These are the journeys of the children of Israel, when they went out of the land of Egypt by their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron. Moses wrote the starting points of their journeys by the commandment of Yahweh. These are their journeys according to their starting points. They traveled from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the next day after the Passover, the children of Israel went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians, while the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom Yahweh had struck among them. Yahweh also executed judgments on their gods. The children of Israel traveled from Rameses, and encamped in Succoth. They traveled from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness. They traveled from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal Zephon, and they encamped before Migdol. They traveled from before Hahiroth, and crossed through the middle of the sea into the wilderness. They went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and encamped in Marah. They traveled from Marah, and came to Elim. In Elim, there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there. They traveled from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea. They traveled from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin. They traveled from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah. They traveled from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush. They traveled from Alush, and encamped in Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink. They traveled from Rephidim, and encamped in the wilderness of Sinai. They traveled from the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped in Kibroth Hattaavah. They traveled from Kibroth Hattaavah, and encamped in Hazeroth. They traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah. They traveled from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon Perez. They traveled from Rimmon Perez, and encamped in Libnah. They traveled from Libnah, and encamped in Rissah. They traveled from Rissah, and encamped in Kehelathah. They traveled from Kehelathah, and encamped in Mount Shepher. They traveled from Mount Shepher, and encamped in Haradah. They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. They traveled from Tahath, and encamped in Terah. They traveled from Terah, and encamped in Mithkah. They traveled from Mithkah, and encamped in Hashmonah. They traveled from Hashmonah, and encamped in Moseroth. They traveled from Moseroth, and encamped in Bene Jaakan. They traveled from Bene Jaakan, and encamped in Hor Haggidgad. They traveled from Hor Haggidgad, and encamped in Jotbathah. They traveled from Jotbathah, and encamped in Abronah. They traveled from Abronah, and encamped in Ezion Geber. They traveled from Ezion Geber, and encamped at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. They traveled from Kadesh, and encamped in Mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom. Aaron the priest went up into Mount Hor at the commandment of Yahweh and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month. Aaron was one hundred twenty-three years old when he died in Mount Hor. The Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the South in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel. They traveled from Mount Hor, and encamped in Zalmonah. They traveled from Zalmonah, and encamped in Punon. They traveled from Punon, and encamped in Oboth. They traveled from Oboth, and encamped in Iye Abarim, in the border of Moab. They traveled from Iyim, and encamped in Dibon Gad. They traveled from Dibon Gad, and encamped in Almon Diblathaim. They traveled from Almon Diblathaim, and encamped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. They traveled from the mountains of Abarim, and encamped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho. They encamped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab. Yahweh spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, “When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their stone idols, destroy all their molten images, and demolish all their high places. You shall take possession of the land, and dwell therein; for I have given the land to you to possess it. You shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance. Wherever the lot falls to any man, that shall be his. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers.
“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those you let remain of them will be like pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land in which you dwell. It shall happen that as I thought to do to them, so I will do to you.”
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv1, 4, 7, 38, 48, 52, 55 From whence they departed, and whither they came.
From whence they departed, and whither they came.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv2, 4, 29, 38, 41, 52, 55 Num 33:2 And Moses wrote their goings out according…
Num 33:2 And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the LORD: and these [are] their journeys according to their goings out.
Ver. 2. And Moses wrote.] Moses was primus in historia, as Martial saith of Salust.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 18, 31, 32, 35, 45, 47, 49, 52, 55 With their armies, i.e. in great number and exact…
With their armies, i.e. in great number and exact order, as armies march, and they did, Exo 12:37,38; 13:18.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 45, 46, 47, 48 These are the journeys of the children of Israel,....…
These are the journeys of the children of Israel,.... Which are related in this chapter following:
which went forth out of the land of Egypt: whither their fathers went and stayed, and were kept in hard bondage, but in due time were delivered from it, and came out from thence:
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with their armies; in great numbers, and in an orderly manner, in rank and file, and like so many squadrons, see Exo 7:4, under the hand of Moses and Aaron: who were sent to the king of Egypt to require their dismission, and who were the instruments under God of their deliverance, and were the leaders of them; as of them out of Egypt, so through the wilderness, in their, several journeys here recorded.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 4, 10, 48, 52 An account of the marches and encampments of the…
An account of the marches and encampments of the Israelites, from Egypt to Canaan, ver. 1-49. A strict command to drive out all the Canaanites.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 55 The journeyings of the Israelites written out by Moses,
CHAPTER XXXIII
The journeyings of the Israelites written out by Moses,
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according to the commandment of the Lord, 1, 2.
They depart from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first
month, on the day after the passover, the first-born of the
Egyptians having been slain, 3, 4.
Their forty-two stations enumerated, 5-49.
They are authorized to expel all the former inhabitants, and
destroy all remnants of idolatry, 50-53.
The land is to be divided by lot, 54.
Should they not drive out the former inhabitants, they shall be
to them as pricks in their eyes and thorns in their sides, 55.
And if not obedient, God will deal with them as he has purposed
to do with the Canaanites, 56.
NOTES ON CHAP. XXXIII
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Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 10, 12, 15, 18, 35, 38, 49, 50, 54, 55, 56 Num 33:1-2. These are the journeys of Israel —…
Num 33:1-2. These are the journeys of Israel — As the peculiar providence of God remarkably appeared in the protection and miraculous preservation of the Israelites, from the time they left Egypt till they came to the borders of Canaan, so Moses was particularly commissioned to preserve a history of them for the benefit of posterity. In execution of this commission, he wrote their goings out — Kept an account of their journeys, and of all the remarkable occurrences in the way, for his own satisfaction and the instruction of others. And he here recapitulates the principal stages of their long journey, and sets them all before the reader in one view, that those who would take the pains to examine might be satisfied that it was only by a train of unprecedented miracles that such a multitude of people had been fed and preserved every day, for forty years together, in a barren and unhospitable desert, Jer 2:6; Deu 29:6. These are their journeys — It is to be observed that Moses only mentions those places where they encamped for some time, passing by others where they only halted for a little refreshment.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv1, 50 This list was written out by Moses at God’s…
This list was written out by Moses at God’s command Num 33:2, doubtless as a memorial of God’s providential care for His people throughout this long and trying period.
Num 33:3-6. For these places, see the marginal reference.
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Num 33:8
Pi-hahiroth - Hebrew “Hahiroth,” but perhaps only by an error of transcription. However, the omitted “pi” is only a common Egyptian prefix.
Wilderness of Etham - i. e., that part of the great wilderness of Shur which adjoined Etham; compare Exo 15:22 note.
The list of stations up to that at Sinai agrees with the narrative of Exodus except that we have here mentioned Num 33:10 an encampment by the Red Sea, and two others, Dophkah and Alush Num 33:12-14, which are there omitted. On these places see Exo 17:1 note.
Num 33:16, Num 33:17
See the Num 11:35 note.
Num 33:18
Rithmah - The name of this station is derived from retem, the broom-plant, the “juniper” of the King James Version. This must be the same encampment as that which is said in Num 13:26 to have been at Kadesh.
Num 33:19
Rimmon-parez - Or rather Rimmon-perez, i. e., “Rimmon (i. e., the Pomegranate) of the Breach.” It may have been here that the sedition of Korah occurred.
Verse 19-36
The stations named are those visited during the years of penal wandering. The determination of their positions is, in many cases, difficult, because during this period there was no definite line of march pursued. But it is probable that the Israelites during this period did not overstep the boundaries of the wilderness of Paran (as defined in Num 10:12), except to pass along the adjoining valley of the Arabah; while the tabernacle and organized camp moved about from place to place among them (compare Num 20:1).
Rissah, Haradah, and Tahath are probably the same as Rasa, Aradeh, and Elthi of the Roman tables. The position of Hashmonah (Heshmon in Jos 15:27) in the Azazimeh mountains points out the road followed by the children of Israel to be that which skirts the southwestern extremity of Jebel Magrah.
Num 33:34
Ebronah - i. e, “passage.” This station apparently lay on the shore of the Elanitic gulf, at a point where the ebb of the tide left a ford across. Hence, the later Targum renders the word as “fords.”
Num 33:35
Ezion-gaber - “Giant’s backbone.” The Wady Ghadhyan, a valley running eastward into the Arabah some miles north of the present head of the Elanitic gulf. A salt marsh which here overspreads a portion of the Arabah may be taken as indicating the limit to which the sea anciently reached; and we may thus infer the existence here in former times of an extensive tidal haven, at the head of which the city of Ezion-geber stood. Here it was that from the time of Solomon onward the Jewish navy was constructed 1Ki 9:26; 1Ki 22:49.
Num 33:41-49
Zalmonah and Punon are stations on the Pilgrim’s road; and the general route is fairly ascertained by a comparison of these verses with Num 21:4, etc.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 41, 42, 45, 49, 52, 53, 55 The mansions. These mansions, or journeys of the children…
The mansions. These mansions, or journeys of the children of Israel from Egypt to the land of promise, were figures, according to the Fathers, of the steps and degrees by which Christians, leaving sin, are to advance from virtue to virtue, till they come to the heavenly mansions, after this life, to see and enjoy God. (Challoner) --- Conduct. Literally, "hand." Aaron died before they came to the last of these 42 stations, or encampments. (Haydock) --- The observance of the law, and the true worship of God, can alone insure us eternal happiness, and enable us to sing Holy, &c. (St. Jerome, ep. ad Fab.) (Worthington)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures 1864 · Public Domain On vv1, 50 The Review of the Encampments
TENTH SECTION
The Review of the Encampments
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Num_33:1-49
1These are the Journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt 1with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron. 2And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord: and these are their journeys according to their goings out. 3And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians. 4For the Egyptians 2buried all their firstborn, which the Lord had smitten among them: upon their gods also the Lord executed judgments. 5And the children of Israel 3removed from Rameses, and 4pitched in Succoth. 6And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham which is in the edge of the wilderness. 7And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pi-hahiroth, which is before Baal-zephon: and they pitched before Migdol. 8And they departed from before Pi-hahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and 9pitched in Marah. And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there. 10And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea. 11And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin. 12And they took their journey out of the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah. 13And they departed from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush. 14And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink. 15And they departed from Rephidim, and pitched in the wilderness of Sinai. 16And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at 5Kibroth-hattaavah. 17And they departed from Kibroth-hattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth. 18, 19And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah. And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmon-parez. 20And they departed from Rimmon-parez, and pitched in Libnah. 21And they removed from Libnah, and pitched at Rissah. 22And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah. 23, 24And they went from Kehelathah, and pitched in mount Shapher. And they removed from mount Shapher, and encamped in Haradah. 25And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth. 26And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath. 27And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah. 28And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah. 29And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah. 30And they departed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth. 31And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan. 32And they removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad. 33And they went from Hor-hagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah. 34And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah. 35And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-gaber. 36And they removed from Ezion-gaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh. 37And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom. 38And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the Lord, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of 39Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month. And Aaron was a hundred and twenty and three years old when he died in mount Hor. 40And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel. 41And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah. 42And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon. 43And they departed from Punon, and pitched in Oboth. 44And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in 6Ije-abarim, in the border of Moab. 45And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibon-gad. 46And they removed from Dibon-gad, and encamped in Almon-diblathaim. 47And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. 48And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. 49And they pitched by Jordan, from Beth-jesimoth even unto 7Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab.
[Where the A. V. uses “departed,” “removed,” “took their journey,” “went” interchangeably, the Hebrew text has but one word. This uniformity ought to be reproduced in the translation by invariably reading “departed.” The same is true respecting the word in the Hebrew text variously rendered “encamped” and “pitched” in the A. V. It should invariably be rendered “encamped.”—Tr.]
EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL
We found ourselves obliged under chap. 21 to discuss the whole subject of the successive encampments, and must here refer the reader to that place. [See also, with relation to geographical matters and the time required for the journey from Sinai to Kadesh, pp. 73, 74, 78, 79, 80, 102.—Tr. ]
Num_33:1-2. This introduction forms the superscription of the list of the removals and decampments of the children of Israel according to their hosts under the guidance of Moses. Moses, now in the plains of Moab, was to prepare this list at the command of Jehovah, undoubtedly that it might be a monument of the great guidance of Jehovah and of His covenant faithfulness, which had now brought the people to the border of Canaan. It is a retrospect of the journey through the wilderness, in which richest memories must attach to many stations, inspiring humiliation and praise.
Num_33:3-15. From Rameses to Sinai.—The notice is new which states that the Egyptians were actually employed in burying their firstborn when the Israelites departed—a circumstance that must have contributed to facilitate their departure. Therewith was connected, that Jehovah executed judgment, not only on the children of the Egyptians, but also on their idols, i.e., therefore, on the false religious confidence in their gods. From Rameses, see on Exo_12:37; Exo_14:8. From Succoth to Etham, see Exo_13:20. Pi-hahiroth, see Exo_14:2. Marah, see Exo_15:23. Elim, see Exo_15:27. Desert of Sin, see Exo_16:1. Dophkah and Alush are passed over in Exodus. Rephidim, see Exo_17:1. Sinai, see Exo_19:1.
Num_33:16-31. From Sinai to Kadesh (Bene-Jaakan, see under chap. 21).
Graves of Lust—Hazeroth—Rithmah—Rim-mon-parez—Libnah—Rissah—Kehelathah—mount Shapher—Haradah—Makheloth—Tahath—Tarah—Mithcah—Hashmonah—Moseroth—Bene-Jaakan. As in this list Kadesh is comprehended under the name Bene-Jaakan, so, according to Num_33:36, Ezion-Gaber must be sought under one of the foregoing names. As the Israelites, no doubt, first came to the mountains at Ezion-Gaber, one may conjecture that mount Shapher (the beautiful mountain) is that name; and that Tahath [a depression] indicates some low ground of the Arabah.
Num_33:32-35; Num_33:41-43. From Kadesh to Ezion-Gaber (Oboth). Hor-hagidgad—Jotbathah—Ebronah—Ezion-Gaber. Or, what is the same thing, Hor-Zalmonah—Punon—Oboth. [See Dr. Lange’s mode of establishing this result under chap. 21; also Translator’s note below.—Tr.].
Num_33:36-40. A parenthesis relating to the death of Aaron and to king Arad. We read in the pluperfect: they had departed from Ezion-Gaber, and had encamped in the wilderness of Zin, that is, Kadesh. And (now) they departed (again) from Kadesh and encamped at Hor, the mountain on the border of the land of Edom. Hereupon the death of Aaron is related, just as after the statement of Num_20:22-29. That we have here a parenthesis appears from the quite fragmentary notice about king Arad, Num_33:40. See Deu_10:6; from Bene-Jaakan they came to Mosera, where Aaron died. Num_20:23; from Kadesh they came to mount Hor, where Aaron died. Here in the list: from Bene-Jaakan to Hor-hagidgad; or also from Kadesh to mount Hor [see Translator’s note below—Tr.].
Num_33:44-49. From Oboth to the plains of Moab.—lim—Dibon-gad—Almon-diblathaim—mountains of Abarim—plains of Moab (Beth-je-simoth to Abel-shittim). According to Keil and the usual supposition, the encampment in the wilderness of Zin, i. e., Kadesh (Num_33:36) is to be understood of the second arrival at Kadesh. See on the contrary at Num_20:21. Two arrivals at Kadesh are only to be thought of with respect to the army that went out from Kadesh and attacked the Canaanites, and then, when repulsed to Hormah, settled again at Kadesh. On the various hypotheses regarding the encampments comp. Keil on chap. 33, especially the notes, p. 378 [p. 247 sqq. Clark’s translation—Tr.] and Knobel, p. 33.
[It seems expedient to add here such considerations as will adjust the view of the Translator given under chap. 14. (p. 78–80 above) with relation to the explanations of the list of encampments given by Dr. Lange under chap. 21.
The reasons adduced by Dr. Lange do not compel the conclusion that Bene-jaakan must be identical with Kadesh. The obvious intent of chap. 33 is to give a consecutive list of encampments; and this forms so strong a presumption against Dr. Lange’s interpretation that nothing short of a compelling reason can justify it. Verses 1, 2 show, that in this chapter we have a distinct document, or “a monument,” as Dr. Lange justly entitles it. It must then be complete and self-interpreting. A pluperfect rendering, such as Dr. Lange proposes at Num_33:36, must be justified in the document itself. Such a monument is not to be read as those familiar with the events might be supposed to read it, or even with the aid of statements drawn from other contemporary records. Being intended for posterity, it must have been composed so as to occasion no confusion in the reading. It is, therefore, unreasonable to suppose that in six or more instances the same movement and spots are signified by totally different names; that the same course is twice described, as Dr. Lange supposes, in Num_33:32-35; Num_33:41-43, and that the same verbal form, properly translated by the aorist, is suddenly, without notice in the narrative itself, to be taken in a pluperfect sense.
The reasoning of Dr. Lange under 21. shows that Moseroth must be locally much the same as Hor. Deu_9:6 makes this probable. But a formal table or log like our chapter 33 must not be modified by less formal notices of other narratives, even of our own book of Numbers, much less by such sporadic notices as those that appear in Deuteronomy. Granting the locally approximate identity of Moseroth, Hor and Hor-hagidgad, then the movement from Moseroth to Bene-jaakan and the return from Bene-jaakan to Hor-hagidgad, Num_33:31-32, only means a change of locality within narrow limits. This would only be consistent with the name “wandering,” always given in Scripture to this emigration, and especially to this period of it, and particularly with the language of Deu_1:19. Thus, as stated p. 80, the presence of the Israelites in that region amounted to a virtual occupancy of the land. The different names of the narrative mark distinct places, though some of them may have been very near each other. When such was the case, they might be used interchangeably in such a narrative as Deuteronomy without involving any confusion for those to whom Deuteronomy was addressed, since they were familiar with the scenes.
Thus from Moseroth to Bene-jaakan may have been in the direction from Hor to Kadesh; and, consequently, from Bene-Jaakan to Moseroth would be part of the route from Kadesh to Hor. But we need not conclude from that, that Bene-Jaakan must be identical with Kadesh, or even near Kadesh. It might have been near Mt. Hor. In the statement of Deu_10:6, which is without geographical connection in the preceding context, Moses may have named Bene-jaakan and Moseroth as well-known land-marks, by which to describe the course of the movement, and by which to define the date of the incident there referred to. If it be conjectured, with Dr. Lange and others, that Hor and Hor-hagidgad and Gudgodah are the same locality, of which also Moseroth is another name, then Deu_10:6-7, itself distinguishes between Moseroth and Gudgodah or Hor, as well as does Num_33:30-33. They are therefore the same with a difference. What the difference was may elude detection. We may conjecture that Bene-jaakan, Moseroth, Hor-hagidgad, Jotbathah lay in the order named on the route the Israelites followed from Kadesh to the southern extremity of Mt. Seir. If nothing else, at least their having been once encampments would make them familiar landmarks to the Israelites. That they had been encampments, proves that they afforded convenience for a halt. On the final march they may have been taken again as halting places for a night or longer, though not for a regular encampment according to the regulations of chap. 2. In other places, then, beside the present chapter, when the mention of places is only for the purpose of localizing an event in time or place, or for the purpose of stating the course of the march (not the encampment), the narrative might mention names that, for some reason not known to us, served popularly to mark the event. Thus Bene-jaakan may have been a halting-place (not encampment) just before proceeding to Mount Hor, where Aaron died; and Moserah (Deu_10:6 a singular; in Num_33:30 we have Moseroth, the plural of the same word, which may or may not indicate a distinction) may have become a more popular name by which to refer to the time and place where Aaron died. In Deu_2:8 see a similar variation in names, viz. Elath and Ezion-gaber, instead of those in Num_33:42-44. In this case, Elath and Ezion-gaber need not be regarded as encampments, though they might have been stopping-places, and we can easily see that they would better serve as descriptive land-marks than the encampments in that region, which only while encampments may have received “a local habitation and a name” The same may be said of the (supposed, discrepant) names mentioned in Num_21:12 sqq. A short halt without encampment would suffice for the incident related, Num_21:16-18. It is not to be supposed that the encampments mentioned in this chapter name all the halts that the host made. It was impossible, e. g., to make the move from Kadesh to Hor without two or more halts. This distinction between halts, and encampments made according to the regulations of chap. 2, was proposed by Kurtz (Hist, of the Old Gov., iii., p. 384 sq., Clark’s translation), and is applied by Keil, p. 246 (Clark’s translation). It is ignored by Dr. Lange, whose method implies that he rejects it. Kurtz says: “The list in Numbers 33 is purely statistical. The purpose of the author was to give a full and particular account of the actual stations—that is, the places of encampment in which the Israelites prepared for a lengthened stay—not merely forming a regular encampment, but also erecting the Sanctuary. The writer in Numbers 10-22, does not pretend to give anything like a complete account of the various places of encampment, and therefore many names are wanting in the latter which are found in the former. His purpose is purely historical, and not in any sense statistical. And this is to our mind an explanation of the fact that he mentions more places of encampment [halting places] between Ije-Aba-rim and Arboth Moab than we find in Numbers 33; places, that is, in which there was not a complete camp formed, including the erection of the Sanctuary”.
Thus the position already maintained against Dr. Lange seems amply justified, viz., that the narrative of chap. 33 is to be taken in its simple and prima facie sense, i. e., as an accurate list of all the regular encampments of the Israelites, in which the names are given consecutively and in their order, and without repetition or confusion. The conjectural explanation just given, of the apparent discrepancy between the mention of names in 33 and elsewhere, is not to be pressed as the actual solution of the problem. It is only offered in order to show, that it is as easy to adhere to the obvious sense of the narrative as to take some other course. But the explanation has the additional advantage, that it relieves us of all necessity of dealing with the different mention of names as discrepancies. The parallelism of names, treated by Dr. Lange under chap. 21 and above in this chapter, remains an interesting subject of investigation. But it is seen that it does not involve the question of reconciling discrepancies.
The process by which Dr. Lange would identify Jotbathah and Zalmonah, and Abronah and Punon (see under Num_21:10-20), is used with equal success by others (e.g., Keil and Bib. Com.) to establish the identity of Rithmah, Num_33:18, and Kadesh, Num_13:26. We may suppose from this that the method is of doubtful value.
Until the places are identified on the map, and the mention of names is shown to be irreconcilable, there is no question of discrepancy to discuss. Whoever desires to see in briefest form the latest results in the efforts to locate the names of the present list from Hazeroth to the plains of Moab can consult the (Speaker’s) Bib. Com. in loc., Smith’s Bib. Dict., Wilderness of the Wanderings. As said above under chap. 14, only two places are identified beyond doubt, viz., Ezion-gaber and Mt. Hor (though the latter is debated by Dr. Lange; see under 21.). About several others there is reasonable certainty, (e. g., Ije-abarim, see Dr. Lange under Num_21:10-20, and Dibon-gad, Dhiban, the ancient Aroer, “about three miles north of the Arnon,” Smith’s Bib. Dict., s. v., where the Moabite stone was discovered in 1868. Palmer, Desert of the Exod. chap. 24; H. B. Tristram, The Land of Moab, chaps. 5, 6. But until more definite results are reached, it does not seem expedient, in a commentary like the present, to review the representations of Dr. Lange under chap. 21, though many efforts at exploration have been made since he wrote them, and there is reason for modifying some of them.—Tr.].
Footnotes:
[1]according to.
[2]were burying.
[3]departed.
[4]encamped.
[5]That is, the graves of lust.
[6]Or, heaps of Abarim.
[7]Or, the plains of Shittim.
