Numbers 4 commentary

The middle-aged men of the tribe of Levi, all from thirty years old to fifty, were to be employed in the service of the tabernacle. The service of God requires the best of our strength, and the prime portion of our time, which cannot be better spent than to the honour of Him who is the First and Best. And the service of God should be done when we are most lively and active. Those do not consider this who put off repentance to old age, and so leave the best work to be done in the worst time.

The Kohathites were to carry the holy things of the tabernacle. All the holy things were to be covered; not only for security and respect, but to keep them from being seen. This not only marked the reverence due to holy things, but the mystery of the things signified by those types, and the darkness of the dispensation. But now, through Christ, the case is altered, and we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace.

We have here the charge of the other two families of the Levites, which, though not so honourable as the first, yet was necessary, and to be done regularly. All the things were delivered them by name. It intimates the care God takes of his church and every member of it. The death of the saints is represented as the taking down of the tabernacle, 2Co 5:1, and the putting it off, 2Pe 1:14. All shall be raised up in the great day, when these vile bodies shall be made like the glorious body of Jesus Christ, and so shall be for ever with the Lord.

God so ordered it, that though the Merarites were the fewest in number, yet they should have most able men among them; for whatever service God calls men to, he will furnish them for it, give strength in proportion to the work, and grace sufficient. The least of the tribes had many more able men than the Levites: those who engage in the service of this world, are many more than those devoted to the service of God. May our souls be wholly devoted to his service.

1. And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron This census had a different object from the former one, which we have just been considering, viz., that an equal distribution of the charges should be made in proportion to the number of the individuals. First, as regarded age, a distinction must be observed between this tribe and the others; for we have already seen that all the Israelites above twenty years of age were numbered, because they were then fit to bear arms. But it was not without reason that a more mature age was required in the case of the Levites, so that they should not begin to discharge their ministry before their thirtieth year. For not only is strength and rigor of body requisite for spiritual warfare, but seriousness and gravity also. If they had been admitted in their youth, their levity might have detracted from the reverence due to sacred things, since the young are often led to act intemperately by their fervor and licentiousness. Access to the sanctuary, therefore, was not permitted them till they had grown up to be men; for by their thirtieth year men ought to have become so staid, as that it shall be base and inexcusable for them to give way to the wantonness of youth.

From their fiftieth year they were released from their duties; since sloth and inactivity generally accompany old age. The case is different as to war, because we find many who are vigorous after their fiftieth year. Furthermore, since religion is more precious than all earthly affairs, diligent care was to be taken lest it should fall into disesteem on account of the idleness and somnolency of its ministers.

4. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath. He assigns their various offices to the Levites: firstly, lest their promiscuous sedulity should beget confusion; secondly, lest ambition should stimulate certain of them, “D’ s’avancer, ou ingerer:” to put themselves forward, or to interfere. — Fr. from whence disputes and contentions might arise. We know how confusedly men work unless a certain rule is prescribed to them, lest they should run about in an aimless hurry; and whilst each individual desires to anticipate others, an unworthy emulation ensues, which afterwards vents itself in quarrels. If, therefore, this had not been prevented, the Levites would soon have made disturbances in their duty, and contentions would have taken place between them. God, then, comes forward, and by His own authority confines them all within their proper bounds, and restrains their foolish passions. That a more honorable office is assigned to the sons of Kohath than to the others, proceeds from God’s gratuitous favor; and thus all pride was suppressed, lest any should boast of his dexterity, or industry, or other gifts. The charge of the Holy of holies is, therefore, entrusted to the sons of Kohath; not that they should handle any part of it, but only that they should carry on the march its vessels, when packed by the priests; for God commands the sons of Aaron to come and take down the sanctuary, and carefully cover the veil, the altar, and other sacred vessels with their proper covers, before the sons of Kohath laid a finger upon them, that thus the reverence of the people for holy things might be increased; and besides, that when the other tribes should see even the Levites forbidden from touching the sanctuary, they might be reminded of their unworthiness and humbled the more. Moreover, all cause of envy was removed when the other Levites heard that a perilous duty was entrusted to the sons of Kohath, for God threatens them with death if they touch any forbidden thing: and lastly, admonishes the priests, the sons of Aaron, lest by their carelessness they should destroy their brethren; for, if they should leave anything uncovered, they would be the cause of their destruction.

24. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites. The tasks which He enjoins upon the sons of Gershon, as well as the sons of Merari, are apparently mean and laborious, for it was a hard and also a servile work to carry the curtains and the tabernacle, together with its coverings, the boards, too, and the bars, and the pillars. But hence we learn that in God’s service nothing is to be despised, but that each and every part of our duty should be cheerfully performed, inasmuch as it ought abundantly to satisfy us, that God should have deigned to choose us as ministers of His sanctuary, so that neither weariness nor pride should ever hinder us in our duty.

Leviticus 17

Leviticus 17:1-9

1. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

1. Loquutus est Jehova ad Mosen, dicendo:

2. Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, saying,

2. Loquere ad Aharon, et ad filios ejus, et ad omnes filios Israel, et dic illis, Hoc est verbum quod praecepit Jehova, dicendo:

3. What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

3. Quicunque de domo Israel mactaverit bovem, ant agnum, aut capram in castris, aut qui mactaverit extra castra.

4. And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

4. Et ad ostium tabernaculi conventionis non adduxerit eum, ut offerat oblationem Jehovae coram tabernaculo Jehovae: sanguis imputabitur viro illi: ipse sanguinem fudit, excideturque vir ille e medio populi sui.

5. To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them for peace offerings unto the LORD.

5. Ut afferant filii Israel sacrificia sua quae mactaturi sunt in superficie agri: ut afterant inquam illa Jehovae ad ostium tabernaculi conventionis ad sacerdotem, et sacrificent ilia sacrificia prosperitatum Jehovae.

6. And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

6. Spargetque sacerdos sanguinem ad altare Jehovae, ad ostium tabernaculi conventionis, et adolebit adipem in odorem quietis Jehovae.

7. And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.

7. Et non sacrificabunt ultra sacrificia sua daemonibus cum quibus fornicantur: statutum perpetuum erit hoc illis ill generationibus eorum.

8. And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,

8. Dices praeterea illis, Quicunque e domo Israel, aut de peregrinis qui peregrinantur in medio vestri, obtulerit holocaustum, aut sacrificium:

9. And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.

9. Et ad ostium tabernaculi conventionis non adduxerit illud Jehovae: tunc excidetur vir ille e populis suis.

34. And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation Another exception is subjoined, viz., that none should be received unless they were free from all defect and blemish; for we have seen elsewhere that those, who were blind and lame, or defective in any part of their body, were excluded from the tabernacle, lest their disfigurement should produce contempt; and also that they might be admonished by this external sign, to preserve themselves more diligently from all spiritual defilement. Therefore, those are said to enter into the sanctuary who are fit to exercise the priesthood; and hence the expression, “for the service,” “For the work.” — A. V. Ver. 35. is added.

Inasmuch as the inequality (of their charges) might have been the source of envy, God’s authority is asserted at the end of the chapter, where Moses records that he was only acting ministerially, and that he distributed the offices among them according to God’s command.

Numbers 10

Numbers 10:11-28

11. And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.

11. Fuit autem anno secundo, mense secundo, vicesima mensis, ascendit nubes a tabernaculo testimonii.

12. And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.

12. Tunc profecti sunt filii Israel per profectiones suas e deserto Sinai, substititque nubes in deserto Paran.

13. And they first took their journey, according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

13. Profecti itaque sunt primum ad os Jehovae per manum Mosis.

14. In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah, according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

14. Et profectum est vexilium castrorum filiorum Jehuda primo loco per exercitus suos: et super exercitum ejus erat Nahason filius Amminadab.

15. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

15. Super exercitum autem tribus filiorum Issachar erat Nethanel filius Suar.

16. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebuluu was Eliab the son of Helon.

16. Et super exercitum tribus filiorum Zabulon erat Eliab filius Helon.

17. And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

17. Depositum autem fuerat tabernaculum: et profecti sunt filii Gerson et filii Merari portantes illum.

18. And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward, according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.

18. Deinde profectum est vexillum castrorum Ruben per exercitus suos: et super exercitum ejus erat Elisur filius Sedeur.

19. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon, was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

19. Super exercitum vero tribus filiorum Simeon erat Selumiel filius Surisaddai.

20. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Denel.

20. Et super exercitum tribus filiorum Gad erat Eliasaph filius Deuel.

21. And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary; and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.

21. Et progredi eccperunt Cehathitae portantes sanctuarium: erexerunt autem tabernaculum donec venerint ipsi.

22. And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward, according to their armies: and over his host was Elishmna the son of Ammihud.

22. Postea profectum est vexilium castrorum filiorum Ephraim per exercitus suos: et super exercitum ejus erat Elisama filius Ammihud.

23. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

23. Super exercitum vero tribus filiorum Manasse erat Gamliel filius Pedahsur.

24. And over the host of the tribe the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.

24. Et super exercitum tribus filiorum Benjamin erat Abidan filius Gidoni.

25. And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rere-ward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

25. Profectum est insuper vexillum castrorum filiorum Dan, recolligens onmia castra per exercitus suos: et, super exercitum ejus erat Ahiezer filius Ammisaddai.

26. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.

26. Super exercitum tribus filiorum Aser erat Pagiel filius Ochran.

27. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.

27. Et super exercitum tribus filiorum Nephthali erat Ahira filius Enan.

28. Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel, according to their armies, when they set forward.

28. Istm sunt profectiones filiorum Israel per exercitus suos: ac ita profecti sunt.

CHAPTER 4

Nu 4:1-49. Of the Levites' Service.

2-3. sons of Kohath, from thirty years old and upward--This age was specifically fixed (see on Nu 8:24) as the full maturity of bodily energy to perform the laborious duties assigned them in the wilderness, as well as of mental activity to assist in the management of the sacred services. And it was the period of life at which John the Baptist and Christ entered on their respective ministries.

even unto fifty--The term prescribed for active duty was a period of twenty years, at the end of which they were exempted from the physical labors of the office, though still expected to attend in the tabernacle (Nu 8:26).

all that enter into the host--so called from their number, the order and discipline maintained through their ranks, and their special duty as guards of the tabernacle. The Hebrew word, however, signifies also a station or office; and hence the passage may be rendered, "All that enter into the sacerdotal office" (Nu 4:23).

