Numbers 26 commentary

Moses did not number the people but when God commanded him. We have here the families registered, as well as the tribes. The total was nearly the same as when numbered at mount Sinai. Notice is here taken of the children of Korah; they died not, as the children of Dathan and Abiram; they seem not to have joined even their own father in rebellion. If we partake not of the sins of sinners, we shall not partake of their plagues. (Nu 26:52-56)

In distributing these tribes, the general rule of equity is prescribed; that to many should be given more, and to fewer less. Though it seems left to the prudence of their prince, the matter at last must be settled by the providence of God, with which all must be satisfied.

Levi was God's tribe; therefore it was not numbered with the rest, but alone. It came not under the sentence, that none of them should enter Canaan excepting Caleb and Joshua.

The execution of the sentence passed on the murmurers, chap. 14:29, is observable. There was not one man numbered now, who was numbered then, but Caleb and Joshua. Here appeared the righteousness of God, and his faithfulness to his threatenings. Especially observe the truth of God, in performing his promise to Caleb and Joshua. Death makes awful havoc of the human species, and causes surprising changes in families and nations; yet all is appointed in perfect wisdom, justice, and truth, by the Lord himself. This should stir us up to think upon the hateful nature of sin, the cause of all these devastations. We should renew our repentance, seek forgiveness, value the salvation of Christ, remember how frail we are, prepare for the summons of death, and fill up our days in serving our generation according to the will of God.

1. And it came to pass after the plague. This is the second census which we read of having been made by Moses; nevertheless it is easy to perceive, from Exodus 38, that it was at least the third; although it is more probable that either yearly, or at stated times, those who had arrived at the age of twenty gave in their names. Still the number of the people could not be thus obtained, unless there were also a comparison of the deaths. This, at any rate, is incontrovertible, that those who had grown up to manhood were three times numbered in the desert, for we gather thus much from the passage before us, since it is said in the fourth verse that this enrolment was made “as the Lord had commanded Moses, and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt;” from whence it is plain not only that they followed as their rule the custom established from the beginning, but that the census of the people was again taken, as it had been in the wilderness of Sinai. From hence again a probable conjecture may be made, that, from the time in which they came out from thence, nothing similar had taken place in the interval. For Moses there records how many talents were collected from the tribute of the people, and mentions their number, viz., 603,550 In the Lat. these numbers are misprinted, 600,550; in the Fr., 650,300. and he adds afterwards, when they moved their camp from Mount Sinai, how the census was taken according to God’s command; but I pass over this subject the more cursorily, as having been already spoken of elsewhere. On Numbers 1, etc., vol. 3, pp. 437, et seq. Fr. substitutes for the last clause, “pource qu’il n’est point de grande importance;” because it is not of great importance.

Now let us see with what object God desired to have His people numbered before He led them into the possession of the promised land. In less than forty years the whole generation of an age for military service had perished: many had been carried off by premature deaths; nay, a single scourge had lately destroyed 24,000; who would not have thought that the people must have been diminished by a fourth? We must then account it a remarkable miracle, that their numbers should be found as great as they were before. It was a memorable proof of God’s anger that only two of the 603,000 still survived; but that by continued generation the people were so renewed, as that, at the conclusion of the period, their posterity equalled their former number, was the work of God’s inestimable grace. Thus, in that awful judgment wherewith God punished His sinful people, the truth of His promise still shone forth. It had been said to Abraham,

“I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea-shore,” (Genesis 22:17;)

and it was by no means fitting that this blessing should be obscured at the time, when the other part of the promise was about to be fulfilled: “Unto thy seed will I give this land.” (Genesis 12:7;) For, whilst the people had been instructed by punishments to fear God, still they were not to lose the savor of His paternal favor. And thus does God always temper His judgments towards His Church, so as in the midst of His indignation to remember mercy, as Habakkuk says, (Habakkuk 3:2.) This was the reason why the people was numbered immediately after the plague, in order that it might be more conspicuous that God had marvellously provided lest any diminution should appear after the recent loss of so many men.

8 And the sons of Pallu; Eliab. The curtailment which had occurred in the superior line is here introduced, either in exaltation of God’s grace, because, notwithstanding so great a loss, the tribe of Reuben was still numerous; or else to mark the cause of its diminution, for it might otherwise have seemed strange that other tribes exceeded in numbers that one whose founder and parent was Jacob’s first-born. But when he has narrated how the two sons of Eliab had been destroyed with their company, he briefly adverts to the clemency of God towards the sons of Korah, in that He spared them. And surely this was no common exercise of mercy not only to preserve them uninjured from the calamity, but afterwards to raise up shoots from the accursed root, in whom His spiritual riches might shine forth for the general advantage of the Church: for we know what honorable mention is often made of this family; and it is probable that certain of them were the authors of some of the Psalms, and thus were endued with the Spirit of prophecy, when possibly at that time none of the priests was possessed of this gift. This is that profound abyss in the various and unequal judgments of God, which it becomes us to adore with sober humility. Meanwhile, in a single word, Moses hints at the reason why he repeats this same history, whereby the formidable mode of their death might be held up as a perpetual example: for the Hebrew word נס, nes, which is primarily a standard “Un mot Hebrieu qui signifie tant banniere, que mas de navire, ou une haute perche;” a Hebrew word which signifies a banner, as well as the mast of a ship, or a high pole. — Fr. or banner, is often used for some portentous thing, which strikes men’s senses with astonishment, and at the same time fills their minds with fear.

19. The sons of Judah were Er and Onan. Since the tribe of Judah was so numerous, Moses magnifies the greatness of God’s grace by this circumstance, that of the three sons which he begat, two perished in the land of Canaan, by whose loss he might have appeared to be condemned to perpetual sterility. But the climax of God’s unparalleled mercy was this, that although two of his children were born of an incestuous connection, they grew up into so great a people.

28. The sons of Joseph after their families. The comparison of the two tribes, which sprang from the same head, is worthy of notice. By the fact that Manasseh was the father of only one son, There appears to be an oversight here: see Joshua 17. the prophecy of Jacob, when he declared that the first-born should be inferior to his younger brother Ephraim, began already to receive its accomplishment. Nevertheless, God’s blessing extended far and wide for the increase of his family, so that they exceeded the tribe of Reuben in number. But further, though the larger number of children (πολυτεκνία) in which the descendants of Ephraim were superior, was a kind of type of his promised fecundity, still the excellency and dignity, of which Jacob prophesied, was deferred to a distant period; since in this respect the tribe of Ephraim was inferior by about a third, whereas a more numerous issue had been promised him. Although, therefore, God had not spoken in vain, yet the fulfillment of His promise did not immediately appear.

In the tribe of Dan, however, the incredible power of God was put forth. He was contemptible among his brethren; and thence it was an extraordinary blessing accorded to him in the shape of an honorable degree and name, when Jacob declares that “Dan shall judge his people.” (Genesis 49:16.) He is said to have begotten only one son; yet his posterity exceeds 64,000.

51. These are the numbered of the children of Israel. By this sum total, what I have above adverted to is more clearly shewn, that amidst so many losses, and especially after the terrible vengeance which God had recently executed, the race of Abraham was preserved in an incredible manner, so that the fulfillment of the promise might not be brought about only towards a small body of persons. Nature itself and reason would have suggested that a few only should enjoy the promised land; but if the inheritance had been restricted to a small number of men, God’s promise would have lain, as it were, in obscurity and concealment. Yet within thirty-eight years, during which more than 603,000 men had fallen, God marvellously brought it to pass that the same number of persons should still remain, some 2500 only excepted. Assuredly they must be blind four times over, as it were, who do not behold in this bright mirror God’s wonderful providence, and the faithfulness of His gratuitous adoption, and His steadfastness in keeping His promises. At the same time, that which I have already referred to in Deuteronomy clearly appears, that those who survived, were strikingly admonished by this great loss, that they should not fall away at any time into superstition.

53. Unto these the land shall be divided. This must have had great influence towards encouraging believers, when they gave in their names before God, and professed that they were heirs of the land; since it was exactly the same as if they actually had it in their grasp, when God called them to its certain possession; for the demonstrative pronoun is used emphatically, lest they should suppose that they were to be put off any longer, and that what was promised them was still to be kept in store for their posterity. The actual fulfillment, therefore, and immediate presence of the thing is indicated, when God prescribes that the land was to be divided to those who were just numbered, and whose names appeared in the public registers. A proportionable mode of division is then enjoined, so that their share should be distributed to every tribe according to the number of their names. We now perceive that they were registered, and, so to speak, Lat., “Quasi lustratos.” Fr. “Comme receus de nouveau;” as it were received anew: — the allusion is, I need hardly say, to the Roman lustrum, or quinquennial census and readjustment of the classes of the people. lustrated, in order that they might more earnestly bestir themselves to take possession of the promised land.

57. And these are they that were numbered of the Levites. He treats separately of the tribe of Levi, which God had dissevered from the rest of the people; and of the sons of Levi, the last mentioned is Kohath, the founder of the sacerdotal family. Hence we may probably conjecture that the law of primogeniture was not regarded when God deigned to take the priests from thence. But why Moses should expressly state the name of his mother, contrary to the usual custom of Scripture, does not dearly appear; for it is not likely that he did this as a distinction to his own family, because he at the same time shews how he himself, as well as his children, was deprived of the honor (of the priesthood,) Added from Fr. in which certainly there is no appearance of ambition. It is more probable, if the word daughter is literally taken, that he did not conceal a disgraceful circumstance, in order to extol more highly the indulgence of God; for, in this case, Moses and Aaron sprang of an incestuous marriage, since Amram, their father, must have married his aunt, which natural modesty forbade. It will, then, be rather an ingenuous confession of family dishonor, than an ambitious boast. If we inquire how this could have been tolerated, the answer will readily suggest itself, that this license had so largely prevailed among the oriental nations, that no one deemed that to be illicit which was in such universal use. And this we shall presently see The Fr. more correctly says, “Ce que nous avons veu ci dessus;” this we have seen above; — the table of prohibited degrees having been considered ante, vol. 3, p. 96, et seq. to be expressly referred to, when God, by forbidding incestuous marriages, distinguishes His people from other nations. It will be no matter of surprise, then, that those who were not yet prohibited from doing so by the law of God, had followed the general custom.

60. And unto Aaron was born Nadab. Since two of Aaron’s four sons were cut off by a sudden death, the dignity of the high-priesthood, which depended on the life of two persons, appeared to be endangered. And with this view Moses repeats the history already given, in order that God’s wonderful providence might be more clearly perceived in the preservation of this order, with which the safety of the whole Church was connected. Unquestionably, unless other families had been much more prolific, the whole tribe of Levi would have consisted of very few persons; yet, if we come to compare them, their fecundity will be incredible, inasmuch as 23,000 are numbered, whereas the sacerdotal race issued from only two heads. But God exalts His Church to pre-eminence by ways and means unknown to men, in order that His power may be magnified in this weakness. Moreover, the cause of their death is again recorded, that the priests, being admonished by this warning, may not only more diligently beware of wilful sacrilege, but also of error and negligence.

63. These are they that were numbered. The former registration was made by Aaron. The difference between the two census is therefore specified, in order that Moses may take occasion to commemorate God’s judgment, which can never be sufficiently considered, that of 600,000, only two were found who had survived to the term prescribed by God. If any should object that the greater part would have died naturally, since they had arrived at their thirtieth: fortieth, and even fiftieth year, This sentence is omitted in the edit. of Geneva, 1563. and thus would have been some eighty years old before the completion of the forty years, I admit that such is the case; but many had not yet reached their twenty-fourth year. Nor can we doubt but that not a few of them were younger than Caleb and Joshua, whom we know to have been not only alive and well, but even strong and vigorous for many years afterwards. At any rate, therefore, not old age, but God’s vengeance, cut off half of them by an untimely death, as if he had openly put forth his hand from heaven and smitten them. It is not without reason, then, that Moses states that they were dead, as God had pronounced; not merely that by the punishment inflicted upon them he may inculcate upon us the fear of God, but also that we may learn to be aroused in earnest by his threats.