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures (Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical), ed. John Peter Lange, English translation edited by Philip Schaff (1864–1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 50, 54, 55 Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys…
Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord--The wisdom of this divine order is seen in the importance of the end to which it was subservient--namely, partly to establish the truth of the history, partly to preserve a memorial of God's marvellous interpositions on behalf of Israel, and partly to confirm their faith in the prospect of the difficult enterprise on which they were entering, the invasion of Canaan.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56 THE ITINERARY OF THE ISRAELITES, Num_33:1-49.
THE ITINERARY OF THE ISRAELITES, Num_33:1-49.
Having reached the Land of Promise, and taken possession of its eastern portion, it is proper that the history of the desert wandering should close with a list of encampments as a permanent memorial for after ages of the grace and faithfulness of Jehovah, who led his people safely “in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings, so the Lord did lead him.”
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv38, 39, 40, 50, 52, 54, 55 38. See on Num_20:22.
38. See on Num_20:22.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 37, 40, 43, 45, 49, 52, 54, 56 (1) These are the journeys of the children of…
XXXIII.
(1) These are the journeys of the children of Israel . . . —The word which is rendered journey appears to denote primarily the breaking up of the encampments, which lasted for very different periods, and which, during the protracted wanderings in the wilderness, may have been of the average duration of a twelvemonth. The list of the encampments is expressly said to have been written by Moses, and it served as a permanent memorial, on the one hand, of the sin and rebellion of the nation, and, on the other hand, of the faithfulness and long-suffering of God in leading and sustaining His people throughout their sojourn in the wilderness.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. H. Mackintosh 1880 · Public Domain On v1 Numbers 33 - 34
Numbers 33 - 34
The first of these sections gives us a wonderfully minute description of the desert wanderings of the people of God. It is impossible to read it without being deeply moved by the tender love and care of God so signally displayed throughout the whole. To think of His deigning to keep such a record of the journeyings of His poor people, from the moment they marched out of Egypt until they crossed the Jordan - from the land of death and darkness to the land flowing with milk and honey. "He knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing." He went before them, every step of the way; He travelled over every stage of the wilderness; in all their afflictions He was afflicted. He took care of them like a tender nurse. He suffered not their garments to wax old, or their feet to swell, for these forty years; and here He retraces the entire way by which His hand had led them, carefully noting down each successive stage of that marvellous pilgrimage, and every spot in the desert at which they had halted. What a journey! What a travelling companion!
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It is very consolatory to the heart of the poor, weary pilgrim to be assured that every stage of his wilderness journey is marked out by the infinite love and unerring wisdom of God. He is leading His people by a right way, home to Himself; and there is not a single circumstance in their lot, or a single ingredient in their cup, which is not carefully ordered by Himself, with direct reference to their present profit and their everlasting felicity. Let it only be our care to walk with Him, day by day, in simple confidence, casting all our care upon Him, and leaving ourselves and all our belongings absolutely in His hands. This is the true source of peace and blessedness, all the journey through. And then, when our desert wanderings are over - when the last stage of the wilderness has been trodden, He will take us home to be with Himself for ever.
"There with what joy reviewing
Past conflicts, dangers, fears-
Thy hand our foes subduing,
And drying all our tears-
Our hearts with rapture burning,
The path we shall retrace,
where now our souls are learning,
The riches of Thy grace."
Numbers 34 gives the boundaries of the inheritance, as drawn by the hand of Jehovah. The selfsame hand which had guided their wanderings here fixes the bounds of their habitation. Alas! they never took possession of the land as given of God. He gave them the whole land, and gave it for ever. They took but a part, and that for a time. But, blessed be God, the moment is approaching when the seed of Abraham shall enter upon the full and everlasting possession Of that fair inheritance, from which they are for the present excluded. Jehovah will assuredly accomplish all His promises, and lead His people into all the blessings secured to them in the everlasting covenant - that covenant which has been ratified by the blood of the Lamb. Not one jot or tittle. shall fail of all that He has spoken. His promises are all Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus, who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. All praise to the father, and unto the Son, and to the holy Spirit!
C. H. Mackintosh, Notes on the Pentateuch — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 ITINERARY OF THE WANDERINGS (verses Gen_13:3 Deu_10:11)
ITINERARY OF THE WANDERINGS (verses Gen_13:3 Deu_10:11)
Ver. 1-49. The journey home.
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We have here a brief summary of the stages by which Israel traveled onwards from Egypt to Canaan; spiritually, therefore, we have an epitome of the Church"s progress, or of the progress of a soul, through this world to the world to come. Hence it follows that all the lessons, encouragements, and warnings which belong to these forty years weave themselves about this Itinerary, which might to the careless eye seem a bare list of names. "Per has (mansiones) currit verus Hebraeus, qui de terra transire festinat ad coelum," says Jerome. And in this connection it can hardly be an accident that as there are forty-two stations in this list, so there are forty-two generations in the first Gospel from Abraham (the starting-point of the faithful) to Christ (in whom they find rest). And, again, it may be more than a coincidence that the woman in the Apocalypse who represents the Church militant (Re 12) was in the wilderness forty-two months. In all three cases (as certainly in the last) it is likely that the number forty-two was designedly chosen because it is 12 X 3½ and 3½ or the half of 7, is the number which expresses trial, probation, and imperfection. Consider, therefore
I THAT THIS ITINERARY WAS WRITTEN "BY THE COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD," NO DOUBT AS A MEMORIAL UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL OF THEIR TRIALS AND OF HIS FAITHFULNESS. Even so it is the will of God that every Church and every soul should keep in memory the stages of its own spiritual progress, for these are full of holy memories and needful lessons, all being eloquent of our own insufficiency and of his goodness. No one, being in plenty and at rest, should ever forget the straitness and the trial through which the good hand of God hath led him.
II THAT THE TWO ENDS OF THIS ITINERARY ARE PLAINLY FIXED, THE ONE IN THE GLORIOUS DELIVERANCE FROM EGYPT "AFTER THE PASSOVER:" THE OTHER ON THE VERGE OF JORDAN IN FULL VIEW OF CANAAN. Even so all spiritual life histories begin with the redemption from bondage through the blood of the Lamb, and end with the sure hope of immortality on the verge of the river of death.
III THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STAGES ARE TO A GREAT EXTENT UNCERTAIN, SOME QUITE UNKNOWN, AND OTHERS MATTER OF DISPUTE. Even so, while we know whence all Christian progress leads men at the first, and whither it being, s men at the last, yet the intermediate course (sometimes a very long one) is for the most part strangely indiscernible, its points of contact with the outer world having little meaning or interest save for the travelers themselves. Just as maps help us little to follow the forty-two stages, so do religious theories give us small assistance in tracing the actual course of a soul through the trials and perplexities of real life.
IV THAT WITH EXCEPTION OF THE BEGINNING AND THE END, THE ONLY FIXED POINTS IN THE ITINERARY ARE SINAI, KADESH, AND HOR WHERE THE LAW WAS GIVEN, WHERE PROGRESS WAS RESUMED AFTER LONG DRIFTING TO AND FRO, WHERE AARON DIED. Even so there are in the history of most souls these three conspicuous epochs to be Doted:
(1) where the obligation to obey the higher law of God"s will came upon them;
(2) where after much drawing back and consequent failure a new call to advance was heard;
(3) where the old outward associations, upon which they had all along leaned, failed them, and yet left them none the weaker.
V THAT THE FEW NOTES OF EVENTS APPENDED TO CERTAIN NAMES OF PLACES (ELIM, REPHIDIM, HOR) SEEM TO BE SELECTED ARBITRARILY. Some other places certainly had, and many others probably had, more interesting associations for the Israelites. Even so it is not only or chiefly those passages which attract attention and secure comment in the history of a Church or of a soul which are of deep interest and profound importance to itself; names and facts which have no associations for others may for it be full of the deepest meaning.
And note that all the stations named in this list have their own signification in the Hebrew, but the spiritual teaching founded on such signification is too arbitrary and fanciful to be seriously dealt with.
HOMILIES BY D. YOUNG Ver. 1-49. The journeyings of the Israelites.
Reading through this record, which looks, on the first appearance of it, much like a page from a gazetteer, we are made to feel
I HOW LITTLE WE SHOULD KNOW OF THE EXPERIENCES OF ISRAEL IN THEIR WANDERINGS IF WE HAD BEEN TOLD NO MORE THAN THIS. A period of forty years has to be covered; and though by one kind of narration it takes four books, full of solemnity and variety, abounding in matters of stirring interest, and often going into the minutest detail, in order to indicate sufficiently the events of the period, yet by another kind of narration the period can be comprised in forty-nine short verses. All the way through these verses it is assumed that a particular aspect of the course of Israel is being presented, and that a full, edifying, and satisfying narrative is to be sought elsewhere. Consider what great omissions there are. We do indeed see something of the manner of starting, but even here there is hardly anything to explain how Israel came to leave Egypt. It is said that they passed through the midst of the sea, but nothing is said of the wonderful and glorious manner in which the passage was effected. There is nothing of all the law-giving at Sinai; nothing of the tabernacle, the ark, the offerings, and the priestly office; nothing of the great manna mercies; nothing even of the cloud and trumpets, though they had so much to do with the journeys; nothing of the rebellion which was the great cause of this long wandering. If it was a mere record of places we could better understand it, but there are just enough of additional matters introduced to perplex us as to why some are inserted and others omitted. How clear it becomes, in the light of an artless record like this, that we shall err if we allow ourselves to look too constantly on the books of the Old Testament as being the literature, the classic literature, of the Hebrews! That they are literature is of course true, but it is so small a part of the truth concerning them, that if we allow it to become too prominent, it will hide much more important truth. Moses was evidently not a man to care about the niceties and elaborations so dear to fastidious writers. His hands were too full of guiding and governing. If what he wrote was written in a way to glorify God, that was sufficient. We find in the Pentateuch not history, but the rough, yet authentic and unspeakably precious, materials of history. A man with the requisite interest and knowledge may analyze, select, and combine these materials into a history from his own point of view, but thanks be to God that he took a meek, humble, and unselfish Moses, who had no views of his own to assert, and who thought of no monumentum aere perennius, and made him his pen to write something a great deal more important than the history of any nation, namely, the dealings of God with his own typical people, and through them with the world at large.
II Though this is such a brief and apparently artless record, little more than a copy of names from a map, yet HOW MUCH IT WOULD TELL US, EVEN IF WE HAD BEEN TOLD NO MORE. If this were but the sole surviving fragment of the four books, it would nevertheless indicate the presence of God, and that in very remarkable ways. It would indicate the authority of Jehovah over Israel. Moses and Aaron are spoken of as the leaders of Israel (verse 1), yet only leaders under God; for Moses wrote this very record at the commandment of God (verse 2), and Aaron went up into Mount Hor to die at the commandment of God (verse 38). We should also learn something of the punitive power of God. We should feel ourselves in the presence of some terrible sin, some terrible suffering, and some crowning blow which had come upon Egypt. We should learn that God was able to vindicate his majesty and glory against the arrogance of idolatry (verse 4). We should learn that human life was at the sovereign disposal of God, for he controls the death of the first-born and the death of Aaron. And from what we thus plainly see of God"s presence in certain places, we might infer that he was also in the places where we see him not. We might infer that if he was in the midst of the Israelites when they left Egypt, and in their midst forty years after, then he must have been with them all the time between. Thus, though in these forty-nine verses we are told nothing whatever, in a plain, direct way, of human character, we are yet brought face to face with very suggestive intimations concerning the character of God. From the human point of view the record is indeed a very barren one; but this only helps to show how when man becomes scarcely visible, unless as a mere wanderer, the glory of God shines brilliantly as ever.
III We have thus tried to imagine this passage as being the sole surviving fragment of the four books which deal with the wanderings. But we know in reality that it is only a sort of appendix to the record of notable and solemn proceedings already given. It may even seem as if it would not have been much missed if it had been left out. As we think over it, however, we become conscious that A DISTINCT AND PECULIAR IMPRESSION IS BEING PRODUCED ON OUR MINDS. Reading through the Book of Numbers, we wander with Israel from the day they leave Sinai down to the day they enter the plains of Moab by Jordan; and now in this passage we are all at once lifted as it were into an exceeding high mountain, and get a bird"s-eye view of the wandering, shifting life of Israel during these forty years. It is well to be brought face to face with something that will remind us of the shifting character of human life, Even the lives that seem most stationary, as far as local circumstances are concerned, are full of change. It is not because a man is born, lives, and dies in one locality, perhaps even in one house, that his life is to be reckoned a settled one. Wherever we are, however rooted and grounded in appearance, we see one generation going and another coming, ourselves being" a part of what we see. Here, in the record of these journeyings, was something true for all Israel; Moses and Aaron were brought down to the same level with the humblest of their followers. There are certain necessary outlines of change in the course of every human being who lives to the allotted term birth, unconscious infancy, the common influences of childhood, the time to choose a temporal occupation, the day when father dies and when mother dies, the dropping away of kindred, companions, and friends, and so on till death comes at last. There is so much of life lived and so much of biography written under the fascinating glamour of mere mundane interests, that it is a good thing to go where, along with God himself, we may look down on the changing scenes of earth from the dwarfing and humbling heights of eternity. There is a time to listen to the botanist and the expert in vegetable physiology, while they discourse to us on the wonders of the leaf; there is a time to see what the painter can do with it, and what the poet; but from all these we must turn at last to God"s own Isaiah, and hear him drawing out the great final lesson, "We all do fade as a leaf. Y.
Ver. 1-15. The Lord appoints boundaries for the promised land.
I CONSIDER THESE BOUNDARIES ACCORDING TO THE EXTENT OF WHAT THEY INCLUDED. The territory was a very limited one, geographically speaking. The promised land, intended to typify the large privileges of the believer, and the heavenly and everlasting inheritance, was not a continent, nor even a considerable part of a continent. The Lord would teach Israel, and through them all his people, the difference between bigness and greatness, between quantity and quality, between mere superficial extent and the inexhaustible wealth that comes out of a really good ground. A square mile in the land that the Lord hath blessed is better than all the sands of Sahara. There was no legitimate room in Israel for men of Alexander"s spirit, weeping because there were no more worlds to conquer. The scene that God thus mapped out was large enough to give impressive and beautiful illustrations of his ways, and to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness worthy of bearing such names to all who received his will in the fullness of it. Though only a limited territory, it was for that reason all the more compact; and at a very short notice the whole nation could gather to any point for purposes of worship or defense. Outsiders, who did not know how blessed was the nation whose God was the Lord, might count the land only a little one among the thousands of the whole earth. All depends on what we mean when we speak of the lives of certain people as limited, poor, narrow, and unprivileged. Such words may only reveal our ignorance, our erroneous principles of judgment, and not the real state of affairs. It should ever be part of the brightest radiance of God"s glory in the eyes of his people that he can welcome the poor and the lowly to his choicest blessings and to the sweetest pleasures he can confer upon the human heart. Their poverty and lowliness do not unfit them for these things. Paul, who had to work with his own hands, and who said that having food and raiment he was therewith content, was also able to say, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!". (Rom_11:33) No lord of broad acres he, no partaker of luxurious repose among intellectual pleasures, but still he knew of the peace that passeth all understanding, the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, and something of the breadth, and length, and depth and height of that love of Christ which passeth knowledge. We had need be very sure of our competency before we begin to pronounce judgment on the compass and depth of a true believer"s life.
II CONSIDER THE EXACTNESS OF THESE BOUNDARIES. The country was carefully defined, and could give no occasion for boundary disputes. And all Christians have a carefully-defined life marked out for them. Even external circumstances are more under our control than at first seems to be the case. Many such circumstances indeed we cannot control, but many also depend on the spirit in which we regard the will of God. For instance, it could hardly be said that God marked out their territory for Reuben and Gad. For his own wise purposes he allowed their choice, but it was no true choice of his. If we have only a thoroughly trustful spirit, a spirit of stewardship towards God, we may all have the profit and comfort of feeling that we are working within the channels and limits that he would choose for our life. Social station makes no difference in this respect. The path of a pious king is just as strictly fixed as that of the humblest of his subjects. The farthest planet that circles round the sun has its path just as much marked out as the nearest one, though it travels a far longer distance.
III CONSIDER THE EFFICACY THESE BOUNDARIES WERE MEANT TO HAVE IN THE WAY OF EXCLUSION. We see God clearly providing one necessary part in the means whereby to drive out and dispossess the Canaanites. He fixed the line beyond which they were to be driven, and within which they were not allowed to return and dwell. The lines between the Church and the world are not to be tampered with by such as value all that is most precious in spiritual possessions. Let the world have its own principles and assert them in its own field of action and in its own way. Let the men of the world act as men of the world, and transmit their much be lauded policy of life from generation to generation of such as believe in their principles. They go by what men are and by what they cynically assume men must be, for they do devoutly believe the fact that what is born of the flesh is flesh, even though they can make nothing of Christ"s reference to the fact. But let us ever claim and preserve a place, and earnestly defend it, where the supercilious egotism of worldly wisdom shall find no entrance. Let our territory be fenced round with "Thus saith the Lord," and let us watch with a jealous vigilance the slightest encroachment on it. We also believe that what is born of the flesh is flesh, and that we must go by what men are; but then we regard in addition what men ought to be, and recollect that what is born of the spirit is spirit. Blessed is he who feels marked out in his own heart the boundary which Paul specifies when he says, "The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh"; (Gal_5:17) Canaanite against Israelite, and Israelite against Canaanite. It availed a man nothing to live within Israelite borders if he had a Canaanite heart. Of old idolaters were rigorously excluded from a certain well-marked territory, and the typical significance of this is that idolatries themselves must be driven out of the regenerate heart, and kept out of it by all the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.
IV CONSIDER THE SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WESTERN BORDER (verse 6). The great sea was there, the open pathway of nations, the symbol, and to a large extent the avenue, of Israel"s connection with the whole world. For though Israel had destroyed Amorite and Midianite, and was laid under command to drive out the Canaanite, yet in the seed of Abraham all families of the earth were to be blessed. From Canaan there was a path of blessing by a landward way to many lands beside, but by sea there was a way to every island also. Consider the place in respect of Christian privileges and influences which the island England occupies among the nations. The seaward aspect of Israel suggests to us the blessings that we, and indeed many peoples beside, have gained from her. Notice also the element of reference to the sea which this seaward boundary of Canaan has brought into the Scriptures. The Scriptures were written by men who felt the power of the ocean. Men within reach of the sea could then hear the whole of nature praise God. They could not only say, "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad," but also, "Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof". (Psa_96:11) How could David have given Ps 104 its completeness without a sight of the sea? And thus we find Haggai contrasting the great elements, first of the heavens and the earth, and then of the sea and the dry land. (Hag_2:6) It helped David to think of the omnipresence of God, as he imagined himself dwelling in the uttermost parts of the sea, and feeling even there that mighty grasp guarding and sustaining him. (Psa_139:9, Psa_139:10) And it served also to remind men how in after days the Lord would famish all the gods of the earth, and men would worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen. (Zep_2:11) Truly it was by no accident, but by a deep and gracious design, that the land of promise had the great sea for one of its borders. Y.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv1, 50 These are the Journeys.
Num_33:1-2
These are the Journeys.
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The journeys of Israel
This chapter gives a very graphic and instructive picture of a much larger scheme of journeying. The local names may mean nothing to us now, but the words departed, removed, encamped, have meanings that abide for ever. We are doing in our way, and according to the measure of our opportunity, exactly what Israel did in this chapter of hard names and places mostly now forgotten. Observe, this is a written account: And Moses wrote their goings out. The life is all written. It is not a sentiment spoken without consideration and forgotten without regret; it is a record--a detailed and critical writing, condescending to geography, locality, daily movement, position in society and in the world. It is, therefore, to be regarded as a story that has been proved, and that will bear to be written and re-written. The one perfect Biographer is God. Every life is written in the book that is kept in the secret place of the heavens. All things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Nothing is omitted. The writing is plain--so plain that the blind man may read the story which God has written for his perusal. Who would like to see the book? Who could not write a book about his brother that would please that brother? Without being false, it might be highly eulogistic and comforting. But who would like to see his life as sketched by the hand of God? Enter not into judgment with Thy servant: for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. What a monotony there is in this thirty-third chapter! This will be evident to the eye. The reader sees but two words or three, and all the rest are difficult terms or polysyllables unrelated to his life. The terms are departed, removed, went. The language of actual life is a narrow language which may be learned in a very brief time. So with our daily life: we rise, we sit, we retire; we eat and drink, and bless one another in the name of God ; and go round the little circle until sometimes we say, Can we not vary all that, and add to it some more vivid line? Has no friend of ours the power of flushing this pale monotony into some tint of blood? Then we fall back into the old lines: we depart and remove and pitch; we pitch and depart and remove; we come and go and settle and return; until there comes almost unconsciously into the strain of our speech some expressive and mournful sigh. Few and evil have been the days of Thy servant. Yet, not to dwell too much upon this well-ascertained fact, we may regard the record of the journeys of Israel as showing somewhat of the variety of life. Here and there a new departure sets in, or some new circumstance brightens the history. For example, in the ninth verse we read: And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees. Sweet entry is that! It occurs in our own secret diaries. Do we not dwell with thankfulness upon the places where we find the waters, the wells, the running streams, the beautiful trees, and the trees beautiful with luscious fruitage? Then comes the fourteenth verse: And they encamped at Rephidim, &c. Such are the changes in life. We have passed through precisely the transitions here indicated. No water; nothing to satisfy even the best appetences of the mind and spirit; all heaven one sheet of darkness, and the night so black upon the earth that even the altar-stairs could not be found in the horrid gloom; if there was water, it had no effect upon the thirst; if there was bread, it was bitter; if there was a pillow, it was filled with pricking thorns. There is another variety of the story; the thirty-eighth verse presents it: And Aaron the priest went up into mount Her at the commandment of the Lord, and died there. Is that line wanting in our story? All men do not die on mountains. Would God we may die upon some high hill! It seems to our imagination nearer heaven to die away up on the mountain peaks than to die in the low damp valleys. Granted that it is but an imagination. We need such helps: we are so made that symbol and hint and parable assist the soul in its sublimest realisations of things Divine and of things to come. (J. Parker, D. D.)
Moses diary of travels and its teachings
God wished the people to remember these journeys; and He wishes all ages to know of them and to learn from them. Let us notice a few of the lessons God intends these journeys to teach us.
I. They impress upon us the great fact of Gods continued presence and interest in human life.
II. They point out to us that God is the one true and safe Guide through life.
III. They present to us a picture of human life, and thus tend to give us correct views of life.
IV. They show to us that the greatest evils of life and its only dangers come from sin.
V. They suggest the comforting thought that by trusting in God and following Him we are sure to possess the inheritance which He has promised His people. (D. Lloyd.)
The itinerary of Israel from Egypt to Canaan
I. An incentive to gratitude to God.
1. Emancipating them from bondage in Egypt.
2. Repeatedly delivering them from their enemies.
3. Infallibly guiding them in their journeys.
4. Constantly providing for them in the desert.
5. Inviolably guarding them from dangers.
II. An encouragement to obey and trust God. He is unchangeable; therefore His past doings are examples of what we may expect Him to do in the future. History, properly studied, will be the nurse of faith and hope (comp. Psa_78:3-8).