4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest, were admitted on such necessary occasions into the holy place. This was an exception to the general rule, which prohibited the entrance of any but the high priest. But when the cloud removed from the tabernacle, the sanctuary might be entered by the common priests, as to them was reserved the exclusive privilege of packing the sacred utensils; and it was not till the holy things were thus ready for carriage, that the Kohathites were allowed to approach.

16. to the office of Eleazar ... pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, &c.--He was charged with the special duty of superintending the squadron who were employed in the carrying of the sacred furniture; besides, to his personal care were committed the materials requisite for the daily service, and which it was necessary he should have easily at his command (Ex 29:38).

17-20. Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites, &c.--a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should creep in, and to take the greatest care that all the parts of this important service be apportioned to the proper parties, lest the Kohathites should be disqualified for their high and honorable duties. The guilt of their death would be incurred by the superintending priest, if he failed to give proper directions or allowed any irreverent familiarity with sacred things.

24-28. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, &c.--They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle"--that is, the goats' hair covering of the tent--the ten curious curtains and embroidered hangings at the entrance, with their red morocco covering, &c.

29-33. As for the sons of Merari--They carried the coarser and heavier appurtenances, which, however, were so important and necessary, that an inventory was kept of them--not only on account of their number and variety, but of their comparative commonness and smallness, which might have led to their being lost or missing through carelessness, inadvertency, or neglect. It was a useful lesson, showing that God disregards nothing pertaining to His service, and that even in the least and most trivial matters, He requires the duty of faithful obedience.

34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their relative numbers, the wisdom of Divine Providence appears in arranging that, whereas in the Kohathites and Gershonites, whose burdens were few and easier, there were but about a third part of them which were fit for service; the Merarites, whose burdens were more and heavier, had above one half of them fit for this work [Poole]. The small population of this tribe, so inferior to that of the other tribes, is attempted to be explained (see on Nu 3:39).

From thirty years old - In Num 8:24, the Levites are ordered to enter on the service of the tabernacle at the age of twenty-five years; and in 1Chr 23:24, they were ordered to commence that work at twenty years of age. How can these different times be reconciled?

1. At the time of which Moses speaks here, the Levitical service was exceedingly severe, and consequently required men full grown, strong, and stout, to perform it; the age therefore of thirty years was appointed as the period for commencing this service, the weightier part of which is probably here intended.

2. In Num 8:24, Moses seems to speak of the service in a general way; the severe, which was to be performed by the full-grown Levites, and the less laborious work which younger men might assist in: hence the age of twenty-five is fixed.

3. In David's time and afterwards, in the fixed tabernacle and temple, the laboriousness of the service no longer existed, and hence twenty years was the age fixed on for all Levites to enter into the work of the sanctuary. The rabbins say that the Levites began to learn to do the service at twenty-five, and that having been instructed five years, they began the public service at thirty, and thus they reconcile the two periods referred to above. We may well suppose that the sons of the prophets continued a considerable time under instructions before they were called fully to exercise themselves in the prophetic office.

Until fifty years old - This was allowing twenty years for public severe service; a very considerate and merciful ordinance. A preacher who devotes his whole time and strength to the service of the Church of God from twenty to fifty or sixty years of age, should be then excused from his severer labor, and maintained at the charge of the sanctuary. This would not only be a great comfort to a worn-out servant of God, but also of great use to the work of the ministry, which, to be faithfully and effectually performed, requires all the powers of the body and mind of man. Old faithful ministers are to be highly respected for their work's sake, and to be supplied with all the necessaries and comforts of life; but how little can they do in the public ministry of the word, however willing to work, when their eye waxes dim and their bodily strength fails! See Num 8:25. Both for their own sakes, and for the good of the Church, they should be excused from a labor to which they must be almost every way inadequate. But notwithstanding this comparative inactivity, their counsels, advice, and experience will always be considered as a treasure to the Church of Christ

When the holy things are covered - Literally, כבלע keballa, when they are swallowed down; which shows the promptitude with which every thing belonging to the holy of holies was put out of sight, for these mysteries must ever be treated with the deepest reverence; and indeed without this they could not have been to them the representatives of heavenly realities. See the concluding note Num 4:36 (note).

Those that were numbered - In Num 3:27, etc., we have an account of the whole number of the Levites, and here of those only who were able to serve the Lord in the sanctuary. By comparing the two places we find the numbers to stand thus: -

LeviteFamily AbleMen UnableMen Total Kohathites 2,750 5,850 8,600 Gershonites 2,630 4,870 7,500 Merarites 3,200 3,000 6,200

Thus we find that the whole number of the Levites amounted to 22,300, of whom 3,580 were fit for service, and 13,720 unfit, being either too old or too young. What an astonishing number of men, all properly ecclesiastics; all performing some service by which God was glorified, and the congregation at large benefited! See Ainsworth.

From this and the preceding chapter we see the very severe labor which the Levites were obliged to perform while the journeyings of the Israelites lasted. When we consider that there was not less than 10 tons 13 cwt. 24 lb. 14 oz., i. e., almost ten tons and fourteen hundred pounds' weight of metal employed in the tabernacle, (see the notes on Exodus 38 (note)), besides the immense weight of the skins, hangings, cords, boards, and posts, we shall find it was no very easy matter to transport this movable temple from place to place.

The Gershonites, who were 7,500 men in the service, had to carry the tent, coverings, veils, hangings of the court, etc., etc., Num 3:25, Num 3:26.

The Kohathites, who were 8,600 men, had to carry the ark, table, candlestick, altars, and instruments of the sanctuary, Num 3:31.

The Merarites, who were 6,200 men, had to carry the boards, bars, pillars, sockets, and all matters connected with these belonging to the tabernacle, with the pillars of the court, their sockets, pins, and cords, Num 3:36, Num 3:37.

The tabernacle was an epitome of the temple: the temple and tabernacle were representatives of the Church of the living God, and of the humanity of our blessed Lord. As God dwelt in the tabernacle and temple, so his fullness dwelt in the man Christ Jesus. These again were types of the Christian Church, which is termed the body of Christ, Eph 1:23, where he dwells in the plenitude of the graces of his Spirit.

Mr. Ainsworth has a very useful note on the Num 4:20 verse of this chapter, the most edifying part of which I shall here lay before the reader. He considers the tabernacle and temple, not only as pointing out the old dispensation, the annulling of which was typified by their destruction, but he considers also the former as emblematical of the body of man. "The apostle," says he, "treating of the death of the saints, uses this similitude: 'If our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For we that are in This Tabernacle do groan, being burdened, not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life;' 2Cor 5:1-4. So Peter calls his death the putting off of his Tabernacle, 2Pet 1:14. And this similitude is very fit; for, as here, in the tabernacle of Moses,

1. The holy things were first covered and taken away, (see Num 4:20), so the soul and its powers are first withdrawn from the body by death.

2. As the curtains and coverings were taken off and folded up, so the skin and flesh of our bodies are pulled off and consumed.

3. As the boards of the tabernacle were disjointed and pulled asunder, so shall our bones and sinews: compare Job's description of the formation of man, Num 10:8-12; and Solomon's account of his dissolution, Ecc 12:3, Ecc 12:4.

4. As the disjointed and dissolved tabernacle was afterwards set up again, Num 10:21, so shall our bodies in the day of the resurrection; see 1Cor 15:51-54.

From thirty - This age was prescribed, as the age of full strength of body, and therefore most proper for their laborious work of carrying the parts and vessels of the tabernacle, and of maturity of judgment, which is necessary for the right management of holy services. Whence even John and Christ entered not upon their ministry till that age. Indeed their first entrance upon their work was at their 25th year, when they began as learners, and acted under the inspection and direction of their brethren; but in their 30th year they were compleatly admitted to a full discharge of their whole office. But David, being a prophet, and particularly directed by God in the affairs of the temple, made a change in this matter, because the magnificence of the temple, and the great multitude of sacred utensils and sacrifices, required a greater number of attendants than formerly was necessary. Until fifty - When they were exempted from the toilsome work of carrying burdens, but not discharged from the honourable and easy work done within the tabernacle, Num 8:26. All that enter - That is, that do and may enter, having no defect, nor other impediment.

They shall take down - For upon this necessary occasion the inferior priests are allowed to come into the holy of holies, which otherwise was peculiar to the high - priest. The covering veil - The second veil, wherewith the ark was covered while the tabernacle stood, Exo 40:3. Cover the ark - Because the Levites, who were to carry the ark, might neither see, nor immediately touch it.

Badgers - skins - Whereby the ark was secured from the injuries of the weather.

The dishes - Upon which the shew - bread was put. Continual bread - So called because it was continually to be there, even in the wilderness; where though they had only manna for themselves, yet they reserved corn for the weekly making of these loaves, which they might with no great difficulty procure from some of the people bordering upon the wilderness.

The golden altar - All covered with plates of gold.

The instruments of ministry - The sacred garments used by the priests in their holy ministrations. Cover them - All these coverings were designed, For safety, that these holy things might not be filled by rain, or tarnished by the sun. For decency, most of them had a cloth of blue, or purple, or scarlet over them; the ark, a cloth wholly of blue, perhaps an emblem of the azure skies, which are spread between us and the Majesty on high; For concealment. It was a fit sign of the darkness of that dispensation. The holy things were then covered. But Christ hath now destroyed the face of the covering.

The altar - Hence we may conclude, that they did offer sacrifices at other times, though not so constantly and diligently, as they did in Canaan. Moreover the taking away of the ashes only doth sufficiently imply that the fire was preserved, which as it came down from heaven, Lev 9:24. So it was by God's command to be continually fed, and kept burning, and therefore doubtless was put into some vessel, which might be either fastened to the altar and put within this covering, or carried by some person appointed thereunto.

Bear it - Upon their shoulders. Afterward the priests themselves, being multiplied, carried these things, though the Levites also were not excluded. They shall not touch - Before they are covered.

Eleazar - He himself is to carry these things, and not to commit them to the sons of Kohath. The oversight - The care that all the things above mentioned be carried by the persons and in the manner expressed.

