SECTION V. ON THE BOOK OF NUMBERS. 1. Title, author, date, and argument. II. Scope.-III. Types of the Messiah.IV. Prediction of the Messiah.-V. Chronology. -VI. Synopsis of its contents. VII. Observations on the Book of the Wars of the Lord, mentioned in Numbers xxi. 14. 1. IN conformity with the Hebrew custom, this fourth book of Moses is usually termed, va-JeDabar, and he spake, from the initial word it is also called BеMIDBAR, "In the Desert," which word occurs in the first verse, because it relates the transactions of the Israelites in the wilderness. By the Alexandrian translators it was entitled APIOMOI, which appellation was adopted by the Greek fathers; and by the Latin translators, it was termed Numeri, Numbers, whence our English title is derived; because it contains an account of the numbering of the children of Israel, related in chapters i-iii. and xxvi. It appears from xxxvi. 13, to have been written by Moses in the plains of Moab. Besides the numeration and marshalling of the Israelites for their journey, several laws, in addition to those delivered in Exodus and Leviticus, and likewise several remarkable events, are recorded in this book. II. The scope of the Book of Numbers is, to show how faithfully Jehovah fulfilled his promises to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the rapid increase of their posterity, and also in his providential care of them during their journeyings in the wilderness, and finally conducting them to the land of Canaan; together with his impartial severity against their murmurings and corruptions, for which many of them perished in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt, "so that they could not enter into his rest because of their unbelief." All these things are our examples, and are "written for our admonition," since the Christian's rest depends upon the same promises as that of the Israelites. (Compare 1 Cor. x. 1–11. Jude 5. Heb. iii. 7-19. iv. 1-11.) The method pursued in this book is precisely that which would be adopted by the writer of an itinerary: the respective stations are noted; and the principal occurrences that took place at each station are related, omitting such as are of comparatively less importance. This circumstance is an additional internal -proof that Moses was the author of the Book of Numbers, which is cited as his work in many parts of Scripture. III. TYPES OF THE MESSIAH, are, The Ordinance of the Red Heifer (Numb. xix. with Heb. ix. 13, 14. and xiii. 11-13.); -The Water that issued from the Rock (Numb. xx. 11. with 1 Cor. x. 4.); The Brazen Serpent (Numb. xxi. with John iii. 14.); - The Cities of Refuge (Numb. xxxv. with Heb. vi. 18., latter part of the verse). IV. This book contains only one prediction concerning the Messiah, viz. Numb. xxiv. 17. 19. which, Rosenmüller and some other eminent biblical critics have contended, cannot apply to Jesus Christ. This passage, it is true, in its primary and literal meaning, intimates that from the people of Israel should arise a mighty prince, who would obtain an entire conquest and bear rule over the kingdoms of Moab and Edom and it was fulfilled in David, for it is expressly recorded of him, that he finally subdued those nations. (2 Sam. viii. 2. 14.) But, in its full import, it has invariably been considered as referring to that illustrious personage, of whom David was a type and a progenitor and is in fact a splendid prediction of the final and universal sway of the Messiah, when the middle wall of partition shall be broken down, and both Jews and Gentiles shall become one fold under one shepherd. This explanation is perfectly consonant to many other prophecies concerning the Saviour; which, in similar language, describe him as acquiring dominion over heathen countries, and destroying the enemies of his church and it is observable, that, in several of these antient predictions, some particular opposers, as the Moabites and Edomites, are put for the "adversaries of the Lord," in general. (See Psal. ii. 8. lxxii. 8. cx. 6. Isa. xi. 14. and xxv. 10.)1 In this passage, an eminent critic observes, that Balaam, in prophetic vision, describes the remote coming of Shiloh, under the imagery of a star and a sceptre, or an illustrious prince. Though it was foretold that "the sceptre should depart from Judah" at his coming, this prophecy confirms to him a proper sceptre of his own; and our Lord claimed it when he avowed himself a "King" to Pilate, but declared that his "kingdom was not of this world." (John xviii. 