Numbers 21:21-35

Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass.

The wicked hate and persecute the godly without any just cause

This is the practice of wicked men to pursue the children of God with all despiteful dealing, albeit they offer no occasion of hurt unto them. Cain; Joseph’s brethren, &c. The reasons are very plain.

1. For it seemeth unto them more than strange that the faithful are not brethren with them in evil, but separate themselves from them, and will touch no unclean thing. This is that which the Apostle Peter witnesseth (1 Peter 4:4). But it is better for us to have the haired of men than fail in any part of our duty unto God.

2. No marvel if the wicked hate the godly, for the world hateth Christ.

Uses:

1. We may assure ourselves that it is a lamentable condition to dwell among such malicious and mischievous enemies.

2. Seeing this is the entertainment that we must look for in the world, it behoves us to live in unity and to love one another as the children of the Father and the disciples of Christ.

3. Seeing hatred lodgeth in the heart of a wicked man toward the faithful, it is our duty to pray to God to be delivered from unreasonable and evil men (2 Thessalonians 3:2). This David declareth (Psalms 35:12; Psalms 35:15). Thus doth God wean us from the love of this world, that we should long after His kingdom, where is fulness of joy for evermore. (W. Attersoll.)

The king’s highway

I. The king’s highway should be a public road. Royalty ought to be democracy personified. What the king holds is for the people’s use; what he does, for their good.

II. The king’s highway should, therefore, be, free, But, alas! what king’s highway is free? There are taxes and hindrances, and some are not allowed to pass it at all. National jealousies and pride bar the national highway.

III. The king’s highway being closed, injures those who close it.

1. It makes enemies. Those who demand access are sore at the refusal.

2. It does not accomplish the object in view. Those who wish to get through, find other ways round.

3. It causes loss. The Israelites would have paid for all they required, and so have benefited the Edomites.

IV. There is one king’s highway which is free to all, from which none are turned back, which is free from toll and safe from foes. This is that which Christ has opened, and which leads straight to the throne of God. (Homilist.)