Cut not off - Do not by your neglect provoke God to cut them off for touching the holy things.

To his service - To that which is peculiarly allotted to him, the services, and burdens being equally distributed among them.

The curtains - The curtains or covering of goats - hair. The tabernacle - The ten curtains which covered the boards of the tabernacle; for the boards themselves were carried by the Merarites. His covering - The covering of rams - skins which was put next over those ten curtains.

Which is round about - Which court compassed both the tabernacle and the altar.

Under the hand - Under his conduct and direction.

The sockets - Which were as the feet upon which the pillars stood.

Ye shall reckon - Every part and parcel shall be put in an inventory; which is required here rather than in the fore - going particulars; because these were much more numerous than the former; because being meaner things, they might otherwise have been neglected; and also to teach us, that God esteems nothing small in his service, and that he expects his will should be observed in the minutest circumstances. The death of the saints is represented us the taking down of the tabernacle. The immortal soul, like the most holy things, is first covered and taken away, carried by angels unseen, and care is taken also of the body, the skin and flesh, which are as the curtains, the bones and sinews, which are as the bars and pillars. None of these shall be lost. Commandment is given concerning the bones, a covenant made with the dust. They are in safe custody, and shall be produced in the great day, when this tabernacle shall be set up again, and these vile bodies made like the glorious body of Jesus Christ.

Three thousand - Here appears the wisdom of Divine Providence, that whereas in the Kohathites and Gershonites, whose burdens were fewer and easier, there were but about a third part of them fit for service; the Merarites, whose burdens were more and heavier, had above half of them fit for this work.

3 From thirty years old and upward, even until fifty years old , all that enter into the host , to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.

This age was prescribed, as the age of full strength of body, and therefore most proper for their present laborious work of carrying the parts and vessels of the Tabernacle, and of maturity of judgment, which is necessary for the right management of holy services. Whence even Iohn and Christ entred not upon their Ministery till that age. And it may still seem to be the fittest season for mens undertaking the Ministery of the Gospel, except in case of extraordinary abilities or the Churches pressing necessity. Object. They might enter upon this work at their 25th. year, Numb. 8. 24. and in David's time and afterward at their twentieth year. Answ. 1. Their first entrance upon their work was at their five and twentieth year, when they began as learners and acted onely under the inspection and direction of their brethren, but in their thirtieth year they were compleatly admitted to a full discharge of their whole office. 2. David, being a Prophet, and particularly directed by God in the affairs of the Temple, might and did make a change in this matter, which he might the better do, both because it was but a change in a circumstance, and because the magnificence of the Temple, and the great multitude of sacred utensils and sacrifices, required a greater number of attendants than formerly was necessary.

When they were exempted from the toilsome work of carrying burdens, but not discharged from the honourable and easie work done within the Tabernacle, Numb. 8. 26.

(i. e.) That do and may enter, having no defect, Levit. 21. 17. nor other impediment.

The society of sacred Ministers he calls an host, because of that excellent order which was among them as to persons, place, time, the matter and manner, of their services.

4 This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things .

Hereafter mentioned, as the Ark, Table, Altar, &c. Compare Numb. 3. 31.

5 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail , and cover the ark of testimony with it:

For upon this necessary occasion the inferiour Priests are allowed to come into the Holy of Holies, which otherwise was peculiar to the High-priest, Heb. 9. 7.

The second vail, of which see Exod. 26. 31, &c. Levit. 4. 6. Heb. 9. 3. wherewith the Ark was covered while the Tabernacle stood, Exod. 40. 3.

Because the Levites, who were to carry the Ark, might neither see nor immediately touch it.

6 And shall put thereon the covering of badgers-skins , and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof .

Whereby the Ark was secured from the injuries of the weather.

Object. How could these staves be put in, when they were never to be taken out, Exod. 25. 15. compared with 1 King. 8. 8. 1. Answ. These places may speak of the staves while the Ark and Tabernacle stood, but when they were to be removed the posture of all things was altered. 2. The Hebrew verb doth not signifie putting in, but barely putting or placing or disposing, and may be understood not of putting the staves into the rings, wherein they constantly remained, but of the putting of them either upon their shoulders to try and fit them for carriage, or into the holes or receptacles which probably were made in these coverings for the receiving and covering of these guilded staves to keep them both from the touch of the Levites and from the inconveniences of bad weather.

7 And upon the table of shew-bread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes , and the spoons, and the bowls and covers to cover withall: and the continual bread shall be thereon.

Heb. Of faces or presence, for of the bread of faces or presence. i. e. of the bread which was continually standing in the presence of the Lord.

Upon which the shew-bread was put.

(i. e.) Shew-bread so called because it was continually to be there, even in the wilderness, where though they had onely Manna for themselves, yet they reserved corn for the weekly making of these loaves, which they might with no great difficulty procure from some of the people bordering upon the wilderness in the innermost parts whereof they were.

Marginal references: Exod. 2[illegible: 1+ letters]. 3[illegible: 1+ letters].; Or. pour out withal.

10 And they shall put it, and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers-skins: and shall put it upon a bar .

So contrived that this cloth containing the candlestick, &c. might be either laid upon it, or some other way fastened to it.

11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers-skins, and shall put to the staves thereof.

All covered with plates of gold.

12 And they shall take all the instruments of ministery , wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers-skins, and shall put them on a bar.

The sacred garments used by the priests in their holy ministrations. See Exod. 31. 10.

13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar , and spread a purple cloth thereon:

Of burnt-offerings. Whereby it may seem probable, though it be denied by most, that they did offer some sacrifices in the Wilderness, though it may be not so frequently nor orderly as afterwards they did. Whence else were these ashes? And there are some undeniable instances of their sacrificing there, as Exod. 18. 12. and 24. 4. Numb. 7. &c. from which it seems rational to conclude that they did offer sacrifices at other times, though not so constantly and diligently, as they did in Canaan. And for the argument against it from Amos 5. 25. that may be easily dissolved, as we shall there see, if the Lord please. Moreover the taking away of the ashes onely doth sufficiently imply that the fire was preserved, which as it came down from Heaven, Levit. 9. So it was by Gods command to be continually fed and kept burning, and therefore doubtless was put into some vessel, which might be either fastened to the altar and put within this covering, or carried by some person appointed thereunto.

14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the flesh-hooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgersskins, and put to the staves of it.

Amongst all these vessels here and abovenamed there is no mention of the brazen laver, though that be elsewhere reckoned among the holy things, as Exod. 35. 16. and 38. 8. and 39. 39. and 40. 30. whereof possibly the reason may be because it was not covered, as not being capable of much hurt by the weather. Though some antient translations of the Bible do here adde these words. They shall take a purple covering, and cover the laver, &c.

Marginal references: Or, bowls.

15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it : but they shall not touch any holy thing lest they die . These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath, in the tabernacle of the congregation.

To wit, upon their shoulders, not upon carts or wagons, as appears from Numb. 7. 9. the neglect of which order did provoke the Lord, 2 Sam. 6. 6, 7. 1 Chron. 13. 7. and 15. 12, &c. Afterward the Priests themselves, being multiplied, carried these things, as appears from Deut. 31. 9▪ Ios. 3. 6. and 8. 33. 1 Sam. 4. 4. though the Levites also were not excluded, 2 Chron. 5. 5.

Immediately, or before they be covered.

As some did for that sin. See 1 Sam. 6. 19. 2 Sam. 6. 6, 7.

Marginal references: chap. 3. 31.

16 And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, pertaineth the oyl for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat-offering , and the anointing oyl, and the oversight of all the tabernacle , and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

(i. e.) He himself is to carry these things, and not to commit them to the sons of Kohath.

Of fine flour, which was to be offered every morning and evening with the daily burntoffering. See Exod. 29. 38, 39.

(i. e.) The care that all the things above-mentioned be carried by the persons and in the manner expressed.

Marginal references: Exod. 25. 6.; Exod. 30. 3[illegible: 1+ letters]; Exod. 30. 29

18 Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathite from among the Levites.

(i. e.) Do not by your neglect provoke God to cut them off for touching the holy things.

19 But thus do unto them, that they may live and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things, Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them every one to his service , and to his burden.

To that which is peculiarly allotted to him, the services and burdens being equally distributed among them.

25 And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle , and the tabernacle of the congregation , his covering , and the covering of the badgers-skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

(i. e.) The curtains or covering of goats-hair.

(i. e.) The ten curious curtains which covered the boards of the Tabernacle, for the boards themselves were carried by the Merarites.

(i. e.) The covering of rams-skins which was put next over those ten curtains.

Marginal references: chap. 3. [illegible: 1 word]

26 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

(i. e.) Which court compassed both the Tabernacle and the Altar, Exod. 27. 16.

28 This is the service of the families of the sons of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

Under his conduct and direction. Thus the hand of Hige, Es[illegible: 1+ letters]h. 2. 3. is his care and custody.

31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation, the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof ,

Which were as the feet upon which the pillars stood, of which see Exod. 38. 27.

Marginal references: chap. 3. 36.; Exod. 26. 15.

32 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.

Every part and parcel therefore shall be put in an inventory: which is required here rather than in the foregoing particulars, partly because these were much more numerous than the former, partly because being meaner things and such as might easily be supplied, they might otherwise have been neglected, and partly to teach us, that God esteems nothing small in his worship and service, and that he expects his will should be observed in the minurest circumstances.

44 Even those that were numbred of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred ▪

Here appears the wisdom of Divine providence, that whereas in the Kohathites and Gershonites, whose burdens were fewer and easier, there were but about a third part of them which were fit for service, the Merarites, whose burdens were more and heavier, had above one half of them fit for this work.

48 Even those that were numbred of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore .

Which number was much inferiour to any other Tribe, for the reasons mentioned on Numb. 3. 39.

Num 4:1

Rules of Service, and Numbering of the Levites Qualified for Service. - After the adoption of the Levites for service at the sanctuary, in the place of the first-born of Israel, Moses and Aaron mustered the three families of the Levites by the command of God for the service to be performed by those who were between the ages of 30 and 50. The particulars of the service are first of all described in detail (vv. 4-33); and then the men in each family are taken, of the specified age for service (vv. 34-49). The three families are not arranged according to the relative ages of their founders, but according to the importance or sacredness of their service. The Kohathites take the lead, because the holiest parts of the tabernacle were to be carried and kept by this family, which included the priests, Aaron and his sons. The service to be performed by each of the three Levitical families is introduced in every case by a command from God to take the sum of the men from 30 years old to 50 (see Num 4:1-3, Num 4:21-23, Num 4:29 and Num 4:30).

