Take the sum — They were numbered twice before, Exodus 30:11; Numbers 1:1. Now they are numbered a third time, to demonstrate the faithfulness of God, both in cutting all those off whom he had threatened to cut off, Numbers 14:29, and in a stupendous increase of the people according to his promise,... [ Continue Reading ]
Families — The chief houses, which were subdivided into divers lesser families. Forty three thousand seven hundred and thirty — Whereas in their last numbering they were forty six thousand five hundred; for Korah's conspiracy, as well as other provocations of theirs, had cut off many of them.... [ Continue Reading ]
With Korah — According to this translation Korah was not consumed by fire with his two hundred and fifty men, but swallowed up by the earth. But others rather think he was devoured by the fire, and render these words, and the things of Korah, or belonging to Korah, namely, his tent and goods, and fa... [ Continue Reading ]
Died not — God being pleased to spare them, because they disowned their father's fact, and separated themselves both from his tent and company. Hence the sons of Korah are mentioned, 1 Chronicles 6:22, 1 Chronicles 6:38, and often in the book of Psalms.... [ Continue Reading ]
Jachin — Called also Jarib, 1 Chronicles 4:24. And such names might be either added or changed upon some special occasion not recorded in scripture.... [ Continue Reading ]
Twenty two thousand and two hundred — No tribe decreased so much as Simeon's. From fifty nine thousand and three hundred it sunk to twenty two thousand and two hundred, little more than a third part of what it was. One whole family of that tribe, (Ohad mentioned Exodus 6:15) was extinct in the wilde... [ Continue Reading ]
Children of Gad — Fewer by above five thousand than there were in their last numbering.... [ Continue Reading ]
The families of Judah — About two thousand more than they were, Numbers 1:27, whereas the foregoing tribes were all diminished.... [ Continue Reading ]
Fifty two thousand and seven hundred — Whereas they were but thirty two thousand and two hundred, in Numbers 1:35. So they are now increased above twenty thousand, according to that prophecy, Genesis 49:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
The sons of Benjamin — Who were ten, Genesis 46:21, whereof only five are here mentioned, the rest probably, together with their families, being extinct.... [ Continue Reading ]
Threescore and four thousand and four hundred — All from one son and family, whereas of Benjamin who had ten sons, and five families, there were only forty five thousand and six hundred, to shew that the increase of families depends singly upon God's blessing and good pleasure.... [ Continue Reading ]
These were the numbered — Very nigh as many as there were before, Numbers 1:46. So wisely and marvellously did God at the same time manifest his justice in cutting off so vast a number; his mercy in giving such a speedy and numerous supply; and his truth in both.... [ Continue Reading ]
The land shall be divided — The land was divided into nine parts and an half, respect being had in such division to the goodness as well as to the largeness of the several portions, and the lot gave each tribe their part. Of names — Of persons, the share of each tribe was divided amongst the several... [ Continue Reading ]
By lot — For the tribes, not for the several families; for the distribution of it to them was left to the rulers wisdom according to the rule now given.... [ Continue Reading ]
Many and few — That share, which shall by lot fall to each tribe, shall be distributed to the several families and persons in such proportions as their numbers shall require.... [ Continue Reading ]
Not left a man — Only of the Levites, who being not guilty of that sin did not partake of their judgment.... [ Continue Reading ]