Numbers 27

Numbers 27:1-11

1. Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

1. Accesserunt autem filiae Salphaad, filii Hepher, filii Galaad, filii Machir, filii Manasse de familiis Manasse, filii Joseph: haec vero sunt nomina filiarum ejus, Malhah, Noah, Hoglah, et Milchah, et Thirsah.

2. And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

2. Hac steterunt coram Mose et coram Eleazar sacerdote, et coram principibus atque universa congregatione ad ostium tabernaculi conventionis, dicendo:

3. Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.

3. Pater noster mortuus est in deserto, qui tamen non fuit in congregatione qum congregata fuit adversus Jehovam, in congregatione Core: quia in peccato mortuus est, et filii non fuerunt el.

4. Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.

4. Quare tolletur nomen patris nostri de medio familiae suae, propterea quod non sit ei filius? da nobis haereditatem inter fratres patris nostri.

5. And Moses brought their cause before the Lord.

5. Retulit autem Moses causam earum coram Jehova.

6. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

6. Et respondit Jehova ad Mosen, dicendo:

7. The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren: and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.

7. Rectum filiae Salphaad loquuntur: dando dabis eis possessionem haereditatis in medio fratrum patris sui, et transferes haereditatem patris earum ad eas.

8. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.

8. Ad filios autem Israel loqueris, dicendo, Quum quis mortuus fuerit, et filius non fuerit illi, tum transferetis haereditatem ejus ad filiam ipsius.

9. And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.

9. Quod sinon fuerit ei filia, tunc dabitis haereditatem ejus fratribus ipsius.

10. And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father’s brethren.

10. Si vero non fuerint ei fratres, tunc dabitis haereditatem ejus fratribus patris ipsius.

11. And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment; as the Lord commanded Moses.

11. Quod si non fuerint fratres patri ipsius, tunc dabitis haereditatem ejus propinquiori illi de familia ipsius, haereditatemque accipiet illam: erit autem istud filiis Israel in statutum judicii, quemadmodum praecepit Jehova Mosi.

CHAPTER 26

Nu 26:1-51. Israel Numbered.

1. after the plague--That terrible visitation had swept away the remnant of the old generation, to whom God sware in His wrath that they should not enter Canaan (Psa 95:11).

2. Take the sum of all the congregation--The design of this new census, after a lapse of thirty-eight years, was primarily to establish the vast multiplication of the posterity of Abraham in spite of the severe judgments inflicted upon them; secondarily, it was to preserve the distinction of families and to make arrangements, preparatory to an entrance into the promised land, for the distribution of the country according to the relative population of the tribes.

7. These are the families of the Reubenites--the principal households, which were subdivided into numerous smaller families. Reuben had suffered great diminution by Korah's conspiracy and other outbreaks [Nu 16:1].

10. the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah--rather, "the things of Korah." (See on Nu 16:35; compare Psa 106:17).

11. Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not--Either they were not parties to their father's crime, or they withdrew from it by timely repentance. His descendants became famous in the time of David, and are often mentioned in the Psalms [Psa 42:1; 44:1; 45:1; 46:1; 47:1; 48:1; 49:1; 84:1; 85:1; 87:1; 88:1], also in 1Ch 6:22, 38.

12. The sons of Simeon--It is supposed that this tribe had been pre-eminent in the guilt of Baal-peor and had consequently been greatly reduced in numbers.

Thus God's justice and holiness, as well as His truth and faithfulness, were strikingly displayed: His justice and holiness in the sweeping judgments that reduced the ranks of some tribes; and His truth and faithfulness in the extraordinary increase of others so that the posterity of Israel continued a numerous people.

53. the land shall be divided according to the number of names--The portion of each tribe was to be greater or less, according to its populousness.

54. To many thou shalt give the more inheritance--that is, to the more numerous tribes a larger allotment shall be granted.

according to those that were numbered--the number of persons twenty years old at the time of the census being made, without taking into account either the increase of those who might have attained that age, when the land should be actually distributed, or the diminution from that amount, occasioned during the war of invasion.

55. the land shall be divided by lot--The appeal to the lot did not place the matter beyond the control of God; for it is at His disposal (Pr 16:33), and He has fixed to all the bounds of their habitation. The manner in which the lot was taken has not been recorded. But it is evident that the lot was cast for determining the section of the country in which each tribe should be located--not the quantity of their possessions. In other words, when the lot had decided that a particular tribe was to be settled in the north or the south, the east or the west, the extent of territory was allocated according to the rule (Nu 26:54).

58. families of the Levites--The census of this tribe was taken separately, and on a different principle from the rest. (See Ex 6:16-19).

62. twenty and three thousand--so that there was an increase of a thousand (Nu 3:39).

males from a month old and upward--(See on Nu 3:14).

64. among these there was not a man ... numbered ... in the wilderness of Sinai--The statement in this verse must not be considered absolute. For, besides Caleb and Joshua, there were alive at this time Eleazar and Ithamar, and in all probability a considerable number of Levites, who had no participation in the popular defections in the wilderness. The tribe of Levi, having neither sent a spy into Canaan, nor being included in the enumeration at Sinai, must be regarded as not coming within the range of the fatal sentence; and therefore it would exhibit a spectacle not to be witnessed in the other tribes of many in their ranks above sixty years of age. Tribes Chap. 1 Chap. 26 Increase Decrease Reuben 46,500 43,730 -- 2,770 Simeon 59,300 22,200 -- 37,100 Gad 45,650 40,500 -- 5,150 Judah 74,600 76,500 1,900 -- Issachar 54,400 64,300 9,900 -- Zebulun 57,400 60,500 3,100 -- Ephraim 40,500 32,500 -- 8,000 Manasseh 32,200 52,700 20,500 -- Benjamin 35,400 45,600 10,200 -- Dan 62,700 64,400 1,700 -- Asher 41,500 53,400 11,900 -- Naphtali 53,400 45,400 -- 8,000 Total 603,550 601,730 59,200 61,020 Total decrease 1,820

Take the sum of all the congregation - After thirty-eight years God commands a second census of the Israelites to be made, to preserve the distinction in families, and to regulate the tribes previously to their entry into the promised land, and to ascertain the proportion of land which should be allowed to each tribe. For though the whole was divided by lot, yet the portions were so disposed that a numerous tribe did not draw where the lots assigned small inheritances. See Num 26:53-56, and also see the note on Num 1:1.

Together with Korah - The Samaritan text does not intimate that Korah was swallowed up, but that he was burnt, as appears in fact to have been the case. And the earth swallowed them up, what time that company died; and the fire devoured Korah with the two hundred and fifty men, who became a sign.

The children of Korah died not - It is difficult to reconcile this place with Num 16:27, Num 16:31-33, where it seems to be intimated that not only the men, but the wives, and the sons, and the little ones of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were swallowed up by the earthquake; see especially Num 16:27, collated with Num 16:33. But the text here expressly says, The children of Korah died not; and on a close inspection of Num 16:27, we shall find that the sons and the little ones of Dathan and Abiram alone are mentioned. So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out - and their wives, and their sons, and their little ones. Here is no mention of the children of Korah, they therefore escaped, while it appears those of Dathan and Abiram perished with their fathers. See the note on Num 16:30.

These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty - The following comparative statement will show how much some of the tribes had increased, and others had diminished, since the enumeration in Numbers 1.

Tribe Chapter 26 Chapter1 Variation Reuben 43,730 to 46,500 2,770 decrease Simeon 22,200 to 59,300 37,100 decrease Gad 40,500 to 45,650 5,150 decrease Judah 76,500 to 74,600 1,900 increase Issachar 64,300 to 54,400 9,900 increase Zebulun 60,500 to 57,400 3,100 increase Manasseh 52,700 to 32,200 20,500 increase Ephraim 32,500 to 40,500 8,000 decrease Benjamin 45,600 to 35,400 10,200 increase Dan 64,400 to 62,700 1,700 increase Asher 53,400 to 41,500 11,900 increase Naphtali 45,400 to 53,400 8,000 decrease Total 601,730 to 603,550 1,820 decrease on the whole, in 38 years. Decrease in all, 61,020. Increase in all, 59,200.

Let it be observed,

1. That among these there was not a man of the former census, save Joshua and Caleb, see Num 26:64, Num 26:65.

2. That though there was an increase in seven tribes of not less than 74,800 men, yet so great was the decrease in the other five tribes, that the balance against the present census is 1,820, as appears above: thus we find that there was an in crease of 601,728 from 603,550 in the space of thirty-eight years.

Notwithstanding the amazing increase in some and decrease in other tribes, the same sort of proportion is preserved in the east, west, north, and south divisions, as before; so as to keep the division of Judah, which was always in the front or van, the largest; and the division of Dan, which was always in the rear, the next in number. But it is worthy of remark that as they are now, properly speaking, to commence their grand military operations, so their front, or advanced division, is increased from 186,400 to 201,300; and their rear from 157,600 to 163,200. The first division is strengthened 14,900 men, and the last division 5,600 men. The reasons for this are sufficiently obvious.

Mr. Ainsworth has a curious remark on the number of families in the 12 tribes.

Number of Families 1. Of Manasseh 8 7. Of Reuben 4 2. Of Benjamin 7 8. Of Issachar 4 3. Of Gad 7 9. Of Ephraim 4 4. Of Simeon 5 10. Of Naphtali 4 5. Of Judah 5 11. Of Zebulun 3 6. Of Asher 5 12. Of Dan 1 "In all 57; to whom if we add the 12 patriarchs, and Jacob their father, the whole number is 70, the exact number of the souls in Jacob's house that went down to Egypt, Gen 46:27." In a variety of things in this ancient economy there is a most surprising proportion kept up, which never could have been a fortuitous effect of general causes. But proportion, harmony, and order distinguish all the works of God, both in the natural and moral world.

The land shall be divided by lot - The word גורל goral, translated lot, is supposed by some to signify the stone or pebble formerly used for the purpose of what we term casting lots. The word hlot is Anglo-Saxon, from to divide, or portion out, i. e., fortuitously: it answers to the Greek κληρος, which some think comes from κλαω to break; because the lot, being a sort of appeal to God, ("The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord," Pro 16:33), broke off all contentions and litigations relative to the matter in dispute. From this original division of the promised land by lot to the children of Israel, all portions, appointments, offices, shares, or divisions in spiritual and ecclesiastical matters, were termed lots. So in the New Testament, the word κληρος, lot, is used to signify a portion of spiritual blessedness, and κληρονομια, a division by lot, an inheritance; and κληροι, the lotted or appointed persons to different works, shares, etc.; hence our word clergy, κληροι, persons appointed by lot to a lot, portion, or inheritance; see the case of Matthias, Act 1:26. Persons thus appointed were by accommodation termed inheritors, because originally, when there could be no claims of exclusive right, all lands where a wandering tribe chose to take up its residence were divided by lot, as the promised land in the case before us. So Judah says to Simeon his brother, Jdg 1:3 : "Come up with me into my lot." And as God was ever supposed to be the whole disposer in such matters, whatever fell out in the course of God's providence was called a lot. "This is the lot of them that rob us;" Isa 17:14. "Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter;" Act 8:21. A lot in the promised land was evidently typical of a place in eternal glory. "That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance (κληρον, a lot) among them that are sanctified;" Act 26:18. "Who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance, κληρου, of the lot) of the saints in light;" Col 1:12. "Which is the earnest of our inheritance, (κληρονομιας, of our allotted portion;") Eph 1:4. "What is the riches of the glory of his inheritance," (κληρονομιας, allotted portion); Eph 1:18. As therefore the promised land was divided by lot to the believing Israelites, God determining the lot as he saw good, none of the people having any claim on or right to it; so the kingdom of heaven is a lot given by the mere good will of God to them that believe and obey him; for as unbelief and disobedience threw 600,000 people out of the inheritance of the promised land; so none who disbelieve God's word, and rebel against his authority, shall ever enter into the kingdom of heaven - See Ainsworth. These things happened unto them for examples: see then, reader, that thou fall not after the same example of unbelief.