Num 4:2-3 Service of the Kohathites, and the number qualified for service. - Num 4:2, Num 4:3. “Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi:” i.e., by raising them out of the sum total of the Levites, by numbering them first and specially, viz., the men from 30 to 50 years of age, “every one who comes to the service,” i.e., who has to enter upon service “to do work at the tabernacle.” צבא (Angl. 'host') signifies military service, and is used here with special reference to the service of the Levites as the militia sacra of Jehovah.

Num 4:4-6

The service of the Kohathites at the tabernacle is (relates to) “the most holy” (see at Exo 30:10). This term includes, as is afterwards explained, the most holy things in the tabernacle, viz., the ark of the covenant, the table of shew-bread, the candlestick, the altar of incense and altar of burnt-offering, together with all the other things belonging to these. When the camp was broken up, the priests were to roll them up in wrappers, and hand them over in this state to the Kohathites, for them to carry (Num 4:5-15). First of all (Num 4:5, Num 4:6), Aaron and his sons were to take down the curtain between the holy place and the most holy (see Exo 26:31), and to cover the ark of testimony with it (Exo 25:10). Over this they were to place a wrapper of sea-cow skin (tachash, see Exo 25:5), and over this again another covering of cloth made entirely of hyacinth-coloured purple (as in Exo 28:31). The sea-cow skin as to protect the inner curtain, which was covered over the ark, from storm and rain; the hyacinth purple, to distinguish the ark of the covenant as the throne of the glory of Jehovah. Lastly, they were to place the staves into the rings again, that is to say, the bearing poles, which were always left in their places on the ark (Exo 25:15), but had necessarily to be taken out while it was being covered and wrapped up.

Num 4:7-8

Over the table of shew-bread (Exo 25:23) they were to spread a hyacinth cloth, to place the plates, bowls, wine-pitchers, and drink-offering bowls (Exo 25:29) upon the top of this, and to lay shew-bread thereon; and then to spread a crimson cloth over these vessels and the shew-bread, and cover this with a sea-cow skin, and lastly to put the bearing poles in their places.

Num 4:9-10

The candlestick, with its lamps, snuffers, extinguishers (Exo 25:31-37), and all its oil-vessels (oil-cans), “wherewith they serve it,” i.e., prepare it for the holy service, were to be covered with a hyacinth cloth, and then with a wrapper of sea-cow skin, and laid upon the carriage. מות (Num 4:10 and Num 4:12), bearing frame, in Num 13:23 bearing poles.

Num 4:11-12

So again they were to wrap up the altar of incense (Exo 30:1), to adjust its bearing poles; and having wrapped it up in such coverings, along with the vessels belonging to it, to lay it upon the frame.

Num 4:13-14

The altar of burnt-offering was first of all to be cleansed from the ashes; a crimson cloth was then to be covered over it, and the whole of the furniture belonging to it to be placed upon the top; and lastly, the whole was to be covered with a sea-cow skin. The only thing not mentioned is the copper laver (Exo 30:18), probably because it was carried without any cover at all. The statement in the Septuagint and the Samaritan text, which follows Num 4:14. respecting its covering and conveyance upon a frame, is no doubt a spurious interpolation.

Num 4:15

After the priests had completed the wrapping up of all these things, the Kohathites were to come up to carry them; but they were not to touch “the holy” (the holy things), lest they should die (see Num 1:53; Num 18:3, and comp. 2Sa 6:6-7).

Num 4:16

The oversight of the oil for the candlestick (Exo 27:20), the incense (Exo 30:34), the continual meat-offering (Exo 29:40), and the anointing oil (Exo 30:23), belonged to Eleazar as the head of all the Levites (Num 3:32). He had also the oversight of the dwelling and all the holy things and furniture belonging to it; and, as a comparison of Num 4:28 and Num 4:33 clearly shows, of the services of the Kohathites also.

Num 4:17-18

In order to prevent as far as possible any calamity from befalling the Levites while carrying the most holy things, the priests are again urged by the command of God to do what has already been described in detail in Num 4:5-15, lest through any carelessness on their part they should cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites, i.e., should cause their destruction; viz., if they should approach the holy things before they had been wrapped up by Aaron and his sons in the manner prescribed and handed over to them to carry. If the Kohathites should come for only a single moment to look at the holy things, they would die. אל־תּכריתוּ, “cut ye not off,” i.e., “take care that the Kohathites are not cut off through your mistake and negligence” (Ros.). “The tribe of the families of the Kohathites:” shebet, the tribe, is not used here, as it frequently is, in its derivative sense of tribe (Tribus), but in the original literal sense of stirps.

Num 4:19

“This do to them:” sc., what is prescribed in Num 4:5-15 with reference to their service.

Num 4:20 כּבלּע, “like a swallow, a gulp,” is probably a proverbial expression, according to the analogy of Job 7:19, for “a single instant,” of which the Arabic also furnishes examples (see A. Schultens on Job 7:19). The Sept. rendering, ἐξάπινα, conveys the actual sense. A historical illustration of Num 4:20 is furnished by 1Sa 6:19.According to Knobel, Num 4:17-20 have been interpolated by the Jehovist into the Elohistic text. But the reasons for this assumption are weak throughout. Neither the peculiar use of the word shebet, to which there is no corresponding parallel in the whole of the Old Testament, nor the construction of נגשׁ with את, which is only met with in 1Sa 9:18 and 1Sa 30:21, nor the Hiphil הכרית, can be regarded as criteria of a Jehovistic usage. And the assertion, that the Elohist lays the emphasis upon approaching and touching the holy things (Num 4:15; Num 8:19; Num 18:3, Num 18:22), and not upon seeing or looking at them, rests upon an antithesis which is arbitrarily forced upon the text, since not only seeing (Num 4:20), but touching also (Num 4:19), is described as causing death; so that seeing and touching form no antithesis at all.

Num 4:21-26 The service of the Gershonites is introduced in Num 4:21-23 in the same manner as that of the Kohathites in Num 4:1-3; and in Num 4:24-26 it is described in accordance with the brief notice and explanation already given in Num 3:24-26.

Num 4:27

Their service was to be performed “according to the mouth (i.e., according to the appointment) of Aaron and his sons, with regard to all their carrying (all that they were to carry), and all their doing.” - “And ye (the priests) shall appoint to them for attendance (in charge) all their carrying,” i.e., all the things they were to carry. בּמשׁמרת פּקד, to give into keeping. The combination of פּקד with בּ and the accusative of the object is analogous to בּ נתן, to give into a persons’ hand, in Gen 27:17; and there is no satisfactory reason for any such emendations of the text as Knobel proposes.

Num 4:28

“Their charge (mishmereth) is in the hand of Ithamar,” i.e., is to be carried out under his superintendence (cf. Exo 38:21).

Num 4:29-30 Service of the Merarites. - Num 4:29 and Num 4:30, like Num 4:22 and Num 4:23. פּקד, to muster, i.e., to number, equivalent to ראשׁ נשׁא, to take the number.

Num 4:31-32

Num 4:31 and Num 4:32, like Num 3:36 and Num 3:37. “The charge of their burden” (their carrying), i.e., the things which it was their duty to carry.

Num 4:34-48

Completion of the prescribed mustering, and statement of the number of men qualified for service in the three Levitical families: viz., 2750 Kohathites, 2630 Gershonites, and 3200 Merarites - in all, 8580 Levites fit for service: a number which bears a just proportion to the total number of male Levites of a month old and upwards, viz., 22,000.

Num 4:49

“According to the commandment of Jehovah, they appointed them through the hand of Moses (i.e., under his direction), each one to his service, and his burden, and his mustered things (פּקדיו), i.e., the things assigned to him at the time of the mustering as his special charge (see Exo 38:21). Spiritual Organization of the

Congregation of Israel - Numbers 5-6

From the outward organization of the tribes of Israel as the army of Jehovah, the law proceeds to their internal moral and spiritual order, for the purpose of giving an  inward support, both moral and religious, to their outward or social and political unity. This is the object of the directions concerning the removal of unclean persons from the camp (Num 5:1-4), the restitution of anything unjustly appropriated (Num 5:5-10), the course to be pursued with a wife suspected of adultery (Num 5:11-31), and also of the laws relating to the Nazarite (Num 6:1-21), and to the priestly blessing (Num 6:22-27).

The Office of the Levites. (b. c. 1490.)

1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers, 3 From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation. 4 This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: 5 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it: 6 And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof. 7 And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon: 8 And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof. 9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it: 10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar. 11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof: 12 And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar: 13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon: 14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it. 15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation. 16 And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof. 17 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 18 Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites: 19 But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden: 20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

We have here a second muster of the tribe of Levi. As that tribe was taken out of all Israel to be God's peculiar, so the middle-aged men of that tribe were taken from among the rest to be actually employed in the service of the tabernacle. Now observe,

I. Who were to be taken into this number. All the males from thirty years old to fifty. Of the other tribes, those that were numbered to go forth to war were from twenty years old and upward, but of the Levites only from thirty to fifty; for the service of God requires the best of our strength, and the prime of our time, which cannot be better spent than to the honour of him who is the first and best. And a man may make a good soldier much sooner than a good minister. Now,

1. They were not to be employed till they were thirty years old, because till then they were in danger of retaining something childish and youthful and had not gravity enough to do the service, and wear the honour, of a Levite. They were entered as probationers at twenty-five years old, (ch. viii. 24), and in David's time, when there was more work to be done, at twenty (1 Chron. xxiii. 24, and so Ezra iii. 8); but they must be five years learning and waiting, and so fitting themselves for service; nay, in David's time they were ten years in preparation, from twenty to thirty. John Baptist began his public ministry, and Christ his, at thirty years old. This is not in the letter of it obligatory on gospel ministers now, as if they must either not begin their work till thirty years old or must leave off at fifty; but it gives us two good rules:—(1.) That ministers must not be novices, 1 Tim. iii. 6. It is a work that requires ripeness of judgment and great steadiness, and therefore those are very unfit for it who are but babes in knowledge and have not put away childish things. (2.) That they must learn before they teach, serve before they rule, and must first be proved, 1 Tim. iii. 10.