III. A monitor against sin.
1. Mans proneness to sin.
2. Gods antagonism against sin.
3. The great evil of sin.. (W. Jones.)
The travels of Israel
This is a review of the travels of the children of Israel through the wilderness. It was a memorable history, and well worthy to be thus abridged, and the abridgment thus preserved, to the honour of God that led them and for the encouragement of the generations that followed. Observe here--
I. How the account was kept (Num_33:2). Moses wrote their goings out. When they began this tedious march God ordered him to keep a journal or diary, and to insert in it all the remarkable occurrences of their way, that it might be a satisfaction to himself in the review and an instruction to others when it should be published. It may be of good use to private Christians, but especially for those in public stations, to preserve in writing an account of the providences of God concerning them, the constant series of mercies they have experienced, especially those turns and changes which have made some days of their lives more remarkable. Our memories are deceitful, and need this help, that we may remember all the way which the Lord our God has led us in this wilderness (Deu_8:2).
II. What the account itself was. It began with their departure out of Egypt, continued with their march through the wilderness, and ended in the plains of Moab, where they now lay encamped.
1. Some things are observed here concerning their departure out of Egypt, which they are minded of upon all occasions as a work of wonder never to be forgotten.
2. Concerning their travels towards Canaan, observe--
(1) They were continually upon the remove. When they had pitched a little while in one place, they departed from that to another. Such is our state in this world: we have here no continuing city.
(2) Most of their way lay through a wilderness, uninhabited, untracked, unfurnished even with the necessaries of human life, which magnifies the wisdom and power of God, by whose wonderful conduct and bounty the thousands of Israel not only subsisted for forty years in that desolate place, but came out at least as numerous and vigorous as they went in. At first they pitched in the edge of the wilderness (Num_33:6), but afterwards in the heart of it. By lesser difficulties God prepares His people for greater. We find them in the wilderness of Etham (Num_33:8), of Sin (Num_33:11). of Sinai (Num_33:15). Our removes in this world are but from one wilderness to another.
(3) That they were led to and fro, forward and backward, as in a maze or labyrinth, and yet were all the while under the direction of the pillar of cloud and fire. He led them out (Deu_32:10), and yet led them the right way (Psa_107:7). The way God takes in bringing His people to Himself is always the best way, though it does not always seem to us the best way.
(4) Some events are mentioned in this journal, as their want of water at Rephidim (Num_33:14), the death of Aaron (Num_33:38-39), the insult of Arad (Num_33:40); and the very name of Kibroth-hattaavah, the grave of the lusters (Num_33:16), has a story depending upon it. Thus we ought to keep in mind the providences of God concerning us and our families, us and our land, and the many instances of that Divine care which hath led us and fed us and kept us all our days hitherto. (Matthew Henry, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Expositor's Bible 1887 · Public Domain On v1 Numbers 33; Numbers 34
THE WAY AND THE LOT
Numbers 33; Numbers 34
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1. THE itinerary of Num_33:1-49 is one of the passages definitely ascribed to Moses. It opens with the departure from Rameses in Egypt on the morrow after the passover, when the children of Israel "went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians." The exodus is made singularly impressive in this narrative by the addition that it took place "while the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, which the Lord had smitten among them." The Divine salvation of Israel begins when the dark shadow of loss and judgment rests on their oppressors. The gods of Egypt are discredited by the triumph of Jehovahs people. They can neither save their own worshippers nor prevent the servants of another from obtaining liberty.
From Rameses, the place of departure, to Abel-shittim, in the plains of Moab, forty-two stations in all are given at which the Israelites pitched. Of these about twenty-four are named either in Exodus, in other parts of the Book of Numbers, or in Deuteronomy. Some eighteen, therefore, are mentioned in this passage and nowhere else. Of the whole number, comparatively few have as yet been identified. The Egyptian localities, at least Rameses and Succoth, are known. With the exit from Egypt, at the crossing of the Red Sea difficulty begins. Our passage says that the Israelites went three days journey into the wilderness of Etham; Exodus calls it the wilderness of Shur. Then Marah and Elim bring the travellers, according to chapter 33, to the Red Sea, the Yam Suph. Ordinarily, this is supposed to be the Gulf of Suez, alongside which the route would have lain from the day it was crossed. There are, however, the best reasons for believing that this "Red Sea" is the eastern gulf, the Elanitic, as it must be Num_14:25, where, after the evil report of the spies, the Divine command is given: "Tomorrow turn ye, and get you into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea." From this identification of the Yam Suph many things follow. And one is the rejection of the ordinary opinion regarding the position of Sinai. The mountain of the law-giving is always described as situated in Midian. Now, Midian is beyond Elath, on the eastern side of the Yam Suph, not in the peninsula between the Gulfs of Suez and Akabah. Elim and Elath, or Eloth, appear to be names for the same place, at the head of the Gulf of Akabah. We have therefore to look for Sinai either among the southern hills of Seir or those lying more southward still, towards the desert. In Deborahs song (Jdg_5:4-5) occur the following verses:
"Lord, when Thou wentest out of Seir, When Thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, The earth trembled, the heavens also dropped, Yea, the clouds dropped water; The mountains flowed down at the presence of the Lord, Even yon Sinai at the presence of the Lord. the God of Israel."
In the same direction the "Prayer of Habbakkuk" points: {Hab_3:3; Hab_3:7}
"God came from Teman, And the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens, And the earth was full of His light… I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction, The curtains of the land of Midian did tremble."
The tradition which places Sinai in the south of the peninsula between the two gulfs "is of later origin than the lifetime of St. Paul, and can claim no higher authority than the interested fancies of ignorant cenobites. It throws into confusion both the geography and the history of the Pentateuch, and contradicts the definite statements of the Old Testament." So the most recent inquiry.
If Mount Sinai was somewhere to the south of Edom, the journey thence to Kadesh by way of Kibroth-hattaavah and Hazeroth, localities mentioned both in Num_11:11 ; Num_11:33, may have had other stations; and these may be named in Num_33:19 of our passage and onward. But identification of the places is exceedingly doubtful till we come to Ezion-geber, in the Arabah, and Mount Hor. Deuteronomy 10 places the scene of Aarons death at Mosera, which seems to be the same as Moseroth, and is there given along with other stations named in the itinerary-Bene-jaakan, Gudgodah (Hor-haggidgad), Jot-bathah. And this seems to prove that these localities were in or near the Arabah, Moseroth being in the region of Mount Hor. But where Kadesh is to be found between Rithmah and Moseroth, and under what name, it is impossible to say. Keil argues for Rithmah itself. Palmer reckons twenty stations to the first arrival at Kadesh. His map, however, shows a Mount Sheraif, which may be the same as Shepher, not far from Gadis, which he identifies with Kadesh. For the rest we are left in great ignorance, relieved only by this, that at the most there are but eighteen stations given, more probably thirteen, for the whole thirty-seven years between the first arrival at Kadesh and the death of Aaron at Mount Hor; and five or six of these were on the Arabah. During the whole of that long period there were only a few removals of the tabernacle, and those apparently within a limited area near Kadesh.
A list of names with only three historical notes appears a singular memorial of the forty years. Time was, no doubt, when the places named were all well known, and any Israelite desiring to satisfy himself as to the route by which his forefathers went could make it out by help of this passage. To us the interest of the subject is partly the same as that which might have been found by a Hebrew, say, of the time of Hezekiah, for whom the verification of the wilderness journey might be a help to faith. But the impossibility of identifying the localities shows that there are matters in the history of Israel which are of no particular importance now. There is more danger in seeking to gratify mere curiosity, than profit in any possible discoveries. Why should not the mountain of the law-giving be hid in the shadows as well as the grave in which Moses was laid? Why should not the places at which Israel encamped be to us mere names, since, if we could identify them, it might only be to add fresh difficulties instead of clearing away those that exist? The Israelites who entered Canaan had not seen all the way by which Jehovah led His people. When they crossed the Jordan, present duty was to engage them, not the mere names that belonged to the past. They were to forget the things behind, and stretch forward to the things which were before. And duty is the same still. Our backward glance, especially on the actual path from one spot of earth to another by which men have gone in trial and anticipation, must not hinder the efforts called for by the circumstances of our own time. The way of the desert, especially, may well lie half obliterated in the distance, since we know the spiritual fruit of the dealings of God with Israel, and can bear it with us as we follow our own road.
The ideas of change and urgency are in our passage. The wilderness journey was taken by a people on whom Divine influences had laid hold, who of themselves would have remained content in Egypt, but were not suffered, because God had some greater thing in store for them. The urgency throughout was His. And so is that which we ourselves feel hurrying us from change to change, from place to place. We may not be in the wilderness, but in a spot of shelter and comfort; and it may be no house of bondage, but a vantage-ground for generous effort. Even when we are thus happily settled, as we imagine, the call comes, and we must strike our tents. At other times our own anxiety anticipates the command. But we know that always, whether we pass into sterner conditions of life or escape to more pleasant circumstances, the times and changes that happen to us are of Gods appointing, that His providence urges us toward a goal. And this means that our reaching the goal must be by His way, although properly we endeavour to find it for ourselves.
The number of the stations at which Israel encamped in the course of forty years can scarcely be taken as representing the number of changes from dwelling to dwelling any pilgrim through this world shall have to make. But if we think of halting-places and movements of thought, we shall have a fruitful parallel. From the twentieth to the sixtieth year-may we not say?-is the time of journeying that takes the mind from its first freedom to comparative rest. Not far on the Divine law-giving impresses itself on the conscience; and hence a direct road may appear to lead into the peace of obedience. But the stations successively reached, Kibroth-hattaavah, Hazeroth, Rithmah, and the rest, represent each a peculiar difficulty encountered, a barrier to our steady progress towards the settled mind. St. Paul indicates one he found when he says: "I had not known coveting, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." Another halt is imposed when it is found that the law appears to forbid what is according to nature; still another when obedience requires separation from those who have been valued friends and pleasant companions. These hindrances left behind as the soul, still confiding and hopeful, is urged on towards the goal, a great trial like that of Kadesh follows. We are not far from the frontier of promise; and anticipations are formed of many delights for heart and life. Is not obedience to bring felicity, an easy salvation from doubt and fear? But it becomes plain that there are enemies to faith and peace beyond the border as well as in the region already crossed. Complete conformity to the Divine will has not been achieved. Will it ever be achieved? We begin to doubt the result of law-keeping. There is perhaps a backward look to Sinai, implying a question whether God spoke there, or beyond Sinai, to the old traditional way of life. And so another term of difficult inquiry begins.
In this way many find themselves held for a long period of middle life. Their minds move from one point to another without seeming to make any progress. But neither does rest come. It is seen that partial obedience, a measure of nearness to the perfection once dreamed of, will not suffice. Then arises the question whether obedience can ever save. There is return almost to Sinai itself, at least to a place from which its peak is seen and the mind is confirmed as to the inexorability of law. So the urgency of the Divine will is felt, and the way is fixed. If the soul would make its own way into peace, it is driven back. For, perhaps, it would have the difficulty solved by taking the way of a Church, accepting a creed-as Israel would have passed through the territory of Edom. This also is forbidden. Trusted helpers fall by the way, as Aaron died at Hor, and there is sorrowful delay. But movement is enforced; and, finally, it is by a road that reveals Sinai and the law in quite another aspect, showing vital faith, not mere obedience, to be the means of salvation, our progress is made. Round the borders of Edom, not by trust in creed or Church, but by confidence in God Himself, the soul must advance. Then strength comes. Point after point is reached and passed. Self-righteousness, pride, and Phatisaism-Amorites of the mountain land-are overcome. At length through the faith of Christ peace is found, the peace that is possible on this side of the river.
It is our high privilege to be urged and led on thus by Him who knows the way we should take, who tries us that we may come forth purified as gold. Without Divine pressure we should content ourselves in the desert and never see the real good of life. So many lose themselves because they will not admit that to be of the truth is necessary to salvation. There is a way of thinking, or rather refusing to think, of spiritual verities which keeps the soul unaware of the purpose God would carry into effect, or indifferent to it. The mind refuses its duty; and in the midway of life the spiritual goal fades from view. To guard against this taking place in the case of any one is the office of the Gospel ministry. If evangelical preaching does not keep thought awake and attentive to Divine inspirations, if it does not speak to those who are in every stage of perplexity, at every possible camping-ground, it fails of its high purpose.
2. Commandment is given that when the Israelites pass over Jordan they shall use effectual means for establishing themselves as the people of Jehovah in Canaan. They are, for one thing, to drive out before them all the inhabitants of the land. Nothing is here said of putting them all to the sword; only they are not to be left even in partial occupation. The plan of Israels settlement in its new territory requires that it shall be subject to no alien influence, and shall have the field entirely to itself for the development of customs, civilisation, and religion. And in this there is nothing either impossible or, as the ideas of the time went, strange and cruel. We do not need to take refuge in the command of God and defend it by saying that He had absolute right over the lives of the Canaanites. The tides of war and population were continually flowing and receding. When the Israelites reached Canaan, they had the same right as others to occupy it, provided they could make their right good at the point of the sword. Yet for their own special consciousness the command given by Moses in Jehovahs name was most important. It was only as His people they were to advance, and as His people they were to dwell separate in Canaan.
To drive out all the inhabitants of the land was, however, a difficult task; and even Moses might not intend the order to be literally obeyed. We have seen that he did not require the destruction of the Midianites to be absolute. In the wars of conquest in Canaan cases of a similar kind would necessarily arise. When a tribe was driven out of its cities many would be left behind, some of whom would conceal themselves and gradually venture from their hiding-places. The command was general, and could scarcely be supposed to require the putting to death of all children. And again, as we know, there were fortresses which for a long time defied attempts to reduce them. The Israelites were not so faithful to God that Moses could expect their success to be insured by supernatural aid. It is the constant purpose they are to have in view, to sweep the land clear of those presently in occupation. As they establish themselves, this will be carried out; and if they fail, allowing any of the tribes to remain, these will be as pricks in their eyes and as thorns in their sides:
The will of God that Israel, called to special duty in the world, was to keep itself separate, is here strongly emphasised. It was the only way by which faith could be preserved and made fruitful. For the Canaanites, already civilised and in many of the arts superior to the Hebrews, had gross polytheistic beliefs imbedded in their customs, and a somewhat elaborate cultus which was observed throughout the whole land. "Figured stones," which by their shape or incised emblems conveyed religious ideas; molten images, probably of bronze, like those found at Tel el Hesy, which were for household use, or of a larger size for tribal adoration; "high places" crowned by altars and sacrificial stones, were especially to be destroyed. The tendency to polytheism required to be carefully guarded against, for the gods of Canaan represented the powers of nature, and their rites celebrated the fruitfulness of earth under the lordship of Baal or Bel, and the mysterious processes of life associated with the influence of Astarte, the moon. The divinities of Egypt also appear to have had their worshippers; and, indeed, the mixed population of the land had drawn from every neighbouring region symbols, rites, and practices supposed to propitiate the unseen powers on whose favour human life must depend. Israel could prosper only by rejecting and extirpating this idolatry. Allowed to survive in any degree, it would be the cause of physical suffering and spiritual decay.
The command thus ascribed to Moses was again one which he must have known the Israelites would find difficult to carry out, even if they were cordially disposed to obey it. The sacred places of a country like Canaan tend to retain their reputation even when the rites fall into disuse; and however expeditiously the work of sweeping away the original inhabitants might be done, there was no small danger that knowledge of the cult as well as veneration for the high places would be learned by the Hebrews. The command was made clear and uncompromising so that every Israelite might know his duty; but the difficulty and the peril remained. And as we know from the Book of Judges and subsequent history, the law, especially in regard to the demolition of high places, became practically a dead letter. Jehovah was worshipped at the ancient places of sacrifice; and so far were even pious Israelites of the next few centuries from thinking they did wrong in using those old altars, that Samuel fell in with the custom. It was true in regard to this commandment as it is with regard to many others, -the high mark of duty is presented, but few aim at it. Expediency rules, the possible is made to suffice instead of the ideal. There is reason to believe, not only that the images and stone symbols of Canaan were venerated, but that Jehovah Himself was worshipped by many of the Hebrews under the form of some animal. And the Canaanites became to those who fraternised with them as pricks in their eyes. Spiritual vision failed; faith fell back on the coarse emblems used by the old inhabitants of the land. Then the vigour of the tribes decayed and they were judged and punished.
3. The boundaries of the land in which the Israelites were to dwell are laid down in chapter 34; but, as elsewhere, there is difficulty in following the geography and identifying the old names. The south quarter is to be "from the wilderness of Zin along by the side of Edom"-that is to say, it is to include the region of Zin near Kadesh and extend to the mountains of Seir. The "ascent of Akrabbim" is apparently the Ghor rising southwards from the Dead Sea. The line then runs along the Arabah for some distance, say fifty miles, across by the south of the Azazimeh hills and of Kadesh Barnea towards the stream called the river or brook of Egypt, which it followed to its debouchment in the Mediterranean. The western boundary was the Mediterranean or Great Sea for a distance of perhaps one hundred and sixty miles. The northern boundary is exceedingly obscure. They were to keep in view a "mount Hor" as a landmark; but no two geographers can be said to agree where it was. The "entering in of Hamath" is also a locality greatly disputed. Most likely it was some well-known part of the road leading along the Leontes valley to that of the Orontes. If we take the mount Hor here indicated to be Hermon, a line running west and striking the Mediterranean somewhere north of Tyre would be a natural boundary, and would correspond fairly with the actual partition and occupation of the country. It is certain, however, that both the Philistines and Phoenicians, especially the latter, were so strongly established in the southern and northern parts of the seaboard that any attempt to dispossess them was soon discovered to be futile. And even in the limited central range from Kedesh Naphtali to Beersheba the settlement was only effected gradually.
The Canaan of the Divine promise marked out, yet never fully possessed, is a symbol of the region of this life which those who believe in God have assigned to them, but never entirely enjoy. There are boundaries within which there is abundant room for the development of the life of faith. It is not, as the world reckons, a district of great resources. As Canaan had neither gold nor silver, neither coal nor iron mines, as its seaboard was not well supplied with harbours, nor its rivers and lakes of great use for inland navigation, so we may say the life open to the Christian has its limitations and disabilities. It does not invite those who seek pleasure, wealth, or dazzling exploits. Within it, discipline is to be found rather than enjoyment of earthly good. The "milk and honey" of this land are spiritual symbols, Divine sacraments. There is room for the development of life in every branch of study and culture, but in subordination to the glory of God, and for the testimony that should be borne to His majesty and truth.
Many of us affect to despise so narrow a range of thought and endeavour, and persist in believing that something more than discipline may be looked for in this world. Is there not a proper kingdom of humanity better than any kingdom of Cod? May not the race of men, apart from any service paid to an Unseen God, attain dignity of its own, power, gladness, magnificence? It is supposed that by rejecting all the limitations of religion and refusing the outlook to another life the united labour of men will make this life free and this earth a paradise. But it remains true that men must limit their hopes with regard to their own future here as individuals and the future of the race. We must accept the boundaries God has fixed, on one side the swift Jordan, on the other the Great Sea. There are seemingly rich fields beyond, wide regions that invite the tastes and senses, but these are no part of the souls inheritance; to explore and reduce them would bring no real gain.
The range that lies open to us as servants of God, and affords ample space for the discipline of life, is often not used and therefore not enjoyed. When people will not accept the inevitable fixed limits within which their time and vigour can be occupied to the best advantage, when they look covetously to districts of experience not meant for them, as Israel did at certain periods of her history, their life is spoiled. Discontent begins, envy follows. Where in seeking and reaching moral gains, purity, courage, love, there would have been a continual sense of adequate result and encouraging prospect, there is now no gain, no pleasure. The appointed lot is despised, and all it can yield held in contempt. How many there are who, with a full river of Divine bounty on one side their life, and the great ocean of the Divine faithfulness ebbing and flowing on the other, with the pastures and olive-groves of the Word of God to nourish their soul, with access to His city and sanctuary, and an outlook from summits like Tabor and Hermon to a transfigured life in the new heavens and earth, speak nevertheless with scorn and bitterness of their heritage! They might be reaching "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," but they remain graceless and discontented to the end. Israel, understanding its destiny and using its opportunities aright, might well say-and so may every one who knows the truth as it is in Jesus Christ-"the lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." But this gladness of heart has its root in believing content. The restricted land is full of Gods promise: "Thou maintainest my lot." The security of Jehovahs word encompasses the man of faith.
William Robertson Nicoll, ed., The Expositor's Bible (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1887–1910) — public domain. 65 of 66 books (1 Corinthians is not separately keyed, as that volume carries no machine-parseable verse references); section-level commentary keyed to the opening verse. Introductory and overview sections not keyed to a specific passage are excluded.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v1 In this chapter we have a list of the…
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
In this chapter we have a list of the places at which the Israelites encamped from their departure from Egypt unto their arrival at the Jordan (Num_33:1-49), and directions as to the conquest and distribution of Canaan (Num_33:50-56).
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Num_33:1-2, form the introduction to the list of encampments.
Num_33:3. Rameses, a city in “the western part of the land of Goshen.”—Bibl. Dict.
Num_33:4. Buried. “Rather, ‘were burying.’ ”—Speaker’s Comm.
Num_33:5. Succoth—“booths” or “tents:” situated probably “nearly due east of Rameses, and fifteen miles distant in a straight line.”—Bibl. Dict.
Num_33:6. Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness. “It is reasonable to place Etham where the cultivable land ceases, near the Seba Biár, or Seven Wells, about three miles from the western side of the ancient head of the gulf.”—Ibid.
Num_33:7. Pi hahiroth. The word is most probably Egyptian, and signifies, “the bed of reeds.”
Baal zephon, or “Typhon, a name of Baal as representative of the opposite of mundane order and harmony, or of the god ruling in winter”—(Fuerst). But Mr. Stuart Poole in Bibl. Dict gives as its meaning “place of Zephon;” and he says, “We place Baal-zephon on the western shore of the gulf of Suez, a little below its head, which at this time was about thirty or forty miles north ward of the present head.”
Migdol = “a tower.” Sometimes, a military watch tower, or a look-out in a vineyard. “Migdol and Baal-zephon,” says Mr. Poole. “must have been opposite to one another, and the latter behind Pi-hahiroth with reference to the Israelites.”
Num_33:8. Wilderness of Etham; “i.e., that part of the great wilderness of Shur which adjoined Etham.”—Speaker’s Comm.
Marah. “A satisfactory site has been found for Marah. Howârah, at the head of Wady Amârah, where even now caravans halt in their journey to Sinai, possessing a spring at times so bitter that neither men nor camels can drink of it.”—Alford.
Elim “is generally acknowledged to be the present Wady Ghurundel, two and a-half hours S.E. of Mara, and even now a famous watering-place of the Arabs.”—Ibid.
Num_33:10. By the Red Sea. This “must almost certainly be at the descent of the Wady Taiyibeh on the sea, or in some portion of the plain of Mŭrkhâh, before they again turned up into the mountains.”—Stanley.
Num_33:11. Wilderness of Sin. “The whole of this district between Elim and Sinai is probably the wilderness of Sin” (Alford). Knobel, however, maintains, and with him Keil agrees, “that the wilderness of Sin is the great sandy plateau Debbet er Ramleh, between the desert of Et-Tih and Sinai. This plateau begins near Elim and stretches S. Eastwards towards the range in which Sinai must be included.”—Ibid.
Num_33:13. Dophkah.… Alush, not mentioned in Exodus, were most probably situated somewhere in the northern portion of the wilderness of Sin; but their respective sites have not been identified.
Num_33:14. Rephidim = “rests” or “stays,” was most probably situated in Wady Feiran (see Sinai and Palestine, pp. 38–42).
