Num 32:1

Num 32: “The destruction of the power of Midian, who might have harassed them from the east, secured to Israel the quiet possession of the district east of Jordan, which their arms had already conquered. All along, from the river Arnon in the south, which divided Israel from Moab, to the river Jabbok and far beyond it, the land of Gilead and of Bashan, their borders were safe from hostile attacks.

“The accounts of travelers are unanimous in describing that district as specially suited for pastoral purposes. We read of magnificent park-like scenery, of wide upland pastures, and rich forests, which everywhere gladden the eye. No wonder that those of the tribes which had all along preserved their nomadic habits, and whose flocks and herds constituted their main possessions and their wealth, should wish to settle in those plains and mountains. To them they were in very truth the land of promise, suited to their special wants, and offering the very riches which they desired. The other side Jordan had little attraction for them; and its possession would have been the opposite of advantageous to a strictly pastoral people. Accordingly, the children of Gad and Reuben requested of Moses: ‘Let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan’ (Num 32:5).

“If this proposal did not actually imply that those tribes intended henceforth quietly to settle down, leaving their brethren to fight alone for the conquest of Palestine proper, it was at least open to such interpretation. Moses seems to have understood it in that sense. But, if such had been their purpose, they would not only have separated themselves from the Lord’s work and leading, but, by discouraging their brethren, have re-enacted, only on a much larger scale, the sin of those unbelieving spies who, 38 years before, had brought such heavy judgment upon Israel. And the words of Moses prevailed. Whether from the first their real intentions had been right, or the warning of Moses had influenced them for good, they now solemnly undertook to accompany their brethren across Jordan, and to stand by them till they also had entered on their possession. Until then they would only restore the “folds” for their sheep, and rebuild the destroyed cities, to afford safe dwelling-places for their wives and children, and, of course, for such of their number as were either left behind for defense, or incapable of going forth to war.

“On this express promise, their request was granted, and the ancient kingdoms of Sihon and of Og were provisionally assigned to Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, which latter had made special conquests in Gilead (Numbers 32:39). But the actual division of the district among these tribes was left over for the period when the whole country should be allocated among the children of Israel (Jos 13)” (OTH).

JAZER: “Jazer,” or “Jaazer” (Num 21:32) was a town on the way between Heshbon in the south and Bashan in the north. It gave its name to the district, and was probably specially mentioned by the Reubenites as perhaps the township east of Jordan nearest to the camp of Israel. It is supposed to be the modern Seir — almost in a line with Jericho, east of the Jordan (OTH).

Num 33:1

Num 33: “This serves as a summary of the whole journeyings during 40 years from Egypt to the Jordan. Omitting the starting point in Egypt, and the final camp by the Jordan, there are 40 camps listed. Quite a number are not found elsewhere in Scripture, and some today cannot be definitely located. But that is not surprising. Pilgrims and travelers do not leave the kind of remains that archaeologists can use to make specific identifications. In many cases, the names given were supplied by the Israelites themselves, being derived from some small local peculiarity or crisis in their wanderings. These names, therefore, can provide a hint as to the circumstances of the Israelites at the various points of their wanderings. The chapter divides them into four stages: (1) from Egypt to Sinai (vv 1-15); (2) from Sinai to Kadesh (vv 16,17); (3) from Kadesh to Kadesh again — the 38 years of wanderings (vv 18-36); and (4) from Kadesh to Moab and the Jordan (vv 37-49). The chapter concludes with the final instructions and exhortation of Moses on the plain of Moab (vv 50-56)” (Expos).

42 stations: cp 42 generations (Mat 1:17), 42 periods of affliction (Rev 12:6; 13:5,12).

Num 33:45

Vv 45-50: . It is well known that Egypt had much reason to travel to Canaan in those days; trade, exploitation, military conquest. These routes are recorded in three different Egyptian Temples — listed in the same order as provided in the Bible, and dated to the exact period of the Israelite conquest of Canaan.

Num 29:1

Num 29; 30: The second cycle of feasts took place in the seventh or sacred month — seven being the sacred number, and that of the covenant. It began with new moon’s day when, besides the daily, and the ordinary new moon’s offerings, special festive sacrifices were brought (Num 29:1-6). Then on the 10th of that month was the “Day of Atonement,” while on the 15th the feast of tabernacles began, lasting seven days. All these feasts had their appropriate sacrifices.

