CONTENTS
As the preceding Chapter related to the numbering Israel in tribes,
and families; so the present hath reference, to the ordering the
Levites, as the more immediate servants in the LORD'S ministry. The
close of the Chapter, contains the order for the redemption of the
firstborn.
Numbers 3:... [ Continue Reading ]
Let the Reader not lose sight of the intention, which probably the
HOLY GHOST had in view, in causing the sin of Aaron's two eldest sons
to be again mentioned. The church of GOD is a sacred inclosure out of
the world's wilderness. Let no man rush into it with strange tire, and
sparks of his own kind... [ Continue Reading ]
It is well worth the pious Reader's observation, that notwithstanding
the great attention here shown to the tribe of Levi, the LORD JESUS
descended not from that tribe. Hebrews 7:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let the Reader remark with me, on the perusal of those verses, that
the highest honour of birthright is to be the LORD'S. The world's
policy hath in many instances reversed this. The younger branches of
some families are thought good enough for the LORD'S service. But what
a blessed privilege are th... [ Continue Reading ]
It is worthy the Reader's closest attention here, that while Israel at
large, were only numbered from the age of 20, and upward; the children
of the Levites were commanded to be numbered from a month old. Yes!
our dearest Redeemer hath told us, that in his record little infants
as well as elder year... [ Continue Reading ]
I do not detain the Reader, through this whole account of the
numbering of the Levites, with any observation, in order to avoid the
unnecessarily swelling the extent of our Commentary. But I cannot
suffer the relation of the sum total to be closed, without calling
upon the Reader to remark with me,... [ Continue Reading ]
Is not this direction concerning the firstborn, in allusion to the
only begotten SON of GOD? Did not GOD our FATHER give and exchange, as
it were, his firstborn and only SON, for the people of his everlasting
love, when he gave him up to the service of the whole law, as their
law-surety and sponsor;... [ Continue Reading ]
The sum here appointed, amounted in value to about 2 shillings and 3
pence halfpenny of our current coin.... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle Peter, hath given the best comment upon this, and other
scriptures of the like nature, when he draws a line of everlasting
distinction between redemption by money, and redemption by the
precious blood of CHRIST. See 1 Peter 1:18.... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS
HERE again, blessed JESUS! while reading the separation of the Levites
to the service of the sanctuary, here let me behold thee in thine
unequalled office; consecrated, and set apart to thy FATHER'S service,
in the salvation of souls! With what earnestness didst thou enter upon
the work;... [ Continue Reading ]