22  Balak's fear of Israel, Num 22:1-4.
His message to Balaam, who refuses to come, Num 22:5-14.
On the second message he goes, Num 22:15-21.
He is rebuked by an angel, Num 22:22-35.
His interview with Balak, Num 22:36-41.

22:5 Balaam - Who is called a prophet, Pe2 2:16, because God was pleased to inspire and direct him to speak the following prophecies.Indeed many of the Jewish writers say, that Balaam had been a great prophet, who for the accomplishment of his predictions, and the answers of his prayers, had been looked upon justly as a man of great interest with God. However it is certain, that afterwards for his covetousness, God departed from him. Beor - Or, Bosor, Pe2 2:15, for he had two names, as many others had. Pethor - A city in Mesopotamia. By the river - By Euphrates, which is called the river, by way of eminency, and here the river of Balaam's land or country, to wit, of Mesopotamia.

22:6 Curse them for my sake and benefit; use thy utmost power, which thou hast with thy Gods, to blast and ruin them. We may smite them - Thou by thy imprecations, and I by my sword.

22:8 This night - The night was the time when God used to reveal his mind by dreams. The Lord - Heb. Jehovah, the true God, whom he here mentions, either for his own greater reputation, as if he consulted not with inferior spirits, but with the supreme God; or rather because this was Israel's God, and the only possible way of ruining them was by engaging their God against them: as the Romans and other Heathens, when they went to besiege any city, used enchantments to call forth that God under whose peculiar protection they were. Of Moab - And of Midian too.

22:9 What men are these - He asks this that Balaam by repeating the thing in God's presence might be convinced and ashamed of his sin and folly, in offering his service in such a business: and for a foundation to the following answer.

22:20 If the men come - On this condition he was to go.

22:22 Because he went - Because he went of his own accord, with the princes of Moab, and did not wait till they came to call him, which was the sign and condition of God's permission, but rather himself rose and called them. The apostle describes Balaam's sin here to be, that he ran greedily into an error for reward, Jud 1:11.For an adversary - To oppose, if not to kill him. His servants with him - The rest of the company being probably gone before them. For in those ancient times there was more of simplicity, and less of ceremony, and therefore it is not strange that Balaam came at some distance, after the rest, and attended only by his own servants.

22:28 Opened the mouth - Conferred upon her the power of speech and reasoning for that time.

22:29 Balaam said - Balaam was not much terrified with the ass's speaking, because perhaps he was accustomed to converse with evil spirits, who appeared to him and discoursed with him in the shape of such creatures.Perhaps he was so blinded by passion, that he did not consider the strangeness of the thing.

22:31 On his face - In token of reverence and submission.

22:32 Thy way is perverse - Springing from covetousness.

22:33 I had slain thee - I had slain thee alone, and not her, therefore her turning aside and falling down was wholly for thy benefit, not for her own, and thy anger against her was unjust and unreasonable.

22:35 Go with the men - I allow thee to go, upon the following terms.

22:36 In the utmost coast - Not far from the camp of the Israelites, whom he desired him to curse.

22:40 The princes - Whom the king had left to attend him.

22:41 The high places of Baal - Consecrated to the worship of Baal, that is, of Baal Peor, who was their Baal or God. The utmost part - That is, all that people, even to the utmost and remotest of them, as appears by comparing this with, Num 23:13. He hoped that the sight of such a numerous host ready to break in upon his country would stir up his passion.

23  Balaam's first attempt to curse Israel, turned into a blessing, Num 23:1-10.
His second attempt with like success, Num 23:11-24.
The preparation for a third attempt, Num 23:25-30.

23:1 Build seven altars - To the true God, otherwise he would not have mentioned it to God, as an argument why he should grant his requests, as he doth, Num 23:4.And though Balak was averse from God and his worship, yet he would be easily overruled by Balaam, who doubtless told him that it was in vain to make an address to any other than the God of Israel, who alone was able either to bless or curse them as he pleased. Seven - This being the solemn and usual number in sacrifices.

23:3 Stand by thy burnt - offering - As in God's presence, as one that offers thyself as well as thy sacrifices to obtain his favour. I will go - To some solitary and convenient place, where I may prevail with God to appear to me. Sheweth me - Reveals to me, either by word or sign.An high place - Or, into the plain, as that word properly signifies.

23:7 His parable - That is, his oracular and prophetical speech; which he calls a parable, because of the weightiness of the matter, and the liveliness of the expressions which is usual in parables. Jacob - The posterity of Jacob.

23:9 The rocks - Upon which I now stand. I see him - I see the people, according to thy desire, Num 22:41, but cannot improve that sight to the end for which thou didst design it, to curse them. The people shall dwell alone - This people are of a distinct kind from others, God's peculiar people, separated from all other nations, as in religion and laws, so also in divine protection; and therefore enchantments cannot have that power against them which they have against other persons and people.

23:10 The dust - The numberless people of Jacob or Israel, who according to God's promise, are now become as the dust of the earth. Of the righteous - Of this righteous and holy people. The sense is, they are not only happy above other nations in this life, and therefore in vain should I curse them, but they have this peculiar privilege, that they are happy after death: their happiness begins where the happiness of other people ends; and therefore I heartily wish that my soul may have its portion with theirs when I die. Was not God now again striving with him, not only for the sake of Israel, but of his own soul?

23:12 Must I not - Ought I not? Is it not my duty? Canst thou blame me for it?

23:13 Thou shalt not see them all - Perhaps he thought the sight of all them might discourage him, or as it did before, raise his fancy to an admiration of the multitude and felicity of the people.

23:15 While I meet the Lord - To consult him, and to receive an answer from him.

23:18 Rise up - This word implies the diligent attention required; rouse up thyself and carefully mind what I say.

23:19 That he should lie - Break his promises made to his people for their preservation and benediction. Repent - Change his counsels or purposes; unless he see iniquity in Jacob.

23:21 Iniquity - Not such as in the Canaanites: Such as he will punish with a curse, with utter destruction. The Lord is with him - He hath a favour for this people, and will defend and save them. The shout of a king - That is, such joyful and triumphant shouts as those wherewith a people congratulate the approach and presence of their King: when he appears among them upon some solemn occasion, or when he returns from battle with victory. This expression implies God's being their King and ruler, and their abundant security and confidence in him.

23:22 Out of Egypt - Namely, by a strong hand, and in spite of all their enemies, and therefore it is in vain to seek or hope to overcome them.He - Israel, whom God brought out of Egypt, such change of numbers being very common in the Hebrew language. The sense is, Israel is not now what he was in Egypt, a poor, weak, dispirited, unarmed people, but high and strong and invincible. An unicorn - The word may mean either a rhinoceros, or a strong and fierce kind of wild goat. But such a creature as an unicorn, as commonly painted, has no existence in nature.

23:23 Against Jacob - Nor against any that truly believe in Christ.What hath God wrought - How wonderful and glorious are those works which God is now about to do for Israel! These things will be a matter of discourse and admiration to all ages.

23:24 As a great Lion - As a lion rouseth up himself to fight, or to go out to the prey, so shall Israel stir up themselves to warlike attempts against their enemies. He shall not lie down - Not rest or cease from fighting and pursuing.

23:28 Peor - An high place called Beth - peor, Deu 3:29.That is, the house or temple of Peor, because there they worshipped Baal - peor.

24  Balaam inspired by God, blesses Israel again, Num 24:1-9.
Answers Balak's reproof, Num 24:10-13.
Utters several prophecies, Num 24:14-24.
Goes home, Num 24:25.

24:1 At other times - In former times. Toward the wilderness - Where Israel lay encamped, expecting what God of his own accord would suggest to him concerning this matter.

24:2 Came upon him - Inspired him to speak the following words.

24:3 Whose eyes are open - Heb. Who had his eyes shut, but now open.The eyes of his mind, which God had opened in a peculiar and prophetical manner, whence prophets are called Seers, Num 9:9. It implies that before he was blind and stupid, having eyes, but not seeing nor understanding.

