1_And Israel abode in Shittim. _From this narrative we learn assuredly that the people were no more able to bear prosperity than adversity. Heretofore, either worn out by fatigue, or rendered impatient by abstinence and famine, they had often rebelled against God; now, when they have entered a habit... [ Continue Reading ]
3._AndIsrael joined himself to Baal-peor. _Moses amplifies their crime by this expression, that they bound themselves to the idol in an impious alliance; and thus he alludes to that holy union whereby God had connected Himself with the people, and accuses them of broken faith and wicked rebellion. N... [ Continue Reading ]
4._And the Lord said unto Moses. _We have often seen before how God executed His judgments by His own hand, as if He put it forth from heaven; He now imposes this office on Moses, although it is evident from the context that he was not appointed to execute it alone, but that the other judges were as... [ Continue Reading ]
6._And, behold, one of the children of Israel came. _Moses here relates a case which was foul and detestable beyond others. There is no doubt but that many, in the midst of such gross licentiousness as had now for some time generally prevailed, had filled the camp with various scandalous offenses; b... [ Continue Reading ]
7._And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar. _The courage of Phinehas is celebrated, who, whilst the rest were hesitating, inflamed with holy zeal, hastens forward to inflict punishment. The backwardness of others is therefore condemned by implication, though their tears were praiseworthy; but, since t... [ Continue Reading ]
9._And those that died in the plague. _Paul, when he says that only twenty-three thousand died, appears to differ from Moses; but we know that the exact account of numbers is not always observed, and it is probable that _about _twenty-four thousand were slain. Paul, therefore, subtracted one thousan... [ Continue Reading ]
10._And the Lord spake unto Moses. _In these words God makes it appear that He was the author of the death (of Zimri and Cozbi;) (186) not only because He was thus propitiated towards the people, but because He calls the zeal of Phinehas His own. (187) It will, however, accord equally well whether w... [ Continue Reading ]
14._Now the name of the Israelite. _Even as the memory of the just is blessed, so also it was equitable that the author of this foul sin should be condemned to perpetual infamy. It appears, however, from the fact of a part of the disgrace being thrown upon the whole tribe, how greatly displeasing to... [ Continue Reading ]
17._Vex the Midianites, and smite them. _Inasnmch as God constantly forbids His people to take vengeance, it is surprising that the people of Israel should now be instigated to do so; as if they were not already more than enough disposed to it. We must bear in mind, however, that since God, who is t... [ Continue Reading ]