37, 38.) This branch of the prophecy was fulfilled about 1600 years after; when, at the birth of Christ, "the Magi from the East" (who are supposed by Theophylact to have been the posterity of Balaam) came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the [true] born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star at its rising, and are come to worship him." (Matt. ii. 1, 2.) V. The book of Numbers contains a history of the Israelites, from the beginning of the second month of the second year after their departure from Egypt, to the beginning of the eleventh month of the fortieth year of their journeyings, that is, a period of thirty-eight years and nine or ten months. (Compare Numb. i. and xxxvi. 13. with Deut. i. 3.) Most of the transactions here recorded took place in -- 1 Robinson's Scripture Characters, vol. i. p. 480. The same author adds "Jesus, then, is the Star' which Balaam foretold; the bright and morning star,' which, through the tender mercy of our God, hath visited us,' (Luke i. 78. Rev. xxii. 16.); and to him also the sceptre' of universal government is committed. He shall have dominion;' for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. (1 Cor. xv. 25.) Balaam looked forward to the time of his coming, which is usually called, as in Numb. xxiv. 14. the latter days:' and concerning him, he said, 'I shall see him, but not now; I shall behold him, but not nigh;' which might intimate, that his appearance was far removed, and that he should see him only by the spirit of prophecy. But it may also refer to the second advent of the Saviour, when indeed both Balaam and every despiser of his grace shall see him' in his glory, shall behold him, but not nigh: for they shall be driven out from him with shame and confusion, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.'" Ibid. p. 481. 2 Dr. Hales's Analysis of Chronology, vol. ii. book i. p. 229. the second and thirty-eighth years: the dates of the facts related in the middle of the book cannot be precisely ascertained. VI. According to the Jewish division, this portion of Holy Writ contains ten parasches or chapters; in our Bibles it consists of thirtysix chapters, which comprise four principal parts or sections. PART I. The census of the Israelites, and the marshalling of them into a regular camp, "each tribe by itself under its own captain or chief, distinguished by his own peculiar standard, and occupying an assigned place with reference to the tabernacle." (Numb. i. ii.) The sacred census of the Levites, the designation of them to the sacred office, and the appointment of them to various services in the tabernacle, are related in Numb. iii. and iv. as, PART II. The institution of various legal ceremonies, SECT. 1. The purification of the camp, by the removal of all unclean persons from it, and the trial of the suspected adulteress by the waters of jealousy. (Num. v.) SECT. 2. The institution of the Nazareate. (vi.) SECT. 3. An account of the oblations made to the tabernacle by the princes or heads of tribes. (vii.) SECT. 4. The consecration of the Levites. (vii.) SECT. 6. Regulations concerning the moving or resting of the camp of Israel during their progress. (x.) PART III. The history of their journey from mount Sinai to the land of Moab, which may be described and distinguished by their eight remarkable murmurings in the way; every one of which was visited with severe chastisement, viz. SECT. 1. On account of the length of the way; which was punished by fire at Taberah. (xi. 1-4.) SECT. 2. Their murmuring for flesh and loathing of manna, punish- SECT. 4. The murmuring of the people at Kadesh, in consequence of the unfavourable report of the spies who had been sent to explore the promised land; for which those of the spies who had brought an evil report died of the plague; and the murmuring congregation were deprived of seeing the promised land. This was the occasion of the Israelites wandering so long in the wilderness, until the whole of that generation, that is, all who were twenty years old and upwards, was destroyed. (xiii. xiv.) In ch. xv. some ordinances are given for conducting the worship of Jehovah in the land of Canaan. SECT. 5. The murmuring and rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and their followers, with their punishment. (xvi. 1—40.) SECT. 6. The murmuring of the people against Moses and Aaron, on account of the preceding judgment, and their punishment, (xvi. 41-50.) The miraculous budding of Aaron's rod among the rods of the tribes, which was deposited in the tabernacle as a confirmation of his priesthood, and as a testimony against the murmurers (xvii.); which was succeeded by some directions concerning the dignity and superiority of the priestly office over that of the Levites, and respecting the maintenance of both (xviii.), together with regulations concerning the water of separation made with the ashes of a red cow. (xix.) SECT. 7. Their murmuring in the desert of Zin for water, the unbelief of Moses, the perfidy of the Edomites, and Aaron's death. (xx.) SECT. 8. Their murmuring while they compassed the land of Edom, on account of their discouraging