Take the sum - They were numbered twice before, Exo 30:11,12 Nu 1:1,2. Now they are numbered a third time, to demonstrate the faithfulness of God, both in cutting all those off whom he had threatened to cut off, Nu 14:29, and in a stupendous increase of the people according to his promise, notwithstanding all their sins, and the sweeping judgments inflicted upon them; and to prepare the way for the equal division of the land, which they were now going to possess.

Families - The chief houses, which were subdivided into divers lesser families. Forty three thousand seven hundred and thirty - Whereas in their last numbering they were forty six thousand five hundred; for Korah's conspiracy, as well as other provocations of theirs, had cut off many of them.

With Korah - According to this translation Korah was not consumed by fire with his two hundred and fifty men, but swallowed up by the earth. But others rather think he was devoured by the fire, and render these words, and the things of Korah, or belonging to Korah, namely, his tent and goods, and family, children excepted, as here follows. A sign - God made them a monument or example, to warn others not to rebel against God, or magistracy, nor to usurp the priestly office.

Died not - God being pleased to spare them, because they disowned their father's fact, and separated themselves both from his tent and company. Hence the sons of Korah are mentioned, 1Chr 6:22,38, and often in the book of Psalms.

Jachin - Called also Jarib, 1Chr 4:24. And such names might be either added or changed upon some special occasion not recorded in scripture.

Twenty two thousand and two hundred - No tribe decreased so much as Simeon's. From fifty nine thousand and three hundred it sunk to twenty two thousand and two hundred, little more than a third part of what it was. One whole family of that tribe, (Ohad mentioned Exo 6:15) was extinct in the wilderness. Some think most of the twenty four thousand, cut off by the plague for the iniquity of Peor, were of that tribe. For Zimri, a ring - leader in that iniquity, was a prince of that tribe. Simeon is not mentioned in Moses's blessing, Deu 33:1 - 29. And the lot of that tribe in Canaan was inconsiderable, only a canton out of Judah's lot, Jos 19:9.

Children of Gad - Fewer by above five thousand than there were in their last numbering.

The families of Judah - About two thousand more than they were, Nu 1:27, whereas the foregoing tribes were all diminished.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 AND it came to pass after the plague that the LORD spake unto Moses, and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,

Last mentioned, chap. 25. 8, 9.

Who, his father being dead, was High-priest.

2 Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel * from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers house, all that are able to go to war in Israel.

They were numbred twice before, Exod. 30. 11, 12. and Numb. 1. 1, 2. Now they are numbred a third time, partly to demonstrate the faithfulness of God, both in cutting all those off whom he had threatned to cut off, Numb. 14. 29. and in a stupendious increase and multiplication of the people according to his promise notwithstanding all their sins and the sweeping judgments inflicted upon them; and partly to prepare the way for the equal division of the Land which they were now going to possess.

Marginal references: chap. 1. 3.

3 And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab , by Jordan near Jericho saying,

See Numb. 22. 1. and 33. 48.

See Numb. 22. 1.

4 Take the sum of the people , from twenty years old and upward as the LORD * commanded Moses, and the children of Israel which went forth out of the land of Egypt.

Which words are easily supplied and necessarily to be understood from ver. 2.

Marginal references: chap. 1. 1.

7 These are the families of the Reubenite: and they that were numbred of them, were fourty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty .

(i. e.) The chief houses, which were subdivided into divers lesser families.

Whereas in their last numbring they were 46500, Numb. 1. 21. for Korahs conspiracy, as well as other provocations of theirs had cut off many of them.

8 And the sons of Pallu; Eliab.

For, son, of which change of the number. See Gen. 21. 7. and 46. 7.

10 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah , when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign :

According to this translation Korah was not consumed by fire with his 250 men, Numb. 16. but swallowed up by the Earth. But others rather think he was devoured by the fire, of which see on Numb. 16. 32, 35. and render these words, and the things of Korah, or belonging to Korah, to wit, his tent and goods and family, children excepted as here follows. Which interpretation receives strength by comparing this place with Numb. 16. 32. And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them (to wit, Dathan and Abiram, as is manifest from ver. 24, 25, 27.) up and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, which variation of the phrase plainly shews that Korah himself was not swallowed up with them, but onely his men and his tabernacle, which is mentioned there together with the tabernacles of Dathan and Abiram, ver. 24, 27. but his person is not there mentioned with their persons. Nor is it unusual both in sacred and profane authours, by the name of a man who is the head and master to understand onely his house and family, though himself be not included. But this difficulty may be cleared another way. The Hebrew particle eth may be here the note of a Nominative case, as it is 2 Kings 6. 5. Neh. 9. 19. Ier. 38. 16. Ezek. 39. 14. and 43. 7. and there may be a defect of a verb, which is most frequent, and so the place may be rendred thus, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, to wit, Dathan and Abiram, ver. 9. and Korah, or, and as for Korah he died (which verb is easily understood out of the following noun, of which Ellipsis there are many instances in Scripture, some whereof have been given before, and more will follow in their places) in the death of that company, or when that company died, what time the fire devoured the two hundred and fifty men. And so this place and Numb. 16. 35. explain one another, and whereas there is mention onely of 250 men consumed by that fire, Korah is here added to the number.

(i. e.) God made them a monument or example, to warn others not to rebel against God nor against Magistracy, nor to usurp the Priestly Office.

11 Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not .

God being pleased to spare them either because they disowned their fathers fact, and thereupon separated themselves both from his tent and company or because Moses interceded for them, or because God would glorifie his own free mercy in sparing some, while he punished others, according to his declaration in a like case, Exod. 33. 19. Hence the sons of Korah are mentioned 1 Chron. 6. 22, 38. and oft in the book of Psalms.

12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel , the family of the Nemuelite: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminite: of Jachin , the family of the Jachinite:

Called Iemuel, Gen. 46. 10. Exod. 6. 15.

Called also Iarib, 1 Chron. 4. 24. And such names might be either added or changed upon some special occasion not recorded in Scripture.

13 Of Zerah , the family of the Zarhite: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulite.

Called also Zohar, Gen. 46. 10. Exod. 6. 15. There is another of his sons, Ohad, mentioned Gen. 46. 10. not here, possibly because his family was extinct before this time.

14 These are the families of the Simeonite: twenty and two thousand and two hundred .

Whereas there were 35400 in Numb. 1. 23. It is thought the example of Zimri, one of their princes, Numb. 25. and some others among them, did infect the generality of the Tribe, and so caused this great diminution, in their numbers.

15 The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon , the family of the Zephonite; of Haggi, the family of the Haggite: of Shuni, the family of the Shunite.

Who is placed next, because he was joyned with Reuben and Si[illegible: 1+ letters] in the same camp and quarters, Numb. 2. 10, 14.

Called Z [illegible: 1 word], Gen. 46. 16.

16 Of Ozni , the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:

Called E[illegible: 1+ letters]on, Gen. 46. 16.

17 Of Arod , the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.

Called Arodi, Gen. 46. 16.

18 These are the families of the children of Gad, according to those that were numbred of them, fourty thousand and five hundred .

Fewer by above 5000 than there were in their last numbring, Numb. 2. 15.

21 And the sons of Pharez were; of Hesron, the family of the Hesronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

Which though Iudahs Grandchildren, are here mentioned among his sons, because they are put in the stead of Er and Onan, which died before.

22 These are the families of Judah, according to those that were numbred of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred .

About 2000 more than they were Numb. 1. 27. whereas the foregoing Tribes were all diminished, this Tribe was now encreased, and the blessing promised to that Tribe above the rest Gen. 49. 8. doth herein begin to shew it self.

23 * Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua , the family of the Punites.

Called also Phavah, Gen. 46. 13▪ as his brother Iashub ver. 24. is called Iob, Gen. 46. 13.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. 7. 1.

25 These are the families of Issachar, according to those that were numbred of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred .

A great increase. Compare Numb. 2. 6.

27 These are the families of the Zebulunites, according to those that were numbred of them, threescore thousand and five hundred .

Whereas before they were but 57400 in Numb. 1. 31. and 2. 8. So that Iudahs camp was much encreased, as Reubens was much diminished.

29 Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites .

Gilead is here mentioned as Machirs onely son, and therefore some conceive that the family of the Machirites, and of the Gileadites, are one and the same family, onely called by two names, first Machirites, but afterwards Gileadites. Others make them distinct families, because Machir had other children, Gen. 50. 23▪ 1 Chron. 7. 14, 15, 16. which are called by their fathers name, Machirites, whereas the children of his eldest son Gilead are called by his name, Gileadites. But though Machir had other children it seems they and their posterity were extinct at this time, and that Machir alone was left and his posterity, as may be gathered by comparing this and the following verses with Ios. 17. 1, 2, 3. and 1 Chron. 7. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

Marginal references: Josh. 17. 1.

30 These are the sons of Gilead, of Jeezer , the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:

Called also Abiezer, Ios. 17. 2. Iudg. 6. 11, 34. 1 Chron. 7. 18.

34 These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbred of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred .

Whereas they were but 32200. in Numb. 1. 35. So they are now increased above 20000. according to that prophecy Gen. 49. 22.

35 These are the sons of Ephraim, after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher , the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.

Called also Bered, 1 Chron. 7. 20.

36 And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran , the family of the Eranites.

Called Edan or Hadan 1 Chron. 7. 26. the letters Daleth and Resh being alike in the Hebrew tongue, and therefore oft changed, as is evident from Scripture-instances.

38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel , the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram , the family of the Ahiramites:

Who were ten, Gen. 46. 21. whereof onely five are here mentioned, the rest probably together with their families being extinct ere this time.

Called also Iedaiel, 1 Chron. 7. 6.

Called also Aharab, 1 Chron. 8. 1. and Ehi, Gen. 46. 21.

Marginal references: 1 Chro. [illegible: 1 word]

39 Of Shupham , the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham , the family of the Huphamites.

Called also Shuppim, 1 Chron. 7. 12. and Muppim, Gen. 46. 21.

Called Huppim, Gen. 46. 21. 1 Chron. 7. 12.

40 And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard , the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.

Or, Arde, and by transposition, Adar, 1 Chron. 8. 3.

42 These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham , the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families .

Called, by transposition Hushim, Gen. 46. 23.

The greater families subdivided into lesser families.

43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbred of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred .

All from one son and family, whereas of Benjamin who had ten sons, and here five families, there were onely 45600. to shew that the increase of families depends singly upon Gods blessing and good pleasure.

44 Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui , the family of the Jesuites; of Beriah, the family of the Berilites.

Called Isui, Gen. 46. 17. where also there is another son of Asher named, to wit, Ishuah, whose family seems now to be lost.

Marginal references: 1 Chro. [illegible: 1 word]

46 And the name of the daughter of Asher, was Sarah ,

Who seems to be here mentioned because she was a woman of masculine wisdom, or courage or other vertue.

47 These are the families of the sons of Asher, according to those that were numbred of them, who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred .

Whereas they were onely 41500 in Numb. 1. 41.

51 These were the numbred of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand, and a thousand seven hundred and thirty .