24:4 The vision - So called properly, because he was awake when this was revealed to him: A trance - Or, extasy, fainting and falling upon the ground, as the prophets used to do.

24:6 As the valleys - Which often from a small beginning are spread forth far and wide. As gardens - Pleasant and fruitful and secured by a fence. As lign - aloes - An Arabian and Indian tree of a sweet smell, yielding shade and shelter both to man and beast; such is Israel, not only safe themselves, but yielding shelter to all that join themselves to them. Which the Lord hath planted - Nature, not art.

24:7 He shall pour the water - That is. God will abundantly water the valleys, gardens, and trees, which represent the Israelites; he will wonderfully bless his people, not only with outward blessings, of which a chief one in those parts was plenty of water, but also with higher gifts and graces, with his word and spirit, which are often signified by water, and at last with eternal life, the contemplation whereof made Balaam desire to die the death of the righteous. His seed shall be in many waters - This also may be literally understood of their seed, which shall be sown in waterish ground, and therefore bring forth a better increase. His King - That is, the King of Israel, or their chief governor. Than Agag - Than the King of the Amalekites, which King and people were famous and potent in that age, as may be guessed by their bold attempt upon so numerous a people as Israel. And it is probable, that Agag was the common name of the Amalekitish Kings, as Abimelech was of the Philistines, and Pharaoh of the Egyptians, and Caesar of the Romans.

24:9 He lay down - Having conquered his enemies the Canaanites, and their land, he shall quietly rest and settle himself there.

24:11 The Lord - Whose commands thou hast preferred before my desires and interest; and therefore seek thy recompence from him, and not from me.

24:17 I shall see him - Or, I have seen, or do see the star, and sceptre as it here follows, that is, a great and eminent prince, which was to come out of Israel's loins, the Messiah, as both Jewish and Christian interpreters expound it, who most eminently and fully performed what is here said, in destroying the enemies of Israel or of God's church, here described under the names of the nearest and fiercest enemies of Israel: And to him alone agrees the foregoing verb properly, I shall see him, in my own person, as every eye shall see him, when he comes to judgment. Not now - Not yet, but after many ages. A star - A title often given to, princes and eminent persons, and particularly to the Messiah, Rev 2:28 Num 24, Rev 22:16, .A sceptre - That is, a sceptre - bearer, a king or ruler, even that sceptre mentioned Gen 49:10.The corners - The borders, which are often used in scripture for the whole country to which they belong. Of Sheth - This seems to be the name of some then eminent, though now unknown place or prince in Moab; there being innumerable instances of such places or persons sometime famous, but now utterly lost as to all monuments and remembrances of them.

24:18 A possession - Which was also foretold, Gen 25:23, and in part fulfilled, Sa2 8:14 Num 24, Ch1 18:13, but more fully by Christ, Amo 9:12 Num 24, Oba 1:18, who shall subdue and possess all his enemies;here signified by the name of Edom, as Jacob or Israel, his brother, signifies all his church and people. Seir - A part and, mountain of Edom.

24:19 Out of Jacob - Out of Jacob's loins. He that shall have dominion - David, and especially Christ. Of the city - Or from or out of this city, that is, the cities, the singular number for the plural. He shall not subdue those Moabites and Edomites which meet him in the field, but he shall pursue them even to their strongest holds and cities.

24:20 He looked on Amalek - From the top of Pisgah, which was exceeding high, and gave him the prospect of part of all these kingdoms.The first - Heb. the firstfruits; so called either, because they were the first of all the neighbouring nations which were embodied together in one government: or, because he was the first who fought against Israel and was vanquished by them. That victory was an earnest and first - fruit of the large harvest of victories which the Israelites should in due time get over all their enemies. He shall perish for ever - He began with God and with Israel, but God will end with him, and the firm purpose of God is, that he shall be utterly destroyed; so that Saul lost his kingdom for not executing this decree, and God's command pursuant thereunto.

24:21 The Kenites - The posterity or kindred of Jethro; not that part of them which dwelt among the Israelites, to whom the following words do not agree, but those of them who were mingled with the Amalekites and Midianites. Thy nest - Thy dwelling - place, so called, either because it was in an high place, as nests commonly are: or in allusion to their name, for ken in Hebrew signifies a nest.

24:22 The Kenite - Heb. Kain, that is, the Kenite, so called, either by a transposition of letters, which is very usual in the Hebrew tongue; or from the name of some eminent place where they lived, or person from whom they were descended, though now the memory of them be utterly lost, as it hath fared with innumerable other places and persons, famous in their generations, mentioned in ancient Heathen writers. Shall be wasted - Shall be by degrees diminished by the incursions of divers enemies, till at last the Assyrian comes to compleat the work and carries them into captivity. For the Kenites who lived partly among the ten tribes, and partly with the two tribes, were carried captive with them, part by Salmaneser, the King of Assyria, and part by Nebuchadnezzar, who also is called an Assyrian, Ezr 6:22 Num 24, Isa 52:4, .

24:23 Who shall live - How calamitous and miserable will the state of the world be, when the Assyrian, and after him the Chaldean, shall over - turn all these parts of the world? Who will be able to keep his heart from fainting under such grievous pressures? Nay, how few will escape the destroying sword?

24:24 Chittim - A place or people so called from Chittim the son of Javan, Gen 10:4, whose posterity were very numerous, and were first seated in the lesser Asia, and from thence sent forth colonies into the islands of the Aegean sea, and into Cyprus, afterwards into Macedonia and other parts of Greece, and then into Italy.Whence it comes to pass that by this name is understood sometimes Macedonia, as Ma1 1:1, and Ma1 8:5, sometimes Italy, as Dan 11:29-30, and sometimes both, as in this place: for he speaks here of the scourge that God hath appointed for the Assyrian after he had done God's work in punishing of his people and the bordering nations. Now although the Assyrian and Chaldean empire was subdued by the Medes and Persians, yet the chief afflictions of that people came from two hands, both beyond the sea and brought to them by ships; first from the Grecians under Alexander and his successors, by whom that people were grievously oppressed and wasted; then from the Romans, who subdued all the Grecian empire, one great part whereof were the Assyrians largely so called. Eber - The posterity of Eber, the Hebrews, who were the chief and flower of Eber's children. He also - Not the Hebrews: they shall have a better end; all Israel shall be saved; but the afflicter or scourge of Ashur and Eber, namely, the Grecian and Roman empire. Thus Balaam, instead of cursing the church, curses Amalek, the first, and Rome, the last enemy of it!

24:25 To his place - To Mesopotamia; tho' afterwards he returned to the Midianites, and gave them that devilish counsel which was put in practice, Num 25:16-18.

25  The sin of Israel, Num 25:1-3.
Their punishment, Num 25:4-5.
The zeal of Phinehas, with the promise annext to it, Num 25:6-15.
The command to slay the Midianites, Num 25:16-18.

25:1 Shittim - And this was their last station, from whence they passed immediately into Canaan. This is noted as a great aggravation of their sin, that they committed it, when God was going to put them into the possession of their long - expected land. The people - Many of them.Whoredom - Either because they prostituted themselves to them upon condition of worshipping their God: or because their filthy God was worshipped by such filthy acts, as Priapus and Venus were.The daughters of Moab - And of Midian too; for both these people being confederated in this wicked design, the one is put for the other, and the daughters of Moab may be named, either because they began the transgression, or because they were the chief persons, possibly, the relations or courtiers of Balak.

25:2 They - The Moabites being now neighbours to the Israelites, and finding themselves unable to effect their design by war and witchcraft, fell another way to work, by contracting familiarity with them, and, perceiving their evil inclinations, they, that is, their daughters, invited them. Unto the sacrifices - Unto the feasts which were made of their parts of the sacrifices, after the manner of the Jews and Gentiles too, the participation whereof, was reckoned a participation in the worship of that God to whom the sacrifices were offered. Of their gods - Of their God, Baal - peor, the plural Elohim being here used, as commonly it is, for one God.