The laws as to sacrifices appropriately close with directions about “vows” (Num 30). In all the ordinances connected with the sacred seasons, there is evident the symbolic significance of the number seven — alike in the feasts themselves, in their number, their sacrifices, and in that of the days appointed for holy convocation. Indeed, the whole arrangement of time was ordered on the same principle, ascending from the Sabbath of days, to the Sabbath of weeks, of months, of years, and finally to the Sabbath of Sabbath years, which was the year of Jubilee. And thus all time pointed forward and upward to the greatest “Sabbath,” or sacred rest, that remains as the hope of God’s people (Heb 4:9).

Num 29:40

MOSES TOLD THE ISRAELITES ALL THAT THE LORD COMMANDED HIM: Even though Moses knows that he will not enter the land, he continues to prepare Israel for the time when they will be in the land. Such is the selflessness of the man Moses — a pattern for us. What we do for God should not be based on self-interest. It should be based on pleasing God.

Nothing on Num 30.

Num 27:1

Num 27:1-11: // Num 36:1-12. The proposed division of the land — suggested by the census in Num 26 — brought up a special question of considerable importance to Israel. Zelophehad, of the tribe of Manasseh, and of the family of Gilead, had died — not in any special judgment, but along with the whole generation that perished in the wilderness. He had left no sons, and his daughters were anxious to obtain a “possession,” lest their father’s name should be lost among his family. By Divine direction, which Moses had sought, their request was granted, and it became a judicial statute in Israel ever after: that daughters or — in their absence — the nearest kinsman should enter upon the inheritance of those who died without leaving sons, and should if possible raise up that would carry on the name of the one who had died.

In all such cases, of course, the children of those who obtained the possession would have to be incorporated, not with the tribe to which they originally belonged, but with that in which their “inheritance” lay. Thus the “name” of a man would not “be done away from among his family.” Nor was this statute recorded merely on account of its national bearing, but for higher reasons. The desire to preserve the name of a family in Israel sprang not merely from feelings natural in such circumstances, but was connected with the hope of the coming Messiah. Until he appeared, each family would desire to preserve its identity, and its legitimate claim to its own special portion of the Land of Promise.

Num 27:12

Vv 12-23: God once more warned Moses of his impending death, before actual entrance into the Land of Promise (Num 27:12-14). In so doing, He made mention again of the sin which had caused this judgment, to show His holiness and justice, even in the case of His most approved servants.

But on the other hand, this second reminder also manifested the faithfulness of Yahweh, Who would allow his servant, as it were, to set his house in order, so that he might meet death with full consciousness of what was before him.

It is touching to see how meekly Moses received the sentence. Faithful to the end in his stewardship over God’s house, his chief concern was, that God would appoint a suitable successor, so “that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd” (vv 15-17). For this position, God now set apart Joshua, by the laying on of Moses’ hands, in the presence of Eleazar the priest and of the congregation.

Yet only part of Moses’ “honor” — only what was necessary to insure the obedience of Israel — was conferred upon Joshua, while his public movements were to be directed by “the judgment of the Urim” and Thummim. Thus God not only vindicated the honor of His servant Moses, but also showed that the office which Moses had filled was in its nature unique, being typical of that committed in all its fullness to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Ecclesia.

Num 27:14

LXX is quoted in Act 7:51: resisting the Holy Spirit!

Num 27:17

GO OUT AND COME IN: Heb idiom for shepherd leader. Cp v 21: this authority passes to Joshua.

SHEPHERD: Christ the shepherd: Joh 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 5:4.

Num 27:21

Typ Christ, to whom all judgment has been committed: Joh 5:22.

Num 28:1

Num 28: Now that the people were about to take possession of the land, the sacrificial ordinances were repeated and once more commanded to the Israelites, with fuller details added. The daily morning and evening sacrifice had already been instituted in connection with the altar of burnt-offering (Exo 29:38-42). To this daily consecration of Israel were now added the special sacrifices of the Sabbath — symbolic of a deeper and more special dedication on God’s own day. The Sabbath and the other festive sacrifices were always brought in addition to the daily offering.

Again, the beginning of every month was marked by a special sacrifice, with the addition of a sin-offering, while the blast of the priests’ trumpets was intended to bring Israel’s prayers and services in remembrance before the Lord. If the beginning of each month was thus significantly consecrated, the feast of unleavened bread (from the 15th to the 21st of Abib), which made that month the beginning of the year, was marked by the repetition on each of its seven days of the sacrifices which were prescribed for every new moon. The Passover feast (on the 14th of Abib) had no general congregational sacrifice, but only that of the lamb for the Passover supper in each household.