2. They were discharged at fifty years old from the toilsome part of the service, particularly that of carrying the tabernacle; for that is the special service to which they are here ordained, and which there was most occasion for while they were in the wilderness. When they began to enter upon old age, they were dismissed, (1.) In favour to them, that they might not be over-toiled when their strength began to decay. Twenty years' good service was thought pretty well for one man. (2.) In honour to the work, that it might not be done by those who, through the infirmities of age, were slow and heavy. The service of God should be done when we are in the most lively active frame. Those do not consider this who put off their repentance to old age, and so leave the best work to be done in the worst time.

II. How their work is described. They are said to enter into the host, or warfare, to do the work in the tabernacle. The ministry is a good work (1 Tim. iii. 1): ministers are not ordained to the honour only, but to the labour, not only to have the wages, but to do the work. It is also a good warfare, 1 Tim. i. 18. Those that enter into the ministry must look upon themselves as entered into the host, and approve themselves good soldiers, 2 Tim. ii. 3. Now, as to the sons of Kohath in particular, here is,

1. Their service appointed them, in the removes of the tabernacle. Afterwards, when the tabernacle was fixed, they had other work assigned them; but this was the work of the day, which was to be done in its day. Observe, Wherever the camp of Israel went, the tabernacle of the Lord went with them, and care must be taken for the carriage of it. Note, Wherever we go, we must see to it that we take our religion along with us, and not forget that or any part of it. Now the Kohathites were to carry all the holy things of the tabernacle. They were charged with those things before (ch. iii. 31), but here they have more particular instructions given them. (1.) Aaron, and his sons the priests, must pack up the things which the Kohathites were to carry, as here directed, v. 5, &c. God had before appointed that none should come into the most holy place, but only Aaron once a year with a cloud of incense (Lev. xvi. 2); and yet, the necessity of their unsettled state requiring it, that law is here dispensed with; for every time they removed Aaron and his sons went in to take down the ark, and make it up for carriage; for (as the learned bishop Patrick suggests) the shechinah, or display of the divine majesty, which was over the mercy-seat, removed for the present in the pillar of cloud, which was taken up, and then the ark was not dangerous to be approached. (2.) All the holy things must be covered, the ark and table with three coverings, all the rest with two. Even the ashes of the altar, in which the holy fire was carefully preserved and raked up, must have a purple cloth spread over them, v. 13. Even the brazen altar, though in the court of the sanctuary it stood open to the view of all, yet was covered in the carriage of it. All these coverings were designed, [1.] For safety, that these holy things might not be ruffled with the wind, sullied with the rain, nor tarnished with the sun, but that they might be preserved in their beauty; for on all the glory shall be a defence. The coverings of badgers' skins, being thick and strong, would keep out wet; and, while we are in our passage through the wilderness of this world, it concerns us to be fenced for all weathers, Isa. iv. 5, 6. [2.] For decency and ornament. Most of these things had a cloth of blue, or purple, or scarlet, spread outmost; and the ark was covered with a cloth wholly of blue (v. 6), an emblem (say some) of the azure skies, which are spread like a curtain between us and the Majesty on high, Job xxvi. 9. Those that are faithful to God should endeavour likewise to appear beautiful before men, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. [3.] For concealment. It signified the darkness of that dispensation. That which is now brought to light by the gospel, and revealed to babes, was then hidden from the wise and prudent. They saw only the coverings, not the holy things themselves (Heb. x. 1); but now Christ has destroyed the face of the covering, Isa. xxv. 7. (3.) When all the holy things were covered, then the Kohathites were to carry them on their shoulders. These things that had staves were carried by their staves (v. 6, 8, 11,, 14); those that had not were carried upon a bar, or bier, or bearing barrow, v. 10, 12. See how the tokens of God's presence in this world are movable things; but we look for a kingdom that cannot be moved.

2. Eleazar, now the eldest son of Aaron, is appointed overseer of the Kohathites in this service (v. 16); he must take care that nothing was forgotten, left behind, or displaced. As a priest he had more honour than the Levites, but then he had more care; and that care was a heavier burden, no doubt, upon his heart, than all the burdens that were laid upon their shoulders. It is much easier to do the work of the tabernacle than to discharge the trusts of it, to obey than to rule.

3. Great care must be taken to preserve the lives of these Levites, by preventing their unseasonable irreverent approach to the most holy things: Cut you not off the Kohathites, v. 18. Note, Those who do not what they can to keep others from sin do what they can to cut them off. [1.] The Kohathites must not see the holy things till the priests had covered them, v. 20. Even those that bore the vessels of the Lord saw not what they bore, so much were even those in the dark concerning the gospel whose office it was to expound the law. And, [2.] When the holy things were covered, they might not touch them, at least not the ark, called here the holy thing, upon pain of death, v. 15. Uzza was struck dead for the breach of this law. Thus were the Lord's ministers themselves then kept in fear, and that was a dispensation of terror, as well as darkness; but now, through Christ, the case is altered; we have seen with our eyes, and our hands have handles, the word of life (1 John i. 1), and we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace.

21 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families; 23 From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation. 24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: 25 And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, 26 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve. 27 At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens. 28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 29 As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers; 30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation. 31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof, 32 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden. 33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

We have here the charge of the other two families of the Levites, which, though not so honourable as the first, yet was necessary, and was to be done regularly. 1. The Gershonites were charged with all the drapery of the tabernacle, the curtains, and hangings, and the coverings of badgers' skins, v. 22-26. These they were to take down when the cloud removed, and the ark and the rest of the holy things were carried away, to pack up and bring with them, and then to set up again, where the cloud rested. Aaron and his sons allotted to them their respective charge: "You shall take care of such a curtain, and you of such a hanging, that every one may know his work, and there may be no confusion," v. 27. Ithamar particularly was to take the oversight of them, v. 28. 2. The Merarites were charged with the heavy carriage, the boards and bars, the pillars and sockets, the pins and cords, and these were delivered to them by name, v. 31, 32. An inventory was given them of every particular, that it might be forthcoming, and nothing to seek, when the tabernacle was to be set up again. Though these seemed of less importance than the other things pertaining to the sanctuary, yet there was this care taken of them, to teach us with the greatest exactness to preserve pure and entire all divine institutions, and to take care that nothing be lost. It also intimates the care God takes of his church, and every member of it; the good Shepherd calls his own sheep by name, John x. 3. Here were thousands of men employed about these services, though a much less number would have served for the bearing of those burdens; but it was requisite that the tabernacle should be taken down, and set up, with great expedition, and many hands would make quick work, especially when every one knew his work. They had tents of their own to take care of, and to take along with them, but the young men under thirty, and the old men above fifty, might serve for them; nor is there any mention of them, for God's house must always be preferred before our own. Their care was preposterous who built and ceiled their own houses while God's house lay waste, Hag. i. 4, 9. The death of the saints is represented as the taking down of the tabernacle (2 Cor. v. 1), and the putting of it off, 2 Pet. i. 14. The immortal soul, like the most holy things, is first covered and taken away, carried by angels, unseen, under the inspection of the Lord Jesus, our Eleazar. Care is also taken of the body—the skin and flesh, which are as the curtains, the bones and sinews which are as the bars and pillars; none of these shall be lost; commandment is given concerning the bones, a covenant made with the dust; these are in safe custody, and shall all be produced in the great day, when this tabernacle shall be set up again, and these vile bodies made like the glorious body of Jesus Christ.

34 And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers, 35 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation: 36 And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty. 37 These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses. 38 And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers, 39 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, 40 Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty. 41 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord . 42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, 43 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, 44 Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred. 45 These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. 46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of their fathers, 47 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation, 48 Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore. 49 According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the Lord commanded Moses.

We have here a particular account of the numbers of the three families of the Levites respectively, that is, of the effective men, between thirty years old and fifty. Observe, 1. The Kohathites were, in all, 8600 from a month old and upwards; but of these there were but 2750 serviceable men, not a third part. The Gershonites, in all, 7500, and of them but 2630 serviceable men, little more than a third part. Note, Of the many that add to the numbers of the church, there are comparatively but few that contribute to the service of it. So it has been, and so it is; many have a place in the tabernacle that do but little of the work of the tabernacle, Phil. ii. 20, 21. 2. That the Merarites were but 6200 in all, and yet of these there were 3200 serviceable men, that is, more than half. The greatest burden lay upon that family, the boards, and pillars, and sockets; and God so ordered it that, though they were the fewest in number, yet they should have the most able men among them; for whatever service God calls men to he will furnish them for it, and give strength in proportion to the work, grace sufficient. 3. The whole number of the able men of the tribe of Levi who entered into God's host to war his warfare was but 8580, whereas the able men of the other tribes that entered into the host of Israel to war their warfare were many more. The least of the tribes had almost four times as many able men as the Levites, and some of them more than eight times as many; for those that are engaged in the service of this world, and war after the flesh, are many more than those that are devoted to the service of God, and fight the good fight of faith.

CHAP. IV.

ANd Iehovah spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron, saying; Take the summe of the sons of Kohath, from among the sons of Levi, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers. From thirty yeeres old, and upward, even untill fifty yeeres old, every one that entreth into the armie, to doe the worke in the tent of the congregation. This shall be the service of the sonnes of Kohath, in the tent of the congregation, the holinesse of holinesses. And Aaron shall come and his sonnes, when the campe setteth forward; and they shall take downe the Veile of the covering, and cover with it the Arke of the Testimonie. And they shal put thereon a covering of Tachash skin, and shall spreade a cloth wholly of blew, above; and shall put in the barres thereof. And upon the Table of Shew-bread they shall spreade a cloth of blew, and put thereon the dishes, and the cups, and the bowles, and the covers to cover withall; and the continuall bread shall be thereon. And they shall spreade upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover it with a covering of Tachash skin, and shall put in the barres thereof. And they shall take a cloth of blew, and cover the Candlesticke of the light, and the lamps thereof, and the tongs thereof, and the snuffe-dishes thereof, and all the oile vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it.