Num_33:15. The wilderness of Sinai. The Sinai of the Law was most probably the Râs Sŭfsâfeh, which is not a distinct mountain, but the northern portion of Jebel Mûsa, and is thus described by Dean Stanley: “The cliff rising like a huge altar in front of the whole congregation, and visible against the sky in lonely grandeur, from end to end of the whole plain, is the very image of ‘the mount that might be touched,’ and from which the ‘voice’ of God might be heard far and wide over the stillness of the plain below.” The people were most probably assembled in er-Râhah, “the most suitable spot imaginable for the assembling of many thousands of people. It is upwards of two miles long and half a mile broad” (see Sinai and Pal., pp. 39, 44; Alford on Exo_19:1; and Dr. Smith’s Bibl. Dict. art. Sinai).
Num_33:17. Kibroth-hattaavah (see on Num_11:34; p. 181).
Hazeroth (see on Num_11:35, p. 181).
Num_33:18. Rithmah, derived from retem, the broom plant, was in the desert of Paran (Num_12:16), and probably the same locality as “the Wady Abu Retemat, which is not very far to the south of Kadesh, ‘a wide plain with shrubs and retem,’ i.e., broom. This spot was well adapted for a place of encampment for Israel, which was so numerous that it might easily stretch into the desert of Zin, and as far as Kadesh” (Num_13:21; Num_13:26).—Keil and Del.
Num_33:19-36 give the names of the places of encampment “during the years of penal wandering. The determination of their position is difficult, because during the period there was no definite line of march pursued.”—Speaker’s Comm. “Of all the seventeen places not a single one is known, or can be pointed out with certainty, except Ezion-geber.”—Keil and Del.
Rimmon-prirez = “the pomegranate of the breach.” The locality has not been identified.
Num_33:20. Libnah = “whiteness.” “Probably the Laban of Deu_1:1, and situated on or near either the Elanitic gulf or the Arabah.”—Speaker’s Comm.
Num_33:21. Rissah = “heaps of ruins.” Probably identical with Rasa of the Roman tables, “32 Roman miles from Ailah (Elah), and 203 miles south of Jerusalem.”—Bibl. Dict.
Num_33:22. Kehelathah = “assembling.” Nothing is known of the place.
Num_33:23. Mount Shapher = “beautiful mountain.”—Fuerst. Perhaps “the hill now known as Jebel-esh-Shureif, about 40 miles north-west of Râs-el-Kâ’a, north-west of Ezion geber, and west or south-west of el-Beyâneh.”—Speaker’s Comm.
Num_33:24. Haradah = “place of terror.”—Fuerst. “Probably Wady-el-Khâraizeh, about 15 miles south-east of Jebel-esh-Shureif.”—Speaker’s Comm.
Num_33:25. Makheloth = “Places of meeting.” Unknown.
Num_33:26. Tahath = “a depression or valley.”—Fuerst. The site has not been identified.
Num_33:27. Tarah = “station.” Situation unknown.
Num_33:28. Mithcah = “sweet fountain” (Fuerst); or “place of sweetness”—Bibl. Dict. Unknown.
Num_33:29. Hashmonah. The meaning of this word is doubtful; it may be “fat” or “fertile soil.” Probably it is the Heshmon of Jos_15:27, and identical with “the fountain Ain Hasb, in the north-west of the Arabah.”—Speaker’s Comm.
Num_33:30. Moseroth = “place of chastisement.”—Fuerst. In Deu_10:6, we have the singular form of the word (Moserah) instead of the plural, as in this place. In that place it is said, “there Aaron died.” Its site has not been identified.
Num_33:31. Bene-jaakan = “the children of Jaakan” (see Gen_36:27; 1Ch_1:42). In Deu_10:6, “Beeroth (i.e. wells) of the children of Jaakan.” There it is stated that “the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera;” whilst here, it is said, “they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan.” The two passages probably relate to different journeys. This one to a journey during the thirty-seven years of penal wanderings; and that in Deut. to the march in the fortieth year, when they journeyed from Kadesh to Mount Hor, where Aaron died (Num_20:22-29). Beeroth-bene-jaakan “may be identical with the wells of sweet water now known as el-Mayein, which lying up high among the hills, more than 60 miles due west of Mount Hor, would be likely to be visited by the Israelites either immediately before or after their encampment at Moserah.”—Speaker’s Comm.
Num_33:32. Hor-hagidgad. “If the initial letter be Kheth (as in Tex. Recep., Syr., and later Targum) the name will denote the cavern of Gidgad; if He (as some few MSS., Samaritan text, earlier Targ., LXX., Vulg read) it will denote the summit of Gidgad. In Deu_10:7, we read simply Gudgodah or Gudgod.”—Ibid. The situation has not been identified.
Num_33:33. Jotbathah = “goodness.” “In Deu_10:7, ‘Jotbath (Heb. Jotbathah) a land of rivers of waters.’ This place is perhaps to be identified with Wady Tâbah, six miles south-west of the head of the Elanitic gulf; where is a broad plain running down to the sea, containing many palm trees and tamarisks, and well supplied with water.”—Ibid.
Num_33:34. Ebronah; “i.e. ‘passage.’ This station apparently lay on the shore of the Elanitic gulf, at a point where the ebb of the tide left a ford across. Hence the later Targum renders the word ‘fords.’ ”—Ibid.
Num_33:35. Ezion Gaber = “the giant’s back bone.” “Ezion Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom” (1Ki_9:26). Dean Stanley says, “There is nothing to fix the precise site of Ezion Geber.” But it seems almost certain that it was at what was then the northern extremity of the Elanitic gulf, some miles north of the present head of the gulf, at Ain-el-Ghudyân.
Num_33:36. The wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh. See on chaps. Num_12:16; Num_13:21; Num_13:26; Num_20:16.
Num_33:37. Mount Hor, &c. See on chap Num_20:22.
Num_33:37-40. See on chaps. Num_20:22 to Num_21:3.
Num_33:41-43. Zalmonah, … Pa-non, … Oboth. See on Num_21:10.
Num_33:44. Ije-abarim. See on Num_21:11.
Num_33:45. Dibon-gad. See on Num_21:30.
Num_33:46. Almon-diblathaim is almost certainly identical with Beth diblathaim mentioned by Jeremiah (Jer_48:22), in connection with Dibon and Nebo. Its site is unknown; but “it is to be sought for to the north or north-west of Dibon.”
Num_33:47. The mountains of Abarim, before Nebo, “is only another name for the ‘valley of the field of Moab upon the top of Pisgah.’ ” See on Num_21:20.
Num_33:48. The plains of Moab, &c. See on chap Num_22:1.
Num_33:49. Beth-jesimoth = “house of the wastes,” a town situated on the north-eastern border of the Dead Sea (Jos_12:3). Later it was allotted to the Reubenites (Jos_13:20).
Abel-shittim. See on Num_25:1.
Num_33:50—Num_36:13. “This last portion of the book concludes the record of the long wandering of the people by certain directions respecting that conquest and allotment of the Promised Land, with which the wandering terminated. These regulations are divided into two sections by the re-insertion at Num_35:1 of the introductory formula with which Num_33:50 opens. Of these portions the former contains commands concerning
(1) the extermination of the Canaanitish nations, Num_33:50-56;
(2) the boundaries of the Promised Land, Num_34:1-15;
(3) the names of the men who should allot the land, Num_34:16-29.”—Speaker’s Comm.
Num_33:52. Pictures. Rather, “idols of stone” (comp. Lev_26:1).
Molten images; “idols cast from brass.”
High places, where altars were erected for the worship of idols.
THE ITINERARY OR ISRAEL FROM EGYPT TO THE PROMISED LAND
(Num_33:1-2)
Moses kept this record of the marches and encampments of Israel “by the commandment of the Lord.” There must, therefore, have been some good and sufficient reason for it. And it seems to us that it was intended for a memorial, which was calculated in many ways to benefit primarily the Israelites, but also all others who might make acquaintance with the history. It is probable that the history of every station and march had its suggestions for the instruction, or encouragement, or admonition of the people. Of many of these encampments we know nothing except the name; but of others we know something of the occurrences and events connected with them, and in these instances we shall endeavour to briefly point out their moral suggestions. The verses before us, which are the introduction to the record, lead us to consider its general uses, and these as suggested by the fact that it was commanded by God.
It was calculated to be useful as—
I. An incentive to gratitude to God.
His goodness and mercy to the Israelites are manifest throughout the entire history. They are especially seen in His—
1. Emancipating them from bondage in Egypt. “With a strong hand the Lord brought them out of Egypt.”
2. Repeatedly delivering them from their enemies. From the Egyptians at the Red Sea, the Amalekites at Rephidim, the Canaanites at Arad, &c.
3. Infallibly guiding them in their journeys. “In the day time He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.” “He led them forth by the right way,” &c. (a)
4. Constantly providing for them in the desert. “He rained down manna upon them to eat, and gave them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels food; He sent them meat to the full He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like the sand of the sea.” “He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths;” &c. (b)
5. Inviolably guarding them from dangers. Excepting on those occasions when they forfeited His protection by their aggravated offences, He shielded them from the perils both of the desert through which they passed and of the enemies whom they encountered. (c)
The record which, by suggestion, reminded them of so much goodness and mercy, was eminently adapted to inspire their warm and deep gratitude to Him from whom these blessings flowed. And can we survey the path of our pilgrimage without discovering many and cogent reasons for gratitude to God? “What shall I render unto the Lord?” &c. “Bless the Lord, O my soul;” &c. (d)
II. An encouragement to obey and trust God.
The history makes it clearly manifest that in obedience to the Divine will Israel realized peace, security, and prosperity. This was a reason for continued and complete obedience And since God in His dealings with them had displayed so much kindness and wisdom, faithfulness and power, He had surely proved Himself to be worthy of their unlimited and hearty confidence. He is unchangeable; therefore His past doings are examples of what we may expect Him to do in the future. History, properly studied, will be the nurse of faith and hope (comp. Psa_78:3-8). (e)
III. A monitor against sin.
Very impressively the history reveals—
1. Man’s proneness to sin. The Israelites sinned at the Red Sea (Exo_14:11-12), in the wilderness of Sin (Exo_16:2-3), at Rephidim (Exo_17:1-4), at Sinai (Exodus 32), at Kibroth-hattaavah (chap. 11), at Kadesh (chap. 14), &c. How sadly in human life to day is the history of Israel in this respect reproduced!
2. God’s antagonism against sin. See this at Sinai, at Kibroth hattaavah, at Kadesh, in the rebellion of Korah and his company (Num_16:31-50), in the sin “in the matter of Peor” (Num_25:1-9). God is the unrelenting foe of sin. (f)
3. The great evil of sin. This itinerary shows by intimation how it had cursed Israel. All their sorrows and afflictions had resulted from sin. Many of these stations would never have been visited but for their sins. More than thirty-seven years of their wanderings were caused by them. They had painfully proved that sin “is an evil thing and bitter” (comp. Jer_2:19). (g) All this was calculated to warn them against committing it. This use of history is distinctly mentioned in Psa_78:9. And this, we think, was one of the ends why Moses was commanded to keep this diary of travel. Let the miseries which sin has caused us check every inclination to it. (h)
Conclusion.
Every man should remember his own history, and profit by his own experiences.
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) This point is illustrated on pp 152–154, 164
(b) Illustrations on the Divine provision are given on pp. 154, 189, 190, 202.
(c) The Divine protection is illustrated on pp. 105, 154, 164, 176.
(d) For illustrations on this point see pp. 101, 276.
(e) This point is illustrated on pp. 407, 416, 417
(f) and (g) For illustrations on these points see p. 327.
(h) An illustration on Discouragements to sin is given on p. 288.
MOSES’S DIARY OF TRAVELS, AND ITS TEACHINGS
(Num_33:2)
This chapter is a compilation from Moses’s diary, recording the journeys on the way from Egypt to Canaan. The text tells us that God told Moses to keep this record, and to publish it. Human life is not to be forgotten; it is a thing of interest and moment to the person living it, and it is full of instruction to others observing it. God wished the people to remember these journeys; and He wishes all ages to know of them and to learn from them. Let us notice a few of the lessons God intends these journeys to teach us.
I. They impress upon us the great fact of God’s continued presence and interest in human life.
As we read the incidents recorded of these journeys, we see God feeding, guiding, protecting the people. In the census taken at His command, we see that He knows every individual and keeps a record of every life. Then we see Him giving the people laws, sanitary and moral, tending to health and comfort, purity and holiness. These journeys show us that God knew all, was interested in all, and was the best Friend of all. He is still the same, &c.
II. They point out to us that God is the one safe and true Guide through life.
The people in the wilderness were ignorant of the way, exposed to many dangers, and quite helpless in themselves. These journeys show that God with them was more than equal to all emergencies. They prove that while they trusted God, they were never in want; while they followed Him, they never missed the way; and while they obeyed Him, they never suffered harm. To us, as to them, the journey of life is a perilous one: the way is unknown to us, and we need a guide. Let the record of these journeys commend to us Israel’s Guide. He knows the way; He never errs; He can ever protect; He is one we can wholly trust; and He is willing to be our Guide.
III. They present to us a picture of human life and thus tend to give us correct views of life.
What is life as seen from these records? A pilgrimage of varied and chequered experiences. In no place had they a “continuing city”; and in their mysterious wanderings to and fro, they met with all kinds of experiences. They were constantly finding fault with God; and yet He was leading them in a straight, the best way. Such is life to us all; and it is well for us to know it, so as to have right views of life. “Here have we no continuing city;” this is not our rest. God is often leading us in a way which is mysterious to us; His paths are to us often in the deep waters; and we are often perplexed. But let us look at these journeys. He is ever doing right—doing all things well. And the way He leads His people now, as then, is the best way to rest. As in these journeys so in our life; we have Marah and Elim, storm and calm, trouble and comfort; and let us not forget that God led the people to both. Let none then build their hopes on the earth; let none despair in passing through trials and afflictions. Our life here is a mingled one.
“Bits of gladness and of sorrow,
Strangely crossed and interlaid:
Days of fever and of fretting,
Hours of kind and blessed calm.
Tears of parting, smiles of meeting;
Paths of smooth and rugged life.
Such are our annals upon earth,
Our tale from very hour of birth,
The soul’s true history.—Bonar.
IV. They show to us that the greatest evils of life and its only dangers come from sin.
Journeying through this world cannot be all pleasant. In the nature of things, trials and troubles must and do come; for we are in an enemy’s land, we are passing through a course of discipline, &c. But the greatest evils and the only dangers of life come from sin. Look at these journeys. Nothing really injures man but sin. God led the people to the Red Sea, to Marah, to the wilderness, &c.; it was often trying to them; but God never failed them; He was equal to all; they lost not a man; they wanted nothing while they were faithful to Him. Invariably we find that sin was their curse. So with us. There is nothing to fear in poverty, illness, death, &c. They are hard to bear; we need patience under them; but they cannot hurt us. Yea! God can turn them into blessings for us. But as for sin, it is ever a curse, and nothing but a curse; it ruins body and soul; injures us for time and eternity. Yet people love sin, &c. O that all such would read the record of these journeys! &c.
V. They suggest the comforting though that by trusting in God and following Him we are sure to possess the inheritance which He has promised to His people.
Difficulties, trials, opposition are met on the way to heaven; but following after God, we shall safely reach the “good land beyond Jordan,” as did the people the record of whose journeys God commanded Moses to write.
We are all jouneying through life; soon, soon the journey will end. Let each ask himself, Whither am I going? Who is my guide? What will the end be? And let these journeys of Israel urge us all to seek for Israel’s God.—David Lloyd.
THE DEPARTURE FROM THE HOUSE OF BONDAGE
(Num_33:3-4)
Concerning the departure of Israel from Egypt, the text sets forth the following facts—
I. Their departure succeeded the observance of a significant and sacred memorial.
“They departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month, on the morrow after the Passover.” See pp. 139, 141.
Learn: The importance of commemorating the Divine mercies to us. Such commemorations tend to foster our gratitude to God, to encourage our confidence in Him, &c. (a)
II. Their departure was public and triumphant.
“The children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.”
1. It was public. “In the sight of all the Egyptians.” There was no thing clandestine or ignominious in the way in which they left the land of their oppressors (comp. Isa_52:12).
2. It was triumphant. “With an high hand.” God had displayed a little of the awful might of His strong right hand to the Egyptians. He effected the deliverance of Israel, &c.
Learn: The certainty of the accomplishment of the Divine purposes, and the fulfilment of the Divine promises. Notwithstanding the most powerful and persistent opposition, He carries forward His plans to triumphant issues. A reason for trusting Him, &c. (b)
III. Their departure took place when their oppressors were engaged in the most mournful occupation.
“For the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, which the Lord had smitten among them.” How deep and keen must have been the anguish of the Egyptians! The sorrow of “one that is in bitterness for his firstborn,” is spoken of in the sacred Scriptures as the most sharp and sore. And how universal was this sorrow! “There was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead.”
Learn: The greatest sorrows are the result of our sins. The anguish of the Egyptians arose from their oppression and cruelty to the Israelites, and their persistent refusal to comply with the demand of God, and let them go. Shun sin, &c. (c)
IV. Their departure had been brought about by the most awful displays of the Divine judgments.
“All their firstborn, which the Lord had smitten among them: upon their gods also the Lord executed judgments.”
1. On the Egyptians. “The whole kingdom of Egypt,” says Dean Milman, “had been laid waste by successive calamities: the cruelty of the oppressors had been dreadfully avenged; all classes had suffered in the indiscriminating desolation. Their pride had been humbled; their most sacred prejudices wounded; the Nile had been contaminated; their dwellings polluted by loathsome reptiles; their cleanly persons defiled by vermin; their pure air had swarmed with troublesome insects; their cattle had perished by a dreadful malady; their bodies broken out with a filthy disease; their early harvests had been destroyed by the hail, the later by the locusts; an awful darkness had enveloped them for three days;” and, finally, they were smitten with a calamity more dreadful than all these, the instant death of all their firstborn, both of man and cattle.
2. On their idols. “Upon their gods also the Lord executed judgments.” The meaning of this clause is very doubtful. From the fact that the words are here connected with the burying of the firstborn, “it has been supposed,” says Dean Alford, “that the destruction of the firstborn is meant by the phrase, seeing that among them would be many animals worshipped by the Egyptians. Calvin supposes that the judgment would consist in the demonstration of the worthlessness of the help and guardianship of Egypt’s gods. But it must be confessed that both these explanations fall short of any satisfactory elucidation of the words. The Pseudo Jonathan gives a perhaps more likely interpretation, when he refers it to a destruction of the images of Egypt’s gods: ‘The molten images shall liquefy, those of stone shall be smitten in pieces, those of earth be broken up, those of wood shall be burnt to ashes’ (comp. 1Sa_5:3, f.). We have very similar denunciations in Isa_19:1; Jer_43:13; Jer_46:25; Eze_30:13, in three of which places is a distinct reference to the destruction of the images. But if this is meant, there is, of course, far more beneath it: the gods of Egypt are demoniac powers, and Jehovah’s discomfiture of them, beginning with the failure of the magicians, was consummated” in the destruction of the firstborn.
Learn: The utter folly of any creature opposing himself to God. “He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against Him, and hath prospered?” “Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like Him?” (d)
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) For illustrations on this point, see pp. 407, 416, 417.
(b) For an illustration on this point, see p. 460.
(c) Illustrations on this point are given on pp. 97, 258, 327.
(d) Illustrations on this point appear on pp. 252, 312.
SUCCOTH AND ETHAM: THE DETERMINATION OF THE ROUTE
(Num_33:5-6)
“Succoth, their first station, seems to have been the general rendezvous after their hasty flight, and from thence their journey proper began.” Here various Divine instructions seem to have been given to the Israelites, the consideration of which is beyond the scope of our work. There is, however, one question connected with the encampment at Succoth, which cannot be overlooked in any satisfactory treatment of this itinerary, viz., the determination of the route to be pursued; for it is in the account of their brief stay here that we first read of that route. From Succoth to Palestine, through the land of the Philistines, the usual caravan way, is comparatively a short journey. “From Rameses to Gaza,” says Kalisch, “is a straight and much frequented way of eight or ten days, either northwards, through the pass of Djebel-el-Tih, or more eastwards, through that of Djebel-el-Edshmeh; and the sons of Jacob journeyed, in not many days, from Palestine to Egypt to buy corn.” Why then were the Israelites led by the long and trying “way of the wilderness of the Red Sea”? The answer is given in Exo_13:17.
The following homiletic sketch on the determination upon this route as illustrating The tender consideration of God for His people is taken from Buddicom’s Christian Exodus.
The Christian life is a growth, and if assailed by some temptations in its infancy, the consequences might be fatal. He, therefore, who commences and maintains the process of our salvation, gradually accustoms His soldiers and servants to the difficulties of their warfare. Their faith, love, zeal, and self-denial are thus exercised rather than oppressed.
I. The circumstances of the Israelites.
They had been redeemed from bondage. They were commencing their journey to the Promised Land, every spirit filled with pleasure. They were confident of their power to endure the trials of the way. The heart-searching God knew their deficiencies; and a variety of circumstances connected with their feeble faith determined Him in wisdom to divert their feet towards Canaan by a devious path.
1. The Philistines, who lay between them and the promised inheritance, were a brave and warlike people, against whom the sons of Jacob, numerous as they were, could not hope to succeed in battle. Wisely, therefore, did the Lord judge that they would shrink from such enemies. Such are the Christian’s foes. Satan has triumphed over man in every age. And thinkest thou, Christian, that the enemies of the soul are enfeebled? What, then, would be the consequences if God led thee past them to Canaan? Wisely and graciously are you led by the wilderness.
2. The Israelites were unarmed, and therefore utterly unable to cope with the Philistines, who were prepared with every means of offence and defence which a people whose delight was in war could invent. The young believer just escaped from the house of bondage is defenceless. His enemies are armed. He cannot expect to wield the sword of the Spirit with the full energy of one who has been accustomed to fight with it.
3. In thus estimating the goodness of God towards the children of Israel, we must add that their spirits were bowed down by long captivity. The hard bondage in mortar and brick was not the school in which to learn courage. Hence Israel was not fitted to match against the free soldiers of Philistia. The slavery of Satan unfits for conflict with the foes of the soul.
II. The dealing of God towards them.
God might have made Israel at peace with the Philistines; or have given them courage to defeat their foes. But this would have comprehended less of moral discipline.
1. He avoided the nearest way to the Promised Land, and led them by the way of the wilderness. The Israelites would be astonished at the line of march; they would be disposed to murmur. Has not God often contradicted your desires? The passenger ignorant of navigation cannot direct the course of the ship. The ship-master knows the rocks: God knows our path best.
2. He saw fit that they should pass through the dangers of the Red Sea, and sojourn in the wilderness of Sin. Could this be the result of wisdom? “Clouds and darkness are round about Him.” It is the exclusive province of unerring wisdom to draw an exact line between the discipline necessary for our moral good, and that severity of affliction which might overwhelm us. We must confide in our Heavenly Father.
3. Although the journey of the Israelites was contrary to their expectations, their wishes, and their clouded judgment, it was the safest and the best path to Canaan. “He led them forth by the right way.” Let us learn, then, to leave the choice of our course simply and solely to God.