Lastly, the sacrifices for the feast of weeks were the same as those for the feast of unleavened bread, with the addition of the two “wave loaves” and their accompanying sacrifices prescribed in Lev 23:7-21. This concluded the first festive cycle in the year.

Num 24:2

The Spirit of God: in Daniel (Dan 5:11); in Joseph (Gen 41:38); clothed Gideon (Jdg 6:34); clothed Amasai (1Ch 12:18); clothed Zechariah (2Ch 24:20); came upon Balaam (Num 24:2); came upon Saul (1Sa 10:10).

Num 24:7

GREATER THAN AGAG: Or “Gog” (LXX),”king of Amalek” (1Sa 15:8). Amalek, a constant enemy of Israel (cp Exo 17:8-16), a descendant of Esau (Gen 36:1,16; cp Isa 63n). Haman was from Agag (Est 3:1,10), and a political enemy of Israel.

Num 24:11

NOW LEAVE AT ONCE AND GO HOME! I SAID I WOULD REWARD YOU HANDSOMELY, BUT THE LORD HAS KEPT YOU FROM BEING REWARDED: Balak’s arrogance is typical of ‘important’ men in the world. As if it would be possible for him to promote Balaam above what God could do for him! A lesson that we need to learn. Whatever we think about status in this world, it is as nothing in comparison to what God will give to the faithful.

Num 24:17

A STAR: Balaam’s prediction concerns the rise of David and the Davidic kingdom. The “star” refers to David — who struck down the Moabites (Num 24:17; 2Sa 8:2) and the Edomites (Num 24:18; 2Sa 8:13,14; 1Ki 11:15,16; 1Ch 18:12,13). Thus, under David, Israel prospered and the nations round about were subjugated and often had to bring tribute (eg, 2Sa 8:2,6).

But, the prophecy cannot be exhausted at this point, for David did not completely destroy Moab and Edom, with the result that later writers would be free to use this imagery to speak of the one who would come and deal ultimately with the enemies of God.

The use of the term “star” does more than point to a ruler; it also connects that ruler with heaven. The birth of Jesus was connected with heavenly signs (Mat 2:2), and one of his titles is “the bright Morning Star” (Luk 1:78-79; Rev 22:16) — used in connection with his descent from the line of David. When he returns from heaven to conquer the enemies of God, and to set up God’s kingdom, his advent will be accompanied by other signs in the heavens (Mat 24:29,30; Mark 13:24,25).

COME: Heb “darak”, poss in the sense of “marching” (sw Deu 33:29; Isa 63:3).

CRUSH THE FOREHEADS: The second part of Gen 3:15 (cp Num 22:25).

SONS OF SHETH: “Noisy boasters” (NIV mg). Cp Jer 48:45; Psa 83:2. The ones who resisted Israel’s passage through land, and who seduced Israel to idolatry.

Num 24:20

FIRST AMONG THE NATIONS: “First of the nations that warred against Israel” (AV mg). But not first in sense of being most ancient (cp Gen 36:12,16; Jdg 6:3).

Num 24:25

THEN BALAAM GOT UP AND RETURNED HOME: It should not be assumed that he left Balak, since Balaam is slain along with the kings of Midian (Num 31:8).

Num 25:1

The sins of Balaamites: sex, money, power! This was the “counsel of Balaam” (Num 31:16). The friendship of the world is the most dangerous aspect of the battle.

Num 25:2

Cp 1Co 10:27: If any unbeliever invite you…

THE SACRIFICES OF THEIR GODS: Called “sacrifices of the dead” (Psa 106:28), implying “immortality of the soul”.

Num 25:3

IN BROAD DAYLIGHT: Lit, “before the sun”. The worship of Baal-peor was a form of sun-idolatry!

Num 25:6

BROUGHT TO HIS FAMILY: Prob a form of royal marriage: cp vv 14,15.

WEEPING: Weeping, but not acting…

Num 25:8

TENT: Heb “qubba”, a rare term. An alcove, or a vaulted tent, with arch, a brothel.

Num 25:9

24,000 = poss 23,000 Jews (1Co 10:8), and 1,000 Moabitesses. Or 23,000 in ONE day (1Co 10:8), and 24,000 overall. Because Eli failed to discipline his sons for the same sins (1Sa 2:22; 3:13), his priesthood was taken away.