And they shall put it, and all the vessels thereof, within a covering of Tachash skin, and shall put it upon a staffe. And upon the Altar of gold they shall spreade a cloth of blew, and cover it with a covering of Tachash skin, and shall put in the barres thereof. And they shall take all the instruments of ministerie, wherewith they minister in the Sanctuarie, and put them in a cloth of blew, and cover them with a covering of Tachash [illegible: 1 word], and shall put them on a staffe. And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spreade upon it a cloth of purple. And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it; the fire-pans, the flesh-hookes, and the shovels, and the basons; all the vessels of the Altar: and they shall spreade upon it a covering of Tachash skin, and put in the barres of it. And Aaron and his sonnes shall make an end of covering the Sanctuarie, and all the vessels of the Sanctuarie, when the campe is to set forward; and after that, the sonnes of Kohath shall come to beare it; and they shall not touch the holinesse, lest they die: these things shall be the burden of the sonnes of Kohath, in the Tent of the congregation. And to the oversight of Eleazar the sonne of Aaron the Priest (pertaineth) the oile of the Light, and the incense of sweet spices, and the continuall meat-offering, and the anointing oile; the oversight of all the Tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the Sanctuarie, and in the vessels thereof.

And Iehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying; Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites. But this doe unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the holinesse of holinesses: Aaron and his sonnes shall goe in, and appoint them every man unto his service, and to his burden. But they shall not goe in to see when the Sanctuarie is covered, lest they die. [non-Latin text not transcribed]

And Iehovah spake unto Moses, saying; Take the summe of the sonnes of Gershon, of them also; according to the house of their fathers, according to their families. From thirty yeeres old, and upward, unto fifty yeeres old, shalt thou muster them, every one that entereth to warre the warfare, to serve the service, in the Tent of the congregation. This shall be the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for the burden. And they shall beare the curtaines of the Tabernacle, and the Tent of the congregation, the covering thereof, and the covering of Tachash skin, that is upon it above, and the hanging veile for the doore of the Tent of the congregation. And the tapestry hangings of the Court, and the hanging veile for the doore of the gate of the Court, which is by the Tabernacle, and by the Altar, round about; and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them; and they shall serve. At the mouth of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sonnes of the Gershonites, in all their butden, and in all their service; and yee shall appoint unto them in charge all their burden. This is the service of the families of the sonnes of the Gershonites, in the Tent of the congregation; and their charge shall be under Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

The sonnes of Merari, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers, shalt thou muster them. From thirtie yeeres old and upward, even unto fifty yeeres old, shalt thou muster them, every one that entreth into the armie, to serve the service of the Tent of the congregation. And this shall be the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the Tent of the congregation: the boords of the Tabernacle, and the barres thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof. And the pillars of the Court round about, and their sockets, and their pinnes, and their coards, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by names shall ye reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden. This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service in the Tent of the congregation under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. And Moses and Aaron, and the Princes of the congregation, mustered the sonnes of the Kohathites, according to their families, and according to the house of their fathers. From thirtie yeeres old and upward, even unto fifty yeeres old, every one that entred into the Armie, for the service, in the Tent of the Congregation. And those that were mustered of them, according to their families, were two thousand, seven hundred, and fifty. These were they that were mustered of the families of the Kohathites, every one that served in the Tent of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did muster according to the mouth of Iehovah by the hand of Moses. And those that were mustered of the sonnes of Gershon, according to their families, and according to the house of their fathers. Form thirtie yeeres old and upward, even unto fifty yeeres old, every one that entred into the armie, for the service in the Tent of the congregation. Even those that were mustered of them, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirtie. These were they that were mustered of the families of the sonnes of Gershon: every one that served in the Tent of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did muster, according to the mouth of Iehovah.

And those that were mustered of the families of the sonnes of Merari, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers. From thirtie yeeres old and upward, even unto fifty yeeres old, every one that entred into the armie for the service in the Tent of the congregation. Even those that were mustered of them, according to their families, were three thousand, and two hundred. These were they that were mustered of the families of the sonnes of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron mustered, according to the mouth of Iehovah, by the hand of Moses. All those that were mustered, whom Moses and Aaron, and the Princes of Israel mustered, of the Levites, according to their families, and according to the house of their fathers. From thirtie yeeres old and upward, even unto fifty yeeres old, every one that entred to serve the service of service, and the service of burden, in the Tent of the congregation. Even those that were mustered of them, were eight thousand, and five hundred, and eightie. According to the mouth of Iehovah mustered he them by the hand of Moses, every man according to his service, and according to his burden: and they were mustered of him, as Iehovah commanded Moses.