25:3 Joined himself - The word implies a forsaking God to whom they were joined and a turning to, and strict conjunction with, this false God.Baal - peor - Called Baal, by the name common to many false Gods, and especially to those that represented any of the heavenly bodies, and Peor, either from the hill Peor, where he was worshipped, Num 23:28,rather from a verb signifying to open and uncover, because of the obscene posture in which the idol was set, as Priapus was: or because of the filthiness which was exercised in his worship.

25:4 Take all the heads - Take, that is, apprehend, all the heads, that is, the chief, of the people, such as were chief in this transgression, and in place and power, who are singled out to this exemplary punishment for their concurrence with others in this wickedness, which was more odious and mischievous in them. Hang them up before the Lord - To the vindication of God's honour and justice. Against the sun - Publickly, as their sin was publick and scandalous, and speedily, before the sun go down.

25:5 Every one his men - Those under his charge, for as these seventy were chosen to assist Moses in the government, so doubtless the care and management of the people was distributed among them by just and equal proportions.

25:6 One came - This was done, when Moses had given the charge to the Judges, and, as it may seem, before the execution of it; otherwise it is probable he would not have been so foolish to have run upon certain ruin, when the examples were frequent before his eyes. To his brethren - Into the camp of the Israelites. In the sight of Moses - An argument of intolerable impudence and contempt of God and of Moses.Weeping - Bewailing the wickedness of the people, and the dreadful judgments of God, and imploring God's mercy and favour.

25:8 Thrust them thro' - Phineas was himself a man in great authority, and did this after the command given by Moses to the rulers to slay these transgressors, and in the very sight, and no doubt by the consent of Moses himself, and also by the special direction of God's spirit.

25:9 Twenty four thousand - St. Paul says twenty three thousand, Co1 10:8. The odd thousand here added were slain by the Judgesaccording to the order of Moses, the rest by the immediate hand of God, but both sorts died of the plague, the word being used, as often it is, for the sword, or hand, or stroke of God.

25:12 My covenant of peace - That is, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, as it is expounded, Num 25:13, which is called a covenant of peace, partly with respect to the happy effect of this heroical action of his, whereby he made peace between God and his people; and partly with regard to the principal end of the priestly office, which was constantly to do that which Phinehas now did, even to meditate between God and men, to obtain and preserve his own and Israel's peace and reconciliation with God, by offering up sacrifices and incense, and prayers, to God on their behalf, as also by turning them away from iniquity, which is the only peace - breaker, and by teaching and pressing the observation of that law, which is the only bond of their peace.

25:13 At everlasting priesthood - To continue as long as the law and common - wealth of the Jews did. But this promise was conditional, and therefore might be made void, by the miscarriages of Phinehas's sons, as it seems it was, and thereupon a like promise was made to Eli of the line of Ithamar, that he and his should walk before the Lord, namely, in the office of high - priest, for ever, which also for his and their sins was made void, Num 2:30. And the the priesthood returned to Phinehas's line in the time of Solomon, Ki1 2:26-27, Ki1 2:34.

25:17 The Midianites - And why not the Moabites. It is probable the Midianites were most guilty, as in persuading Balak to send for Balaam, Num 22:4, Num 22:7. So in the reception of Balaam after Balak had dismissed him, Num 31:8, and in farther consultation with him, and in contrivingthe means for the executing of this wicked plot.

25:18 With their wiles - For under pretence of kindred and friendship and leagues, which they offered to them, instead of that war which the Israelites expected, they sought only an opportunity to insinuate themselves into their familiarity, and execute their hellish plot of bringing that curse upon the Israelites, which they had in vain attempted to bring another way.

26  Orders for numbering the people, Num 26:1-4.
Their families and number, Num 26:5-51.
Directions for dividing the land between them, Num 26:52-55.
The families and number of the Levites, Num 26:56-62.
Notice taken of the death of them that were first numbered, Num 26:62-65.

26:2 Take the sum - They were numbered twice before, Exo 30:11-12 Num 1:1-2. Now they are numbered a third time, to demonstrate thefaithfulness of God, both in cutting all those off whom he had threatened to cut off, Num 14:29, and in a stupendous increase of the people according to his promise, notwithstanding all their sins, and the sweeping judgments inflicted upon them; and to prepare the way for the equal division of the land, which they were now going to possess.

26:7 Families - The chief houses, which were subdivided into divers lesser families. Forty three thousand seven hundred and thirty - Whereas in their last numbering they were forty six thousand five hundred; for Korah's conspiracy, as well as other provocations of theirs, had cut off many of them.

26:10 With Korah - According to this translation Korah was not consumed by fire with his two hundred and fifty men, but swallowed up by the earth. But others rather think he was devoured by the fire, and render these words, and the things of Korah, or belonging to Korah, namely, his tent and goods, and family, children excepted, as here follows.A sign - God made them a monument or example, to warn others not to rebel against God, or magistracy, nor to usurp the priestly office.

26:11 Died not - God being pleased to spare them, because they disowned their father's fact, and separated themselves both from his tent and company. Hence the sons of Korah are mentioned, Ch1 6:22, Ch1 6:38, and often in the book of Psalms.

26:12 Jachin - Called also Jarib, Ch1 4:24. And such names might be either added or changed upon some special occasion not recorded in scripture.

26:14 Twenty two thousand and two hundred - No tribe decreased so much as Simeon's. From fifty nine thousand and three hundred it sunk to twenty two thousand and two hundred, little more than a third part of what it was. One whole family of that tribe, (Ohad mentioned Exo 6:15) was extinct in the wilderness. Some think most of the twenty four thousand, cut off by the plague for the iniquity of Peor, were of that tribe.For Zimri, a ring - leader in that iniquity, was a prince of that tribe.Simeon is not mentioned in Moses's blessing, Deu 33:1-29. And the lot of that tribe in Canaan was inconsiderable, only a canton out of Judah's lot, Jos 19:9.

26:18 Children of Gad - Fewer by above five thousand than there were in their last numbering.

26:22 The families of Judah - About two thousand more than they were, Num 1:27, whereas the foregoing tribes were all diminished.

26:34 Fifty two thousand and seven hundred - Whereas they were but thirty two thousand and two hundred, in Num 1:35. So they are now increased above twenty thousand, according to that prophecy, Gen 49:22.

26:38 The sons of Benjamin - Who were ten, Gen 46:21, whereof only five are here mentioned, the rest probably, together with their families, being extinct.

26:43 Threescore and four thousand and four hundred - All from one son and family, whereas of Benjamin who had ten sons, and five families, there were only forty five thousand and six hundred, to shew that the increase of families depends singly upon God's blessing and good pleasure.

26:51 These were the numbered - Very nigh as many as there were before, Num 1:46. So wisely and marvellously did God at the same time manifesthis justice in cutting off so vast a number; his mercy in giving such a speedy and numerous supply; and his truth in both.

26:53 The land shall be divided - The land was divided into nine parts and an half, respect being had in such division to the goodness as well as to the largeness of the several portions, and the lot gave each tribe their part. Of names - Of persons, the share of each tribe was divided amongst the several families, to some more, to some less, according to the number of the persons of each family. And withal, if one of the portions proved too large or too little for the families and persons of that tribe, they might give part of their portion to another tribe, (as Simeon and Dan had part of Judah's share) or take away a part from the portion belonging to another tribe.

26:55 By lot - For the tribes, not for the several families; for the distribution of it to them was left to the rulers wisdom according to the rule now given.

26:56 Many and few - That share, which shall by lot fall to each tribe, shall be distributed to the several families and persons in such proportions as their numbers shall require.

26:65 Not left a man - Only of the Levites, who being not guilty of that sin did not partake of their judgment.