PI-HAHIROTH; OR, STANDING STILL IN THE MIDST OF DANGER
(Num_33:7)
Departing from Etham, “on a sudden,” to quote the words of Dean Milman, “the march of the Israelites is altered; instead of pressing rapidly onwards, keeping the sea on their right hand, and so heading the gulf, they strike to the south, with the sea on their left, and deliberately encamp at no great distance from the shore, at a place called Pi-hahiroth. The king, recovered from his panic, and receiving intelligence that the Israelites had no thought of return, determined on pursuit: intelligence of this false movement, or at least of this unnecessary delay on the part of the Israelites, encouraged his hopes of vengeance. The great caste of the warriors, the second in dignity, were regularly quartered in certain cities on the different frontiers of the kingdom, so that a considerable force could be mustered on any emergency. With great rapidity he drew together 600 war chariots, and a multitude of others, with their full equipment of officers. In the utmost dismay the Israelites beheld the plain behind them glittering with the hostile array; before them lay the sea; on the right, impracticable passes. Resistance does not seem to have entered their thoughts; they were utterly ignorant of military discipline, perhaps unarmed, and encumbered with their families, and their flocks and herds. ‘Because there were no graves in Egypt,’ they exclaimed, in the bitterness of their despair, ‘hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness?’ Their leader alone preserved his calmness and self-possession.”
Let us fix upon some of his remarkable words to them as suggesting instructive and helpful considerations: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you to-day” (Exo_14:13). Consider—
I. The deplorable effect of slavery upon the Israelites.
This, the first peril which they encountered, revealed their almost utter destitution of manliness. Notice—
1. Their cowardice. Soon as they saw the advancing hosts of Pharaoh “they were sore afraid.” They were in great consternation, prepared for anything mean and unmanly; totally unprepared for anything noble or brave.
2. Their faithlessness. All the signs and wonders of the Divine Hand wrought on their behalf are lost sight of by reason of their present difficulty and danger.
3. Their ingratitude. How disgracefully they reproached Moses! “Because there were no graves in Egypt,” &c What a base return for all his disinterested and noble efforts on their behalf! They go so far as to apostatise in spirit. “Better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.” A man would have said: “Better death than slavery; better anything than to again bow our neck beneath the yoke of the oppressor. When freedom and honour are no more, life is not desirable.” But slavery had crushed the manhood out of them. The degradation of their position had done its mischievous work by degrading themselves, and reducing them in spirit to mere serfs. In estimating their conduct, we must thus take into account their previous disadvantages and sufferings. And this principle should be observed in analogous cases in our own day. Apply it in the case of the reclaimed drunkard. It is unreasonable to complain because he is not at once a man of refinement, &c. It will take years to repair the waste and injury of the years of intemperance. Let us be thankful for the transformation of the drunkard into a sober man, and wait with patience for the exhibition of the characteristics of a noble manhood. Apply it to the spiritual life. After we are delivered from the bondage of sin, we shall often discover evil results of our former life clinging to us, and retarding our progress. The strength and courage of mature Christian manhood are not attained at once. Sainthood is a growth. Let us patiently and hopefully persevere, &c.
II. The distinguished heroism of Moses.
Amid all the excitement, danger, alarm, and reproaches of the people, Moses was sublimely calm and magnanimous. He uttered no reproach to his craven-hearted followers; but addressed to them words of lofty inspiration and encouragement. “Fear ye not, stand still,” &c. The crisis that revealed the mean cowardice and base ingratitude of his followers, revealed also the noble generosity and triumphant heroism of the leader. That which brought out their want of faith in God, also brought out the strength and firmness of his faith in Him.
III. The remarkable exhortation of Moses.
“Fear ye not, stand still,” &c. This exhortation warrants the inference, that there are times when our highest wisdom is to “stand still” and wait the Divine directions; when the best thing we can do is to do nothing but look to God to indicate our course. We do not counsel indolence either in temporal or spiritual things. There can be no progress without effort; or attainment without industry; or conquest without conflict. Yet there are seasons in life when it is the part of the wise man and the Christian not to exhaust himself in fruitless efforts, but to “stand still” and wait with all possible calmness for the interposition of God. When we have done all that we can do, and can do no more, and yet the end is not attained, we are not extricated from our difficulties, it is wise in us not to exhaust ourselves in frantic cries and efforts which merely beat the air, but to wait until God shall appear for our help, (a) This principle is applicable to—
1. Our personal salvation. We are commanded to “work out our own salvation;” and only by patient and earnest effort can we advance in the Christian life. But there is a very important part of our salvation in which we can do nothing but “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” Thus it is in relation to our acceptance with God Our part in this is not to endeavour to commend ourselves to His favour, or strive to justify ourselves before Him, or labour to merit His grace. Our part is to accept His grace, to leave ourselves to His mercy, to receive Christ as our Saviour, to “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
2. The exigencies of life. There are seasons when we find human and earthly resources utterly inadequate to our need. There are burdens which no human friend can help us to bear; difficulties from which no human skill can extricate us; crises in which we are thrown either into unmanly, enforced submission, or into the frenzies of despair, or upon the help of God. In these crises let us “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord;” let us hopefully appeal to Heaven for help. Thus did David (Psa_60:11; Psa_142:4-5). We are exhorted in the Scriptures to do so (Psa_46:10; Isa_30:7; Isa_30:15). (b) Nor is it less brave, at such times, to “stand still” and wait the help of God. The coward may struggle frantically in the terrible crises of life; but only the heroic can wait the time when action is serviceable, and wait that time calmly. To stand still in the moment of supreme anxiety, and wisely estimate our resources and scan our prospects, and determine the best mode and time for action, and cast ourselves upon God—this demands a brave man, and one whose courage springs from faith. There are times when it is more heroic to “stand still” than to fight, and crises when it is wiser to wait than to work. (c)
The great lesson of our subject is this, trust in God. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” &c.
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) One of our hardest lessons is to find out the wisdom of our hindrances; how we are to be put forward and upward by being put back and put down; encouraged by being rebuked; prospered by being baffled. When the company in the “Pilgrim’s Progress” had to sit up watching all night at the house of Gaius, Greatheart kept them awake with this riddle, “He that would kill must first be overcome”; and the truth in it has been practically dug out, by trials that broke sleep, through many a hard fortune, in every Christian experience since. It needs wakeful watchers, spiritual eyesight, to read that riddle of life, how defeat helps progress; how a compulsory standing still speeds us on; how humiliation exalts; how putting a cross on the shoulders lightens the burden of the race. But Christ has solved the wonder of His own cross, humbling Himself, becoming obedient unto death, and in His humiliation having His judgment taken away.
Gradually, to believing eyes, the fact comes out. Standing still at the right time, in the right way, for the right purpose, is the surest advance. Waiting on God brings us to our journey’s end faster than our feet. The failure of our favourite plans is often the richest success of the soul. Let the pressure of trouble drive you down from your heights of health and pride, and you will come upon the primary foundation, and grow strong out of the rock Be exiled from the convivial fellowships of comfort and popularity, and you make new acquaintances with stronger friends,—Christian self-possession, and wholesome repentance, and a mastery of your moral forces, and faith in your Lord.—F. D. Huntington, D.D.
(b) In the midst of our own houses, there are more secret sorrows than I need to name. Every life has its own. Perhaps there are erring, ungrateful, and ungracious children, with parents’ hearts breaking and bleeding over them, and agonizing in daily prayers for their return. “Have faith in God;” every prayer pierces the Heaven of heavens; the Intercessor and Mediator pleads with it; and its answer is committed to some strong angels at the right hand of the Throne. There are anxieties, alienations, unavailing affections, crossed desires and hopes. There are memories running back from pews in this house of prayer to the graves of those that worship no more in earthly temples. Rest, mourners, in the Lord. Seek not the living among the dead. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all else shall be added. “Let us be still beneath God’s hand; for though His hand be heavy upon as, it is strong and safe beneath us too: and none can pluck us out of His hand.” O, impatient griefs, and sorrows that have no hope, be still; and ye hopes that would outrun the wisdom of a healing Providence and a saving Mercy, be still; all unreasonable and rebellious thoughts, be still; know that the Lord, He is God. Remember that “the darkness is God’s as well as the light”; and “if we cannot walk” and work therein, “we can” at least kneel down and “pray.”—Ibid.
(c) If we learn to measure the bravery of Christian acquirements rather by the inward effort they cost than by their display, if we estimate character more by the standard of Christ’s heatitudes than by what we short-sightedly call “results,” we shall find some of the sublimest fruits of faith among what are commonly called passive virtues: in the silent endurance that hides under the shadow of great afflictions; in the quiet loveliness of that forbearance which “suffereth long and is kind”; in the charity which is “not easily provoked”; in the forgiveness which can be buffeted for doing well and “take it patiently”; in the smile on the face of diseased and suffering persons, a transfiguration of the tortured features of pain brightening sick rooms more than the sun; in the unostentatious heroism of the household, amidst the daily dripping of small cares in the noiseless conquests of a love too reverent to complain; in resting in the Lord, and waiting patiently for Him. Have you yourself never known the time when you found it a harder lesson to learn how to be still in your room than to be busy in the world? Of masculine natures that is apt to be the special cross. And so that may be the point where faith and virtue need to rally their strength, if you would be a triumphant disciple. It is a fact which not all of us may have noticed, that of the nine beatitudes of our Lord, all, unless it be one, pronounce their blessing on what the world would call tame and passive traits, from “the poor in spirit,” to those who are reviled and persecuted without revenge. So does Christianity turn upside down the vulgar vanity of out ambition, and empty our worldliness of blessedness.—Ibid.
PI-HAHIROTH; OR, A LONG SEPARATION
(Num_33:7)
There are other remarkable words of Moses, spoken at this station, which we shall do well to consider before we pass on. Having uttered the words which we have already noticed, he said: “For the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever” (Exo_14:13). In these words we have an illustration of—
I. The triumphant faith of Moses.
It rose superior to difficulties and dangers; the abject terror of his followers could not diminish its vitality or vigour; the almost desperate aspect of affairs could not overcome it; it was splendidly victorious over all. Let us emulate Moses in this respect.
II. The suicidal hardihood of the wicked.
Most terrible was the development of Pharaoh’s character. His resistance of the Divine commands although they were authenticated by the most striking and dreadful signs; and his hardening of himself in rebellion against God—how appalling are these! Madly he rushed into ruin; blindly he courted destruction. His is a typical case. Sin seems to infatuate men—drives them mad. Spiritually, men are their own executioners; they of their own accord rush into the sea that engulfs them. Sin is madness. The persistent sinner is beside himself.
III. The working of God in history.
1. Delivering the oppressed. The Israelites had long cried unto Him; and the only result seemed to be that their position became worse. As we reckon time, His interposition was long delayed. Does God hear? Does He judge amongst men? Yes. “He sitteth in the throne judging right.” “He will avenge His own elect,” &c.
2. Retributing the oppressor. Long time had God borne with Pharaoh; but at length His forbearance ceases and He visits him in judgment. “Because sentence against an evil work,” &c. (Ecc_8:11). “Though hand join in hand,” &c. (Pro_11:21). “Thinkest thou that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” (Rom_2:3-6). “He that being often reproved,” &c. (Pro_29:1).
3. Developing in all His own wonderful purposes. Consider these Israelites,—they were cowardly, ungrateful, preferring to return into slavery than to die fighting for freedom. How unlikely that they should ever become a truly great nation! How unlikely that through them should come to the human race the greatest blessings! the clear revelation of the will and purpose of God, and the Redeemer of men! How unlikely! Yet such was God’s purpose; towards its accomplishment these events were tending; and in due season it was realized. History should be studied reverently, for God is working in it. In all and by all He is developing His own glorious plans.
IV. Separations which are taking place amongst men in the present.
1. There are many persons whom having seen them once we “shall see them again no more for ever.” In the througed thoroughfare, in the railway carriage, at the summer retreat, we see many persons once, and never more in this life. Join to this the fact that we may influence them by act, or word, or look; and how solemn is the consideration! What an argument for a true life at all times!
2. There are persons whom we separate from to “see them again no more for ever” in the same circumstances. We meet them again; but, so changeful are all things here that, the surroundings of their life are altered. The poor have become prosperous; the prosperous, impoverished; the distressed have become happy, and the happy, miserable, &c. This changefulness makes many a separation very anxious. We ask,—“Shall we meet again as well and as happy?” &c.
3. There are persons whom we separate from to “see them again no more for ever” in the same character. We part from a person who is ungodly and profane; years roll away, and we meet him a reverent and religious man A youth leaves home reckless and wild; he returns a thoughtful and earnest man. A young man or woman leaves home comparatively innocent and pure; but the man returns with a blasted character, and the woman a moral wreck. This is the most separating separation. Separation of time, or space, or even of world, does not so painfully separate as division of character.
V. The great separation which will take place amongst men in the future.
See Mat_13:30; Mat_13:39-43; Mat_25:31-46.
In that great final separation, where shall we be found?
PI-HAHIROTH; OR, GOING FORWARD IN THE FACE OF DIFFICULTIES
(Num_33:7)
The time for standing still and waiting was soon at an end. Moses sought direction from God; and at once received the Divine answer: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward” (Exo_14:15).
It must have seemed strange to the Israelites to be commanded to advance. To “go forward” seemed like rushing from one difficulty into another. Pharaoh and his army were an alarming danger behind them; before them the sea appeared a danger no less to be dreaded. Yet the order was, “Go forward.” Notwithstanding the threatening sea, they were to advance. We regard this as an illustration of Christian Progress in the Face of Difficulties. It is an established fact of the Christian life, that God calls us to advancement though there are immense difficulties in our path. He commands us to “Go forward” in despite of dangers which appear inevitable and fatal.
I. In the Christian life advancement is demanded.
Progress is a great law of the universe. In nature all things move onward. Winds, and streams, and stars, are ever advancing. The history of science, philosophy, and art, is a record of progress The Religion of Jesus Christ also has advanced and grown constantly. Progress is a law of all life. Where progress ends decay begins. So in the spiritual life the command is, forward, upward, heavenward, God ward. Continuance in the same condition is impossible. Advancement to higher attainments, and nobler developments, and more perfect conditions of being, is ever demanded of us. “Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.” “Grow in grace,” &c. “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,” &c. (2Pe_1:5-7). “Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” “Go forward.” (a)
II. In the Christian life advancement is demanded with a full recognition of the obstacles in the way of it.
He who commanded the Israelites to “go forward” was perfectly acquainted with the sea which rolled forbiddingly before them, and all the succeeding difficulties which awaited them; yet He gave the order to advance. He does likewise in the Christian life. He hath forewarned us “that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Yet He ever summons us to advance, ever calls us to ascend. The path of Christian progress is seldom an easy one. Dangers and difficulties are numerous. We pass from conquest to renew the conflict. We throw one foe and advance to engage another. We surmount one difficulty, and another challenges us to effort. Yet knowing all these things, the Lord says, “Go forward.” (b)
III. In the Christian life, obstacles to progress, manfully encountered, may be surmounted.
In ordinary life we frequently witness proofs of this principle. Man, by the force of a sound and active understanding, and iron will, and persistent effort, is constantly removing mountains, accomplishing that which is pronounced impossible.
“Who breaks his birth’s invidious bar,
And grasps the skirts of happy chance,
And breasts the blows of circumstance,
And grapples with his evil star,”
he can do wonders—almost “all things are possible to him.” Let the same mind and will and activity be under the guidance of God, and nerved by faith in Him, and difficulties shall melt away before them. “All things are possible to him that believeth.” “Faith laughs at impossibilities.” The Israelites moved forward at the command of God; and before the majesty of such reliant obedience, the sea disparted. The difficulty vanished in the presence of believing obedience. When God saith, “Go forward,” though it be towards the deep sea or trackless mountain, let us advance, and some unseen path will open before us, or the waters will divide at our feet.
“Dark and wide the sea appears,
Every soul is full of fears,
Yet the word is onward still,
Onward more and do His will;
And the great deep shall discover
God’s highway to take thee over.” (c)
IV. In the Christian life, obstacles to progress, manfully encountered, contribute to our advancement.
Obstacles are disciplinary. Every difficulty that has vanished before the obedience of faith is an argument for future and greater reliance. Every conflict, courageously entered upon and continued, must end in conquest; and every conquest fits us for more severe conflicts, and makes our final victory more sure. Through the grace of God, difficulties, dangers, and foes, are all contributing to our progress, (d)
V. In the Christian life we are incited to progress, notwithstanding obstacles, by a host of encouragements.
Here are some of our encouragements.
1. Believing prayer is mighty with God. Moses cried unto the Lord; and the Lord responded to his prayer by dividing the sea. He still attends to the requests of men. (e)
2. Glorious examples incite us onward. Think of Paul: “I count not myself to have apprehended,” &c. And later in life: “I have fought a good fight,” &c. Think of that glorious and ever-increasing multitude who by faith have triumphed over all hindrances, perils, and adversaries. “Be ye followers of them who through faith and patience,” &c. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about,” &c.
3. The character of our great Leader encourages us forward. His path has been one of splendid victories; His career one of constantly increasing glory. He is equal to every emergency. With Jesus at our head we need not fear to advance.
What earnest voices unite in urging us to “Go forward”! Voices of the glorified urge us onward. They who have passed from the semblances of time to the realities of eternity call upon us to advance. The rest that awaits us invites us forward. We do not pine for our rest before God wills it. We long for no inglorious rest. We are thankful rather for the invaluable training of difficulty, the loving discipline of danger and strife. Yet in the midst of it all, the prospect of rest attracts us heavenward. Through all, and above all, God cries, “Go forward;” “Come up hither.”
“Forward I be our watchword,
Steps and voices joined;
Seek the things before us,
Not a look behind:
Burns the fiery pillar
At our army’s head;
Who shall dream of shrinking,
By our Cap ain led?
Forward through the desert,
Through the toil and fight;
Canaan lies before us,
Zion beams with light”—Alford.
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) Certainly advance is the great law of the Christian life, as well as of the universe. All things in nature and history go forward. The stream moves forward, not a wave of it turns back, its every eddy even is, in reality, advancing. The winds move forward, pausing, indeed, often on their journey, lingering amidst the locks of the pine or in the cleft of the rock, but speedily resuming their onward sweep again. The stars—the earth included—move forward, “hasting not, resting not,” seeking, it is said, some distant centre. How we saw the comet of 1858 shooting like an arrow towards its broad target, the sun! Science, art, philosophy, literature, every species of knowledge, move forward; invention following invention—discovery, discovery; one man of genius eclipsing another, to be in his turn outshone. Time moves forward—oh, how rapidly! and how his vast wings seem to say as they rush along, “I have an engagement at the judgment-seat. I have an appointment in eternity, and I must fulfil it. My ‘King’s business requireth haste.’ ” Christ Himself never rested. He was never in a hurry, but He was always in haste. The difference between Him and many of His people is, His life was short, and He knew it, and did the most in it; theirs, too, is short, but they know it not, and do not with their might what their hand findeth to do. God Himself even, with all the leisure of eternity, is not losing an hour, but is carrying on His broad plans with undeviating regularity and increasing swiftness, and surely men should aspire in this respect to be imitators of, and fellow-workers with, God. Christ’s religion, too, has been active and progressive; sometimes frozen up for a time like a river, but, like a river, working under the ice, and when spring arrived, making up for the time lost by the increased rapidity of its course. And so with the path of the individual; like the river, the winds, the stars, the Eternal Himself, it must advance. Our motto should be “Excelsior.”—G Gilfillan, M.A.
(b) The progress of the Christian is often from one difficulty to another, and very idle for him, in this earth, to expect an unvaried course of even moderate peace and happiness. He only exchanges one difficulty for another. After old obstacles are surmounted, new ones are sure to arise. The children of Israel probably thought they had buried all their difficulties in that ocean. And how loud and bold rung their psalm, as if it were a challenge to the wilderness, on the verge of which they stood. But the wilderness accepted the challenge, and what with thirst, hunger, wild beasts, and, at last, Divinely-appointed death, it engulfed almost all that multitude which had shouted for victory on the shore of the Red Sea. And so with the desert of this world. The Slough of Despond is exchanged for the Hill Difficulty, and that for the Castle of Giant Despair. We disguise not the pleasures of the wilderness, its wells, arbours, angels, Delectable Mountains, but notwithstanding all this, it is a wilderness at the best, and grows often more dreary the longer we pursue our path.—Ibid.
(c) For an illustration on this point see p. 393 (a).
(d) Illustrations on this point appear on pp. 393, 394.
(e) Beloved, if you can conceive of an age that is worse than another, so much the more is it a fit platform for the heavenly energy; the more difficulty, the more room for omnipotence to show itself; there is elbow-room for the great God when there is some great thing in the way, and some great difficulty that He may overturn. When there is a mountain to be cast into the valley, then there is almighty work to be done; and our covenant God only needs to see work to do for His paying people, and He will shortly do it.—C. H. Spurgeon.
Illustrations on the Power of Prayer appear on pp. 183, 225.
THE DIVIDING OF THE RED SEA
(Num_33:8)
“And they departed from before Pi-hahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness.”
I. This dividing of the sea was miraculous.
1. Because it took place, and the waters closed again, upon the outstretching of the hand of Moses, and in fulfilment of his word (Exo_14:13). The sea is less manageable by man, perhaps, than any other force of nature. “The sea is God’s, and He made it” (Psa_95:5), and to Him only will it render obedience. The obedience in this case to Moses was, therefore, the result of a supernatural interposition. (a)
2. Because the waters stood upright on either side of the path. When waves roll back and leave their bed dry for a short space of time, they break, and return again; a strong wind would drive back the water on one side only and leave the water perhaps knee-deep or ankle-deep, but the wall of water on either side, and the dry land in the middle, could have been produced by miraculous power alone.
II. The fact of the miracle is proved by the present existence of the nation which was that day born.
No nation in the world, except the Hebrew, can point to the place and the day on which it began its national existence. All other ancient nations have lost their identity, but the Jews retain theirs, and the miracle of the Red Sea has always been the foundation fact of their history (Isa_63:12; Psa_68:12, &c.).
Lessons.
i. The attainment of moral ends is more important than physical convenience. The Israelites could have entered Canaan by a much nearer way than through the Red Sea, but that way was chosen for them to teach them many important truths in connection with God. The shortest way to attain an end is not always the best way. A short way to a fortune may not be so conducive to the formation of a worthy character as one which it takes much longer to travel. This truth is taught in the temptation of our Saviour (Luk_4:5-8). Satan proposed a short way to that universal dominion, which our Lord knew could only be safely and truly attained through Gethsemane and Calvary.
ii. The attainment of moral ends is more important than the uninterrupted operation of the ordinary laws of nature This is not at all surprising. The laws of nature are God’s servants, and it is only reasonable to expect that, when He can reveal His power and mercy better by suspending their action, and operating, as it were, upon the forces of the world, without their instrumentality, He should do so. When the special end is accomplished they return to their wonted service. They have kept the bed of the Red Sea covered ever since the day when the waters closed over Pharaoh and his hosts.
iii. The attainment of moral ends is more important than the preservation of bodily life. This is an acknowledged fact. The life of a rebel is considered of less importance than the upholding of the law that condemns him to death. The lives of many men are oftentimes considered of less importance than the establishment and upholding of freedom, and the downfall of that which degrades the higher life of the human race and prevents its development.—W. Harris.
ILLUSTRATION
(a) On a sudden Moses advances towards the sea, extends his rod, and a violent wind from the east begins to blow. The waters recede on both sides, a way appears; at nightfall, probably about eight o’clock, the caravan begins to defile along this awful pass. The wind continued in the same quarter all the night; but immediately they had passed over, and while the Egyptians, madly plunging after them, were in the middle of the passage, the wind as suddenly fell, the waters rushed back into their bed, the heavy chariot-wheels of the pursuers sank into the sand, broke and overthrew the chariots, and in this state of confusion the sea swept over the whole host, and overwhelmed the king and all the flower of the Egyptian army.
