CONTENTS
In this Chapter the history of Israel is pursued. Here is an account
of the desire of the Reubenites, and Gadites, to settle on this side
Jordan: Moses reproves the thought; as if they wished to withdraw from
the conquest of Canaan. They explain their intention, with which Moses
is satisfi... [ Continue Reading ]
There can be no question but that those plains of Moab were most
fruitful and desirable situations. But alas! what are the plains of
Moab to the land of Judah, which is the glory of all lands. In like
manner, in a spiritual sense, what are the pleasant things brought
forth by the sun, or the pleasan... [ Continue Reading ]
We may in some measure account for the feelings of the man of GOD. He
had earnestly requested that he might see the good land, and that the
LORD would give him to enjoy it. And the Reubenites, and the Gadities,
were indifferent about. Deuteronomy 3:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
I include the whole of these verses in one view, because they include
the terms of agreement between Moses and the Reubenites and Gadites.
The representation, which is here given of them, serves to raise the
people somewhat higher in our view; but certainly their choice of
setting up their rest on t... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, Moses having foreknowledge from the word of the LORD, that he
himself should not live to see the event, leaves the business in
charge with his successors. So faithful ministers commit the concerns
of the church to faithful men. 2 Timothy 2:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
The terms are again, as it were, ratified and confirmed on both sides,
and the LORD himself is considered as looking on. It is well when all
church concerns are thus arranged and settled under the great Head of
his church. Matthew 28:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, the children of half the tribe of Manasseh are here included
in this grant.... [ Continue Reading ]
The reason of the change of names was most probably to observe that
precept, that the children of Israel should not make mention of the
names of the gods of the heathen about them; and their cities were
called in honour of their gods: see Exodus 23:13. And hence, in after
ages, the LORD promised to... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS
REMARK, my soul, in the case of those Reubenites and Gadites, how
injurious to the pilgrimage state in thy pursuit of Canaan, is a love
of worldly ease and settlement. Alas! what have we, who profess
ourselves to be strangers and pilgrims upon earth, and are supposed to
be seeking a bet... [ Continue Reading ]