27  The case of Zelophehad's daughters determined, Num 27:1-11.
Notice given to Moses of his death, Num 27:12-14.
His successor provided. Num 27:15-23.

27:2 By the door of the tabernacle - Nigh unto which it seems was the place where Moses and the chief rulers assembled for the administration of publick affairs, which also was very convenient, because they had frequent occasion of recourse to God for his direction.

27:3 In his own sin - For his own personal sins. It was a truth, and that believed by the Jews that death was a punishment for mens own sins.

27:4 Be done away - As it will be, if it be not preserved by an inheritance given to us in his name and for his sake. Hence some gather, that the first son of each of these heiresses was called by their father's name, by virtue of that law, Deu 25:6, whereby the brother's first son was to bear the name of his elder brother, whose widow he married. Give us a possession - In the land of Canaan upon the division of it, which though not yet conquered, they concluded would certainly be so, and thereby gave glory to God.

27:10 No brethren - Nor sisters, as appears from Num 27:8.

27:11 A statute of judgment - A statute or rule, by which the magistrates shall give judgment in such cases.

27:12 Abarim - The whole tract of mountains was called Abarim, whereof one of the highest was called Nebo, and the top of that Pisgah.

27:13 Thou shalt be gathered unto thy people - Moses must die: but death does not cut him off; it only gathers him to his people, brings him to rest with the holy patriarchs that were gone before him.Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were his people, the people of his choice, and to them death gathered him.

27:15 And Moses spake unto the Lord - Concerning his successor. We should concern ourselves both in our prayers and in our endeavours for the rising generation, that God's kingdom may be advanced among men, when we are in our graves.

27:16 The Lord of the spirits of all flesh - God of all men: the searcher of spirits, that knowest who is fit for this great employment; the father and giver and governor of spirits, who canst raise and suit the spirits of men to the highest and hardest works.

27:17 Go out before them - That is, who may wisely conduct them in all their affairs, both when they go forth to war, or upon other occasions, and when they return home and live in peace. A metaphor from shepherds, who in those places used not to go behind their sheep, as ours now do, but before them, and to lead them forth to their pasture, and in due time to lead them home again.

27:18 The spirit - The spirit of government, of wisdom, and of the fear of the Lord. Lay thy hand - By which ceremony Moses did both design the person and confer the power, and by his prayers, which accompanied that rite, obtain from God all the spiritual gifts and graces necessary for his future employment.

27:19 Before all the congregation - That they may be witnesses of the whole action, and may acknowledge him for their supreme ruler. Give him charge - Thou shalt give him counsels and instructions for the right management of that great trust.

27:20 Put some of thine honour - Thou shalt not now use him as a servant, but as a brother and thy partner in the government, that the people being used to obey him while Moses lived, might do it afterward the more chearfully.

27:21 Who shall ask counsel for him - When he requires him to do so, and in important and difficult matters. Of Urim - Urim is put for both Urim and Thummim. Before the Lord - Ordinarily in the tabernacle near the second veil setting his face to the ark.At his word - The word of the Lord, delivered to him by the high priest.

27:22 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him - It had been little to resign his honour to a son of his own. But with his own hands, first to ordain Eleazar high - priest, and now Joshua chief ruler, while his own children had no preferment at all, but were left in the rank of common Levites: this was more to his glory than the highest advancement of his family could have been. This shews him to have had a principle which raised him above all other lawgivers, who always took care to establish their families in some share of the greatness themselves possessed.

28  Laws concerning the daily, Num 28:1-8.
Weekly, Num 28:9-10.
Monthly, Num 28:11-15.
Yearly sacrifices, Num 28:16-31.

28:2 Command the children of Israel - God here repeats some of the former laws about sacrifices, not without great reason, partly because they had been generally discontinued for thirty eight years together; partly because the generation to which the former laws had been given about these things was wholly dead, and it was fit the new generation should be instructed about them, as their parents were; partly to renew their testimonies of God's grace and mercy, notwithstanding their frequent forfeitures thereof by their rebellion: and principally because they were now ready to enter into that land, in which they were obliged to put these things in practice.

28:7 In the holy place - Upon the altar of burnt offerings, which was in the court of the priests, nigh to the entrance into the sanctuary.

28:17 The feast - Namely, of unleavened bread.

28:23 In the morning - And that in the evening too, as is evident from other scriptures; but the morning - sacrifice alone is mentioned, because the celebration of the feast began with it, and principally because this alone was doubtful, whether this might not be omitted when so many other sacrifices were offered in that morning, whereas there was no question but the evening sacrifice should be offered, when there were none other to be offered.

28:26 The day of the first fruits - In the feast of pentecost, Act 2:1.Your weeks - The seven weeks which you are to number from the passover.

29  Offerings to be made in the seventh month,

1. At the feast of trumpets, Num 29:1-6.
   
2. In the day of atonement, Num 29:7-11.
   
3. At the feast of tabernacles, Num 29:12-40.
   

29:6 Of the month - Belonging to every new moon.

29:7 Afflict your souls - Yourselves, by fasting and abstinence from all delightful things, and by compunction for your sins, and the judgments of God, either deserved by you or inflicted upon you.

29:12 Seven days - Not by abstaining so long from all servile work, but by offering extraordinary sacrifices each day. This was the Feast of Tabernacles. And all the days of their dwelling in booths, they must offer sacrifices. While we are in these tabernacles, 'tis our interest as well as duty, to keep up our communion with God. Nor will the unsettledness of our outward condition, excuse our neglect of God's worship.

30  A general rule, vows must be performed, Num 30:1-3.
Particular exceptions, of the vow of a daughter, not allowed by the father, Num 30:3-5.
And the vow of a wife, not allowed by her husband, Num 30:6-16.

30:5 In the days - Speedily, or without delay, allowing only convenient time for deliberation. And it is hereby intimated, that the day or time he had for disallowing her vow, was not to be reckoned from her vowing, but from his knowledge of her vow. The Lord shall forgive - Or, will forgive her not performing it. But this should be understood only of vows which could not be performed without invading the father's right; for if one should vow to forbear such, or such a sin, and all occasions or means leading to it, and to perform such, or such duties, when he had opportunity, no father can discharge him from such vows. If this law does not extend to children's marrying without the parent's consent, so far as to put it in the power of the parent, to disannul the marriage, (which some think it does) yet certainly it proves the sinfulness of such marriages, and obliges those children to repent and humble themselves before God and their parents.

30:9 Widow or divorced - Though she be in her father's house, whither such persons often returned.

30:10 If she vowed - If she that now a widow, or divorced, made that vow while her husband lived with her; as suppose she then vowed, that if she was a widow, she would give such a proportion of her estate to pious or charitable uses, of which vow she might repent when she came to be a widow, and might believe or repented she was free from it, because that vow was made in her husband's lifetime; this is granted, in case her husband then disallowed it; but denied, in case by silence, or otherwise he consented to it.

30:13 To afflict her soul - Herself by fasting, by watching, or the like. And these words are added to shew that the husband had this power not only in those vows which concerned himself or his estate, but also in those which might seem only to concern her own person, or body, and the reason is, because the wife's person or body being the husband's right; she might not do any thing to the injury of her body without his consent.

30:15 After he hath heard - And approved them by his silence from day to day, if after that time he shall hinder it, which he ought not to do: her non - performance of her vow shall be imputed to him, not to her.

31  God commands Moses to avenge Israel of the Midianites, Num 31:1-2.
Moses sends them to the war, Num 31:3-6.
They slay the Midianites, Num 31:7-12.
He reproves them for sparing the women, Num 31:13-18.
Directions for purifying themselves, Num 31:19-24.
The distribution of the spirit, Num 31:25-47.
The free - will - offering of the officers, Num 31:48-54.

31:3 Avenge ye the Lord - For the affront which they offered to God, by their own idolatry and lewdness, and by seducing God's people into rebellion against him. God's great care was to avenge the Israelites, Num 31:2, andMoses's chief desire was to avenge God rather than himself or the people.