Very nigh as many as they were before Numb. 1. 46. so wisely and marvellously did God at the same time manifest his justice in cutting off so vast a number, and his mercy in giving such a speedy and numerous supply, and his truth in both.

53 Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance, according to the number of names .

To these families now mentioned.

By lot, ver. 55. The land was divided into nine parts and an half, respect being had in such division to the goodness as well as to the largeness of the several portions, and the lot gave each tribe their part.

(i. e.) Of the persons, names being oft put for persons, as Act. 1. 15. Phil. 2. 9. Rev. 3. 4. and 11. 13. The meaning is, that the share of each tribe was divided amongst the several families, to some more to some less according to the number of the persons of each family, Numb. 33. 54. And withal, if one of the lots or portions proved too large or too little for all the families and persons of that tribe, in this case they might either give part of their portion to another tribe, as Simeon and Dan had parts of Iudahs share, Ios. 19. 4, 40. or take away a part from the portion belonging to another tribe.

54 To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance▪ to every one shall his inheritance be given, according to those that were numbred of him .

Thou Moses, partly by thy self, for he divided the land beyond Iordan to the two tribes and an half, and partly by thy successour Ioshua whom thou shalt empower and command to do it.

According to the number of the families and persons now numbred and being 20 years old, no regard being to be had either to any increase of the number by those who came up to that age between this time and the division of the land, or to the diminution of this number by the sword of Canaanites or otherwise.

Marginal references: chap. 33. 54.; Heb. multiply [illegible: 1+ letters]is inheritance.; Heb. diminish [illegible: 1+ letters]is inheritance.

55 Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot : according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.

Which lots seem to have been cast onely for the tribes, not as some would have it, for the several families for the distribution of it to them was left to the rulers wisdom according to the rule now given ver. 54. Yet, if any lot was too large for the Tribe, they might give up part of their right to others, with the Rulers consent, as Iudah gave a share to Simeon and to Dan within his lot.

(i. e.) The Lots shall go under the names of each tribe or each Patriarch.

Marginal references: chap. 33. 54. Josh. 11. 23. and 14. 2.

56 According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few .

(i. e.) That share, which shall by Lot fall to each tribe, shall be distributed to the several families and persons in such proportions as their numbers shall require.

58 These are the families of the Levite : the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korhites: and Kohath begat Amram.

Which are here numbred by themselves, because they were not to have a distinct share of the land, whence it is that they are not so distinctly and exactly mentioned as the other tribes, but confusedly and imperfectly, some of them being wholly omitted here. See Exod. 6. 17, 18, 19.

59 And the name of Amrams wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram, Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.

To wit, Levi's wife, which must necessarily be understood.

Marginal references: Exod. 2. 1, 2. and 6. 20.

62 And those that were numbred of them, were twenty and three thousand , all males from a month old and upward : for they were not numbred among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.

One thousand more than they were, Numb. 3. 39.

The reason of which different way of numbring see on Numb. 3. 15.

65 For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness: and there was not left a man of them , save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

To wit, of those who then murmured and rebelled against God, as plainly appears both because this threatning and punishment is confined to those transgressours and because otherwise this had not been true, for of those that were then numbred there were now left Eleazar and Ithamar, and possibly many of the Levites, and some others, who being not guilty of that sin did not partake of their judgment. Caleb and Ioshua are mentioned here, as also Numb. 14. not by way of exception, as if these were murmurers, which is utterly denied, Numb. 14. 24. but by way of opposition, to signify that they, though they were two of the spies, and companions of them who were the chief authours and ringleaders of that mutiny, yet they kept themselves from their sin, and therefore God kept them from their plague and destruction, as also he did some others for the same reason.

Marginal references: chap. 14. 28, 29. 1 Cor. 10. 5, 6.

Mustering of Israel in the Steppes of Moab - Numbers 26

Before taking vengeance upon the Midianites, as they had been commanded, the Israelites were to be mustered as the army of Jehovah, by means of a fresh numbering, since the generation that was mustered at Sinai (ch. 1-4) had died out in the wilderness, with the sole exception of Caleb and Joshua (Num 26:64, Num 26:65). On this ground the command of God was issued, “after the plague,”' for a fresh census and muster. For with the plague the last of those who came out of Egypt, and were not to enter Canaan, had been swept away, and thus the sentence had been completely executed. - The object of the fresh numbering, however, was not merely to muster Israel for the war with the Midianites, and in the approaching conquest of the promised land with the Canaanites also, but was intended to serve at the same time as a preparation for their settlement in Canaan, viz., for the division of the conquered land among the tribes and families of Israel. For this reason (Num 26) the families of the different tribes are enumerated here, which was not the case in ch. 1; and generally instructions are also given in Num 1:52 -56, with reference to the division of Canaan. - The numbering was simply extended, as before, to the male population of the age of 20 years and upwards, and was no doubt carried out, like the previous census at Sinai, by Moses and the high priest (Eleazar), with the assistance of the heads of the tribes, although the latter are not expressly mentioned here. - The names of the families correspond, - with very few exceptions, - to the grandsons and great-grandsons of Jacob mentioned in Gen 46. - With regard to the total number of the people, and the number of the different tribes.

Num  26:1-51

Mustering of the Twelve Tribes. - Num 26:1-4. The command of God to Moses and Eleazar is the same as in Num 1, 2, and 3, except that it does not enter so much into details.

Num 26:3-4

“And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them” (דּבּר with the accusative, as in Gen 37:4). The pronoun refers to “the children of Israel,” or more correctly, to the heads of the nation as the representatives of the congregation, who were to carry out the numbering. On the Arboth-Moab, see at Num 22:1. Only the leading point in their words is mentioned, viz., “from twenty years old and upwards” (sc., shall ye take the number of the children of Israel), since it was very simple to supply the words “take the sum” from Num 26:2.This is, at all events, easier and simpler than the alterations of the text which have been suggested for the purpose of removing the difficulty. Knobel proposes to alter וידבּר into ויּדבּר, and לאמר into לפקד: “Moses and Eleazar arranged the children of Israel when they mustered them.” But הדבּיר does not mean to arrange, but simply to drive in pairs, to subjugate (Psa 18:48, and Psa 47:4), - an expression which, as much be immediately apparent, is altogether inapplicable to the arrangement of the people in families for the purpose of taking a census.,  - The words from “the children of Israel” in Num 26:4 onwards form the introduction to the enumeration of the different tribes (Num 26:5.), and the verb יהיוּ (were) must be supplied. “And the children of Israel, who went forth out of Egypt, were Reuben,” etc.

Num 26:5-11

The families of Reuben tally with Gen 46:9; Exo 6:14, and 1Ch 5:3. The plural בּני (sons), in Num 26:8, where only one son is mentioned, is to be explained from the fact, that several sons of this particular son (i.e., grandsons) are mentioned afterwards. On Dathan and Abiram, see at Num 16:1 and Num 16:32. See also the remark made here in Num 26:10 and Num 26:11, viz., that those who were destroyed with the company of Korah were for a sign (נס, here a warning); but that the sons of Korah were not destroyed along with their father.

Num 26:12-14

The Simeonites counted only five families, as Ohad (Gen 46:10) left no family. Nemuel is called Jemuel there, as yod and nun are often interchanged (cf. Ges. thes. pp. 833 and 557); and Zerach is another name of the same signification for Zohar (Zerach, the rising of the sun; Zohar, candor, splendour).

Num 26:15-18

The Gadites are the same as in Gen 46:16, except that Ozni is called Ezbon there.

Num 26:19-22

The sons and families of Judah agree with Gen 46:12 (cf. Gen 38:6.); also with 1Ch 2:3-5.

Num 26:23-25

The families of Issachar correspond to the sons mentioned in Gen 46:13, except that the name Job occurs there instead of Jashub. The two names have the same signification, as Job is derived from an Arabic word which signifies to return.

Num 26:26-27

The families of Zebulun correspond to the sons named in Gen 46:14.

Num 26:28-37

The descendants of Joseph were classified in two leading families, according to his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim, who were born before the removal of Israel to Egypt, and were raised into founders of tribes in consequence of the patriarch Israel having adopted them as his own sons (Gen 48).

Num 26:38-41

The children of Benjamin formed seven families, five of whom were founded by his sons, and two by grandsons. (On the differences which occur between the names given here and those in Gen 46:21.) Some of the sons and grandsons of Benjamin mentioned here are also found in the genealogical fragments in 1Ch 7:6-18, and 1Ch 8:1.

Num 26:42-43

The descendants of Dan formed only one family, named from a son of Dan, who is called Shuham here, but Hushim in Gen 46:23; though this family no doubt branched out into several smaller families, which are not named here, simply because this list contains only the leading families into which the tribes were divided.

Num 26:44-47

The families of Asher agree with the sons of Asher mentioned in Gen 46:17 and 1Ch 7:30, except that Ishuah is omitted here, because he founded no family.

Num 26:48-50

The families of Naphtali tally with the sons of Naphtali in Gen 46:24 and 1Ch 7:30.

Num 26:51

The total number of the persons mustered was 601,730.

Num 26:52-56

Instructions concerning the Distribution of the Land. - In Num 26:53, Num 26:54, the command is given to distribute the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes (“unto these”), according to the number of the names (Num 1:2-18), i.e., to the tribes and families that contained only a few persons, they were to make it small; to every one according to the measure of its mustered persons (ל must be repeated before אישׁ). In Num 26:55, Num 26:56, it is still further commanded that the distribution should take place by lot. “According to the names on their paternal tribes shall they (the children of Israel) receive it (the land) for an inheritance.” The meaning of these words can only be, that every tribe was to receive a province of its own for an inheritance, which should be called by its name for ever. The other regulation in Num 26:56, “according to the measure of the lot shall its inheritance (the inheritance of every tribe) be divided between the numerous and the small (tribe),” is no doubt to be understood as signifying, that in the division of the tribe territories, according to the comparative sizes of the different tribes, they were to adhere to that portion of land which fell to every tribe in the casting of the lots. The magnitude and limits of the possessions of the different tribes could not be determined by the lot according to the magnitude of the tribes themselves: all that could possibly be determined was the situation to be occupied by the tribe; so that R. Bechai is quite correct in observing that “the casting of the lot took place for the more convenient distribution of the different portions, whether of better or inferior condition, that there might be no occasion for strife and covetousness,” though the motive assigned is too partial in its character. The lot was to determine the portion of every tribe, not merely to prevent all occasion for dissatisfaction and complaining, but in order that every tribe might receive with gratitude the possession that fell to its lot as the inheritance assigned it by God, the result of the lot being regarded by almost all nations as determined by God Himself (cf. Pro 16:33; Pro 18:18). On this ground not only was the lot resorted to by the Greeks and Romans in the distribution of conquered lands (see the proofs in Clericus, Rosenmüller, and Knobel), but it is still employed in the division of lands. (For further remarks, see at Jos 14:1.).

Num 26:57-59

Mustering of the Levites. - The enumeration of the different Levitical families into which the three leading families of Levi, that were founded by his three sons Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, were divided, is not complete, but is broken off in Num 26:58 after the notice of five different families, for the purpose of tracing once more the descent of Moses and Aaron, the heads not of this tribe only, but of the whole nation, and also of giving the names of the sons of the latter (Num 26:59-61). And after this the whole is concluded with a notice of the total number of those who were mustered of the tribe of Levi (Num 26:62). - Of the different families mentioned, Libni belonged to Gershon (cf. Num 3:21), Hebroni to Kohath (Num 3:27), Machli and Mushi to Merari (Num 3:33), and Korchi, i.e., the family of Korah (according to ch. Num 16:1; cf. Exo 6:21 and Exo 6:24), to Kohath. Moses and Aaron were descendants of Kohath (see at Exo 6:20 and Exo 2:1). Some difficulty is caused by the relative clause, “whom (one) had born to Levi in Egypt” (Num 26:59), on account of the subject being left indefinite. It cannot be Levi’s wife, as Jarchi, Abenezra, and others suppose; for Jochebed, the mother of Moses, was not a daughter of Levi in the strict sense of the word, but only a Levitess or descendant of Levi, who lived about 300 years after Levi; just as her husband Amram was not actually the son of Amram, who bore that name (Exo 6:18), but a later descendant of this older Amram. The missing subject must be derived from the verb itself, viz., either היּלדת or אמּהּ (her mother), as in 1Ki 1:6, another passage in which “his mother” is to be supplied (cf. Ewald, §294, b.).

