Numbers 7:89

When Moses was gone—to speak with him— i.e. with God. The whole may be considered as in a parenthesis from the eleventh verse. The present verse is added, most probably, to shew that God, being well pleased with the voluntary offerings of the princes of the people, declared that pleasure, by continuing to give his oracles to their conductor in the most distinguishing manner; for he communicated his will to Moses, not by any impression upon his mind in a vision, nor by representing things to him in a dream, but by a clear and distinct voice; speaking to him from between the cherubims as he stood in the outward part of the sanctuary, though at the same time he saw no image or similitude. Thus we are to understand those expressions of God's speaking from the mercy-seat, Exodus 25:22. Leviticus 1:1 and his calling to particular persons; chap. Numbers 12:4 and hence it is that the most holy place, where was the ark and mercy-seat, from whence the divine voice proceeded, is called דבר debir, the oracle, 1 Kings 6:23. We just add, that this articulate voice which Moses heard, without seeing any person, was an intimation of the spirituality of the Great Being, and a prelude of the grand mystery of godliness; God manifest in the flesh: a mystery which was accomplished in the fulness of time, when the Word which was God was made flesh, and conversed familiarly with the Jews. From a review of this chapter, and from these free donations of the princes of the people,—sovereigns and great men should learn, as Pellicanus well remarks, to be devoutly religious; to possess the fear and reverence of the Lord God in their breasts; to be unanimous in their endeavours to do honour to God; to give a good example to others of faith, holiness, and virtue; to seek the happiness of their subjects; to assist the servants of God; to tend their helping hand toward the advancement of true piety; and to take care so to honour religion in themselves, that it may not be dishonoured and despised by others. While all may hence learn, that though evangelical holiness requires not such expensive oblations as the present, yet Christians are bound to dedicate their substance with great zeal to promote the cause of true religion, and to relieve those who are in necessity, and want their aid.

REFLECTIONS.—The dedication of the altar began the same day it was set up. When Moses had consecrated it with the anointing oil, then appeared the generous piety of the princes, each hastening with his offering, to pay his grateful tribute to that gracious God, who thus condescended to manifest his presence in the midst of them. 1. They were the princes of Israel; a rare example! Happy, were every nobleman like them, thus zealous for the glory of God. Since they are blessed with greater affluence than others, their obligations to works of piety and charity are surely proportionably stronger. 2. Their presents were truly princely: they thought their best thus best employed. Note; We shall never regret what we have given to God. 3. They offered separately; and each, among his other gifts, presented his sin-offering. We must never forget, that, in every state of Christian experience, we stand in need of the atoning blood. 4. Their peace-offerings were eaten each day: thus the holy feast for themselves, as well as the sacrifice to God, was prepared; for God will have those rejoice before him, who heartily devote their all unto him. 5. The order of their offerings was according to their encampments. The station God allots is to be submitted to with delight. 6. Their offerings were the same; they were approaching the same altar, and expecting the same blessings. 7. Each has his name and offering recorded. God will put a mark of honour upon services done for him: no work or labour of love shall be forgotten or unrewarded. 8. God accepts graciously their oblations, and from the mercy-seat declares his approbation of them. Whenever we are speaking to God in sacrifices of prayer and praise, he will assuredly answer us in a voice of mercy. We have not the Shechinah, it is true, in the midst of us: but we have better, the incarnate Word, who promises to be with us always; and that whatsoever in his name we ask, believing, we shall receive.