31:5 Twelve thousand - God would send no more, though it is apparent the Midianites were numerous and strong, because he would exercise their trust in him, and give them an earnest of their Canaanitish conquests.

31:6 Them and Phinehas - Who had the charge not of the army, as general, (an office never committed to a priest in all the Old Testament) but of the holy instruments, and was sent to encourage, and quicken, them in their enterprize. The holy instruments - The holy breast - plate, wherein was the Urim and Thummim, which was easily carried, and very useful in war upon many emergent occasions.

31:7 All the males - Namely all who lived in those parts, for colonies of them, were sent forth to remoter places, which therefore had no hand either in their former sin, or in this present ruling. And herein they did according to God's own order concerning such people, Deu 20:13, only their fault was, that they did not consider the special reason which they had to involve the women in the destruction.

31:13 Without the camp - Partly to put respect upon them, and congratulate with them for their happy success; and partly to prevent the pollution of the camp by the untimely entrance of the warriors into it.

31:17 The little ones - Which they were forbidden to do to other people, Deu 20:14, except the Canaanites, to whom this people had equaled themselves by their horrid crimes, and therefore it is not strange, nor unjust, that God, the supreme Lord of all mens lives, who as he gives them, so may take them away when he pleaseth, did equal them in the punishment. Every woman - Partly for punishment, because the guilt was general, and though some ofthem only did prostitute themselves to the Israelites, yet the rest made themselves accessary by their consent or approbation; and partly, for prevention of the like mischief from such an adulterous generation.

31:20 Your raiment - Namely, your spoil and prey. All work - All which had contracted some ceremonial uncleanness either from the dead bodies which wore them, or the tents or houses where they were, in which such dead bodies lay, or from the touch of the Israelitish soldiers, who were legally defiled by the slaughters they made.

31:27 Two parts - The congregation hath some share, because the warriors went in the name of all, and because all having been injured by the Midianites, all were to have some share in the reparations: but the warriors who were but 12000, have a far greater share than their brethren, because they underwent greater pains and dangers.

31:29 An heave - offering - In thankfulness to God for their preservation and good success.

31:30 One of fifty - Whereas the former part was one of five hundred; the reason of the difference is, partly, because this was taken out of the peoples portion, whose hazards being less than the others, their gains also in all reason were to be less: partly because this was to be distributed into more hands, the Levites being now numerous, whereas the priests were but few.

31:50 An atonement - For their error noted, Num 31:14-16, and withal for a memorial, or by way of gratitude for such a stupendous assistance and deliverance. We should never take any thing to ourselves in war or trade, of which we cannot in faith consecrate a part to God, who hates robbery for burnt - offerings. But when God has remarkably preserved and succeeded us, he expects we should make some particular return of gratitude to him.

32  The request of Reuben and Gad for an inheritance on this side Jordan, Num 32:1-5.
Moses's misconstruction of it, Num 32:6-15.
Their explication of it, Num 32:16-19.
The grant of their petition, Num 32:20-42.

32:1 Jazer - A city and country of the Amorites; Gilead - A mountainous country, famous for pasturage

32:6 Ye sit here - In ease and peace, while your brethren are engaged in a bloody war.

32:12 The Kenezite - So called from Kenaz, his grand - father.

32:15 All this people - Who being moved by your counsel and example, will refuse to go over Jordan.

32:17 We ourselves - Either all, or as many as shall be thought necessary, leaving only so many as may be necessary to provide for the sustenance and defence of our wives and children here.

32:20 Before the Lord - Before the ark, which was the token of God's presence. He alludes either to the order of the tribes in their march, whereby Reuben and Gad marched immediately before the ark, or to the manner of their passage over Jordan, wherein the ark went first into Jordan, and stood there while all the tribes marched over Jordan by and before it, and these amongst the rest, as is expressly noted in these very words, that they passed over before the Lord, Jos 4:13.

32:22 Before the Lord - By his presence and gracious and powerful assistance.

32:23 Your sin - The punishment of your sin. Sin will certainly find out the sinner sooner or later. It concerns us therefore to find our sins out, that we may repent of them and forsake them, lest our sins find us out, to our confusion and destruction.

32:30 They shall have possession - They shall forfeit their possessions in Gilead, and be constrained to go over Jordan, and to seek possessions there among their brethren.

32:31 As the Lord hath said - Either at this time by thy mouth: or formerly, where he commanded us, as well as our brethren to go into Canaan and possess it.

32:34 Built - Repaired and fortified. For they neither had need nor leisure as yet to do more, the old cities not being burnt and ruined, as divers in Canaan were.

32:38 Their names changed - Either because conquerers of places used to do so: or because the names of other Gods (which Nebo and Baal - meon unquestionably were) were not to be mentioned, Exo 23:13.

32:40 Machir - Not to Machir himself, who doubtless was long since dead, but the family or posterity of Machir.

32:42 Nobah - Who, though not else where named, was doubtless an eminent person of the tribe of Manasseh. 'Tis observable, that these tribes, as they were placed before the other tribes, so they were displaced before them. They were carried captive by the king of Assyria, some years before the other tribes. Such a proportion does providence frequently observe, in balancing prosperity and adversity.

33  An account of the marches and encampments of the Israelites, from Egypt to Canaan, Num 33:1-49.
A strict command to drive out all the Canaanites.

33:2 And Moses wrote their goings out - When they set out, God ordered him to keep a journal of all the remarkable occurrences in the way, that it might be a satisfaction to himself and an instruction to others. It may be of use to Christians, to preserve an account of the providences of God concerning them, the constant series of mercies they have experienced, and especially those turns which have made some days of their lives more remarkable.

33:4 On their gods - Their false gods, namely those beasts which the brutish Egyptians worshipped as gods, which were killed with the rest, for the first - born both of men and beasts were then killed. Probably their images likewise were thrown down, as Dagon afterward before the ark.

33:10 By the Red - sea - By another part of that sea which they passed over.

33:48 Shittim - The place where the people sinned in the matter of Peor, is here called Abel - Shittim - Abel signifies mourning; and probably this place was so called, from the mourning of Israel for that sin, and the heavy punishment inflicted on the sinners.

33:52 Drive out - Not by banishing, but by destroying them.Pictures - Which seem to have been stones curiously engraven, and set up for worship. High Places - Chapels, altars, groves, or other means of worship there set up.

34  Directions concerning the bounds of Canaan, Num 34:1-15.
Concerning the division of it, Num 34:16-29.

34:2 Coasts - Or limits or bounds, to wit, of the land beyond Jordan. Which are here particularly described,

1. to direct and bound them in their wars and conquests, that they might notseek the enlargement of their empire, after the manner of other nations, but be contented with their own portion.
2. To encourage them in their attempt upon Canaan, and assure them oftheir success. There was a much larger possession promised them, if they were obedient, even to the river Euphrates. But this, which is properly Canaan, lay in a very little compass. 'Tis but about an hundred and fifty miles in length, and about fifty in breadth. This was that little spot of ground, in which alone for many ages God was known! But its littleness was abundantly compensated by its fruitfulness: otherwise it could not have sustained so numerous a nation. See, how little a share of the world God often gives to his own people! But they that have their portion in heaven, can be content with a small pittance of this earth.

34:3 Your fourth quarter - Which is here described from east to west by divers windings and turnings, by reason of the mountains and rivers.The salt sea - So called from the salt and sulphurous taste of its waters. Eastward - That is, at the eastern part of that sea, where the eastern and southern borders meet.

34:4 From the south - Or, on the south, that is, proceeding onward towards the south. Azmon - Which is at the west - end of the mount of Edom.

34:5 The river of Egypt - Called Sihor, Jos 13:3, which divided Egypt from Canaan. The sea - The midland sea, called the sea emphatically, whereas the other seas, as they are called, are indeed but lakes.