Num 25:13

MADE ATONEMENT: The slaying of the wicked may be an atonement to God. We must slay our “firstborn”, the man of sin within us!

Num 26:1

Num 26-36: “A second census is made and it is found that a new generation has replaced the old that left Egypt, and that the loss caused by death throughout the wilderness wanderings has been repaired. There is a repetition of certain important laws preparatory to entering the Land. The Law of Inheritance is clarified: a successor for Moses is appointed: and certain miscellaneous commandments and instructions are given in anticipation of the tribes entering upon their inheritance. Among other matters, Moses is instructed that he is to die, and is invited to ascend Nebo where he can view from afar the Land of Promise which he is not then to enter.

“The book concludes with a warning that the instructions given through Moses are anthenticated by Yahweh. Meanwhile the people on the plains of Moab by Jericho await the order to advance into the land of promise” (Expos).

Num 26: “At this stage, a further census of the people is ordered. In view of the severity of the plague following the folly at Baal-peor, this is necessary, and it reveals some interesting facts. The first census (Exo 30:12) was basically for the purpose of organising the religious life of the people. The second (Num 1;2) was principally for military purposes, to ascertain the number who were ‘able to go forth to war’ (Num 1:28). The third census, whilst in a measure military, is also political. Its purpose is to prepare the tribes for occupation of their respective inheritances in Canaan.

“This chapter records in detail the results of the census. It lists, tribe by tribe, the numbers which each contained ‘from twenty years and upward’. The sum total is slightly less than were obtained in the earlier census. In large measure the wastage is made up, so that a new generation has replaced the old” (Expos).

Num 26: Comparison of first census with second census:

Num 22:1

“The way of Balaam (Num 22-24) is the prostitution of a spiritual gift for a base gain. The error of Balaam is the secret idea that the will of God may be circumvented under cover of an outward respect for His Word. The doctrine of Balaam is the counsel to ruin by seduction the people who cannot be cursed by permission” (JSB).

Num 22:5

BALAAM: “Waster of people”. May be seen as sym of beguiled, and beguiling, clergy (Rev 2:14; 2Pe 2:15), Balaam was covetous, perverse, presumptuous, unrighteous, and deceitful (Eur 1:290).

Num 22:19

‘But stay, don’t go away. I will see what I can get him to let me do.’ (Eur 1:289).

Num 22:22

TO OPPOSE HIM: To be a “satan”. Other “satans”: Hadad the Edomite (1Ki 11:14), Peter (Mat 16:23).

Num 22:25

CRUSHING… FOOT: Cp Gen 3:15.

Num 22:27

In speaking of infant-baptism and other such acts performed by the “Balaamite” clergy (Rev 2:14; 2Pe 2:15), JT says: “Surely if Balaam’s ass were here, and a clergyman should bestride him on such a mission, the intelligent creature would break silence again, and with the voice of a man rebuke the madness of the seer” (Eur 1:302).

Num 22:28

THEN THE LORD OPENED THE DONKEY’S MOUTH: “It was just as easy for God to impart the gift of utterance temporarily to a four-footed creature, as to endow some other creatures with it permanently who show no special aptitude for its wise use” (RR).

Num 22:34

I HAVE SINNED: There is a radical distinction between natural regret and God-given repentance. The flesh can feel remorse, acknowledge its evil deeds, and be ashamed of itself. However, this sort of disgust with past actions can be quickly shrugged off, and the individual can soon go back to his old wicked ways. None of the marks of true repentance described in 2Co 7:11 are found in his behavior. Out of a list of 11 men in the Bible who said, “I have sinned,” poss only five actually repented. They were David (2Sa 12:13; 24:10; 1Ch 21:8; Psa 41:4), Nehemiah (Neh 1:6), Job (Job 42:5,6), Micah (Mic 7:9), and the prodigal son (Luk 15:18). The other (poss less sincere) instances? Pharaoh in Exo 9:27; 10:16; Balaam in Num 22:34; Achan in Jos 7:20; Saul in 1Sa 15:24,30; 26:21; Shimei in 2Sa 19:20; Judas in Mat 27:4.

Num 22:38

No power of ourselves to: (1) think (2Co 3:5), (2) speak (Num 22:38), or (3) do (Joh 15:5).