Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Numbers
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 26
Overview:
Numbering of
Israel in the plains of
Moab.
(1-51) The division
of the land.
(52-56) Number of the Levites.
(57-62) None
remaining of the first numbering.
(63-65)
1-51 Moses did not number the people but when
God commanded
him. We have here the families registered, as
Well as the
tribes. The total was nearly the same as when numbered at
Mount
Sinai. Notice is here taken of the children of
Korah; they died
not, as the children of
Dathan and
Abiram; they seem not to have
joined even their own
Father in rebellion. If we partake not of
the sins of sinners, we shall not partake of their plagues.
52-56 In distributing these tribes, the general rule of equity
is prescribed; that to many should be given more, and to fewer
less. Though it seems left to the prudence of their
Prince, the
matter at last must be settled
By the
Providence of
God, with
which all must be satisfied.
57-62 Levi was
God's
Tribe; therefore it was not numbered with
the
Rest, but alone. It came not under the sentence, that none
of them should enter
Canaan excepting
Caleb and
Joshua.
63-65 The execution of the sentence passed
On the murmurers,
chap. 14:29, is observable. There was not one
Man numbered
now, who was numbered then, but
Caleb and
Joshua. Here appeared
the
Righteousness of
God, and his faithfulness to his
threatenings. Especially observe the
Truth of
God, in performing
his promise to
Caleb and
Joshua.
Death makes awful havoc of the
human species, and causes surprising changes in families and
nations; yet all is appointed in perfect
Wisdom,
Justice, and
Truth,
By the
Lord himself. This should stir us up to think upon
the hateful nature of
Sin, the cause of all these devastations.
We should renew our
Repentance, seek forgiveness, value the
Salvation of
Christ, remember how frail we are, prepare for the
summons of
Death, and fill up our days in serving our
Generation
according to the will of
God.