34:6 The great sea - This midland sea from the south to the north, so far as it runs parallel with mount Libanus.

34:7 Hor - Not that Hor where Aaron died, which was southward, and bordering upon Edom, but another mountain, and, as it is conceived, the mountain of Libanus, which is elsewhere mentioned as the northern border of the land, and which, in regard of divers parts, or by divers people, is called by divers names, and here Hor, which signifies a mountain, by way of eminency.

34:17 Eleazar - Who was to act in God's name, to cast lots, to prevent contentions, to consult with God in cases of difficulty, to transact the whole business in a solemn and religious manner.

34:19 Judah - The order of the tribes is here different from that, Num 1:7, Num 1:26, and in other places, being conformed to the order of theirseveral inheritances, which afterwards fell to them by lots. Which is an evident demonstration of the infinite wisdom of God's providence, and of his peculiar care over his people.

35  Forty eight cities assigned to the Levites, of which six were cities of refuge, Num 35:1-15.
In what cases it was not allowed to flee to these, Num 35:16-21.
In what cases it was allowed, Num 35:22-24.
Laws concerning them, Num 35:25-34.

35:3 For the cattle - For pasturage for their cattle: where they might not build houses, nor plant gardens, orchards or vineyards, no nor sow corn, for which they were abundantly provided out of the first - fruits. And these suburbs did not belong to the Levites in common, but were distributed to them in convenient proportions.

35:4 A thousand cubits - In the next verse it is two thousand.But this verse and the next do not speak to the same thing; this speaks of the space from whence the suburbs shall be measured, the next speaks of the space unto which that measure shall be extended; and the words may very well be read thus. And the suburbs - Shall be from the wall of the city and from without it, or, from the outward parts of it, even from a thousand cubits round about. Which are mentioned not as the thing measured, but as the space from which the measuring line should begin. And then it follows, Num 35:5.And ye shall measure from without the city, (not from the wall of the city, as said before Num 35:4, but from without it, that is, from the said outward space of a thousand cubits without the wall of the city round about) on the east side two thousand cubits. So in truth there were three thousand cubits from the wall of the city, whereof one thousand probably were for out - houses, stalls for cattle, gardens, vineyards and olive - yards, and the other two thousand for pasture, which are therefore called the field of the suburbs, Lev 25:34, by way of distinction from the suburbs themselves, whichconsist of the first thousand cubits from the wall of the city.

35:6 Cities for refuge - Or, of escape for manslayers: And these cities are assigned among the Levites, partly because they might be presumed to be the most proper and impartial judges between man - slayers, and wilful murderers; partly because their presence and authority would more effectually bridle the passions of the avenger of blood who might pursue him thither; and perhaps to signify, that it is only in Christ (whom the Levitical priests represented) that sinners find refuge andsafety from the destroyer.

35:11 Unawares - Not wilfully, designedly or maliciously, but through mistake or indiscretion.

35:12 From the avenger - Heb. from the redeemer, or, from the next kinsman, to whom by the law belonged the right of redemption of the lands of; and vindication of the injury done to, the person deceased.Die not - Be not killed by the avenger meeting him in some other place.Before the congregation - Before the judges or elders who were appointed in every city for the decision of criminal causes, who were to examine, and that publickly before the people, whether the murder was wilful or casual.

35:14 On this side Jordan - Because that land was as long as Canaan, though not so broad, and besides these might be convenient for many of them that lived in Canaan.

35:16 If he smite him - Wittingly and wilfully, though not with premeditated malice. He shall be put to death - Yea though he were fled into the city of refuge.

35:19 He shall slay him - Either by himself, as the following words shew; so it is a permission, that he may do it without offence to God or danger to himself: or by the magistrate, from whom he shall demand justice: so it is a command.

35:24 Then - If the man - slayer flee to to the city of refuge.

35:26 He shall abide in it - Be confined to it, partly to shew the hatefulness of murder in God's account by so severe a punishment, inflicted upon the very appearance of it, and partly for the security of the man - slayer, lest the presence of such a person, and his conversation among the kindred of the deceased, might occasion reproach and blood - shed.The death of the high - priest - Perhaps to shew that the death of Christ (the true High - priest, whom the others represented) is the only meanswhereby sins are pardoned and sinners set at liberty.

35:27 Not guilty - Not liable to punishment from men, though not free of guilt before God. This God ordained to oblige the man - slayer to abide in his city of refuge.

36 An inconvenience if heiresses should marry into another tribe, Num 36:1-4.
An appointment that they should marry in their own tribe, Num 36:5-9.
Zelophehad's daughters marry their cousins, Num 36:10-12.
The conclusion, Num 36:13.

36:2 Our brother - Our kinsman.

36:6 To the family - They seem hereby to he confined not only to the same tribe, but also to the family of their tribe, as appears from the reason of the law, for God would have the inheritance of families as well as tribes kept entire and unmixed.

36:8 The inheritance of his fathers - This law was not general to forbid every woman to marry into another tribe, as may be reasonably concluded from the practice of so many patriarchs, kings, priests, and other holy men, who have married women of other tribes, yea sometimes of other nations, but restrained to heiresses, or such as were likely to be so. But if they had brethren, they were free to marry into any tribe, yet so that, if their brethren died, the inheritance went from them to the next a - kin of their father's tribe and family. And the principal reason why God was solicitous to preserve tribes and families unmixed was, that the tribe and family too, out of which the Messiah was to come, and by which he should be known, might be evident and unquestionable.

22 "Валаам" - пророк с берегов Евфрата, признающий Ягве своим Богом (Числ 22:18и т.д.) и благословляющий Израиль (Числ 23:11-12, Числ 23:25-26; Числ 24:10; ср. Мих 6:5). Согласно более позднему преданию, Валаам - враг Израиля, принужденный всемогущим Богом благословить Израиль, вопреки собственной воле (Втор 23:5-6; Ис Нав 24:9-10; ср. Неем 13:2), и затем увлекающий сынов Израиля в идолопоклонство: "отступление от Господа в угождение Фегору" (Числ 31:16; ср. Числ 31:3). Это предание вошло в НЗ (2 Петр 2:15). Некоторая несогласованность в тексте этой главы, напр, в стт Числ 22:20и Числ 22:22, объясняется, согласно экзегетам, наличием двух преданий.

22:34 Всякий человеческий поступок, сознательный или нет, если он противоречит воле Божией, рассматривается как грех.

23:9 Речь идет об избранности Израиля (Втор 7:6), чему служит подтверждением многочисленное потомство, рассматривавшееся как благословение Божие.

24:17 На древнем Востоке звезда символизировала одного из богов, а впоследствии - обожествленного царя. Ср. евр Ис 14:12. Имеется, очевидно, в виду династия Давида и - в будущем - Мессия, "Сыны Сифовы" - племена бедуинов. Свящ писатель приступает к перечислению противников Израиля на границах Ханаана.

27:3 Наказание за грех неверия (Числ 14) не упразднило прав следующего поколения, грех же Корея (Числ 16) ложится и на потомство мятежников.

27:17 Эти выражения характеризуют деятельность вождя (Втор 28:6; 1 Цар 29:6; 4 Цар 19:27). Он должен согласовать ее с Божиими повелениями, передаваемыми через священника (ст. Числ 27:21, ср. 1 Цар 14:37; 1 Цар 23:2сл.).

31:23 "Проведите через огонь" - древний омовения очистительной водой (ср. Числ 31:19).

35:19 "Мститель за кровь может умертвить убийцу" - обычай "частной мести", до наших дней сохранившийся у арабов: "кровный мститель" - гоэл - ближайший родственник жертвы (Быт 4:15; Быт 9:6; Втор 19:12; ср. 2 Цар 14:11). Он же и законный покровитель его ближних; на нем лежит, напр., обязанность препятствовать отчуждению их земель (Лев 25:23-25; Руф 4:3сл.). В расширенном смысле этого слова гоэлом Израиля (Ис 41:14; Иер 50:34; Пс 18:15), т.е. "покровителем", называют Бога.