Such is the narrative in the book of Exodus, which writers of all ages have examined, and, according to the bias of their minds, have acknowledged or denied the miraculous agency, increased or diminished its extent. At an early period, historians (particularly in Egypt), hostile to the Jews, asserted that Moses, well acquainted with the tides of the Red Sea, took advantage of the ebb, and passed over his army, while the incautious Egyptians, attempting to follow, were surprised by the flood, and perished. Yet, after every concession, it seems quite evident that, without one particular wind, the ebb tide, even in the narrowest part of the channel, could not be kept back long enough to allow a number of people to cross in safety. We have, then, the alternative of supposing, that a man of the consummate prudence and sagacity, and the local knowledge, attributed to Moses, altered, suspended, or at least did not hasten his march, and thus deliberately involved the people, whom he had rescued at so much pains and risk, in the danger of being overtaken by the enemy, led back as slaves, or massacred, on the chance that an unusually strong wind would blow at a particular hour, for a given time, so as to keep back the flood, then die away, and allow the tide to return at the precise instant when the Egyptians were in the middle of their passage.…
Wherever the passage was effected, the Mosaic account cannot, by any fair interpretation, be made consistent with the exclusion of preternatural agency. Not to urge the literal meaning of the waters being a wall on the right hand and on the left, as if they had stood up sheer and abrupt, and then fallen back again,—the Israelites passed through the sea with deep water on both sides; and any ford between two bodies of water must have been passable only for a few people at one precise point of time. All comparisons, therefore, to marches like that of Alexander, cited by Josephus idly, and in his worst spirit of compromise, are entirely inapplicable. That bold general took the opportunity of the receding tide to conduct his army round a bluff headland in Pamphylia, called Climax, where, during high water, there was no beach between the cliffs and the sea. But what would this, or any other equally daring measures in the history of war, be to the generalship of Moses, who must thus have decoyed his enemy to pursue him to the banks of the sea, and so nicely calculated the time, that the lowest ebb should be exactly at the hour of his greatest danger, while the whole of the pursuing army should be so infatuated, and so ignorant of the tides, as to follow them without any apprehension of the returning flood? In this case Moses would appear as formidable a rival to the military fame of Alexander, as to the legislative wisdom of Solon or Lycurgus.—H. H. Milman, D.D.
MARAH; OR, ASPECTS OF THE JOURNEY OF LIFE
(Num_33:8)
“And they went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.”
Human life in this world is a journey, which begins at birth and ends at death. Certain aspects of this journey are brought before us by the journey of the Israelites from the Red Sea to Marah, and their life at Marah.
I. The privations of this journey.
“They went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham.” And we learn from Exo_15:22, that during those days they “found no water.” We have already briefly treated this topic on p. 366. (a)
II. The disappointments of our journey.
“And pitched in Marah.” “And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.” How intensely painful must their disappointment have been! (b)
An illustration of some experiences in our own life. We have looked upon some thing or some position, and have felt and said to ourselves: “When I attain that I shall be satisfied and happy.” We have attained it, and found it unsatisfactory and bitter. Napoleon III., when an exile, deemed the throne to be all he needed to secure his happiness. He attained it; and in a few years he confessed: “In changing my destiny, I have but changed my joys and sorrows. Formerly I bore the afflictions of exile; now I have to sustain the cares of power.” One has looked at wealth as the one thing needful to his happiness; secured it; and been filled with bitter disappointment. Another has so judged concerning leisure, and attained it, with a similar result. Many have thus estimated married life and offspring. Countless mothers, on the birth of their first son, have said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” But how often, like Cain, has he wrung that mother’s heart with anguish! How often has a father’s beloved turned out a second Absalom! We have looked upon many things as the pleasant fruit of our life; grasped them; and discovered a foul worm at the core. God disappoints us with the waters of Marah in order to lead us to Him who can make them sweet. When we over-estimate things and creatures, He has ordered that they shall disappoint us in order to lead us to Him who can fully meet our highest and vastest expectation.
III. The sins of our journey.
When the Israelites found that they could not drink the waters of Marah, they “murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?” Notice—
1. Their unreasonableness and ingratitude towards Moses. Why murmur against him? Was he responsible for the lack of drinkable water? Could he make the bitter water sweet? Their murmurings were childish. Moreover, he had been their benefactor He had dared and sacrificed bravely for them. How ungrateful, then, was their conduct towards him!
2. Their unbelief and ingratitude to God. They had soon forgotten practically their deliverance from Egypt and their passage through the Red Sea. Three days ago they were singing the song of victory; to-day they are murmuring. Past interpositions of God on their behalf should have inspired present confidence in Him. Gratitude should have precluded murmuring. We also are prone to sin in like manner in our life-journey; to overlook past deliverances in present dangers; to fret and murmur at the inconveniences and trials of the way; to be unbelieving and ungrateful, &c. (c)
IV. The all-sufficient Resource of our journey.
In answer to the prayer of Moses God made the bitter waters sweet for them (Exo_15:25). He is our Resource, and he is—
1. All-sufficient. He is equal to every emergency and every need. To Him there are no emergencies. He sees the whole of our journey, knows every step of the way, and has wisely and amply provided for every need. (d)
2. Always willing to help. We have not to overcome by our prayers any unwillingness on His part to bless us. We have but sincerely to seek His aid, and He will impart it to us. (e)
3. Ever available. We can approach Him at all times and in all places. The cry of supplication or the song of praise will always reach His ear and secure His regard.
Brothers, we are all journeying, and sometimes with weary and aching hearts. Life’s changes sometimes clothe our life in shade, and weigh down our hearts with sadness. Its disappointments surprise and grieve our spirits. Our own sins often fill our hearts with shame and sorrow. But here is our unfailing Resource. Our Lord can take away the sin. He can sanctify changes and disappointments to our spiritual and eternal advantage. Let our trust be in Him. We are all journeying; but we may each find the end of our journey to be a secure and blessed home. In that home there shall be no more changes saddening our souls, no more disappointments distressing us, no more sins to harass and grieve the soul; but pure and peaceful life, &c.
“Tuneful is the sound
That dwells in whispering boughs;
Welcome the freshness round,
And the gale that fans our brows.
But rest more sweet and still,
Than ever nightfall gave,
Our yearning hearts shall fill,
In the world beyond the grave.
“There shall no tempests blow,
No scorching noon-tide heat,
There shall be no more snow,
No weary, wandering feet.
So we litt our trusting eyes
From the hills our fathers trod,
To the quiet of the skies,
To the Sabbath of our God.”
—Hemana.
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) Three days they marched without finding any water. We do not, with some, suppose, that during all this time they were without water. This was impossible. They must hare brought water in their leathern bottles with them from the last station. But this time having passed without an opportunity of replenishing their vessels, the supply was at length exhausted, and they began to suffer fearfully from thirst. Let us not think lightly of their distress. Thirst is a cruel thing; and it is known to be such even in a humid clime, where the sensation is rarely and lightly experienced and is very easily removed. But amid the hot sandy waste, under a burning sky, without any means of relief, the suffering is horrible. There is nothing like it. If we reflect that this vast host of men, women, and children, with numerous herds of cattle, had to travel over the sandy waste mostly on foot, with the burning sun over their heads, we may be able to form some faint and inadequate idea of their condition. But if we endeavour to picture to ourselves the circumstances of their case, and the unmistakable signs of suffering and misery which it presented, we shall have a more distinct apprehension of their wretched condition. They plod moodily and heavily on, no man speaking to his fellow. Many cannot speak if they would. Their tongues are parched and rough, and cling to the roofs of their mouths; their lips are black and shrivelled; and their eyeballs are red with heat, and sometimes a dimness comes over them, which makes them stagger with faintness. There is not one in all that multitude who probably would not have given all he possessed in the world, who would not have parted with a limb or have given up his life for one cool draught of water. And this was suffered by a people who had been used to drink without stint of the finest water in the world.—John Kitto, D.D.
(b) But lot their misery, they think is past. In the distance they behold trees and bushes clad in refreshing green, and they know there must be water near. With glad looks and quickened steps they push joyously on.
“For sure through that green meadow flows
The living stream! And lo! their famished beast
Sees the restoring sight!
Hope gives his feeble limbs a sudden strength,
He hurries on.”—Thalaba.
What a rush to the water! what eagerness to gulp the refreshing flood! But whence that universal groan, and horror, and despair? The water is bitter—so bitter as to be loath-some even to their intense agony of thirst. Pity them; but judge them not too severely, if, in that awful moment of disappointed hope, with the waters of Marah before their faces, and the waters of the Nile before their thoughts, they did murmur, they did complain that they had been brought from unfailing waters to perish in that thirsty desolation. They should have trusted in God. They had been rescued from more imminent danger; and it was no arm of flesh, but the sacred pillar of cloud, which had indicated their way and brought them to that place. They should have prayed to their Divine Protector to supply their wants, as He was well able to do; and although there is much in the real misery they suffered to extenuate this offence, their forgetfulness and neglect were most blameworthy. Yet, in consideration of their sufferings. God Himself excused them in this more readily than man has done. It will be seen in the sacred record that He dealt tenderly with them. He did not, as on other occasions, when they sinned in like manner without the like excuse, reprove them; but when Moses cried to Him for help, He, in the tenderness of His great pity, at once healed the waters, and made them sweet and salutary.—Ibid.
(c) For illustrations on Murmuring, see pp. 247, 266, 267; on Ingratitude, pp. 247, 368; and on Unbelief, p. 252.
(d) An illustration on this point appears on p. 369 (d)
(e) This point also is illustrated on p. 369 (e)
THE HEALING OF THE WATERS OF MARAH
(Num_33:8)
“And they pitched in Marah.”
I. There are four bitter things of which Marah’s waters are a likeness.
1. The bitterness of man’s heart. The heart is by nature a bitter fountain sending forth its bitter waters.
2. The bitterness of man’s afflictions. Affliction was intended to be a bitter thing to flesh and blood, for it was part of that punishment which sin brought with it.
3. The bitterness of God’s wrath which we have incurred. The displeasure of Him whose favour is life, from whom alone all good cometh.
4. The bitterness of the death that we must die. This is as the waters of Marah to an ungodly man: “the sting of death is sin.”
II. Let us see what answers to the tree, which, being cast into the waters, made them sweet.
The Gospel is able to sweeten all the bitters.
1. The wrath of God. Jesus cast Himself into those bitter waters and made them sweet. It was the very God who made the waters bitter, who pointed out the means of healing them. It was the very God “to whom vengeance belongeth” who hath sent His Son into the world to save us from it.
2. Afflictions. It furnishes a motive for patience and an example to encourage.
3. The heart of man. The fountain of the heart is cleansed by grace.
4 Death. To him who cordially believes in Jesus, the sting of death is drawn by sin being covered.—Arthur Roberts.
ELIM: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
(Num_33:9)
Wells of the highest importance in Eastern countries. Heat, &c. Here, then, where there were twelve wells, and seventy palm trees, they encamped. Make some observations.
I. In the journey of human life the Lord affords us many kind accommodations.
These mercies are—
1. Necessary. What more so than water? So are His favours.
2. Refreshing. “Palm trees.” Journey wearisome. Their shade delightful, &c. (a)
3. Various. Fountains and palm trees. God gives blessings not of some one kind only, but several. Their variety heightens them.
4. Plentiful. Twelve fountains and threescore and ten palm trees. They are plentiful if we compare them
(1) with the enjoyments of others;
(2) with our deserts.
II. Refreshing mercies after seasons of distress are peculiarly sweet.
Many seasons of afflictions, trials of mind, family, &c. Then these mercies sweet—why so?
1. We have a higher relish for them. So, spring after winter, health after sickness, &c.
2. They give a proof that God has not forgotten us. Apt to think so when He tries us, and we do not receive any peculiar marks of His favour. Then He returns, &c.
3. They will increase our faith in future trials. We shall expect in them fresh displays of power and goodness,—this will cause us to love Him more—serve Him better.
III. The blessings with which we are favoured should be used and enjoyed.
They encamped, not only drank, but, &c. All our mercies should be enjoyed.
1. With humility. We do not deserve any of them. Are entirely dependent on God for them. God designs by such dependence to keep us humble and obedient.
2. With gratitude. Ingratitude hateful to God and man. Gratitude pleasing, and ought naturally to flow to God, &c. Our mercies are great, and call loudly for it.
3. With a firm resolution to devote the strength derived from them to God, &c. Thus they will answer the end, &c. Then may we expect more. Devote yourselves therefore to His glory, &c.
IV. Amidst all our enjoyments we should not lose sight of our pilgrimage state.
They encamped, did not build a city, &c. Christians are travellers. World not our rest. We should—
1. Cherish the idea that all earthly things are fading, withering. Dew, flowers, &c. So human life. We know it; we should act accordingly. (b)
2. Prepare for changes. Changes of condition, circumstances, feelings,—these are to be expected—will come. This generally acknowledged, and yet how few prepared.
3. Wish to go forward. Arguments for it deduced from what is said above. Heaven is at the end,—how worthy of all our toil,—how refreshing, &c., will it be! (c)
Address,—
1. Such as are now on the march.
2. Such at are now encamped at Elim.
Remarks arising from the subject—Thos. Spencer.
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) In eastern countries, where the habit of hospitality is stronger than with us, the traveller is sometimes surprised and regaled by much needed but unexpected wayside comforts. Yonder husbandman, who is now afield at his work, was here in the early morning to leave by the wayside that pitcher of Water that the passing traveller might drink. This clump of trees, which makes a thick and welcome “shadow from the heat,” was planted by one who expected neither fame nor money for his toil, and who now lies in a nameless grave. Hands now mouldering in dust scooped out this cool seat in the rock. Some “Father Jacob gave us this well, after drinking thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle.” Travellers from the west are much affected by such instances of pure humanity and unselfish kindness. And yet these are but feeble types, mere dim shadows of Divine thoughtfulness and care. The heavenly Benefactor comes down in preventing loving kindness upon the pathway of His people. He foreknows, forecasts, foreruns. We think of Jesus as forerunner of His people only “within the veil.” In a sense not less true, He is their forerunner along the journey of every day. We cannot be up so early that He has not been waking before us. We cannot run so fast that He has not far outstripped our speed. Our tomorrow is His yesterday. He is with us and yet before us. He has said at one place and another,—“They are to pass this way; I will leave these helps for them; I will smooth down the over-raggedness of life, so that they shall get through; I will open rivers for them in high places, and streams in the midst of the desert; and for the ever-recurring weariness of life, for its toil and conflict, heat and trouble, they shall have ‘quiet resting places’ ”—Alex. Raleigh, D.D.
(b) The visible felicity of man is of no continuance. We may frequently observe in the evening a cloud, by the reflection of the sun, invested with so bright a lustre, and adorned with such a pleasant variety of colours, that in the judgment of our eyes, if an angel were to assume a body correspondent to his glory, it were a fit matter for it; but in walking a few steps, the sun is descended beneath the horizon, and the light withdrawn, and of all that splendid flaunting appearance nothing remains but a dark vapour, that falls down in a shower. Thus vanishing is the show of felicity here.—Bates.
(c) Illustrations on this point appear on pp. 163 (b), 409 (g).
IN THE WILDERNESS OF SIN
(Num_33:10-13)
All the places mentioned in these verses were probably situated in the desert of Sin (see Explanatory Notes in loco). The principal events in this portion of the journey were the murmuring of the people, and the giving of the manna; and these have been treated in The Hom. Comm. on Exodus 16. Moreover, in our own work we have noticed the base murmuring of the people on other occasions (see pp. 181, 183, 244, 245, 247, 265–267); we have also written on the manna (see pp. 187–190; and The Hom. Comm. on Exod., pp. 308, 309). For these reasons we proceed to the next verse.
REPHIDIM; OR, WATER FROM “THE ROCK IN HOREB.”
(Num_33:14)
The history of Israel at Rephidim to remarkable by reason of
(1) the want of water, and its miraculous supply; and
(2) the battle against Amalek. (Exodus 17). A similar want and supply of water we have already noticed (see pp. 366–371); and, having noticed these miracles also in our exposition of Psa_78:15-16 (see The Hom. Comm. on Psalms, vol. i. pp. 443–446); we will introduce here a sketch from Outlines of Sermons on the Miracles and Parables of the Old Testament.
Notice.
I. That the place of the miracle was calculated to increase the faith of the man who was to be the instrument in performing it—“the rock in Horeb.”
God appeared first to Moses in Horeb (Exo_3:1). The return to places which God has fixed indelibly upon our minds by some special manifestation of His providential favour, is very helpful to every man’s faith. It was so to Jacob (Gen_32:10) when God said to him, “Arise, go up to Bethel” (Gen_35:1). He intended to use the place as a means of arousing him to increased faith and obedience by the remembrance of former mercies received there. So in the case of Moses. The return to Horeb would enable him to draw from the past some compensation for the trying circumstances of the present (Exo_17:2-4). The very sight of the place in which God had given him promises (Exo_3:10-20), which had since been fulfilled, would give him hope for the future.
II. The temptation connected with the miracle.
The murmuring and chiding of Israel against Moses is said to be tempting God. The miracles already wrought by Moses had been an abundant confirmation of His Divine commission. God had in the past so identified His servant with Himself, that to murmur against him was finding fault with his and their God.
III. The nature of the miracle.
1. The water from the rock was a miracle, because it gushed forth at the moment when Moses smote the rock, as the Lord had said. The people by their murmuring had fully admitted that no water could be obtained from natural sources. God never supplies our wants by supernatural means when they can be satisfied by the operation of the ordinary laws of nature.
2. But though miraculous, it was connected with human agency. Moses smote the rock, and God gave the water. The rod was in the hand of Moses, the power in the hand of God. Peter took the lame man by the hand, and God gave him the power to walk (Act_3:7).
Lesson.
God can bring good to His people from the most unlikely sources. Nothing seemed more unlikely to yield water than the barren rock of Horeb. So God often brings refreshing streams of comfort to His people out of hard circumstances. Paul and Silas could sing in the dungeon, and their imprisonment was made the means of adding to their converts in Philippi. The lot of John in Patmos seemed hard and dreary indeed; but, at the bidding of Christ, streams of living water gushed forth there, which refreshed the soul of the apostle at the time, and have followed the Church until the present. Out of the sufferings of the martyrs came joy to themselves and blessings to their descendants. Above all, out of the hard circumstances of the crucified Lord of glory, God has brought forth waters of everlasting life.
ILLUSTRATION
At Rephidim they again wanted water, their murmurings were now more violent, and their conduct more outrageous than at Marah. We had then some sympathy for them, and were inclined to plead some extenuating circumstances in their behalf. But we have not a word to say for them now. Their misbehaviour is most flagrant, and the harshest judgment cannot estimate their offence too severely. They had lately seen their wants relieved in a similar emergency; and at this very time they were receiving, every morning, from heaven their daily bread. Yet so strangely unreasonable was their spirit, that they reproached Moses for having brought them out of Egypt, to kill them and their children and their cattle with thirst; and their violence of manner was such as led Moses to cry unto the Lord, saving, “What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me” Alas! it had come to this already. Already—in one little month—were the ransomed people prepared to deal thus with their deliverer, all whose toil and thought were spent for their advantage. Thus soon did they justify the prescient reluctance with which he had abandoned for these responsibilities the safe and quiet life he loved so well. It seems to have been in order that Moses might not be plunged in deeper discouragement, that the Lord forbore to declare His own displeasure. He simply indicated the mode in which He meant to provide for their wants.—John Kitto, D.D.
REPHIDIM; OR, THE BATTLE BETWEEN AMALEK AND ISRAEL
(Num_33:14)
We cannot well pass away from Rephidim without noticing the remarkable battle which was fought there between the Amalekites and the Israelites, and which is recorded in Exo_17:8-16. Before mentioning what appear to us as its chief teachings, let us attend to some important preliminary considerations.
i. On the part of the Israelites this battle was entirely defensive (Exo_17:8; Deu_25:17-18). It was for the preservation of their own lives, and the lives of their people, that the Israelites fought, and Moses prayed on this day.
ii. The part which the Israelites took in this battle was approved by Jehovah. It was commanded by Moses, who, as the minister of Jehovah, was specially authorised and attested; and Jehovah manifested His approval by giving them the victory to a great extent in answer to prayer, and by commanding Moses to write an account of the battle in a book, and thus transmit it to coming generations. This battle was a righteous one on the part of Israel, or it would not thus have received the Divine approval.
iii. What was the cause of this battle? This was probably twofold:—
(1) The fertility of the valley. We accept the conclusion that Rephidim is Wady Feiran, of which Dr. Hayman speaks as, “the well-known valley, richer in water and vegetation than any other in the peninsula.… It is the finest valley in the whole peninsula.” And Dean Stanley: “Rephidim, ‘the resting places,’ is the natural name for the paradise of the Bedouins in the adjacent palm-grove; … the Amalekites may thus have naturally fought for the oasis of the Desert.”
(2) The recollection of an ancient injury. The Amalekites were to a great extent, if not entirely, descendants of Esau (Gen_36:12; Gen_36:16); and is it not probable that the old enmity between Jacob and Esau had something to do with their attack upon Israel? Esau had forgiven Jacob the injury, and God had pardoned his sin, yet the memory of his base act was handed down from generation to generation of the posterity of Esau, arousing their hatred against the posterity of Jacob. Thus the memory of evil is perpetuated, and thus evil actions live and work for long ages after they who did them have passed away, and the sin of the father in its penalty falls upon the children of many following generations. Here is warning. &c.
Let us now view this brief chapter of ancient history in three aspects:—
I. As an illustration of the working of God in human history, or of the means and methods by which He effects His purposes.
Notice the steps that were taken and the means that were employed to vanquish the Amalekites. Joshua was appointed general; he selected the most suitable men to fight the battle; for their encouragement Moses ascended the hill, &c. How, then, did God give them this victory, and in so doing accomplish His own design in the matter?
1. By their own efforts. After the way in which God had dealt with them, they might not very unreasonably have thought, when they were attacked, that without their effort He would deliver them. He led them forth out of Egypt without exertion on their part. When they were pursued by Pharaoh and his host, they had only to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” But had that treatment been continued, they would have remained a nation of slaves or children in spirit. If they are to become a nation of men, they must be roused to effort. So they have to fight the Amalekites.
2. By the efforts of the most efficient. Amongst the Israelites there were no trained soldiers; they must have been ill-armed, and had long been inured to servitude. In these circumstances, at the command of Moses, Joshua selected the fittest men to fight the battle.
3. By the efforts of the most efficient tinder a most skilful and heroic general. Joshua was a man of remarkable genius and skill as a leader of men. Considering his previous condition, his generalship is very extraordinary.