way, light bread, and want of water; for which they were punished with fiery serpents. (xxi.) PART IV. A history of the transactions which took place in the plains of Moab (xxii-xxxvi.); including, SECT. 1. The machinations of their enemies against them, their frustration, and the prophecies of Balaam respecting the Jews and their enemies, the ensnaring of the Israelites to commit idolatry by the Moabites, with their consequent punishment. (xxii-xxv.) SECT. 2. A second enumeration of the people (xxvi.); in which are displayed the singular providence of God, and the further accomplishment of his promise to the patriarchs, in multiplying the people of Israel so exceedingly, that in all the tribes there were only 61,020 men less than at the first census, notwithstanding the whole of that murmuring generation (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb) perished in the wilderness. SECT. 3. The remaining chapters relate the appointment of Joshua to be the successor of Moses, regulations concerning sacrifices, and the partition of the promised land. (xxvii-xxxvi.) VII. Few passages in the Pentateuch have more exercised the ingenuity of biblical critics, than the Book of the Wars of the Lord mentioned in Numb. xxi. 14. Aben-Ezra, Hottinger, and others, 1 On the accomplishment of all these prophecies delivered by Balaam, consult Bishop Newton's Dissertations, vol. i. diss. v —“Though God had probably rejected Balaam as an apostate prophet, he deigned to employ him on this signal occasion as the herald of the divine oracles; to illustrate the impotency of the heathen arts, and to demonstrate the power and foreknowledge of the Divine Spirit." (Dr. Gray.) Bishop Butler has a fine discourse on the character of Balaam, Works, vol. i. serm. vii. 2 The following comparative statement will show how much some of the tribes had increased, and others had diminished, since the enumeration in chap. i. 21 are of opinion that it refers to this book of the Pentateuch, because in it are related various battles of the Israelites with the Amorites: Hezelius, and after him Michaelis, think it was an Amoritish writing, containing triumphal songs in honour of the victories obtained by Sihon king of the Amorites, from which Moses cited the words that immediately follow. Fonseca, and some others refer it to the book of Judges. Le Clerc understands it of the wars of the Israelites who fought under the direction of Jehovah, and, instead of book, he translates it, with most of the Jewish doctors, narration; and proposes to render the verse thus: "Wherefore, in the narration of the wars of the Lord, there is, (or shall be) mention of what he did in the Red Sea, and in the brooks of Arnon."-Lastly, Dr. Lightfoot considers this book to have been some book of remembrances and directions written by Moses for Joshua's private instruction, for the prosecution of the wars after his decease. (See Exod. xvii. 14-16.) This opinion appears to us the most simple, and is in all probability the true On this subject, see also Vol. I. p. 123. one. SECTION VI. ON THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. Title, date, and chronology. II. Scope.-III. Predictions of the Messiah.IV. Synopsis of contents.-V. Observations. I. THIS fifth book of Moses derives its name from the title (AETTEPONOMION) prefixed to it by the translators of the Septuagint version, which is a compound term, signifying the second law, or the law repeated; because it contains a repetition of the law of God, given by Moses to the Israelites. In Hebrew it is, from the same circumstance, called MisNeн or Repetition; but, most usually ALеH HаDеBаRIM, i. e. these are the words, or simply D DEBARIM, the Words. From a comparison of Deut. i. 5. with xxxiv. 1. it appears to have been written by Moses in the plains of Moab, a short time before his death; and this circumstance will account for that affectionate earnestness with which he addresses the Israelites. The period of time comprised in this book is five lunar weeks, or according to some chronologers, about two months, viz. from the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year after the - exodus of Israel from Egypt, to the eleventh day of the twelfth month of the same year, A. M. 2553, B. c. 1451. From the account of Moses's death recorded in the thirty-fourth chapter of this book, and the insertion of some explanatory words in other parts of Deuteronomy, it has been insinuated that Moses could not have been its author: but the following remark will clearly prove this notion to be unfounded. The words of Moses (as we have already had occasion to remark) evidently conclude with the thirty-third chapter: the thirty-fourth was added to complete the history, the first eight verses probably immediately after his death by his successor Joshua, the last four by |