22:5 Как показывают последующие события, Валаам не был обыкновенным языческим волхвом или кудесником. Это была несомненно богато одаренная натура, способная возвышаться до понимания истинного Бога и до уразумения голоса Его ( Чис 24:3-4 ). Валаам принадлежал к тем немногочисленным среди язычников чтителям истинного Бога, которые сохраняли истины веры и нравственности путем предания. Он жил и действовал там, откуда вышел некогда родоначальник еврейского народа Авраам, где по преимуществу поселились потомки Сима, где особенно распространены были науки, исследовавшие движение светил небесных и утверждавшие мысль человека в идее необъятности могущества и премудрости Создателя. В церковных песнопениях Валаам называется звездочетом (троп. по 3 п. кан. 24 дек.), а волхвы, пришедшие, по указанию чудесной звезды, поклониться родившемуся в Вифлееме Христу, — учениками волхва Валаама (троп. по 5 п. кан. 22 дек.). Только жадность к наживе, побуждавшая Валаама торговать своим даром, помешала ему быть истинным пророком Божьим (Тертуллиан, блаж. Иероним). Древний обычай магического воздействия на противника сохранился в военной практике некоторых народов и по настоящее время.

22:19 Обещание щедрых подарков начинает заметно ослаблять прежнюю решимость Валаама ( ст. 13,18 ) следовать велениям Бога.

22:20 Для Валаама открывается выход; он может принять приглашение старейшин и в то же время не поступить противно указаниям свыше.

22:22-35 Божественное предостережение Валааму не забывать непременного условия его путешествия ( ст. 20 ).

22:41  Высоты Вааловы считают тождественными с Вамофом («жертвенник Ваала»), находившимся на горной возвышенности близ Дивона.

23:1 Для принесения жертвы вездесущему Богу. Число семь считалось священным у многих народов Востока.

23:10  Число четвертой части Израиля. Быть может, с высот, на которых находился Валаам, был виден стан только трех еврейских колен.

23:14  Место стражей на вершине горы Фасги — по всей вероятности сторожевой военный пост. По мнению некоторых — пастушеский пункт наблюдения над стадами.

23:18  Встань, чтобы выслушать слово всемогущего Бога (ср. Суд 3:20 ).

23:21  Трубный царский звук у него, т. е.: Израилю принадлежит господственное положение среди других племен и народов.

23:22  Единорог, по евр. Реем, — дикий бык.

23:23 Все, что было, есть и будет крепкого, великого и славного в Израиле, — является не плодом волхвований, а действием божественной благости Иеговы в отношении Своего избранного народа.

23:28 Фегор — горная возвышенность невдалеке от Фасги.

24:1 Валаам окончательно убедился, что он может только благословлять народ Божий, а потому уже не удаляется от жертвенника для разрешения своего душевного волнения.

24:3  С открытым оком, т. е. с даром пророческого ясновидения.

24:4  Падает, но открыты глаза его, т. е. хотя пророк (по слабости человеческой) подвержен возможности нравственного падения и (в состоянии пророческого восторга) сильному физическому расслаблению, — его умственное око не перестает прозревать волю Божью.

24:7 Символом богатства и плодородия берется вода, как непременное условие обильной и богатой растительности¹ LXX передают первую половину 7 стиха иначе: ἐξελεύσεται ἄνθρωπος ἐκ του̃ σπέρματος αὐτου̃ (славянский: изыдет человек от семени его), следовательно вместо абстрактного понятия подлинника «семя» ставят конкретное понятие лица, в отдаленном смысле — Мессии.. Имя «Агаг» (LXX: Γωγ , славянский: Гог), по всей вероятности, было титулом амаликитских царей, подобно тому, как имена: «Авимелех» — герарских; «Фараон», «Птоломей» — египетских; «Кесарь» — римских.

24:17-19 Ближайшим образом и отчасти имеется в виду могущество Израиля при его славных земных царях. Во всей же своей полноте пророчество относится Церковью ко временам Мессии. Церковь положила настоящее пророчество паремийным чтением на праздник Рождества Христова. По словам одной церковной песни на означенный праздник, «ныне из Иакова, якоже Валаам рече, рождается Христос; языки же господствует, и возвысится благодатию Царство Его пребывающее непреемно» (троп. 5 п. кан. на Р. Х.). «Волхва звездочетца Валаама гадания ныне исполняются, — говорится в другом месте, — воссия бо звезда от Иакова и настави к солнцу славы дары носящие волхвы, от Персиды цари» (троп. 3 п. кан. на Р. Х.).

24:20 Амаликитяне ( Быт 14:7 ) — древнее ханаанское племя, кочевавшее между Египтом и Палестиной ( Исх 17; Чис 13:30; 14:45; 1 Цар 15:7; 27:8 ). В них можно видеть потомков Амалика, одного из сыновей Елифаза, первенца Исава от Ады ( Быт 36:10,12 ). Военное могущество амаликитян окончательно сокрушено было при Давиде.

24:21 Кенеи ( Быт 15:19 ) — древнее ханаанское племя, получившее свое название («кень» или «кин» — гнездо), быть может, от тех аулов, которые они устраивали для себя в горах обитаемых ими местностей (Властов). Часть кенеян, через родственника Моисея Иофора, который называется кенеянином ( Суд 1:16 ), сблизилась с евреями и поселилась в Палестине ( Суд 1:16; 4:11,17 ). Часть сблизилась с мадианитянами и амаликитянами ( 1 Цар 15:5-7; 27:10; 30:29 ).

24:22 Начало стиха очень различно в греко-славянский текст от евр.-русск., вследствие того, что LXX поняли евр. qain в смысле нариц. «гнездо», а гл. «ebaer» — в смысле собств. «Веор». Имеется в виду или нашествие месопотамского царя Хусарсафема ( Суд 3:8 ), или порабощение израильтян (а с ними и кенеев) ассириянами.

24:23 Слов «увидев Ога» нет в еврейском тексте (как отсутствуют они и во многих кодексах LXX у Гольмеса). Речь Валаама обращена к ассуру, еверу и киттиму.

24:24  Придут корабли от Киттима и смирят Ассура. Под именем «Киттим» на языке Св. Писания разумеются острова и прибрежья Средиземного моря, расположенные на запад от Палестины, как-то: Македония, Греция, Италия, с прилегающими к ним островами. В 1 Макк кн. Александр Македонский представляется пришедшим из земли Хиттим (Хеттим, Киттим); по уверению раввинов, Хиттим и Македония — одно и то же. Таким образом, начало порабощения Ассура (собирательное имя азиатских монархий) Киттимом можно усматривать в завоевательных походах Александра Македонского ( 1 Макк 1:1 ). Впоследствии греческая гегемония на Востоке сменилась римской.

И смирят Евера: имеется в виду подчинение евреев греческому и римскому господству.

Но и им гибель. Греко-римская империя (Киттим) в свой черед упала под ударами варварских народов.

24:25 Валааму не суждено было возвратиться в свою родину. Его постигла смерть от меча евреев, как божественное возмездие ( Чис 31:8 ) за коварный совет, данный Валаку против израильского народа ( Чис 25 ).

25:1-3  Ситтим (Абель-Ситтим) — поле акаций. Упоминается в Чис 33:49 и в Нав 2:1 , 3:1 . Сладострастные оргии входили в число обрядов поклонения некоторым божествам халдейской религии, распространившейся в Финикии и Ханаане. Зная грубочувственный характер еврейского народа, Валаам не сомневался, что вожделения ( Чис 26:16 ; сн. Иосиф Флавий. Иуд. древн. IV, 6, §6) чувственных удовольствий заставят израильтян забыть Иегову и соблудить в честь богов иных. «И начал народ блудодействовать с дочерями моава, и прилепился Израиль к Ваал-Фегору».