4. By the efforts of the most efficient under an able general, with wise arrangements for arousing and maintaining courage. At this time the Israelites were anything but heroes: they were sadly deficient of manliness. The rod in the hand of Moses would tend to awaken memory, confidence, and courage. What wonders had been wrought with that rod on former occasions! &c. (a)
5. And in addition to all other things, the victory was obtained by prayer. Moses on the hill was, doubtless, engaged in prayer to God. His prayer had power with God. To Him he ascribed the victory. “Moses built an altar and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi; i.e., Jehovah my banner. (b)
God works by means. He never uses supernatural means where natural ones will accomplish the end. He uses means eminently adapted to secure the end. He uses men as His instruments; and never does for us that which we can do for ourselves. And in our works He would have us use our utmost skill and power. He does not need our wisdom, and He certainly does not need our ignorance or folly. The Israelites planned and fought as if all depended upon themselves; Moses prayed as if all depended upon God; and when victory was attained they ascribed it to Him. Let us “go, and do likewise.” (c)
II. As an illustration of the work and warfare of every good man.
1. The Christian life involves difficulty, toil, and conflict (1Co_9:24-27; Eph_6:10-18; Heb_12:1-4; 1Pe_5:8-9). We cannot live a Christian life and do Christian work without battling with enemies. We must fight against
(1) “the world,” or evil in society;
(2) “the flesh,” or evil in ourselves; and
(3) “the devil,” or malign spiritual influences. (d)
2. In the work and warfare of the Christian life we need the help of others. “We are members one of another.” “The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee,” &c. But we are chiefly dependent on Jesus Christ. He is our General, our Joshua. “The Captain of our salvation.” He is our Intercessor, our Moses. “He ever liveth to make intercession for us.” His uplifted hands are never weary, &c. And as the uplifted rod encouraged the Israelites, so the presence of Christ nerves the spirit for the fight. “Looking unto Jesus” is the true attitude of every Christian both in work and in warfare.
3. By earnest, believing effort, and the help of God, the work and warfare of the Christian life will be ultimately accomplished and crowned with victory. Effort, or no effort; effort with God, or effort without God; upon the determination of these the issues of life’s work and warfare depend. No effort, or effort without God, means failure: personal effort with God means success, victory.
III. As an illustration of the work and warfare of the Church of Jesus Christ.
The call of God to the Church is to take possession of the world in His name and for Him; and to accomplish this its members must battle with the Amalekites of crime, vice, ignorance, superstition, religious indifference, &c. In the prosecution of this work and warfare—
1. The Church needs leaders. The Lord Jesus is our great Leader: He is “head over all to the Church.” But we need subordinate leaders also. No leaders means no rule, no discipline, no order; but anarchy, incompetence, confusion.
2. The labours of all and every one are required. In the battle Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Hur, and all the fighting men, were occupied, while the others were employed in guarding the women and children, the flocks and herds, and the baggage. In the Church there is work for every one, &c. This is a correction
(1) to those who think they can do nothing;
(2) to those who think they can do anything and everything. Every one should work, and every one should do his own work.
3. The Church succeeds in her efforts in proportion as the maintains her communication with Heaven. (Comp. Exo_17:11.) Our great Intercessor ever prays. But much depends upon our own prayers. The praying church is the working church, and the conquering church.
4. The greatest men in the Church are dependent upon the help of the smallest men. Moses needed the aid of Hur. In these days ministers in some cases are left to pray alone, work alone, fight alone.
5. Success or failure often depends upon comparatively small and feeble men. If Hur had not been with Moses, Israel would probably have been defeated. Success in the enterprises of the Church depends upon every man doing his own work, however obscure and humble it may be.
6. The ultimate victory of the Church is certain. “Jehovah is my banner.” The battle is not ours but God’s. Battle of truth and right against error, &c. (e)
7. The victory will be ascribed to God in Christ. “Joshua discomfited Amalek.” “We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Unto Him be all the glory. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power,” &c. (Rev_5:12-13).
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) Joshua led forth his men to the field; and Moses mounted the hill, accompanied by Aaron his brother, and by Hur, who is supposed to hare been his brother-in-law. Here Moses stood, and held up his hand on high, with the wonder-working rod therein. It was no doubt held up, in the first instance, as a kind of banner or signal, to be seen by the warring host below, and designed to operate as a continual incentive to their valour and prowess while engaged in the contest; and the sight of this symbol and instrument of the power which had worked so wondrously on their behalf, could not fail to nerve their arms with new vigour every time their eyes were turned towards it. Yet it needed but little reflection to assure them that, as is very manifest, there was no inherent virtue in the rod to produce this effect; and that it derived all its efficacy from the Divine appointment, as a visible symbol of that unseen succour and strength which God was pleased to minister to His militant servants fighting His battle, and maintaining the high glory of His name.—John Kitto, D.D.
(b) Moses was eminently an intercessor with God for the people committed to his charge; and there can be no question that, in connection with these external and symbolical actions, fervent prayer for the Divine aid was offered; the uplifting of the rod being thus merely an accompaniment of the earnest intercessions which breathed from the lips and hearts of the venerable men upon the mountain. And even if this were not the case, the circumstances and the result are strikingly analagous to those of intercessory prayer, and suggestive of them.—Ibid.
On the power of intercession, illustrations are given on pp. 183, 225.
(c) We notice here grouped together that hallowed combination of agenoies which ought never to be separated—the dependence upon Heaven, with the use of appointed means. The rod in the hand of Moses and the sword in that of Joshna; the embattled host in the valley below, and the praying hand in the mount above—all were necessary in the Divine economy to the victory of Israel over his foes. So must it be in our own conflict with the Amalek that lies ambushed within, to hinder our progress to the mount of God. We may expect no manifestation of the Lord’s power, no interference of His goodness, but as the result of a blessing upon our own zealous conflict with temptation. “Prayer without active duty is mockery of God. He who entreats deliverance from the onset and power of evil, yet never makes an effort in his own behalf, nor strives against the sin that wars within him, draws nigh to God with his lips, but is wholly estranged from the fervour of that supplication that issues from the depths of the heart.” Yet it was intended to be taught, and was most effectually taught by this example, that the uplifted hand of Moses contributed more to the safety of the Israelites than their own hands—his rod more than their weapons of war; and accordingly their success fluctuates as he raises up or lets down his hands. In like manner will the Christian warfare be attended with little success, unless it be waged in the practice of unceasing earnest prayer. It will never be known on this side the Lord’s second coming, how much His cause, and the work of individual salvation, have been advanced by “the effectual fervent prayer” of righteous men. And it is surely a cheering reflection in the heat and burden of the day of battle, that while we are contending below, faithful servants of God have ascended the hill of spiritual prayer, and are imploring blessings upon our efforts.—Ibid.
Another illustration on the Divine use of suitable means in accomplishing His designs, appears on p 539.
(d) For an illustration on this point, see p. 416. (b)
(e) Illustrations on the Certainty of the Christian Victory appear on pp. 416, 417.
ISRAEL AND AMALEK
(Num_33:14)
The Israelites had been redeemed from Egypt, and were on their way to Canaan. This, therefore, is a picture of the Christian life, and is full of teaching to all believers. Taking it in this light, we see—
I. The Christian’s example.
1. To fight.
(1) An aggressive fight. “Go.”
(2) To be done wisely. “Choose you out men.”
(3) Earnestly. “Fight.” Hard blows. No parley.
(4) Continually. “War with Amalek from generation to generation.”
2. To pray.
(1) For those who fight.
(2) Earnestly. Not growing weary. Hard blows and hard prayers.
(3) Confidently. “The rod.” Symbol of past mercies.
(4) Unitedly. “Moses, Aaron, and Hur,” &c. Promises given to two or three.
II. The Christian’s encouragement,
1. Christ, our Captain (Joshua).
(1) With us to cheer. Wellington’s presence on battle-field.
(2) With us to direct.
(3) With us to defend.
2. Christ, our Intercessor (Moses).
(1) He prays while we work.
(2) He prays continually. Never grows weary.
(3) He prays successfully.
III. The Christian’s prospect.
1. Of certain victory. The result is sure. Every foe shall be overcome.
2. Of certain glory. While God’s servants ascribe all the glory to Him (Exo_17:15), He, nevertheless, delights to honour them (Ibid, 13).—D. Macmillan.
“IN THE DESERT OF SINAI”: THE MORAL LAW
(Num_33:15)
The Israelites were encamped in the desert of Sinai for the space of nearly a year (Exo_19:1; Num_10:11-12). Although we cannot attempt to consider their history during that time, yet we cannot pass over this encampment without a brief notice of two or three of its principal events. And here let us notice the Moral Law (Exo_20:1-17).
The moral law which was delivered by Moses from Mount Sinai was distinguished by many peculiar and blessed characteristics.
I. It based its precepts upon the existence and authority of God.
To believe in God is not one of the ten commandments. This fact is presupposed in the preface to them, “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt,” &c. This is the foundation of all that follows. And as God is the Lord their God, and has proved His right to issue His commands by His wonderful deeds in their behalf, so it is fitting that the first four precepts in the code should concern His own relation to the people of His choice, referring
(1) to the necessity of having no other God but Him;
(2) to the spiritual mode in which He, a spirit, must be worshipped;
(3) to the reverence in which His very Name should be regarded; and
(4) to the duty of devoting one whole day of the seven to His worship. The large space given to God in the ten commandments is quite in consonance with the theocratic nature of the Jewish economy. God in it was the leading thought, man secondary; whereas in the Christian dispensation, through the union of the two natures in Christ, it is hard to say which is made more prominent. It is, verily, the economy of the God-man.
II. It was a strict and stern, but far from being an unjust or cruel system.
It denied no enjoyment that was natural, and it inculcated no duty that was harsh. None of the commandments were “grievous.” All conduced at once to the happiness of man and to the glory of God. The first precept secured the Jews from the distraction of mind and heart connected with the worship of many gods. The second inculcated a form of worship less cumbrous and burdensome, as well as more spiritual, than idolatry. The third, in consecrating the name of God, taught His worshippers to reverence and love Him better. The fourth provided for them a day of grateful rest and refreshment amid their toils, and held out, typically, the prospect of a future and serener existence. The fifth was expressly sealed by a promise, that to those who obeyed it, their days should be long upon the land. The sixth, in forbidding murder, tended to prevent the misery which springs from it to all concerned, either as actors or sufferers, and to cherish that spirit of love and mutual forbearance which is productive of so much true happiness. The seventh commanded men to shun those ill-regulated passions and practices which create such remorse, satiety, hardness of heart, and family disturbance. The eighth secured the rights of property. The ninth taught the value of truthfulness, and the duty of regarding our neighbour’s good name as if it were our own. The tenth sought to crush, in the secret recesses of the heart, the seeds of all evil conduct, and thereby to cleanse and sweeten the inner nature.
III. It was singularly well suited to the age and to the people to whom it was promulgated.
That age was early, and that people was rude and child-like. The precepts of the law required, therefore, to be dogmatic, to be strict, to be free in their expression from all abstract terms and recondite reasonings, to be frequently repeated, “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.” All this we find characteristic of the law of Moses.
IV. Another evidence of the divinelywise applicability of this law to the Jewish people we find in certain circumstances which tended at once to guard, to sanction, to enforce, recommend, and to illustrate it.
One of these was the grandeur and terror connected with its announcement from Sinai.… The tables of stone still remained, written by the very finger of God, and were cherished with the highest veneration. Moses, after he had finished the writings of the book of the law, deposited it with his people in the following remarkable words, “he commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, Take this book,” &c. (Deu_31:25-26).… The splendid appurtenances of the Jewish worship were meant to illustrate the principles of the law, moral as well as ceremonial, to the imperfectly developed minds of the people.… Had the law gone forth naked, it would have had little effect upon such a people; but it went forth in beautiful costume and in dazzling armour, and did a great, although a temporary, work.
V. The system itself is the best proof of its Divine origin.
Its very defects and limitations, as well as its glories, showed it to be no human contrivance; its imperfections arose not from the miscalculations of weakness, but from the foresight of wisdom.… Life and immortality were reserved for the illumination of Christ. But how wonderful, that without these ideas of rewards and punishments in a future life being very prominently brought before the minds of men, a national polity was not only possible, but continued for a long time powerful and prosperous!—From “Alpha and Omega,” by G. Gilfillan, M.A.
IS THE DESERT OF SINAI; THE GOLDEN CALF
(Num_33:15)
Let us see what instruction we can gather from this impressive portion (Exodus 32) of sacred history.
I. The circumstances of the Israelites were analogous to the circumstances of a large portion of mankind at the present day.
1. The Israelite had witnessed a terrific display of the Divine character. The attributes of sovereignty, justice, holiness, and truth, had been set forth in the most impressive manner, so as to come in contact not only with the thoughts, the feelings, but the very senses. Now there is something analogous to this in the experience of most at some period or other, especially of those who live under the sound of the Gospel. The hearer of the true Gospel lives in the atmosphere of Sinai, as well as of Calvary; he hears of the justice and truth of God, as well as of His mercy; and if he do not stand in awe of the sterner attributes, as well as rejoice in the milder, then you may be assured that he is hearing the Gospel to no purpose: he has not even begun to comprehend its true import.
2. The Israelites had just given their solemn affirmative response to God’s covenant, as it had been read to them by Moses; and they were bound by every consideration of honour, of gratitude, of duty, to obey it. In like manner, there are multitudes at this day, all over Christendom, who have professed not only a belief in the Divine testimony, but obedience to the Divine precepts.
II. The conduct of the Israelites in making and worshipping the calf, in those peculiar circumstances, was analogous to much that is passing in the world around us.
What rendered the conduct of the Israelites so exceedingly strange and criminal was, that it should have occurred amidst the awful scenes of Horeb. You have been sitting under the preaching of the Gospel from the time that you were able to understand it; its doctrines and precepts, its promises and threatenings, have been set before you in every variety of form, while you have always had the written Word within your reach, with every facility for studying and understanding it And what demonstrations have you made in these circumstances? Why, you have been guilty of idolatry just as truly as the Israelites were; you have worshipped gold just as truly as they did; and the fact that they chose the form of a calf, and you choose some other form, makes no difference as to the actual guilt in the eye of Heaven.
Time has been when God’s hand rested heavily upon you, and death, perhaps, came into your very chamber, and you saw some one carried to the grave for whom you felt that you could have given even your life. But this affliction found you a worshipper of the world, and it had no effect in rendering you permanently otherwise.
You have sometimes had your lot cast in the midst of the effusions of God’s Holy Spirit; and go where you might, the anxious enquiry on the one side, and the song of thanksgiving on the other, was falling upon your ear. But neither the one nor the other was heard to escape your lips. You had your golden calf, and that was enough for you.
III. The guilt of the Israelites in making and worshipping the golden calf was not a little enhanced by the peculiar circumstances under which the sin was committed; and there is a corresponding aggravation from a similar cause attending many of those idolatrous attachments which are often witnessed in our day.
Everything around them told of the Divine presence; everything that they saw and heard was adapted to dissuade them from this impious outrage. And yet they heeded it not,—they became gross idolators within the sound of Jehovah’s voice, within the very blaze of His glory.
Nor is the case dissimilar as it is often witnessed at the present day among ourselves. God speaks now by His Providence, by His Word, by His Spirit. He has spoken through the voice of your own conscience. You, not less than the Israelites, have been sinning while God has been very near to you. You, as truly as they, have been idolators amid scenes which ought to overwhelm you with a sense of the Divine presence; and whether this circumstance must not materially aggravate your guilt and condemnation, judge ye.
IV. God did not suffer this sin of the Israelites to go unpunished; neither can those who are guilty of a similar sin at the present day expect to escape punishment.
The first part of their punishment consisted in the destruction of their idol. Does not this conduct of God towards the Israelites illustrate a general principle of His administration?
Moses instituted a terrible work of death in respect to the idolators. Sometimes God performs a mighty retributive work in the sinner’s bosom through the power of conscience, and months and years of unmitigated inward torture seem to change life itself into a living death. Sometimes persons of this character are cut off in so sudden and striking a manner, that we can hardly suppress the conviction that there is something judicial in the circumstances of their death.
There are a thousand voices charging you to forsake your idols, and to make Jehovah your portion.—W. B. Sprague, D.D.
IN THE DESERT OF SINAI: LESSONS FROM THE WORSHIP OF THE CALF
(Num_33:15, with Exo_32:1-5)
Human nature being the same, history is in principle constantly repeating itself. The facts of Bible history are recorded that we may get at underlying truths, such truths being God’s teaching to us. In the event to which reference is here made, we observe—
I. The difficulty to human nature of faith in the unseen.
“This Moses, we wot not what is become of him.”
II. The impatience of man at God’s method of working.
Moses delayed in the mount. The people would not wait for the man with God’s Word.
III. That man will have a god.
“Up, make us gods.” They are often manufactured gods. The man who would be popular must make gods to go before the people. It is the ruin of a people when they worship false gods. It is the very height of folly, when men of science, art, or manufactures, say of their own works: “These be thy gods, O Israel.”
IV. The effect of slavish adherence to old ideas.
In one sense, at least, they were not out of Egypt—the sacred ox. See the importance of keeping the young from early impressions of error. Let none expose themselves to false teaching; it may bring them into bondage.
V. Their extravagant expenditure for the gratification of a fancy (Num_33:2-3).
People often spend more in superstition than Christians for the truth. Christians spend far more for luxury, pleasure, fancy, than for Christ. Who amongst us is willing to do as much for Jesus as these people did to procure a golden calf?
VI. How art is desecrated to sinful purposes (Num_33:4).
So in building at Babel; in worship at Babylon, and Ephesus, and Athens. Abundant proofs in our picture galleries and museums, and also in our modern theatres, gin palaces, &c.
VII. That if God is dishonoured, man is misled, humiliated, ruined.
“When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”—W. Whale.
IN THE DESERT OF SINAI: MOSES’S COMMUNION WITH GOD IN THE MOUNT
(Num_33:15, with Exo_34:29-35)
There was a great deal of what was miraculous, no doubt, in this transaction, but there is much also that, properly improved, will tend to our spiritual edification.
I. The cause of that radiance which appeared in the face of Moses.
The converse which Moses held with God in the mount, was the cause of that glory which rested on his countenance. He ascended the mountain to hold intercourse with God, and while he talked with Him his face shone. In the account of this transaction, there are two particulars worthy of notice.
1. Moses offered sacrifices before ascending to hold communion with God (see Exodus 24). This indicates a great principle connected with all true religion—that religion has always rested on sacrifice (Gen_4:4; Heb_11:4). The Jewish religion, in all its ritual and services, rested upon this great principle. The distinctive feature of Christianity embraces the same principle. One of our great Christian privileges is to ascend the mountain and hold communion with God. But to be thus brought together, there must be something done on both sides: On the part of God there must be utterance given to the voice of mercy and love, there must be a way of access to His throne; on the part of man there must be faith. God in Christianity has made three great provisions to this end—a sacrifice, a mediation, and spiritual influences.
(1) The sacrifice of Christ is the standing medium of communication and fellowship between God and man. The atonement has only been offered once, yet the effect is everlasting. In all His transactions with us, God has ever regard to the sacrifice of Christ; He never pardons a sinner, but through the atonement; He never adopts the prodigal, and invests him with the rights, privileges, and honours of a child, but through the atonement; He never confers spiritual joy, or any other blessing, upon the believer, but through the atonement.
(2) There is a provision of mediation. Mediation does not merely embrace the office of intercessor, but it is a great sublime scheme of spiritual and providential administration. Christ sits upon the throne; to Him all power in heaven and earth is given; it is exercised with reference to the great purposes of atonement.
(3) Spiritual influence also is a part of Christianity. This is inseparably connected with the great work of our Lord and Saviour. We might as well talk of Christianity without a Saviour, as of Christianity without the Holy Ghost.
These are the provisions which Christianity makes for our ascending the mount to hold communion with God; let us avail ourselves of them, and go up confidently with the blood of atonement to hear His voice, to taste His love, and to receive the fulness of joy.
2. Moses ascended the mountain alone. This opens to us another principle of religion: it is this—that in all respects it is personal. Our devotional exercises are of this nature. It is true that we meet in public fellowship, but there is a sense in which the soul sits solitary in the midst of a mighty multitude. Our emotions are all personal. In His dealings with us God addresses us as individuals. Pardon, renewal, eternal life, are bestowed on individuals. These blessings are all personal. Duties are personal: one cannot discharge the duties of another. Enjoyments are personal. The closet is the place where we must test our religious character. There is something suspicious when our joy is only connected with public devotional exercises; but when we are alone and enjoy communion with God, then may we regard our feelings as genuine.
II. The nature of the light and glory which rested on the face of Moses.
There is a great mystery in this, but it was intended to be symbolical of a better glory. We shall pass over the symbolical meaning, and make some remarks of a practical bearing.
1. Intercourse with God will be productive of joy to the soul. There will be rapturous joy. How can it be otherwise when the Saviour first reveals Himself to the sinner’s heart? How can it be otherwise when a man finds himself adopted into the Divine family, a partaker of the love of God, and admitted to daily fellowship!
2. Intercourse with God must have the effect of expanding the capacity and of enlarging the soul. The religious man can enjoy every form of truth and knowledge in the world in common with the man who is solely devoted to its pursuits; but, unlike him, he has the infinite prospect of the glories of heaven and eternal life.
3. Intercourse with God will produce beauty of character. We cannot enjoy Divine grace, love, sanctification, and the privileges of the Christian state, but our internal purity will exhibit itself by a spotless life.
III. The conduct of Moses when he descended from the mount.
“He put a vail on his face.” Religion in this life is often vailed under circumstances which obscure its grandeur. For instance, what a contrast there exists betwixt the employments of many Christians and their enjoyments; by the one they are almost assimilated to the beasts of the earth, by the other they are allied to heaven. Poverty, dark providences, and affliction, often vail the spiritual state of good men.—D., in “One Hundred Sketches of Sermons.”
ILLUSTRATION
The effect of the vision is so great that when Moses comes down from the mount, with the new tables of testimony in his hand, which God had inscribed with the commandments of the law, his face is seen to be shining. He has no need, in faint and feeble words, to tell with whom he had been conversing; his face becomes eloquent, and rays out the tidings. Even as the red cloud, which the evening sun has coloured, continues red after he has set, so there is a relict radiance on the face of Moses from that of God. “The skin of his face shone,” and it added to the effect, that he “wist not that it shone.” Beauty is never so beautiful as when unconscious. Strength is never so strong as when leaning on its right arm. Terror is never so terrible as when it forgets itself. The sun seems so glorious, and the moon so lovely, and the stars so pure, because we feel that they know not that they are. And thus the unconscious shining of the countenance of Moses struck awe into all beholders. They were afraid to come nigh unto him. He seemed insulated in the sea of glory still. It seemed God’s own face that they gazed at. Yet it was only from the terror of others that he learned his own glorious appearance. And after talking to the trembling Israelites for a time, he at last put on a veil, which shaded the splendours of his face, and which he only dropped when he entered into the tabernacle to meet with God—G. Gilfillan, M.A.
KIBROTH-HATTAAVAH
(Num_33:16)
The history of the people at this encampment has already engaged our attention in chap. 11. See pp. 179–212.
HAZEROTH
(Num_33:17)
This encampment is remarkable as the scene of the sedition of Miriam and Aaron against Moses, and its punishment (chap. 12). See pp. 213–227.
RITHMAH
(Num_33:18)
The history of the people at this encampment was both momentous and mournful in a very great degree.
It is recorded in chaps. 13 and 14. See Explanatory Note on the verse, and pp. 228–269.
NOTHING BUT NAMES
(Num_33:19-36)
We have here the names of the places at which the people encamped during the years of penal wanderings. What took place at any of these stations we know not; and the places themselves, with the exception of Ezion Geber, are unknown. The paragraph is little more than mere names, and suggests the following reflections.
I. The tendency of sin to deprive life of any worthy significance.
In the history of this people there was little worth recording for 38 years. Sin is prone to rob life of all true and noble elements, of inspiration and helpfulness to good, of brave and earnest enterprize; and to bring people into such a state that they have no history to write, or no history worth writing.