Num 26:60-61 Sons of Aaron: cf. Num 3:2 and Num 3:4; Exo 6:23; Lev 10:1, Lev 10:2.

Num 26:62

The Levites were not mustered along with the rest of the tribes of Israel, because the mustering took place with especial reference to the conquest of Canaan, and the Levites were not to receive any territory as a tribe (see at Num 18:20).

Num 26:63-65

Concluding formula with the remark in Num 26:65, that the penal sentence which God had pronounced in Num 14:29 and Num 14:38 upon the generation which came out of Egypt, had been completely carried out.

The Numbering of the People. (b. c. 1452.)

1 And it came to pass after the plague, that the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, 2 Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel. 3 And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, 4 Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the Lord commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt.

Observe here, 1. That Moses did not number the people but when God commanded him. David in his time did it without a command, and paid dearly for it. God was Israel's king, and he would not have this act of authority done but by his express orders. Moses, perhaps, by this time, had heard of the blessing with which Balaam was constrained, sorely against his will, to bless Israel, and particularly the notice he took of their numbers; and he was sufficiently pleased with that general testimony borne to this instance of their strength and honour by an adversary, though he knew not their numbers exactly, till God now appointed him to take the sum of them. 2. Eleazar was joined in commission with him, as Aaron had been before, by which God honoured Eleazar before the elders of his people, and confirmed his succession. 3. It was presently after the plague that this account was ordered to be taken, to show that though God had in justice contended with them by that sweeping pestilence, yet he had not made a full end, nor would he utterly cast them off. God's Israel shall not be ruined, though it be severely rebuked. 4. They were now to go by the same rule that they had gone by in the former numbering, counting those only that were able to go forth to war, for this was the service now before them.

5 Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites: 6 Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 7 These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty. 8 And the sons of Pallu; Eliab. 9 And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the Lord : 10 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign. 11 Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not. 12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites: 13 Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred. 15 The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites: 16 Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites: 17 Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites. 18 These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred. 19 The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 20 And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites. 21 And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites. 22 These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred. 23 Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites: 24 Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. 25 These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred. 26 Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites. 27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hundred. 28 The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim. 29 Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites. 30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites: 31 And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites: 32 And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. 33 And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34 These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred. 35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites. 36 And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites. 37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families. 38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites: 39 Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. 40 And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. 41 These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred. 42 These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families. 43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred. 44 Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites. 45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites. 46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah. 47 These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred. 48 Of the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites: 49 Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred. 51 These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.

This is the register of the tribes as they were now enrolled, in the same order that they were numbered in ch. i. Observe,

I. The account that is here kept of the families of each tribe, which must not be understood of such as we call families, those that live in a house together, but such as were the descendants of the several sons of the patriarchs, by whose names, in honour of them, their posterity distinguished themselves and one another. The families of the twelve tribes are thus numbered:—Of Dan but one, for Dan had but one son, and yet that tribe was the most numerous of all except Judah, v. 42, 43. Its beginning was small, but its latter end greatly increased. Zebulun was divided into three families, Ephraim into four, Issachar into four, Naphtali into four, and Reuben into four; Judah, Simeon, and Asher, had five families apiece, Gad and Benjamin seven apiece, and Manasseh eight. Benjamin brought ten sons into Egypt (Gen. xlvi. 21), but three of them, it seems either died childless or their families were extinct, for here we find seven only of those names preserved, and that whole tribe none of the most numerous; for Providence, in the building up of families and nations, does not tie itself to probabilities. The barren hath borne seven, and she that hath many children has waxed feeble, 1 Sam. ii. 5.

II. The numbers of each tribe. And here our best entertainment will be to compare these numbers with those when they were numbered at Mount Sinai. The sum total was nearly the same; they were now 1820 fewer than they were then; yet seven of the tribes had increased in number. Judah had increased 1900, Issachar 9900, Zebulun 3100, Manasseh 20, 500, Benjamin 10,200, Dan 1700, and Asher 11 900. But the other five had decreased more than to balance that increase. Reuben had decreased 2770, Simeon 37,100, Gad 5150, Ephraim 8000, and Naphtali 8000. In this account we may observe, 1. That all the three tribes that were encamped under the standard of Judah, who was the ancestor of Christ, had increased, for his church shall be edified and multiplied. 2. That none of the tribes had increased so much as that of Manasseh, which in the former account was the smallest of all the tribes, only 32,200, while here it is one of the most considerable; and that of his brother Ephraim, which there was numerous, is here one of the least. Jacob had crossed hands upon their heads, and had preferred Ephraim before Manasseh, which perhaps the Ephraimites had prided themselves too much in, and had trampled upon their brethren the Manassites; but, when the Lord saw that Manasseh was despised, he thus multiplied him exceedingly, for it is his glory to help the weakest, and raise up those that are cast down. 3. That none of the tribes decreased so much as Simeon did; from 59,300, it such to 22,200, little more than a third part of what it was. One whole family of that tribe (namely Ohad, mentioned Exod. vi. 15) was extinct in the wilderness. Hence Simeon is not mentioned in Moses's blessing (Deut. xxxiii.), and the lot of that tribe in Canaan was inconsiderable, only a canton out of Judah's lot, Josh. xix. 9. Some conjecture that most of those 24,000 who were cut off by the plague for the iniquity of Peor were of that tribe; for Zimri, who was a ringleader in that iniquity, was a prince of that tribe, many of whom therefore were influenced by his example to follow his pernicious ways.

III. In the account of the tribe of Reuben mention is made of the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram, who were of that tribe, in confederacy with Korah a Levite, v. 9-11. Though the story had been largely related but a few chapters before, yet here it comes in again, as fit to be had in remembrance and thought of by posterity, whenever they looked into their pedigree and pleased themselves with the antiquity of their families and the glory of their ancestors, that they might call themselves a seed of evil doers. Two things are here said of them:—1. That they had been famous in the congregation, v. 9. Probably they were remarkable for their ingenuity, activity, and fitness for business:—That Dathan and Abiram that might have been advanced in due time under God and Moses; but their ambitious spirits put them upon striving against God and Moses, and when they quarrelled with the one they quarrelled with the other. And what was the issue? 2. Those that might have been famous were made infamous: they became a sign, v. 10. They were made monuments of divine justice; God, in their ruin, showed himself glorious in holiness, and so they were set up for a warning to all others, in all ages, to take heed of treading in the steps of their pride and rebellion. Notice is here taken of the preservation of the children of Korah (v. 11); they died not, as the children of Dathan and Abiram did, doubtless because they kept themselves pure from the infection, and would not join, no, not with their own father, in rebellion. If we partake not of the sins of sinners, we shall not partake of their plagues. These sons of Korah were afterwards, in their posterity, eminently serviceable to the church, being employed by David as singers in the house of the Lord; hence many psalms are said to be for the sons of Korah: and perhaps they were made to bear his name so long after, rather than the name of any other of their ancestors, for warning to themselves, and as an instance of the power of God, which brought those choice fruits even out of that bitter root. The children of families that have been stigmatized should endeavour, by their eminent virtues, to roll away the reproach of their fathers.

52 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 53 Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. 54 To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him. 55 Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. 56 According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.

If any ask why such a particular account is kept of the tribes, and families, and numbers, of the people of Israel, here is an answer for them; as they were multiplied, so they were portioned, not by common providence, but by promise; and, for the support of the honour of divine revelation, God will have the fulfilling of the promise taken notice of both in their increase and in their inheritance. When Moses had numbered the people God did not say, By these shall the land be conquered; but, taking that for granted, he tells him, Unto these shall the land be divided. "These that are now registered as the sons of Israel shall be admitted (as it were by copy of court-roll) heirs of the land of Canaan." Now, in the distributing, or quartering, of these tribes, 1. The general rule of equity is here prescribed to Moses, that to many he should give more, and to few he should give less (v. 54); yet, alas! he was so far from giving any to others that he must not have any himself, but this direction given to him was intended for Joshua his successor. 2. The application of this general rule was to be determined by lot (v. 55); notwithstanding it seems thus to be left to the prudence of their prince, yet the matter must be finally reserved to the providence of their God, in which they must all acquiesce, how much soever it contradicted their policies or inclination: According to the lot shall the possession be divided. As the God of nations, so the God of Israel in particular, reserves it to himself to appoint the bounds of our habitation. And thus Christ, our Joshua, when he was urged to appoint one of his disciples to his right hand, another to his left in his kingdom, acknowledged the sovereignty of his Father in the disposal: It is not mine to give. Joshua must not dispose of inheritances in Canaan according to his own mind. But it shall be given to those for whom it is prepared of my Father.

57 And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites. 58 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram. 59 And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. 60 And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 61 And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the Lord . 62 And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.

Levi was God's tribe, a tribe that was to have no inheritance with the rest in the land of Canaan, and therefore was not numbered with the rest, but by itself; so it had been numbered in the beginning of this book at Mount Sinai, and therefore came not under the sentence passed upon all that were then numbered, that none of them should enter Canaan but Caleb and Joshua; for of the Levites that were not numbered with them, nor were to go forth to war, Eleazar and Ithamar, and perhaps others who were above twenty years old then (as appears, ch. iv. 16, 28), entered Canaan; and yet this tribe, now at its second numbering, had increased but 1000, and was still one of the smallest tribes. Mention is made here of the death of Nadab and Abihu for offering strange fire, as before of the sin and punishment of Korah, because these things happened to them for ensamples.

63 These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. 64 But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 65 For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

That which is observable in this conclusion of the account is the execution of the sentence passed upon the murmurers (ch. xiv. 29), that not one of those who were numbered from twenty years old and upwards (and that the Levites were not, but either from a month old or from thirty years old to fifty) should enter Canaan, except Caleb and Joshua. In the muster now made particular directions, no doubt, were given to those of each tribe that were employed in taking the account, to compare these rolls with the former, and to observe whether there were any now left of those that were numbered at Mount Sinai, and it appeared that there was not one man numbered now that was numbered then except Caleb and Joshua, v. 64, 65. Herein appeared, 1. The righteousness of God, and his faithfulness to his threatenings, when once the decree has gone forth. He swore in his wrath, and what he had sworn he performed. Better all those carcasses, had they been ten times as many, should fall to the ground, than the word of God. Though the rising generation was mixed with them, and many of the guilty and condemned criminals long survived the sentence, even to the last year of the forty, yet they were cut off by some means or other before this muster was made. Those whom God has condemned cannot escape either by losing themselves in a crowd or by the delay of execution. 2. The goodness of God to this people, notwithstanding their provocations. Though that murmuring race was cut off, yet God raised up another generation, which was as numerous as they, that, though they perished, yet the name of Israel might not be cut off, lest the inheritance of the promise should be lost for want of heirs. And, though the number fell a little short what it was at Mount Sinai, yet those now numbered had this advantage, that they were all middle-aged men, between twenty and sixty, in the prime of their time for service; and during the thirty-eight years of their wandering and wasting in the wilderness they had an opportunity of acquainting themselves with the laws and ordinances of God, having no business, civil or military, to divert them from those sacred studies, and having Moses and Aaron to instruct them, and God's good Spirit, Neh. ix. 20. 3. The truth of God, in performing his promise made to Caleb and Joshua. They were to be preserved from falling in this common ruin, and they were so. The arrows of death, though they fly in the dark, do not fly at random, even when they fly thickest, but are directed to the mark intended, and no other. All that are written among the living shall have their lives given them for a prey, in the most dangerous times. Thousands may fall on their right hand, and ten thousands on their left, but they shall escape.