Annotations. TAke the summe] Hebr. To take (of which phrase see the notes on Exod. 13. 3.) the head, and that in number, is the summe, as the Greeke translateth it: and the Chaldee saith, the Count (or reckoning) of the sonnes of Kohath; whose families are here first reckoned, because they were to carry the holiest things. Of Kohaths preheminence, see the notes on Num. 3. 28. Of him Chazkuni here observeth, Though Gershon was the first-borne, yet Kohath is first reckoned, because [illegible: 1 letter]ee carried the Arke. house] in Greeke houses: so after sundry times in this chapter. Vers. 3. thirtie yeeres old] Hebr. a sonne of thirtie yeeres, of which phrase see the notes on Gen. 5. 32. Here the beginning of their service is at thirtie yeeres of age; in Num. 8. 24. it is said to be at five and twentie yeeres; (according to which, the Greeke here, and in vers. 23. 30. translateth it five and twentie:) and in Davids [illegible: 1 word] began at twentie, 1 Chron. 23. 24. and so in Ezeki [illegible: 1 word] dayes, 2 Chron. 31. 17. and after in Ezraes [illegible: 1 word] the Levites were appointed from twentie years old and upward, Ezra. 3. 8. The places in Moses may thus be accorded, that here he speaketh of catring upon their full ministration, which being laborious, to cary the Sanctuary, &c. required full strength of body, and discretion of minde, and began therefore at 30. But in Num. 8. 24. he appointeth 25. for the beginning of their learning to doe the workes. So Maimony saith; A son of L[illegible: 1 span]mmeth not into the Court unto his service, untill they have first learned him five yeeres; as it is said (in Num. 8. 24.) FROM FIVE AND TWENTIE YEERES OLD; and another scripture saith, (in Num. 4. 3.) FROM THIRTIE YEERES OLD; loe five are for him to learne. And he entreth not upon his service, till he be growne great, and be a man; as it is said (in Num. 4. 49.) EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS SERVICE: Misn. tom. 3. treat. of the instruments of the Sanct. c. 3. s. 7. Chazkuni (on Num. 8.) reconcileth it thus; at 25. yeeres old, they entred all of them to doe the lighter workes, as to watch that no stranger came into the Sanctuarie, &c. and at 30. yeeres of age, they were in their strength, and did beare the Sanctu [illegible: 1 letter]ie, &c. Now this age of 30. yeeres for the numbring of the Levites, continued also in Davids time, 1 Chron. 23. 3. But then the Levites were no more to cary the Tabernacle nor any vessels of it, vers. 26. so by the last words of David, the Levites were numbred from twentie yeeres old and about, vers. 27. which David did by direction from the Lord, 1 Chron. 28. 13. 19. that beginning to learne sooner, they might be the fitter at thirtie, to serve the Lord and his people. And it is probable that the multitude of people, and so of sacrifices increasing, the Levites if they had not ministred till 30. yeeres old, would not have sufficed for the service of the Temple; therefore God then by David altered the time of their entrance. This age of 30. yeeres, was by Gods providence in Ioseph, when he began to governe Egypt, Gen. 41. 4[illegible: 1 letter] ▪ in David, when he began to reigne, 2 Sam. 5. 4. Iohn the Baptist (a Levite) began also his ministerie at that age; and Christ (fulfilling all figures) at the same age began the preaching of the Gospel, Luke. 1. 35, 36. and 3. 2. 3. 23, &c. It [illegible: 1 word] them also, that the ministers of the Lord should be no Novices (or young schollers,) as [illegible: 1 span]. 6. untill 50. yeeres old] Hebr. and [illegible: 1 span] sonne of 50. [illegible: 1 letter]eenes, at what time naturall [illegible: 1 word] usually beginneth to decay; therefore God would haue them then leave off the harder [illegible: 1 word]; but still they ministred with their brethren in the Tabernacle, to keepe the charge, &c. [illegible: 1 word]. 8. 26. into the armie[illegible: 1 letter]] or, to the man [illegible: 1 word] is further explained in vers. 23. to warre [illegible: 1 span]are, which the Greecke translateth, to [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 span]upon the Apostle calleth the worke of the [illegible: 1 span]ry, to warre a good warfare, 1 Tim. 1. [illegible: 1 letter]8. and [illegible: 1 span]tioneth the weapons of their warfare, 2 Cor. 10. 4. and calleth Timothee a good souldier of Iesus Christ, 2 Tim. 2. 3, 4. because by the sword of the spirit, and other weapons of right cousnesse, they were to cast downe imaginations, and lusts that war in mens members, Eph. 6. 17. 2 Cor. 6. 7. and 10. 5. Iam. 4. 1. Compare Exod. 38. 8. to doe the worke] in Greeke, all the workes; in Chaldee, to serve the service: this explaineth the former warfare, to bee holy and spirituall. So the Bishops office is called a good worke, 1 Tim. 3. 1. for it is to labour in the word and doctrine, 1 Tim. 5. 17. Vers. 4. the holinesse[illegible: 1 letter] of holinesses.] that is, the most holy things; as the Arke, Table, Candlesticke, Altar, &c. which the Kohathites were to beare, vers. 5. 7. 9. 11. 15. These are generally named the Sanctuarie, Num. 10. 21. and 3. 28. Vers. 5. setteth forward] or, removeth, journieth from Mount Sinai towards Canaan; and this was when the cloud was taken up from off the Tabernacle, by the Lord, Num. 10. 11, 12. the veile of the covering] called in Greeke, the shadowing veile; by the Apostle, the second veile, Heb. 9. 3. which was made of blew, purple, scarlet, and fine linnen, with Cherubims, and was hanged betweene the holy place and the most holy, Exod. 26. 31. 33. This veile figured the flesh of Christ, Heb. 10. 20. as the Arke principally signified Christ also, & Gods presence with his church in him. See the notes on Exod. 25. 10. 17. the Testimonie] the Tables of Gods law, which were in the Arke, as in the heart (or bowels) of Christ, Exo. 25. 16. Psal. 40. 8. This Arke of the testimonie was covered with the veile, whiles the Tabernacle did stand, Exod. 40. 3. and now when the Tabernacle is to be taken down and removed, the Arke is covered with the same veile. Vers. 6. shall put] Hebr. shall giue; in Greeke, put over, to wit, over the Arke and veile. Tachash skin] in Greeke, hyacinth (or blew colour) skin: see Exod. 25. 5. This was to cover it from all injury of weather, as raine or the like; even as the whole Tabernacle, when it stood, was covered with such, Exod. 26. 14. [illegible: 2 letters]ai. 4. 5, 6. It was also to signifie the hiding of these mysteries, for a time: see after on vers. 13. [illegible: 1 span]a cloth wholly of blew] these were those clothes or garments of ministerie mentioned in Exod. 31. 10. above] upmost: and herein the Arke had the preeminence of glory above all the other holy, things; for their upmost coverings were of skin; but the Arke had above the skinne a cloth of blew, or skie colour, for the honour of Christ whom it figured. the barres thereof] made to beare the Arke with them, Exod. 25. 14, 15. see the annotations there. Vers. 7. of Shew-bread] Hebr. table of faces, or of presence: meaning of the bread of Presence (or Shew-bread) as the Chaldee here explaineth it, and Moses elsewhere expresseth. They were twelve cakes, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, or whole church: see the annotations on Exod. 25. 30. and Lev. 24. 5. of blew] the Greeke [illegible: 1 letter]ere translateth it purple. to cover withall] Heb[illegible: 1 span] of covering or of powring out: of these, seo the notes on Exod. 25. 29. continuall bread] or, bread of continuance; so called because it was alwaies upon the table; and when the old was taken off, new was set on, every sabbath, as is noted on Levit. 24. 8. Vers. 8. sccarlet] Onely the Arke (representing Christ,) and the Table with Shew bread (representing the church) had three coverings; all the other holy things, had but two. And none was covered with scarlet, but this Table onely. Vers. 9. of the light] in Greeke, inlightning (or shining) candlesticke: see the notes on Exod. 35. 14. This was a figure of Gods Law, Psal. 119. 105. Prov. 6. 23. 2 Pet. 1. 19. Vers. 10. upon a staffe] or, upon a leaver, or barre; such as things are removed and caried with betweene two, or moe, Num. 13. 23. The Greeke translateth it, upon barres; so in vers. 12. Chazkuni noteth here, that it is said, upon a staffe, and not under a staffe, lest that which was caried should bee dragged on the ground. Vers. 11. Altar of Gold] the Incense altar, which stood within the holy place: a figure of Christs mediation for his church, and of their presenting their prayers unto God by him. See the notes on Exod. 30. 1,—6. Vers. 12. instruments] or vessels of ministerie; Censers, cups, &c. or such as are mentioned in 2 King. 25. 14, 15. Sanctuarie] Hebr. sanctitie; in Greeke, the holies. a staffe] in Greeke, barres, as vers. 10. Vers. 13. the ashes from the altar] This the Greeke translateth, They shall put a covering upon the altar. The Altar of brasse, which stood in the courtyard, is heremeant. of purple] Onely the brazen altar wa[illegible: 1 letter] covered with purple; as the Table onely with scarlet, vers. 8. and these two colours are sometime used one for another; as, They put on him a scarlet robe, Mat. 27. 28. for which in Ioh. 19. 2. is written, they put on him a purple robe: so in Mark. 15. 17. they clothed him with purple: all these colours signified the heavenly dignity of these holy things, by the blood of Christ. And although the Altar of brasse stood in the open court, where all might see it, yet when they removed, it also was covered as the other holy things. Vers. 14. Vessels] or instruments, as vers. 12. fire-pans] of these and the rest, see the notes on Exod. 27. 3. At the end of this verse the Greeke version mentioneth the Laver, Exod. 30. 18. (which in Moses is here altogether omitted) thus; And they shall take a purple cloth, and cover the Laver and the base (or foot) thereof, and shall put them into a covering of [illegible: 1 letter]y[illegible: 1 letter]ointh skin; and shall put (them) upon barres. It seemeth to be not without mystery, that Moses mentioning fire-pans, flesh-hookes, and other lesse things, should quite omit the Laver, which usually is reckoned among the holy things of the Sanctuarie, Exod. [illegible: 1 letter]5. 16. and 38. 8. and 39. 39. and 40. 30. And as in Melchisedeks history in Gen. 14. he omitted his parentage, kindred, birth and death; from which silence in the holy story, the Apostle reasoneth as if he had beene without parents or kindred, beginning of dayes, or end of life, Heb. 7. So here (if it may be lawfull to conjecture the like) the Laver is left uncovered, and alwaies open to the eyes of the people, that it might be a lively representation of Gods grace in Christ, continuing and opened as an ever-springing fountaine: that by the washing of the new birth, by repentance and faith in the bloud of Christ, we may in all our travels, at all times, cleanse our hands and feet, (our workes and wayes,) as the sacrificers did from the Laver, Exod. 30, 19, 20. That albeit the face of the church is sometime hid, (as the Tabernacle wrapped up,) and the Light of the Word shineth not, nor publike worship performed: yet alwaies Gods elect, having faith in him, may wash and purge themselves in Christ his bloud, unto forgivenesse of sinnes, sanctification of the spirit, and saluation. Vers. 15. the sanctuary] Hebr. Sanctity, or Holinesse, that is, as the Greeke explaineth it, Holy things: see Num. 3. 28. This covering of the Sanctuary, besides that it was for the honour and defence thereof, had also a further mystery. For as Moses put a veile upon his face, Exod. 34. 33. that the sonnes of Israel could not stedfastly looke to the end of that which is abolished, 2 Cor. 3. 1[illegible: 1 letter]. so the Tabernacle (which our fathers caried with Iesus into the possession of the Gentiles, Act. 7. 45.) was solden up, and veiles and coverings were cast upon the holy things, that the Israelites could not behold the end of those types, whose end and accomplishment we now clearely see by the Gospell, by the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began: but is now made manifest, and by the scriptures of the Prophets, according to the commandement of the everlasting God, made knowne to all rations, for the obedience of faith, Rom. 16. 25, 26. Therefore we have Gods Throne and true [illegible: 1 letter]abernacle set forth without veiles or covers, Rev. 4. 2, &c. The Temple of God is opened in heaven, and there is seene in his Temple, the Arke of the Testamentall covenant, Revel. 11. 19. not touch the holinesse] that is, the holy things, as the Greeke translateth. This restraint, was like that concerning mount Sinai, which by reason of Gods presence thereon, might not be touched, upon paine of death, Exod. 19. 12. Heb. 12. 18. left they dye] Hebr. and dye: which the Chaldee expoundeth, and not dye: the Greeke, that they dye not: the word not before used, being here againe to be understood, as it is in Iob 30. 20. 25. and 31. 20. Psal. 9. 19. Prov. 30. 3. Deut. 7. 26. and often otherwhere. The Scripture it selfe sheweth this want, and supplieth it; as in 2 Chron. 9. 20. [illegible: 1 word] were of silver, it was accounted of: that is, it was not accounted of; as is expressed in 1 King. 10. 21. This judgement here threatned, was executed upon Uzzah a Levite, who putting his hand to the Arke of God, was therefore smitten of God, and died, 1 Chron. 13. 