II. The tendency of sin to retard progress.
Here are a number of journeys, but no advance towards their destination. There was movement without progress. The unbelief, cowardice, and rebellion of the people against God caused this (chap. 14). Sin takes the wheels off the chariots of human progress, so that they drag slowly and heavily along. Nay, it even completely arrests progress. This is true of communities. For the space of almost 38 years the progress of this nation was held back by their sins. It is true also of individuals.
III. The importance of remembering the losses which sin causes us.
For this reason there is some record of these seemingly fruitless years—these penal wanderings.
1. Such remembrance should promote humility. “Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee,” &c. (Deu_8:2).
2. Such remembrance should restrain from sin. The recollection of the loss and injury which sin has caused us is calculated to cause us to abhor and avoid sin. And when it involves loss and trouble to a whole generation of people, the recollection of it is fitted to lead the coming generations to shun the sins of their ancestors (comp. Psa_78:3-8).
IV. The mutability of earthly and temporal things.
When this itinerary was written, these seventeen places were well known; but at the present time of only one of them is anything whatever known of a certainty Places great and famous in days of yore, have vanished almost as completely.
“Cities numberless,
Tyre, Sidon, Carthage, Babylon, and Troy,
And rich Phœnicia—they are blotted out,
Half-raz’d from memory, and their very name
And being in dispute.”—H. K. White.
Therefore, “love not the world, neither the things in the world,” &c. (1Jn_2:15-17). “Seek those things which are above,” &c. (Col_3:1-2). (a)
V. The unsettled character of human life upon earth.
“They departed from Rithmah and pitched at Rimmon-parez.… And they journeyed from Rissah and pitched in Kehelathah.… And they removed from Mount Shapher and encamped in Haradah,” &c. Such is the character of the record—a record of removals, &c. And such is human life in this world. “This is not your rest.” “Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (b)
The suggestions of this paragraph may be developed also with these two inquiries as the principal divisions.
I. Why have we here nothing but names?
II. Seeing that we have here nothing but names, why are these names recorded?
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) God has written it on every page of His creation that there is nothing here which lasis. Our affections change. The friendships of the man are not the friendships of the boy. Our very selves are altering. The basis of our being may remain, but our views, tastes, feelings, are no more our former self than the oak is the acorn. The very face of the visible world is altering around us: we have the gray mouldering ruins to tell of what was once. Our labourers strike their ploughshares against the foundations of buildings which once echoed to human mirth—skeletons of men, to whom life once was dear—urns and coins that remind the antiquarian of a magnificent empire. To-day the shot of the enemy defaces and blackens monuments and venerable temples, which remind the Christian that into the deep silence of eternity the Roman world has passed away. And so things are going. It is a work of weaving and unweaving. All passes. Names that the world heard once in thunder are scarcely heard at the end of centuries—good or bad, they pass. A few years ago and we were not. A few centuries further, and we reach the age of beings of almost another race. Nimrod was the conqueror and scourge of his far-back age. Tubal Cain gave to the world the iron which was the foundation of every triumph of men over nature. We have their names now. But the philologist is uncertain whether the name of the first is real or mythical—and the traveller excavates the sand-mounds of Nineveh to wonder over the records which he cannot decipher. Tyrant and benefactor, both are gone. And so all things are moving on to the last fire which shall wrap the world in conflagration, and make all that has been the recollection of a dream. This is the history of the world, and all that is in it. It passes while we look at it. Like as when you watch the melting tints of the evening sky—purple-crimson, gorgeous gold, a few pulsations of quivering light, and it is all gone:—“we are such stuff as dreams are made of.”—F. W. Robertson, M.A.
(b) For illustrations on this point, see pp. 163 (b), 409 (g).
“FROM KADESH … UNTO ABEL-SHITTIM IN THE PLAINS OF MOAB.”
(Num_33:37-49)
The history of the people in these journeys and encampments has already engaged much of our attention in our progress through this book. In the Explanatory Notes on the verses the chapters and verses are given for the history of each encampment.
THE EXPULSION OF THE CANAANITES
(Num_33:50-56)
Consider—
I. The imperative command.
“And the Lord spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan,” &c. (Num_33:50-54).
1. To utterly expel the inhabitants of Canaan. “When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan; then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you; … and ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein.” This command had been given to them previously in Exo_23:31-33; Exo_34:11-17; and it was repeated in a more severe form in Deu_7:1-6. In this latter place they are commanded to “utterly destroy them,” and that without mercy. And both in Exodus and in Deut. one reason for this stern command is assigned, viz., that their presence in the land would be a source of peril to the Israelites, leading them to enter into social alliances with them and to conform to their idolatrous practices, and so awakening the anger of the Lord against them to their own destruction.
Learn: The sin and peril of evil associations. (a)
2. To completely destroy all idolatrous objects and places. “Destroy all their pictures”—idols of stone—“and destroy all their molten Images”—or idols cast from copper—“and quite pluck down all their high places” (comp. Exo_23:24; Exo_34:13-15; Deu_7:5; Deu_12:2-3). Nothing was to be preserved for the gratification of antiquarian tastes, or as curious relics of foreign customs. There must be an utter destruction of all and everything that had been associated with idolatry; because such things were offensive to God and perilous to man. “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me,” &c. (Exo_20:3-5).
Learn: The heinousness of the sin of idolatry in the tight of God. (b)
3. To equitably divide the land. “And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families,” &c. (Num_33:54). We have already noticed this in Num_26:53-56 (see pp. 502, 503).
4. The authority by which they were to do these things. They had the authority of Jehovah their God. He gave them the command; and He assigned this reason for it: “for I have given you the land to possess it.” He is the great Proprietor of all things. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” He has a right to do what He will with His own. But in addition to this, “the iniquity of the Amorites” was now “full.” The filthiest abominations were practised amongst them, they were sunk in the grossest immoralities. “For the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee” (Deu_9:4). So utterly depraved were the Canaanites that it is said that “the land itself vomited them out” (Lev_18:24-25). (c)
II. The solemn warning.
“But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come to pass,” &c. (Num_33:55-56). They are here solemnly warned that, if they failed to obey the Divine commands now given to them,—
1. Those whom they spared would become their tormentors. “Those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye shall dwell.” “Under these metaphors,” says Dr. A. Clarke, “the continual mischief that should be done to them, both in soul and body, by these idolators, is set forth in a very expressive manner. What can be more vexatious than a continual goading of each side, so that the attempt to avoid the one throws the body more forcibly on the other? And what can be more distressing than a continual pricking in the eye, harassing the mind, tormenting the body, and extinguishing the sight?” “That which we are willing should tempt us, we shall find will vex us.”
2. The God whom they disobeyed would disinherit them. “Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.” This solemn warning was repeated by Joshua (Jos_23:13): but Israel disregarded it, and reaped the bitter result “Subsequent history proves,” as Scott remarks, “that these denunciations were real prophecies, which have been wonderfully accomplished, even to this day. During many ages, the remnant of the devoted nations were extremely troublesome to the Israelites, even as ‘pricks in the eyes and thorns in the side,’ which would be a constant and almost intolerable torture: and at length, as they persisted in imitating their idolatries and atrocious crimes, they were punished as the Lord proposed to punish the Canaanites; being expelled from their country with tremendous slaughter, first by the Assyrians and Chaldeans, and at length more completely by the Romans.”
Learn:—
The importance of zeal and thoroughness in waging war against those Canaanites of the heart, our indwelling sins. “If we show any quarter to our sinful propensities, they will gather strength by indulgence, mar the comfort of our lives, and perhaps be ‘pricks in our eyes and thorns in our sides’ when we lie upon a death-bed.” “If we do not drive sin out, sin will drive us out; if we be not the death of our lusts, our lusts will be the death of our souls.” (d)
ILLUSTRATIONS
(a) This lesson is illustrated on pp. 308, 428.
(b) All sin is hateful to God, and none but the cleansed, perfect soul shall stand before Him in the presence of His glory; nor any in whom iniquity hath dominion shall stand accepted in the presence of His grace; but yet no particular sin is so hateful to Him as idolatry is. For this is not only a trespassing against His laws, but a disclaiming or rejecting His very sovereignty itself. To give a prince irreverent language, and to break his laws, is punishable; but to pull him out of his throne, and set up a scullion in it, and give him the honour and obedience of a king, this is another kind of matter, and much more intolerable. The first commandment is not like the rest, which require only obedience to particular laws in a particular action; but it establisheth the very relations of sovereign and subject, and requires a constant acknowledgment of these relations, and makes it high treason against the God of heaven in any that shall violate that command. Every crime is not treason; it is one thing to miscarry in a particular case, and another thing to have other gods before and besides the Lord, the only God. Now, this is the sin of every worldling: he hath taken down God from the throne in his soul, and set up the flesh and the world in His stead; these he valueth, and magnifleth, and delighteth in; these have his very heart, while God that made it and redeemed him is set light by.—Richard Baxter.
(c) While, on the one hand, the donation of this land to the Israelites was an act of the Lord’s free favour, the denial of it to the Canaanites was no less an act of His retributive justice—of such justice as it behoved the moral Governor of the world to administer against a people laden with iniquity. Gen_15:13-16 is a passage which proves this clearly. Abraham is there informed that, before his posterity would receive that goodly heritage, a long period of four hundred years must elapse, great part of which would be spent by them under oppression in a land which was not theirs. Eventually they should be brought forth with great substance; and in the “fourth generation they shall come hither again.” Why is this return so long deferred? Why not until the fourth generation? Hear the reason: “For the iniquity of the Amorites it not yet full.”
These last words are important for more than one reason. First, they exclude all human right of the Hebrews to Palestine; for if such a right had existed, why, for its being enforced, should the filling up of the iniquity of the Amorites be required? Secondly, if the cause why Abraham’s descendants were not now, but after a long interval, to obtain possession of the Promised Land, was, that the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full, it is thereby equally intimated that this filling up of their in quity would justify, if not demand, the Divine judgment, which under existing circumstances would have been unjust-in the same way as God, before He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah by His immediate decree, first of all permitted the abandoned depravity of the inhabitants most notoriously to manifest itself.
When the time was fully come, the Canaanites became a doomed people—doomed to expulsion or extermination by the Israelites, to whom was committed the sword of judgment, and who were the destined inheritors of the land of which the Canaanites had by that time proved themselves unworthy. This solemn doom is expressed in the Hebrew by a peculiar word (cherem), which is always applied to such devotement to destruction in vindication of the Divine justice; and this is the term constantly applied to the Canaanites, as to a people who, by their enormities, had dishonoured the moral government of God, and were, therefore, to be constrained, by the judgment inflicted upon them, to glorify that government, and thereby to set forth the great truth, that there is a pure and holy Ruler of the nations.
Then, again, the Israelites, favoured as they were for their fathers’ sake, were apprised that even they held the land by no other tenure than that which the Canaanites were to be destroyed for infringing. Over and over again were they warned, that if they fell into the same dreadful transgressions for which the Canaanites had been cast out, they would subject, themselves to the same doom—be like them destroyed—like them cast out of the good land which they had defiled. We are not left altogether in the dark as to the nature of the abominations which pervaded the land, and which cried to God to show Himself as one abhorring iniquity, and to prove that the world was not left fatherless of His care. In one place, the sacred text, after enumerating various cases of unchastity and impiety of the vilest kind, goes on to say, “Defile not yourselves in any of these things, for in all these things the nations are defiled which I cast out before you. And the land is defiled; therefore do I visit the iniquity of the land upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants” (Lev_18:24-25). In another place, the Israelites are solemnly warned against imitating the conduct of their predecessors, lest they incur the same penalties: “Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them. Thou Shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God; for every abomination to the Lord which He hateth have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods” (Deu_12:30-31), What more emphatic testimony can be required than this?—John Kitto, D.D.
God is Sovereign of the universe. He has a right to dispose of any part of it as He will. God is also infinitely just. He governs His Kingdom in strictest accordance with justice. To punish the guilty is a just act. The Canaanites were guilty. By a long continued course of rebellion and abominable crime, they had become not only altogether corrupt, but absolutely hopeless. Their iniquity became full. Then God drove them out to make room for His own people.
A great truth is sometimes either forgotten or ignored by the sentimental school of philosophers, that “the punishment of the wicked is as indispensable a part of moral government as the reward of the good.” The remarks of Kalisch on this subject are admirable: “If we survey the Biblical system with regard to this subject, we are surprised by its grandeur and comprehensiveness. The Canaanites themselves were not the original inhabitants of the land; they settled there after having destroyed most of the earlier tribes—the Rephaim, the Emim, the Anakim, and others. They had therefore had a personal experience of how God punished wantonness and impiety; but they were not warned by it: they gradually fell into the same vices and crimes; and they were doomed to suffer the same extreme judgment. But whilst the measure of their iniquity was filling, God reared in a foreign land the future occupants of their abode: the degeneracy of the Canaanites kept pace with the increase and development of the Israelites. However great and awful the former might hare been, the God of mercy protracted and delayed long the day of judgment; and however glorious Abraham’s merit was, on account of which his descendants were destined to possess Canaan, the God of justice did not accelerate their deliverance from the oppression in Egypt, which they had deserved by their faithlessness. The Israelites, regenerated by their trials in the desert, were the instruments of chastisement to the Canaanites; as, later, the Assyrians and Babylonians, though unconscious of their, office and mission, were used as the rod of destruction against the Israelites. This is the only view in which the occupation of Palestine by the Hebrews can be regarded according to the Biblical allusions.”—J. L. Porter, D.D., LL.D.
(d) Use sin as it will use you; spare it not, for it will not spare yon: it is your murderer, and the murderer of the world: use it, therefore, as a murderer should be used. Kill it before it kills yon; and though it kill your bodies, it shall not be able to kill your souls; and though it bring you to the grave, as it did your Head, it shall not be able to keep you there.—Richard Baxter.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. R. Dummelow 1909 · Public Domain On v1 The Journeyings of the Israelites from Egypt to the…
The Journeyings of the Israelites from Egypt to the Plains of Moab
The greater part of this chapter is occupied with a list, drawn up by Moses himself (Num_33:2), of the Encampments of the Israelites in their journey from Egypt to Canaan. In all, forty stages are enumerated. Many of the names are otherwise unknown, and in places the stages do not coincide with those mentioned in the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These differences are, no doubt, due in part to the fact that places change their names in the course of time. At this distance it is exceedingly difficult to identify the route of march, more especially as many of the names were not names of cities or conspicuous landmarks, and therefore very liable to be forgotten.
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3-15. Egypt to Sinai. This part of the journey is narrated in Exo_12:37 to Exo_19:2 where all the names occur except Dophkah and Alush (Num_33:12-13).
16-18. Sinai to Rithmah. Rithmah is not mentioned elsewhere; but, seeing that it is the station after Hazeroth, it is supposed to be the same as Kadesh (cp. Num_12:16; Num_13:26). Rothem in Hebrew means 'juniper' or broom, and there is a Wady Abu Retamat, abounding in broom, near the site of Kadesh, so that the identification may be regarded as in all probability correct. This is the first arrival at Kadesh, in the second year of the exodus; the second arrival at the same place in the fortieth year is noted in Num_33:36 : see on Num_13:26; Num_20:1.
19-36. Encampments during the thirty-eight years, and return to Kadesh. The names in Num_33:19-29 are not mentioned elsewhere and have not been identified. With Num_33:30-33 cp. Deu_10:6, Deu_10:7. Ezion-geber (Num_33:36) is on the sea at the northern extremity of the Gulf of Akaba (cp. 1Ki_9:26; 1Ki_22:48).
37-49. From Kadesh to the Plains of Moab. The narrative of this journey is contained in Numbers 20, 21. With the names in Num_33:11-49 cp. Num_21:10-12.
45. lim is the same as Ije-abarim (Num_33:44), the second part of this word, which means 'The Heaps, or Ruins, of Abarim,' being dropped.
50-56. Command to expel all the inhabitants of Canaan and to destroy their idols and places of worship, so that no inducements to idolatry may remain: see on Exo_23:32, and cp. Num_25:16-18; Dt 7. 52. Pictures] RV 'figured stones.' On the high places see on Num_22:41; Lev_26:30.
55. Cp. Jos_23:13; Jdg_2:3.
J. R. Dummelow, A Commentary on the Holy Bible (Macmillan, 1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv3, 16, 38, 44 first month
first month
i.e. April.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain On vv1, 50 9. The Encampments in the Wilderness
9. The Encampments in the Wilderness
CHAPTER 33:1-49
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1. The first stage: From Egypt to Sinai (Num 33:1-15)
2. The second stage: From Sinai to Kadesh (Num 33:16-17)
3. The third stage: From Rithmah to Kadesh-- The 38 years wandering (Num 33:18-36)
4. The fourth stage: From Kadesh to the plain of Moab-- The fortieth year (Num 33:37-49)
The chapter shows most blessedly how the eye of God follows the journeys and wanderings of His people and how He keeps record of them. Nothing escapes His watchful eye. And He leads His people in spite of their failures to the promised goal. Notice the long list of encampments of their wanderings with no history. Many lessons must be written here which God’s people have not been able to understand. The Hebrew names given in this long list of stations shed much light on what may have taken place.
Arno C. Gaebelein, The Annotated Bible (1913–1922) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv1, 50 From Egypt to the Plains of Moab
From Egypt to the Plains of Moab
v. 1. These are the journeys of the children of Israel which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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v. 2. And Moses wrote their goings out, their removals or decampments, according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord; and these are their journeys according to their goings out. Moses prepared this list at the command of Jehovah, "undoubtedly that it might be a monument of the great guidance of Jehovah and of His covenant faithfulness, which had now brought the people to the border of Canaan. It is a retrospect of the journey through the wilderness, in which richest memories must attach to many stations, inspiring humiliation and praise. "
v. 3. And they departed from Rameses, apparently the chief city of the district which they inhabited in Egypt and the natural place of assembling for the exodus from Egypt, Exo 12:37, in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the Passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand, under the almighty guidance of Jehovah, in the sight of all the Egyptians.
v. 4. For the Egyptians buried all their first-born, which the Lord had smitten among them, and therefore did not lift a hand to hinder the departure of the Israelites; upon their gods also the Lord executed judgments, chiefly in showing their powerlessness at this critical point.
v. 5. And the children of Israel departed from Rameses, the name always indicating the station from which the next march began, not the entire encampment, and pitched in Succoth, near the lakes on the eastern boundary of Egypt.
v. 6. And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness, Exo 13:20.
v. 7. And they removed from Etham, and turned again, that is, they turned back, in a southwesterly direction, unto Pihahiroth, which is before Baal-zephon, Exo 14:2; and they pitched before Migdol.
v. 8. And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, namely, the Wilderness of Shur, Exo 15:22, and went three days^ journey in the Wilderness of Etham, the more general name for the desertlike country along the eastern shore of the Gulf of Suez, and pitched in Marah, Exo 15:23.
v. 9. And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim, Exo 15:27; and in Elim were twelve fountains of water and threescore and ten palm-trees; and they pitched there.
v. 10. And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea, probably because the road near the Sea offered a more gradual ascent into the higher country to the east.
v. 11. And they removed from the Red Sea, and encamped in the Wilderness of Sin, Exo 16:1.
v. 12. And they took their journey out of the Wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah.
v. 13. And they departed from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush, these two stations not being expressly named in the historical account.
v. 14. And they removed from Alush, and encamped in Bephidim, where was no water for the people to drink, Exo 17:1.
v. 15. And they departed from Bephidim, and pitched in the "Wilderness of Sinai, Exo 19:1-2.
v. 16. And they removed from the Desert of Sinai, where they had been almost a year, and pitched at Kibroth-hattaavah, in the Wilderness of Paran, Num 10:12; Num 11:34.
v. 17. And they departed from Kibroth-hattaavah (graves of lust), and encamped at Hazeroth, Num 11:35.
v. 18. And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah, also known as Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Paran, at its northern border, Num 12:16. The stations named in the next seventeen verses are those of the wilderness journey of the next thirty-eight years.
v. 19. And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Bimmon-parez.
v. 20. And they departed from Bimmon-parez, and pitched in Libnah.
v. 21. And they removed from Libnah, and pitched at Rissah.
v. 22. And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehel-athah.
v. 23. And they went from Kehela-thah, and pitched in Mount Shapher.
v. 24. And they removed from Mount Shapher, and encamped in Haradah.
v. 25. And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth.
v. 26. And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath.
v. 27. And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah.
v. 28. And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah.
v. 29. And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah.
v. 30. And they departed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth.
v. 31. And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan.
v. 32. And they removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad.
v. 33. And they went from Hor-hagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah.
v. 34. And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah.
v. 35. And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-gaber, at the northern extremity of the Elanitic Gulf.
v. 36. And they removed from Ezion-gaber, and pitched in the Wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh, thus coming back to that section of the Wilderness of Paran which they had left some thirty-seven years before,
v. 37. And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in Mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.
v. 38. And Aaron, the priest, went up into Mount Hor at the commandment of the Lord, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, Num 20:22-29, in the first day of the fifth month.
v. 39. And Aaron was an hundred and twenty and three years old when he died in Mount Hor.
v. 40. And King Arad, the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel, Num 21:1-3.
v. 41. And they departed from Mount Hor, Num 21:4, and pitched in Zaimonah.
v. 42. And they departed from Zaimonah, and pitched in Punon.
v. 43. And they departed from Punon, and pitched in Oboth, the three last-named probably being the same stations as those mentioned in vv. 33-35.
v. 44. And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in Ije-abarim, in the border of Moab, Num 21:11. They had thus marched around the entire land of Edom.
v. 45. And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibon-gad, Num 32:34.
v. 46. And they removed from Dibon-gad, and encamped in Almon-diblathaim.
v. 47. And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo, Num 21:20.
v. 48. And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the Plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, where they were encamped at this time.
v. 49. And they pitched by Jordan, from Beth-jesimoth even unto Abel-shittim in the Plains of Moab, these being the extreme limits of their encampment. Each name in this list recalled some act of God’s goodness and mercy to the minds of the Israelites, even as Christians associate the names of certain places where they have lived with some special manifestation of God’s kindness.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 38, 40, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 55 by their armed groups
by their armed groups
"by their military divisions." This means that each tribe had their own men, who were armed, to protect them. See how you translated "armed groups" in Numbers 1:3.
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as commanded by Yahweh
This can be stated in active form. AT: "as Yahweh commanded" (See: Active or Passive)
departure after departure
"from one place to another place"
translationWords
people group
Israel
Egypt
Moses
Aaron
command
Yahweh
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 14, 15, 16, 18, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 42, 47, 50, 54, 55 33:1-56 This review of the entire wilderness period contains…
33:1-56 This review of the entire wilderness period contains the longest integrated list of place-names in the Old Testament, from Israel’s departure from Egypt (33:3; cp. Exod 12:37) until their arrival in the plains of Moab, opposite Jericho (Num 33:49; cp. 22:1). The forty-two way stations on this itinerary represent far more than a geographical journey; they recall Israel’s forty-year spiritual pilgrimage. In their travels between Rameses in Egypt (33:3) and AcaciaAbel-shittim on the plains of Moab (33:49), Israel finally became the people who could invade the land of Canaan and claim the promises God made to Abraham. • This itinerary does not provide enough data to plot an accurate, specific route. Most of the places cannot be identified with certainty; many of the sites appear nowhere else in the Hebrew Bible, and there are not enough clues to pinpoint their locations precisely. Furthermore, this list is partial or selective, omitting some of the place-names mentioned earlier in the journey.
33:1-2 The itinerary contains features that reflect detailed record keeping. This is the only place where Numbers says that Moses kept a record of Israel’s history (cp. Exod 24:4).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.