CHAP. XXVI.

ANd it was after the plague that Iehovah said unto Moses, and unto Eleazar, the sonne of Aaron the Priest, saying; Take ye the summe of all the congregation of the sonnes of Israel, from twentie yeares old and upward, according to the house of their fathers, every one that goeth forth with the armie in Israel. And Moses and Eleazar the Priest spake with them in the plains of Moab, by Iordan neere Iericho, saying; From twentie yeares old and upward, as Iehovah commanded Moses, and the sonnes of Israel which went forth out of the land of Egypt.

Reuben, the first-borne of Israel; the sons of Reuben, of Enoch, the familie of the Enochites; of Phallu, the familie of the Phalluites. Of Hezron, the familie of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the familie of the Carmites.

These are the families of the Reubenites, and they that were mustered of them were three and fortie thousand, and seven hundred and thirtie. And the sonnes of Phallu, Eliab. And the sonnes of Eliab, Nemuel, and Dathan and Abiram: this is that Dathan and Abiram, the called of the congregation, who strove against Moses, & against Aaron, in the congregation of Korah, when they strove against Iehovah. And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up them, and Korah, when the congregation died; when the fire devoured two hundred and fiftie men, and they were for a signe. But the sonnes of Korah died not.

The sonnes of Simeon, according to their families; Of Nemuel, the familie of the Nemuelites; of Iamin, the familie of the Iaminites; of Iachin, the familie of the Iachinites.

Of Zerah, [illegible: 1 letter]he familie of the Zarhites; of Saul, the familie of the Saulites. These are the families of the Simeonites; two and twentie thousand, and two hundred.

The sonnes of Gad, according to their families; of Zephon, the familie of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the familie of the Haggites; of Suni, the familie of the Sunites. Of Ozni, the familie of the Oznites; Of Eri, the familie of the Erites. Of Arod, the familie of the Arodites; of Areli, the familie of the Arelites. These are the families of the sonnes of Gad, according to those that were mustered of them, fortie thousand and five hundred.

The sonnes of Iudah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sonnes of Iudah, according to their families, were; of Selah, the familie of the Selanites; of Pharez, the familie of the Pharzites; of Zarah, the familie of the Zarhites. And the sonnes of Pharez were of Hezron, the familie of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the familie of the Hamulites. These are the families of Iudah, according to those that were mustered of them, seventie and six thousand, and five hundred.

The sonnes of Issachar, according to their families: of Thola, the familie of the Tholaites; of Phuva, the familie of the Phunites. Of Iashub, the familie of the Iashubites; of Simron, the familie of the Simronites. These are the families of Issachar, according to those that were mustered of them, sixtie and foure thousand, and three hundred.

The sonnes of Zabulon, according to their families; of Sered, the familie of the Sardites; of Elon, the familie of the Elonites; of Iahleel, the familie of the Iahleelites. These are the families of the Zabulonites, according to those that were mustered of them, sixtie thousand and five hundred.

The sons of Ioseph, according to their families, were Man esses and Ephraim. The sons of Manasses; of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begat Gilead; of Gilead, the familie of the Gileadites. These are the sons of Gilead; of Ieezer, the familie of the Ieezerites: of Helek, the familie of the Helekites. And of Asriel, the familie of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the familie of the Shechemites. And of Shemida, the familie of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the familie of the Hepherites. And Zelophehad the sonne of Hepher had no sonnes, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad, were Machlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These are the families of Manasses; and those that were mustered of them, two and fiftie thousand, and seven hundred.

These are the sonnes of Ephraim, according to their families: of Shuthelah, the familie of the Shuthalhites; of Becher, the familie of the Bachrites; of Tahan, the familie of the Tahanites. And these are the sonnes of Shuthelah: of Eran, the familie of the Eranites. These are the families of the sonnes of Ephraim, according to those that were mustered of them, two and thirtie thousand and five hundred; these are the sonnes of Ioseph, according to their families.

The sonnes of Benjamin, according to their families: of Bela, the familie of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the familie of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the familie of the Ahiramites. Of Shephupham, the familie of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the familie of the Huphamites. And the sonnes of Bela were Ard and Naaman, the familie of the Ardites; of Naaman, the familie of the Naamites. These are the sonnes of Benjamin, according to their families, and those that were mustered of them, five and fortie thousand and six hundred.

These are the sonnes of Dan, according to their families; of Shuham, the familie of the Shuhamites: these are the families of Dan, according to their families. All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were mustered of them, sixty and foure thousand and foure hundred.

The sonnes of Aser, according to their families; of Iimnah, the familie of the Iimnaites; of Iisvi, the familie of the Iisvites; of Beriah, the familie of the Beriites. Of the sonnes of Beriah; of Cheber, the familie of the Chebrites; of Malchiel, the familie of the Malchielites. And the name of the daughter of Aser was Serah. These are the families of the sonnes of Aser, according to those that were mustered of them, three and fiftie thousand and foure hundred.

The sonnes of Naphtali, according to their families; of Iachzeel, the familie of the Iachzeelites; of Guni, the familie of the Gunites.

Of Iezer, the familie of the Iizrites: of Sillem, the familie of the Sillemites. These are the families of Naphtali, according to their families, and they that were mustered of them, five and fortie thousand and foure hundred.

These were the mustered of the sonnes of Israel; six hundred thousand, and a thousand seven hundred and thirtie.

And Iehovah spake unto Moses, saying;

Vnto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance, according to the number of names. To the many thou shalt give them the more inheritance, and to the few thou shalt give them the lesse inheritance: to every man according to those that were mustered of him, shall his inheritance be given. Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot; according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. According to the lot, shall the inheritance thereof be divided betweene many and few.

And these are they that were mustered of the Levites, according to their families; of Gershon, the familie of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the familie of the Kohathites; of Merari, the familie of the Merarites. These are the families of the Levites, the familie of the Libnites, the familie of the Hebronites, the familie of the Mahlites, the familie of the Mushites, the familie of the Korachites: and Kohath begat Amram. And the name of Amrams wife was Iochebed the daughter of Levi, whom she bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram, Aaron and Moses, and Mary their sister. And unto Aaron was borne Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before Iehovah. And those that were mustered of them, were three and twentie thousand, all males, from a moneth old and upward, for they were not mustered among the sonnes of Israel, because there was no inheritance given to them among the sonnes of Israel.

These are they that were mustered by Moses and Eleazar the Priest, who mustered the sonnes of Israel in the plaines of Moab by Iordan, neere Iericho. And among these, there was not a man of those that were mustered by Moses and Aaron the Priest, who mustered the sonnes of Israel in the wildernesse of Sinai. For Iehovah had said of them, Dying they shall die in the wildernesse: and there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the sonne of Iephunneh, and Ioshua the sonne of Nun.