10. shall be the burden] that is, as the Greeke translateth, they s[illegible: 1 span] [illegible: 1 letter]eare these things, to wit, on their owne shoulders, and not by wagons, or any other meanes, Num. 7. 9. Therefore it was a fault in Davids dayes, that the Arke was caried upon a cart, 1 Chron. 13 7. for they fought not the Lord, after the due order, 1 Chron. 15. 12, 13. Vers. 16. to the oversight] the Bishops office, o[illegible: 1 letter] [illegible: 1 span] the Greeke translateth, Bishop Eleazar; the Chaldee, that which shall be committed to the charge ([illegible: 1 word] custodie) of Eleazar. oyle of the Light] that is, of (or for) the golden candlestick. These foure particulars, the Hebrewes say, Eleazar was to cary himselfe: for Chazkuni (on this place) writeth; The oyle of the Light, and the oyle of Anointing, the [illegible: 2 words] his right hand, and the other in his left. And the Incense in his bosome; and the Meat-offring on his shoulder. R. Elias, in Reshith chocmah, treat of [illegible: 1 word], ch. 16. noteth the like from the Ierusalemy Thalmud, adding withall, Behold, according to his high place was his humility, to honour the Lord, to beare all this burden at one time. the Sanctuary] Hebr. the sanctity: Greeke, the Holy. Eleazar had besides the charge of the oyle, incense, &c. the care of all the sanctuarie also, and of the burdens of the Ko[illegible: 1 span]ites, Num. 3. 32. vessels] or instruments; in Greeke, the workes thereof. In this office, Bishop Eleazar was a figure of Christ (the Bishop of our soules, 1 Pet. 2. 25.) unto whom it pertaineth to give grace (the oyle of the Spirit) for understanding of the Scriptures, Luk. 4. 18. and 24. 45. Ioh. 1. 16. To put odours of sweet incense unto the praiers of all Saints, by his mediation, Revel. 8. 3. 1. Tim. 2. 5. To present his Church as a pure Meat-offring and sacrifice unto his Father, Ephe. 5. 26, 27. 1. Cor. 5. 7. To give the anointing oile of the holy Ghost for our sanctification, and rejoycing of our hearts, Ioh. 7. 39. 1 Ioh. 2. 27. To oversee all Churches and Ministers, and all actions in Churches, where he is present, and walketh among them till the worlds end, Mat. 28. 20. Rev. 1. 13. and 2. 1. 2. &c. Vers, 18. Cut ye not off] or, Cause not to cut off; in Greeke, destroy not, that is, Cause not, or occasion not by your default, them to be cut off, whiles you not looking to your charge, they haply transgresse, and so I destroy them, as I did Nadab and Abihu, Lev. 10. the families] understand, any of the families: the Greeke translateth, Destroy not of the tribe, the family of Kaath. Vers. 19. live and not die] of this phrase, see Deut. 33. 6. Thargum Ionathan expounds it, live in the life of the righteous, and not die with flaming fire: having reference to Levit. 10. 2. of holinesses] that is, the most holy things, in Greek, the holies of holies. every man] Hebr. man man, to his service, that is, each one to his severall worke, that so disorder and confusion might be avoided, & none might intrude into anothers worke. The Hebrew [illegible: 1 word] say, The Levites are to be warned that they [illegible: 2 words] one anothers work; as that the Singer helpe not to [illegible: 2 words] Porters worke, or the Porter the Singers; as it is written, EVERY MAN UNTO HIS SERVICE, AND TO HIS BVRDEN. The Levites that doe the Priests service, or a L[illegible: 5 letters] that employeth himselfe in that worke which is not his owne worke, are in danger of death by the [illegible: 1 word] of God, Num. 4. 19. Maimony in Misn. treat. of the Instruments of the Sanct. ch. 3. sect. 10. 11. Vers. 20. to see] so in Exod. 19. 21. the people were charged not to breake through unto the LORD to see: and because the men of Bethshemesh looked into the Arke of the Lord, he smote of the people fiftie thousand and seventy men, 1 Sam. 6. 19. This restraint taught them what discord there is betweene God and sinfull men, and how great need wee have of a Mediatour. And as the Priests themselves might not alwaies enter into the most holy place, Lev. 16. 2. whereby the holy Ghost this signified, that the way into the holy of holies was not yet made manifest, while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing, Hebr. 9. 8. so in that the Levites bare things which they might not touch nor see, it signified a concealing in part of the mysterie of the Gospell, which in other ages was not made knowne unto the sonnes of men, as it was afterward revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit, Ephes. 3. 5. the mysterie which was hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his Saints, Coloss. 1. 26. is covered] Hebr. is swallowed up; which word is often used for destroying and abolishing, Iob 2. 3. Num. 16. 30. 32. Esai. 9. 16. and 3. 12. applied here to the hiding and covering of the holy things, which was done suddenly, and is by the Chaldee interpreted, when they cover the vessels of the Sanctuarie. It sig[illegible: 1 letter]ified the abolishing that after should be of this worldly sanctuary, and shadowes therein, by Christ, Heb. 9. 1.—11. whose death was a destroying of the true Tabernacle and Temple, Ioh. 2. 19. 21. The Apostle also treating of the death of the Saints, useth this similitude; If our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hand, eternall in the heavens. For wee that are in this Tabernacle doe groane, being burdened, not for that wee would be unclothed, but clothed upon; that the mortall thing might bee swallowed up of life, &c. 2 Cor. 5. 1. 4. So Peter calleth his death, the putting off of his Tabernacle, 2 Pet. 1. 14. And this similitude is very fit: for as here in Moses Tabernacle, the most holy things were first covered and taken away; so the soule and powers thereof are first withdrawne from the bodie by death. Then, as the curtaines and coverings were taken off, and folded up; so the flesh and skin of our bodies are pulled off, and eaten with wormes. And as the boards of the Tabernacle were lastly disioyned and pulled asunder; so shall our bones & sinewes. Compare the description of mans making in Iob 10. 8—12. & of his dissolution, Eccles. 12. And as the Tabernacle dissolved, was afterward set vp againe, Num. 10. 21. so shal our bodies at the day of resurrection, 1 Cor. 15. lest they die] Hebr. and die: in Chaldee, and not die; as before in vers. 15. [non-Latin text not transcribed] Here beginneth the 35 section of the Law: see Gen. 6. 9. Vers. 22. Take] Hebr. to take: see vers. 2. of them also] in Greeke, these also. Though the Kaathites (of the second brother) were first numbred, because they were to cary the holy things on their shoulders; yet God would not have the other families neglected, or to administer confusedly, but counted & appointed also to their charges: wherin his providence shineth no lesse than before Vers. 23. towarre the warfare] which the Greeke explaineth, to minister: see the notes on vers. 3. to serve the service] in Greeke, to doe the workes: this is an explanation of the former warfare. Vers. 24. the service] in Greeke, the ministerie. and for the burden] in Greeke, to serve and so boare. By the service. understand their ministerie in the Tabernacle when it stood, wherein they assisted the Priests; as also the taking downe and setting up of it, Num. 10. 21. and by the burden, their carying of the Sanctuary, when it removed. Vers. 27. At the mouth] or, according to the mouth; in Chaldee, At the word. So after in vers. 37. and 41. and 45. and 49. in all their burden] in Greeke, according to all their ministrations, and according to all their works. yee shall appoint] in Greeke, thou shalt appoint (or number) them. in charge] or, in custodie; in Greeke, by names, as in vers. 32. all their burden] in Greeke, all their workes. Vers. 28. their charge] or, their custodie, their observation. under the hand, or, in the hand, that is, under the government and direction of Ithamar: so in vers. 33. The Priests being the chiefe in the Sanctuarie, and figures of Christ, were to appoint and oversee all the workes of the inferiour ministers; and so Christ and his Apostles did unto the ministers of the christian Churches, Mat. 28. 20. 1 Cor. 12. 4, 5, 6. Tit. 1. 5. &c. 1. Tim. 1. 3. and 3. 1.—15. Vers. 30. thirty yeeres] in Greeke, twenty five yeeres: the reason of this difference is noted on ver. 3. So after, in v. 35. into the armie] or, warfare; that is, service in the Tabernacle; as the Greeke translateth it, to minister: see vers. 3. Vers. 31. the charge] or, custodie; in Greeke, observations. the sockets] which were an hundred, made of an hundred talents of silver, Exod. 38. 27. of the boards, & bars, see Exod. 26. 18.—27. By reason of the weight of these things, the Merarites had foure wagons allowed them, for the cariage, Num. 7. 8. Vers. 32. their sockets] which were of brasse, Exod. 27. 10—17. by names] in Chaldee, by their names: the Greeke said the like of the Gershonites charge, in vers. 27. Whereas the sockets, pillars, pinnes, cords, and other instruments were many, and seemed of lesse importance than the other holy things within the Sanctuary; the Lord appointeth to have them delivered by names, lest any should be neglected, or left, or to seeke when the Tabernacle should be set vp againe. Signifying hereby the care that he hath of his Church, and of every member, even the least; and so of all his ordinances. Thus the good Shepheard is said to call his owne sheepe by name, Ioh. 10. 3. And David gave unto Solomon, both the pattern of all things to be made in the Temple, and gave gold and silver by weight, for every table, candlestick, lampe, flesh-hook, bowle, cup, bason, &c. 1 Chron. 28. 11.—17. Vers. 35. into the armie] or, to the warfare; in Greeke, to minister: see vers. 3. So after, in vers. 39. and 43. Vers. 36. two thousand, seven hundred, and fifty] there were of the Kohathites in all, eight thousand and six hundred, Num. 3. 28. of which, not a third part were able men for the Lords service, as here wee see. Vers. 40. two thousand and six hundred and thirtie] In all there were seven thousand and five hundred Gershonites, Numb. 3. 22. of which, little more than the third part were fit to serve in the Tabernacle. Vers. 44. three thousand and two hundred] So of six thousand and two hundred Merarites (Num. 3. 34) there were moe than halfe fit to serve the Lord in his Sanctuary. The numbers of them all, and of such as were able to serve the Lord, and contrary, may be viewed thus; Kohathires, In all, 8600. Able men, 2750. Vnable, 5850. Gershonites, In all, 7500. Able men, 2630. Vnable, 4870. Merarites, In all, 6200. Able men, 3200. Vnable. 3000. The wisdome and providence of God appeareth in these numbers. The Kohathites, that were most in the whose summe, are fewest for the service of God: the Merarites, that were fewest in number, yeeld most for his service. And whereas the greatest burden was for the Merarires, as the boards of the Sanctuary, overlaid with gold, the pillars, the sockets, some of silver, and some of brasse; lest they should murmur at their charge, God furnisheth them with moe able men than any of the other families, besides wagons given to ease them. And whereas commonly in families, the yonger and the aged sort are many moe than men of middle years; it is here otherwise, that the greater halfe of the Merarites are strong men, betweene thirty and fifty yeares of age. By this diversitie of number among the Levites families, God sheweth his wisdome in fitting men for the worke wherto he hath appointed them, whether it requireth multitude, or gifts: for, To one is given by the Spirit, the word of wisdome; to another the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit; to another, faith, by the same Spirit; to another, the gifts of healing, by the same Spirit, &c. dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Cor. 12. 8.—12. David being employed in warres, had many valiant Worthies, and strong men for that purpose, rehearsed in 1. Chron. 11. & 12. ch. So had Iudah, and the other tribes, as wee see in Num. 2. Moses was furnished with wisdome and knowledge, but wanted speech and utterance; therefore Aaron was given to bee his mouth and spokes-man, Act. 7. 22. Exod. 4. 10. 14. 16. ye[illegible: 1 letter] Moses by his writings, speaketh now eloquently in all Churches, and shall doe to the worlds end, when Aaron is silent. The like was in Paul, whose weaknesse in speech was his reproach among the false Apostles, 2 Cor. 10. 10. and 11. 6. though he [illegible: 1 span]lled in knowledge and other graces, the fruits [illegible: 1 span]eof the world still reapeth from his Epistles. Vers. 47. that entred] to wit, into the warfare, or [illegible: 1 word], as vers. 3. the service of service] the [illegible: 1 span]ke of ministery, assisting the Priests, when the Tabernacle stood; and taking it downe, and setting it vp: the Greeke translateth it, the worke of workes. the service of burden] the worke of bearing the Tabernacle, when it was removed: in Greeke, the workes that were to be borne. Vers. 48. eight thousand and 500. and 80.] Behold the small number of such as warred the spirituall warfare of God in his Sanctuary, that of the whole tribe of Levi, there were but 8580. fit men: when the tribe of Iudah afforded 74. thousand and 600. for the outward warfare, in the host of Israel, Num. 1. 27. Vers. 49. the month] in Chaldee, the word; in Greeke, the voice. mustered he] or, he numbred: meaning Moses and the Princes, as vers. 34. spoken of as of one man.