="Nu 10:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>. Note, [1.] We
can give only what we receive. We can do no more service and
kindness to our friends than God is pleased to put it into the
power of our hand to do. This is all we dare promise, to do good as
God shall enable us. [2.] Those that share with God's Israel in
their labours and hardships shall share with them in their comforts
and honours. Those that are willing to take their lot with them in
the wilderness shall have their lot with them in Canaan; <i>if we
suffer with them we shall reign with them,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xi-p8.11" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.2.12 Bible:Luke.22.28-Luke.22.29" parsed="|2Tim|2|12|0|0;|Luke|22|28|22|29" passage="2Ti 2:12,Lu 22:28,29">2 Tim. ii. 12; Luke xxii. 28,
29</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p9">We do not find any reply that Hobab here
made to Moses, and therefore we hope that his silence gave consent,
and he did not leave them, but that, when he perceived he might be
useful, he preferred that before the gratifying of his own
inclination; in this case he left us a good example. And we find
(<scripRef id="Num.xi-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Judg.1.16 Bible:1Sam.15.6" parsed="|Judg|1|16|0|0;|1Sam|15|6|0|0" passage="Jdg 1:16,1Sa 15:6">Judg. i. 16; 1 Sam. xv.
6</scripRef>) that his family was no loser by it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p10">II. An account of the communion between God
and Israel in this removal. They left <i>the mount of the Lord</i>
(<scripRef id="Num.xi-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.33" parsed="|Num|10|33|0|0" passage="Nu 10:33"><i>v.</i> 33</scripRef>), that Mount
Sinai where they had seen his glory and heard his voice, and had
been taken into covenant with him (they must not expect that such
appearances of God to them as they had there been blessed with
should be constant); they departed from that celebrated mountain,
which we never read of in scripture any more, unless with reference
to these past stories; now farewell, Sinai; <i>Zion</i> is the
mountain of which God has said. <i>This is my rest for ever</i>
(<scripRef id="Num.xi-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.132.14" parsed="|Ps|132|14|0|0" passage="Ps 132:14">Ps. cxxxii. 14</scripRef>), and of
which we must say so. But when they left the <i>mount of the
Lord</i> they took with them the <i>ark of the covenant of the
Lord,</i> by which their stated communion with God was to be kept
up. For,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p11">1. By it God did <i>direct their paths.</i>
The ark of the covenant went before them, some think in
<i>place,</i> at least in this removal; others think only in
<i>influence;</i> though it was carried in the midst of the camp,
yet the cloud that hovered over it directed all their motions. The
ark (that is, the God of the ark) is said to <i>search out a
resting place</i> for them; not that God's infinite wisdom and
knowledge need to make searches, but every place they were directed
to was as convenient for them as if the wisest man they had among
them had been employed to go before them, and mark out their camp
to the best advantage. thus Canaan is said to be a land which God
<i>spied out,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xi-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.20.6" parsed="|Ezek|20|6|0|0" passage="Eze 20:6">Ezek. xx.
6</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p12">2. By it they did <i>in all their ways
acknowledge God,</i> looking upon it as a token of God's presence;
when that moved, or rested, they had their eye up unto God. Moses,
as the mouth of the congregation, lifted up a prayer, both at the
removing and at the resting of the ark; thus their going out and
coming in were sanctified by prayer, and it is an example to us to
begin and end every day's journey, and every day's work, with
prayer.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p13">(1.) Here is his prayer when the ark set
forward: <i>Rise up, Lord, and let thy enemies be scattered,</i>
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.35" parsed="|Num|10|35|0|0" passage="Nu 10:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>. They were now
in a desolate country, but they were marching towards an enemy's
country, and their dependence was upon God for success and victory
in their wars, as well as for direction and supply in the
wilderness. David used this prayer long after (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.68.1" parsed="|Ps|68|1|0|0" passage="Ps 68:1">Ps. lxviii. 1</scripRef>), for he also fought the Lord's
battles. Note, [1.] There are those in the world that are enemies
to God, and haters of him: secret and open enemies; enemies to his
truths, his laws, his ordinances, his people. [2.] The scattering
and defeating of God's enemies is a thing to be earnestly desired,
and believingly expected, by all the Lord's people. This prayer is
a prophecy. Those that persist in rebellion against God are hasting
towards their own ruin. [3.] For the scattering and defeating of
God's enemies, there needs no more but God's arising. <i>When God
arose to judgment,</i> the work was soon done, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.76.8-Ps.76.9" parsed="|Ps|76|8|76|9" passage="Ps 76:8,9">Ps. lxxvi. 8, 9</scripRef>. "Rise, Lord, as the sun
riseth to scatter the shadows of the night." Christ's rising from
the dead scattered his enemies, <scripRef id="Num.xi-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.68.18" parsed="|Ps|68|18|0|0" passage="Ps 68:18">Ps.
lxviii. 18</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xi-p14">(2.) His prayer when the ark rested,
<scripRef id="Num.xi-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.10.36" parsed="|Num|10|36|0|0" passage="Nu 10:36"><i>v.</i> 36</scripRef>. [1.] That God
would cause his people to rest. So some read it, "<i>Return, O
Lord, the many thousands of Israel,</i> return them to their rest
again after this fatigue." Thus it is said (<scripRef id="Num.xi-p14.2" 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.</i> Thus he prays that God would give Israel
success and victory abroad, and peace and tranquillity at home.
[2.] That God himself would take up his rest among them. So we read
it: <i>Return to the thousands of Israel,</i> the <i>ten thousand
thousand,</i> so the word is. Note, <i>First,</i> The church of God
is a great body; there are many thousands belonging to God's
Israel. <i>Secondly,</i> We ought in our prayers to concern
ourselves for this body. <i>Thirdly,</i> The welfare and happiness
of the Israel of God consist in the continual presence of God among
them. Their safety consists not in their numbers, though they are
thousands, many thousands, but in the favour of God, and his
gracious return to them and residence with them. These thousands
are cyphers; he is the figure: and upon this account, <i>Happy art
thou, O Israel! who is like unto thee, O people!</i></p>
</div></div2>