Annotations. AFter the plague] after the death of the 24 thousand that perished for the sinne of Peor, (Num. 25. 9.) the Lord commandeth the people to be numbred, which should have inheritance in his land; to signifie his love and care of those that cleaved unto him, Deut. 4. 3, 4. The Hebrewes explaine it by the similitude of a shepherd, who when wolves have gotten among his flocke, and w[illegible: 1 letter]rried some of them, he counteth them, to know the number of those that are left. Againe; As when they came out of Egypt, and were delivered to Moses, they were delivered him by tale, (Exod. 38. 26.) so now when Moses was ready to die, and to deliver his flock again, he delivered them by tale. Sol. Iarchi on Num. 26. Eleazar] who now was high Priest after the death of Aaron his father, who had before numbred them with Moses, Num. 1. 3. And this Eleazar was he, who after with Iosua divided the land of Canaan to this people, Ios. 14. 1. &c. Vers. 2. the summe] Hebr. the head; which the Chaldee expoundeth, the count, or summ[illegible: 1 letter]: see Exod. 30. 12. This was the third time that Israel was numbred for to fight the Lords battels agains[illegible: 1 letter] the Canaanites, and to receive their land for an inheritance. See the Annotations on Num. 1. 2. 20 yeares old] Hebr. sonne of twentie yeare: see Num. 1. 3. house] that is, as the Greeke explaineth it, houses of their fathers. Iarchi saith, they were reckoned by the tribe of the father, and not after the mother: So in Num. 1. 2. goeth forth with the armie] able to goe out to warre the warfare of the Lord: see the notes on Num. 1. 3. Vers. 3. spake with them] in Chaldee, spake, and said to number them; but Targum Ionathan addeth, spake with the Princes, and said, to number them. So it accordeth with Num. 1. 4. plaines] or, champion countrey of Moab: see Num. 22. 1. Vers. 4. From 20 yeares old] Hebr. from a sonne of 20 yeares; as vers. 2. and here is to be understood, the people are to be numbred, or the like. Vers. 5. the first-borne] Reuben for this cause is here first numbred, as also in Num. 1. 5, 20. though he lost his dignity by his sinne, 1 Chron. 5. 1. and was put downe to the second quarter, as they encamped about the Sanctuarie, and marched towards Canaan, Num. 2. 10.—16. Enoch] in Hebr. Chanoch. see Gen. 5. 18. and 46. 9. of the Enochites] Hebr. of the Enochite, (or Chanochite) the singular number put for the plurall: so after thorowout this chapter. See the annotations on Gen. 10. 16. And here Reuben hath foure families, according to Gen. 46. 9. and 1 Chron. 5. 3. Vers. 7. mustered] or numbred; Hebr. visited. See the notes on Num. 1. 3. 43 thousand, &c.] at the former muster they were 46 thousand and five hundred, Num. 1. 21. so they increased not, but decreased whiles they travelled in the wildernesse. Vers. 9. the called] that is, renowned, famous: see Num. 1. 16. and 16. 1, 2. &c. strove] in Greeke, made insurrection: in Chaldee, gathered themselves together. This mutinie stirred by the chiefe of the tribe, seemeth to be one cause of their decrease by the hand of God against them. Vers. 10. and Korah] that is, the men and goods that pertained unto Korah, as Num. 16 32. the congregation died] in Greeke, his congregation, meaning Korahs, as Num. 16. 40. 250 men] that offered incense, Num. 16. 35. for a signe] or, for an ensigne, a banner; the Greeke and Chaldee translate it, a signe: whereby God signified his anger to be displaied against all that should rebell in like manner. In Num. 16. 40. it is called A memoriall unto the sonnes of Israel, that no stranger, &c. come ne[illegible: 1 letter]re to offer incense before Iehovah; that he be not as Korah, &c. Of such things the Apostle saith, they were our examples, 1 Cor. 10. 6. Vers. 11. died not] to wit, either by that fire, or by the swallowing up of the earth, Num. 16. 32. 35. It seemeth they consented not to their fathers rebellion, or at least repented at the warning given by Moses, Num. 16. 5. &c. The sons of Korah were Assir▪ and Elkanah, and Abjasaph, Exod 6. 24. these and their posteritie lived and kept their office in Israel; for their genealogie is reckoned in 1 Chron. 6. 22.—38. and they were appointed by David to be singers in the house of the Lord, 1 Chro. 6. 31. 32. and of them came Samuel the Prophet, 1 Chron. 6. 33, 34. compared with 1 Sam. 1. 20. and Heman, who with his off-spring were singers, 1 Chron. 6. 33. and 25. 4, 5, 6. And many Psalmes have in their titles, To the sonnes of Korah, as Psal. 42. and 44 and 45. and 46. and 47. and 48. and 49. and 84. and 85. and 87. and 88. Vers. 12. Nemuel] called also Iemuel, in Gen. 46. 10. and Exod. 6. 15. in Greeke here, Namov[illegible: 1 letter]l. So in 1 Chron. 4. 24. Iachin] in Greeke, Achein: he is called Iarib, in 1 Chron. 4. 24. Vers. 13. Zerah] in Greeke, Zara; so in 1 Chr. 4. 24. elsewhere called Zohar, Gen. 46. 10. Exod. 6. 15. Saul] the sonne of a Canaanitesse, Gen. 46. 10. Vers. 14. These are the families] to wit, which remained: for there was one familie more of Obad, Gen. 46. 10 Exod. 6. 15. but that was extinct in the wildernesse, and therefore omitted here and in 1 Chron. 4. 24. [illegible: 1 word] and 200.] their number was greatly diminished; for at the former muster, they were 59 thousand and 300, Num. 1. 23. Among other sinnes, that forementioned in Num. 25. 14. seemeth to be a speciall cause hereof. And Moses blessing all the other tribes before his death, maketh no expresse mention of Simeons, in Deut. 33. Vers. 15. Gad] though hee was not the next borne to Simeon, nor of that mother, yet is he [illegible: 1 span] stered in the third place, because hee was joyned with Reuben and Simeon in the South quarter, as they encamped about the Sanctuarie, Num. 2. 10. 14. Zephon] in Greeke, Sapho[illegible: 1 letter], he was called also Ziphion. in Gen. 46. 16. Vers. 16. Oz[illegible: 1 letter]i] in Greeke, Az[illegible: 1 letter]ni: in Gen. 46. 16. he is named Ezbo[illegible: 1 letter]. Vers. 17. Arod] in Greeke, Aroadi, and in Gen. 46 16. Arodi. Vers. 18. and five hundred] so this tribe had fewer now by five thousand one hundred and fiftie men, than at the former muster, Num. 2. 15. Vers. 19. and Onan died] both of them died without issue, God did cut them off for their wickednesse in their youth, Gen. 38. 7. 10. Vers. 20. Selah] in Greeke, Selon. Vers. 21. of Pharez] The sonnes of Iudah were five in all, Gen. 38. so noted by the holy Ghost, in 1 Chron. 2. 4. they were all to have beene heads of families; but two dying childlesse, here are taken two of his sonnes sonnes (H[illegible: 1 letter]zron and Hamul) in their stead; and these were of Pharez, (the second brother of the twinnes, Gen. 38. 28, 29.) of whom our Lord Christ came according to the flesh, Matth. 1. So Iudah hath five families continued, according to the number of his five sonnes. Vers. 22. and six thousand] at the first muster he had but 74 thousand and six hundred, Num. 2. 4. now he is increased nineteene hundred mo[illegible: 1 letter]: and as he, so all the tribes under his standard were increased also; whereas in Reubens they were all diminished. For Iudah prevailed above his brethren, for the honour of Christ who was to come of his stocke: see 1 Chron. 5. 2. Gen. 49. 8.—10. Heb. 7. 14. Vers. 23. Issachar] he is numbred next Iudah, for he was next him under his standard, Num. 2. 5. next him graved on the high Priests brest-plate, Exod. 28. borne next of the same mother Leah, Gen. 30. 17, 18. Of him and his foure families here reckoned, see the notes on Gen. 46. 13. Phuvah] called also Phuah, in 1 Chron. 7. 1. and so here in Greeke, Phova. Vers. 24. Iashub] hee is called Iob, in Gen. 46. 13. Vers. 25. 64 thousand] hee had before but 54 thousand and foure hundred, Num. 2. 6. so that his tribe is increased nine thousand and nine hundred men of warre. Vers. 26. Zabulon] or Zebulun, hee was next brother to Issachar, Gen. 30. 19, 20. next him on Aarons brest-plate, Exod. 28. and next him in marching and camping about the Tabernacle, Num. 2. His three families continue here, as they were in Gen. 46. 14. Vers. 27. sixtie thousand, &c.] who were before 57 thousand and foure hundred, Num. 2. 8. so they are increased three thousand and one hundred men. Vers. 28. Ioseph] of him came two tribes, for hee had the first birth-right, a double portion, 1 Chron. 5. 2. Gen. 48. 1. 5. Vers. 29. Manasses] he, though the elder brother, was put downe to the second place, by Iakobs prophesie, Gen. 48. 14. 19, 20. and by Gods disposition of the tribes, Num. 2. 18. 20. yet here hee is mustered before Ephraim the standard-bearer; as his armie was increased in the wildernesse, when Ephraims was diminished, which after doth appeare. Machir] he was the sonne of Manasses by his concubine an Aramitesse, 1 Chron. 7. 14. Gilead] in Greeke, Galaad. There was also a place called Gilead, which the sonnes of this Machir conquered, and had it for their possession, Num. 32. 39, 40. Ios. 17. 1. Vers. 30. Ieezer] in Greeke, Achiezer: in Ios. 17. 2. Abiezer. Here not onely the sonnes sonnes (as was noted before of Iudah, vers. 21.) but the sonnes sonnes sonnes are made heads of families in the tribe of Manasses: the like whereof is not in any other tribe. This honour hath Ioseph above his brethren; who also whiles he lived, saw unto Ephraim sonnes of the third generation: also the sonnes of Machir sonne of Manasses, were borne upon Iosephs knees, Gen. 50. 23. And Manasses here hath eight families, when no other tribe hath so many. V. 33. Zelophehad] or Zelophehad, in Greek, S[illegible: 1 letter]lpa [illegible: 1 letter]d. the names] Hebr. the name. Machlah] in Greeke their names are written, Maala, Nova, Aigla, Melcha, and Thersa: Of these daughters, see Num. 27. 1. &c. Num. 36 11. Ios. 17. 3. Vers. 34. 52 thousand, &c.] he had before but 32 thousand and 200. Num. 2. 21. so that now hee was increased 20 thousand and five hundred men of warre: none of all the other tribes had halfe so much increase. Thus Iakobs prophesie is fulfilled, Ioseph shall be the sonne of a fruitfull Uine, Gen. 49. 22. Vers. 35. Shuthelah] in Greeke, Southala. Becher] this some thinke to be he which is called Bered, in 1 Chron. 7. 20. Tahan] or Tachan; in Greeke, Tanach, by transposition of letters. Vers. 36. Eran] in 1 Chron. 7. 26. called Edan (or Laadan:) so the Greeke here writeth him Eden, for the likenesse of the Hebrew letters, whereof see the Annotations on Gen. 4. 18. and Num. 2. 14. Of this Eran (or Edan) came Iosua the sonne of Nun, 1 Chro. 7. 26, 27. And here Ephraims sonnes sonne is head of a familie, as was before in Iudahs tribe, vers. 21. Vers. 37. 32 thousand, &c.] he had before 40 thousand, Num. 2. 19. so eight thousand of this tribe are now diminished. Vers. 38. Bela] in Greeke, Bale: he was Benjamins first-borne, 1 Chron. 8. 1. Ashbel] called Iediael, 1 Chron. 7. 6. Benjamins second sonne, 1 Chron. 8. 1. The Greeke here writeth him As[illegible: 1 letter] ber, or as some copies have it, Asubel. Abiram] or, Achiram, in Greeke, Acheiran: elsewhere he is named Aechi, Gen. 46. 22. and Achrah the [illegible: 1 word] sonne of Benjamin, 1 Chron. 8. 1. Vers. 39. Shephupham] in Greeke, Sopha[illegible: 1 letter], in 1 Chron. 7. 12. he is called S[illegible: 1 letter]uppim, in Gen. 46. 22. Muppim. Hupham] otherwise Huppim, Gen. 46. 22. 1 Chron. 7. 12. Vers. 40. Ard] in Greeke, Ader: so in 1 Chro. 8. 3. the Hebrew writeth him Adar. the familie] understand (as the Greeke also supplieth) of Ard, the familie of the Ardites. Here Benjamin hath but seven families, who in Gen. 46. 21. had ten. Vers. 41. 45 thousand, &c.] hee had before but 35 thousand and 400. Num. 2. 23. now his number is increased ten thousand and two hundred; that though his families were diminished, yet hee had the greatest increase of men of warre amongst all the tribes, save Manasseh and Aser. Vers. 42. Shuham] or Shucham, called by transplacing of letters Hushim (or Chushim) in Gen. 46. 23. in Greeke, Same. Vers. 43. 64 thousand, &c.] of one familie of Dan there sprang so many thousand men, that none of all the tribes save Iudah have the like multitude: and he is increased 17 hundred men moe than at the former numbring, Num. 2. 26. Vers. 44. Iimnah] in Greeke, Iamein. [illegible: 1 word]] in Greeke, I[illegible: 1 letter]sovi. Betweene these there was another called Iisvah, Gen. 46. 17. whose familie here omitted, seemeth to be perished. Vers. 45. Cheber] or Heber, in Greeke, Cheber: of his posteritie, see 1 Chron. 7. 32. Here Asers sonnes sonnes are also heads of families, as were before in Iudah and Ephraim, vers. 21. and 36. Vers 46. Serah] or Serach; in Greeke, Sara mentioned also in Gen. 46. 17. 1 Chron. 7. 30. Vers. 47. 53 thousand, &c.] when before [illegible: 1 word] had but 45 thousand and five hundred, Num. 2. 28. that his increase in the wildernesse was elev[illegible: 2 letters] thousand and nine hundred men of warre: none but Manasseh was before him. Vers. 48. Naphtali] in Greeke, Naphthal[illegible: 1 span]. Iachzeel] in Greeke, Asiel. The foure families of Napthtali continue, as in Gen. 46. 24. Vers. 50. 45 thousand, &c.] wheras before he had been 53 thousand and 4 hundred, Num. 2. 30. so that eight thousand fewer are at the last than at the first. Vers. 51. and a thousand, &c.] The number of all at the former count was 600 thousand, and three thousand, and 550, Num. 2. 32. so that now in the whole summe the host of Israel is decreased in their 38 yeares traveil, eighteene hundred and twentie men, exempting the Levites which were numbred apart. Wherein Gods worke for them all in generall, and for the tribes and families in particular is to be regarded. When they were under bondage and affliction in Egypt, they multiplied like fish, and filled the land, Exod. 1. (for outward persecution increaseth the Church, and lesseneth it not:) but when they were come out from that iron furnace, and carried of God as on Eagles wings, thorow the wildernesse in safetie, they so provoked him by their murmurings, rebellions, and idolatries, that he consumed their dayes in vanity, and their yeares in hastie terrour, Psal. 78. 17.—33. And though amongst other blessings, God give them his lawes to direct them, Exod. 20. &c. and his good spirit to instruct them, Neh. 9. 20. and led them like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron, Psal. 77. 21. yet learned they not obedience, but mount Sinai gendred to bondage, Gal. 4. 24. and the Law wrought wrath, Rom. 4. 15. and Moses their Law-giver could not bring them into the promised land, but left that unto his successor Iesus the son of Nun, who figured Iesus the Sonne of God, by whom commeth grace and truth, and the inheritance of the Kingdome of heaven, Deut. 31. 2. 7. 14. Ioh. 1. 17. Rom. 6. 23. The speciall hand of God touching the tribes, and the mothers that bare them, and the families and persons that proceeded of them, may thus be viewed: Seven of the twelve tribes did increase in multitude as they travelled, besides the tribe of Levi, which also was a thousand at the last numbring moe than at the first, ver. 62. 1 Iudah increased 1900. 2 Issachar 9900. 3 Zabulon 3100. 4 Manasseh 20500. 5 Benjamin 10200. 6 Dan 1700. 7 Aser 11900. The summe of all increased, was nine and fiftie thousand and two hundred, besides the thousand Levites. Notwithstanding the decrease of the five [illegible: 1 word] was more: for 1 Reuben decreased 2770. 2 Simeon—37100. 3 Gad—5150. 4 Ephraim—8000. 5 Naphtali—8000. So the summe of all that were diminished, was one and sixtie thousand and twentie men. Observe also the worke of God in respect of Iakobs wives, the foure mothers of the tribes, Leah, R[illegible: 1 span]el, Zilpah, and Bilhah, whom the holy Ghost mentioneth in Gen. 46. 15. 18, 19. 25. 1 Leah was multiplied in Iudah 1900. in Issachar 9900. in Zabulon 3100. So the fruit of Leahs body increased in the wildernesse, fourteene thousand and nine hundred, besides the thousand of Levi. 2 Rachel was multiplied in Manasseh 20500. in Benjamin 10200. So Rachels increase was thirtie thousand and seven hundred. 3 Zilphah Leahs handmaid increased in her son Aser, eleven thousand and nine hundred. 4 Bilhah Rachels handmaid was multiplied in her son Dan seventeene hundred. Thus God unparted his blessing among them all, but chiefly to Rachel whom Iakob loved; for her increase was more than of all the other three. They were likewise all of them partakers of his chastisements in their posteritie: for, 1 Leah was diminished in Reuben, 2770. in Simeon, 37100. so the lost of her increase in the wildernesse, nine and thirtie thousand eight hundred and seventie men. 2 Rachel was diminished in Ephraim, 8000. 3 Zilphah lost in Gad her sonne, five thousand one hundred and fiftie. 4 Bilhah lost in Naphtali, eight thousand men. So the farre greatest losse was Leahs, who now might weepe for her children, because they were not, as long after befell unto Rachel, Mat. 2. 18. Againe, as the twelve tribes camped in foure quarters about the tabernacle, Num 2. so the hand of God for the increase and diminishing of their campes may be seene thus: In the first and chiefest quarter Eastward, were IVDAH, Issachar, and Zabulon, all increased. Iudah was the father and figure of Christ, under whose standard, all that camp & march are blessed. In the second quarter Southward, were REVBEN, Simeon, and Gad, who were all diminished; as Reuben for his sin lost his honor and birthright, 1 Chro. 5. 1. so his sons rebelled, Num. 16. and Simeon sinned with an high hand, Num. 25. In the third quarter Westward, were EPHRAIM, Manasseh, and Benjamin; of whom the first was diminished, the other two increased. In the fourth quarter Northward, were DAN, Aser, and Naphtali; of whom the two former were multiplied, the third and last diminished. Concerning the families of the tribes (excepting Levi) they are 57 in all. For here are families 1 Of Manasseh 8. 2 Of Benjamin 7. 3 Of Gad 7. 4 Of Simeon 5. 5 Of Iudah 5. 6 Of Aser 5. 7 Of Reuben 4. 8 Of Issachar 4. 9 Of Ephraim 4. 10 Of Naphtali 4. 11 Of Zabulon 3. 12 Of Dan 1. The sum of all the families is 57: to whom if we adde the twelve tribes, and Iakob himselfe the father of them all, the whole number is Seventie, wch was the number of the soules of Iakobs house that went into Egypt, Gen. 46. 27. But comparing these now with the heads of families named in Gen. 46. we shall see five families rooted out; one of Simeon, Leahs son; one of Aser, the son of Leahs handmaid; and three of Benjamin, Rachels son; whose ten families are decayed unto seven. In these numbers, increase and decrease of the tribes and families of Israel, we may behold that wch lob saith of Gods works; Who knoweth not in all these, that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? in whose hand is the soule of every living thing, and the breath of all flesh of man. Behold he breaketh downe, and it cannot be built againe: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straitneth them, Iob 12. 9, 10. 14. 23. Vers. 53. Unto these the land shall be divided] So the naturall sons of Israel onely had inheritance; but under the Gospell it is prophesied, that the strangers also should have inheritance among the tribes; Ezek. 47. 22, 23. By this also it appeareth, that the tribes diminished had a double punishment, losse of men, and a lesser inheritance in the holy land: both which are opposed to the covenant and promise made to their fathers, wch stood on these two branches, multitude of children, and inheritance of the land, Gen. 12. 2. 7. and 13. 15, 16. and 15. 5. 8. 18. and 17. 2. 6. 8. and 22. 17. and 26. 3, 4. and 28. 13, 14. and 35. 11, 12. Sol. larchi here saith, To these and not to them that are lesse than twentie yeares old, although they came to full twentie before the division of the land. For loe the land was seven yeares in conquering, &c. yet none had portion in the land but these six hundred thousand, & one thousand: and if one of them had six sons, they received but their fathers portion onely. But Chazkuni referreth it to the families, saying; To these the 57 families reckoned here, shall the land be divided for inheritance by the number of names, 57 portions according to the 57 heads of families. So it is written in Num. 33. 54. Ye shall divide the land by lot; for an inheritance among your families. This figured, that onely such shall have their part in the kingdome of heaven, as are chosen and called of God, and have their names written in the lambs booke of life, Rom. 8. 28, 29, 30. 1 Pet. 1. 2, 3, 4. 5. Rev. 21. 27. Vers. 54. To the many] To the tribe and familie wch hath many persons in it, Thou shalt give them the more (Hebr. thou shalt multiply his) inheritance. So the portions were not all equall in quantitie, but proportioned to the multitude of men in the tribes and families. To the tribes which had the greater multitudes, they gave the greater portion, though the portions were not equall: for lo every tribe had his portion according to his multitude; saith Sol. Iarchi on Num. 26. Hereupon the sons of Ioseph complained of their small portion in respect of their great multitude, Ios. 17. 14. Vers. 55. by lot] Although Eleazar the high Priest, Iosua the governour, and 12 princes of the tribes, (appointed of God, Num. 34. 17, 18. &c.) were to divide the land; yet to cut off contention, and to shew the providence & disposition of God, according to the purpose of his will, hee commandeth lots to be cast; for, The lot causeth contention to cease, and parteth betweene the mightie, Prov. 18. 18. and, The lot is cast into the lap, but the Whole disposing thereof is of the LORD, Pro. 16. 33. And the Hebrew Doctors say, The portions were not made but by lot, and the lot was by the mouth of the holy Ghost. Sol. Iarchi on Num. 26. The manner of doing it was thus; First the land was by men divided into parts, according to the number of the tribes; as Iosua sent men to divide the land which remained into seven parts, and to describe it according to the inheritance of them, and so to bring the description unto him, that he might cast lots for them before the Lord. And they described it by cities, into seven parts, in a booke, and brought it to Iosua, who cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord; and so every tribe received as their lot came up, according to their families, Ios. 18. 4.—11. &c. Moreover, in the Hebrew records it is said, that it was not divided but by Vrim and Thummim, [which was the oracle of God in the brest-plate of the high Priest, Exo. 28. Num. 27. 21.] as it is said (in Num. 26. 56.) According to (or At the mouth of) the lot. When Eleazar was cloathed with Vrim and Thummim, & Iosua and all Israel stood before him, there was a Kalphi [a vessell whereinto the lots were put, whereof see the Annotations on Lev. 16. 8.] of the Tribes names, and a Kalphi of the names of the limits (or bounds of the countries) set before him; and hee being directed by the holy Ghost, said; Naphtali commeth up, the limit Genasareth commeth up: he tooke out of the Kalphi of the tribes, and Naphtali came up in his hand; out of the Kalphi of the limits, and the limit Genasareth came up in his hand. And so for every tribe. Talmud Bab. in Baba bathra, c. 8. in Gemara, and Sol. Iarchi on Num. 26. But observe that the land within lordan was divided onely to nine tribes and an halfe, because two tribes & an halfe had their portion on the outside of Iordan, Num. 34. 13. 14, 15. By reason of this dividing the land by lot, the Scripture calleth inheritances by the name of Lets; as, Come up with me into my lot, Iudg. 1. 3. And not lands onely, but whatsoever befalleth unto men frō the hand of God, is called a lot; as, This is the portion of them that spoile us, and the lot of them that rob us, Esay 17. 14. and, Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter, Act. 8. 21. and, That they may receive forgivenesse of sins, and a lot (that is, inheritance) among them which are sanctified by faith, &c. Act. 26. 18. &, The part of the lot, (that is, of the inheritance) of the Saints, in light, Col. 1. 12. So that in the Greek, used by the Apostles, Cleros, a lot, and Cleronomia a division by lot, is the common name of an inheritance, 1 Pet. 5. 3. Ephes. 1. 14. 18. Vers. 56. According to the lot] Hebr. At (or Vpon) the mouth of the lot: as the lot (whereon the name of the tribe, or of the inheritance is written) shall speake. This lot being of the Lord, figured the diversities of gifts in the Church, which the Spirit of God divideth to every man severally [illegible: 1 word] will, 1 Cor. 12. 4.—11. as also the dispensation of his graces concerning our heavenly inheritance, which the Election onely obtaineth, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of workes, but of him that calleth, Rom. 11. 7. and 9. 11. Vers. 57. of the Levites] who though they had no inheritance in the land, vers. 62. yet were they to have 48 cities and their suburbs for their habitation, Num. 35. which also fell unto them by lot, Ios. 21. 4. &c. Vers. 58. Korachites] or, Korhites, of Korah the sonne of Izhar, the sonne of Kohath, the sonne of Levi, Num. 16. 1. Korah himselfe died in the rebellion, but his sonnes died not, Num. 26. 11. therefore they are reckoned here for a familie in the fourth generation from Levi, which is one degree further than the other families. And whereas in Exod. 6. 16. &c. there are reckoned of Gershon two sonnes, Libni and Shimei; here the familie of the Libnites is mustered, but Shimei left out. There Kohath hath foure sonnes, Amram, and Ishar, and Hebron, and Vzziel; here Vzziel is omitted; neither is Ishar named, but in his sonnes the Korhites. Vers. 59. she bare to Levi] by she understand Levies wise, or Iochebeds mother: Sol. Iarchi expoundeth it, his wise bare her in Egypt. she bare to Amram] that is, Iochebed Amrams wife, (who was also his aunt) bare to Amram, Exo. 6. 20. Marie] Hebr. Mirjam: she was a prophetesse: see Exod. 15. 20. Num. 12. 1. Vers. 60. unto Aaron was borne] Here Moses children, Gershon and Eliezer, are againe omitted: see the notes on Num. 3. 38. Vers. 61. and Abihu died] and they had no sonnes, Num. 3. 4. See the historie in Levit. 10. Vers. 62. 23 thousand] who at the former numbring were but 22 thousand, Num. 3. 39. So they increased in the wildernesse a thousand males. Vers. 65. dying they shall die] i. they shall surely die: this was threatned for their rebellion, & refusing to go into the promised land, Nū. 14. and the fulfilling of Gods judgment is here shewed. and Iosoua] in Greeke, Iesus the son of Naue: these two survived, because they faithfully followed the Lord, Num. 14. 24. 38. See the Annotations there. In that, all the rest were dead save these two, it sheweth that all the 600 thousand men now mustered, which should conquer Canaan, were a valiant company, betweene 20 and 60 yeares of age, (none being above 60 but Caleb and Iosua;) and as they were in body, so in minde, being trained up these 38 yeares in the study of the Law and ordinances of God, and beholding his workes, having Moses and Aaron for their leaders, and Gods good spirit for their instructer, Neh. 9. 20.