25:4  Всех начальников народа, согрешивших жертвами и блудом в честь языческого божества, повесь пред солнцем, т. е. в промежуток времени до захода солнца: по закате солнца тела повешенных должны по закону убираться ( Втор 21:22,23 ).

25:5  Судьям Израилевым — начальствующим лицам в израильских коленах.

25:8  Пронзил их, следуя чувству ревности о славе имени Божия и указаниям закона о смертной казни идолопоклонников ( Лев 20:2; Втор 13:8,9 ). «Право ревнования» — jus. zelotyparum — признается раввинским учением за каждым евреем в случаях опасности соблазна для народа (ср. Ин 2:14,17 ).

И прекратилось поражение сынов Израилевых. Кроме казни преступников по приговору Моисея и судей, соблудивший народ был наказан, по-видимому, какой-нибудь опустошительной болезнью.

25:9 Апостол Павел считает ( 1 Кор 10:8 ) погибших не 24, а 23 тысячи, держась иудейского предания, по которому тысяча людей умерли не от «язвы», а от меча по приговору Моисея и судей.

25:13 До первосвященника Илия первосвященство непрерывно находится в потомстве Финееса, сына Елеазара, сына Ааронова. При Илии первосвященство временно переходит из дома Елеазара в дом Ифамара (что Илий был из дома Ифамара, — доказывается тем, что в 3 Цар 2:27 удаленный от первосвященства Авиафар назван потомком Илия; в 2 Цар 8:17 Ахимелех назван сыном Авиафара, а в 1 Пар 24:3 тот же Ахимелех называется потомком Ифамара); но при Соломоне первосвященник Садок вновь возвращает первосвященство дому Финееса. Потомство Садока дает Израилю первосвященников вплоть до Вавилонского плена. Предание прибавляет, что (с кратким перерывом при Илии, а потом — при Давиде) потомство Финееса священнодействовало до времен самого великого Первосвященника (Властов).

25:18  За Фегора, т. е. за блужение в честь Ваал-Фегора.

26:1-2 На пороге Ханаана делается новый подсчет народа. В результате этого подсчета оказалось, что:

колено Рувима имело 43 730 чел.
”Симеона” 22 200 чел.
”Иуды” 76 500 чел.
”Дана” 64 400 чел.
”Неффалима” 45 400 чел.
”Гада” 40 500 чел.
”Асира” 53 400 чел.
”Иссахара” 64 300 чел.
”Завулона” 60 500 чел.
”Ефрема” 32 500 чел.
”Манассии” 52 700 чел.
”Вениамина” 45 600 чел.
Итого 601 730 чел

26:11 Известно, что потомки Корея служили впоследствии при скинии в качестве певцов ( 1 Пар 6:33 ; надписания Псалмов: 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 83, 84, 86, 87).

26:55 Жребий должен был указать местность оседлости колена. Определение же ее количества должно было обусловливаться численностью людей, вошедших в коленное исчисление ( ст. 54 ).

26:62 Левитам «не дано (земельного) удела среди сынов Израилевых», потому что «сам Господь удел их» ( Чис 18:20; Втор 10:9; 18:2; Иез 44:28 ).

26:64-65 По указанию Втор 2:14 , отмеченное обстоятельство стало выясняться по выходе из долины Заред ( Чис 21:12 ).

27:3  Но за свой грех, общий старому поколению, умер в пустыне ( Чис 14:21-23,26-38 ).

27:5-11 При разделе земли земельные участки должны быть розданы «по числу имен» лиц мужского пола и получить имена своих владельцев, чтобы под этими именами переходить из рода в род, как материальное закрепление в народе «имени» той или иной фамилии. Естественно, что при существовании подобного законодательного принципа, ближайшими наследниками владельца земельного надела являлись не кто иные, как его сыновья, носители его имени, хранители его рода. При отсутствии дочерей, наследником земельного участка является ближайший родственник умершего.

27:12  Нево (или Невав) — одна из возвышенностей горного хребта Аварим.

27:15-17 Предметом попечения всей жизни Моисея был народ израильский. В трудные минуты гнева Божия на согрешивших вождь готов был принять на себя лично всю тяжесть карающей правды, дабы сохранить жизнь и благополучие своему мучителю. И теперь, узнав о приближающемся дне своей смерти, Моисей прежде всего волнуется заботой о том, «чтобы не осталось общество Господне как овцы, у которых нет пастыря».

27:18  Возложение руки — видимый знак сообщения прав и полномочий.

27:19 Поставление пред народом и наставление — акт обнародования преемства и вместе акт общественного признания преемника.

27:20 Имеется в виду допущение И. Навина к осуществлению некоторых своих прав еще при жизни Моисея.

27:21 Никто из избранных ветхозаветных мужей не удостоился иметь такое близкое общение с Божеством, какое имел Моисей ( Чис 12:6-8 ). Преемник Моисея будет вопрошать Господа посредством таинственного урим и туммим, находившегося на наперснике первосвященника ( Исх 28:30 ).

27:23 Окончательная, всенародная, передача И. Навину прав еврейского вождя произошла позднее ( Втор 31:23 ).

28:1-8  Исх 3:38-42 .

28:9-10 Двойная субботняя жертва совершалась сверх обыкновенного ежедневного жертвоприношения.

28:11-14 Как о субботней, так и о новомесячной жертве здесь упоминается впервые.

28:15 Жертва за грехи предшествует жертве всесожжения. Когда все жертвы приносились вместе, то порядок их был такой: прежде всего приносилась 1) жертва очистительная («за грехи», «повинности» или «о преступлении»). По очищении кровью означенной жертвы приносилась 2) жертва всесожжения, — как наглядное выражение готовности человека принести всего себя в жертву Богу, всецело посвятить себя Ему, со всеми своими очищенными помыслами, очищенными чувствованиями. После жертвы всесожжения, в знаменование примирения и общения с Божеством, следовала 3) жертва мирная, сопровождаемая радостной трапезой.

28:26-31 День первых плодов назывался также «праздником седмиц» (ст. 26; ср. Лев 23:14-21; Втор 16:9-12 ), т. е. праздником по исполнении «семи седмиц» с «появления серпа на жатве». Как первый день по исполнении семи седмиц, праздник получил свое последнее наименование — Пятидесятницы ( 2 Макк 12:32; Тов 2:1; Деян 2:1; 20:16; 1 Кор 16:8 ).

29:1-6 Праздник (возвещаемый звуком священных) труб совершался в первый день осеннего месяца тисри (сентябрь), который был седьмым в священном году евреев.

29:6 По указанию 6 ст. жертвы праздника труб не исключали жертв новомесячия и ежедневных, которые должны были приноситься обычным порядком, сверх праздничных.

29:7-11 Великий день всенародного очищения начинался вечером девятого числа месяца тисри (сентябрь). Десятого числа утром при скинии происходило священное собрание народа, причем отправлялся весь тот церемониал священного дня, который указан 16 гл. кн. Левит . В заключение следовало приношение козла в жертву за грех (независимо от того, который приносился по жребию) и принесение всесожжении — праздничного и ежедневного.

29:12-38 С 15 по 21 число месяца тисри (сентябрь) справлялся праздник кущей ( Лев 23:33-36,39-43 ), учрежденный в воспоминание странствования евреев по пустыне и тех многочисленных проявлений милосердия Божия к народу, какие имели себе место во время этого странствования. Полнота религиозной радости израильтян выразилась в чрезвычайном обилии праздничных жертв. В течение семи дней праздника было приносимо во всесожжение: 70 тельцов, 14 овнов, 98 агнцев (вдвое больше, чем в Пятидесятницу). Только жертва за грех оставалась без изменения: каждый день приносился один козел. Участвуя при богослужении, евреи имели в своих руках букеты зелени и цветов. С такими же букетами они гуляли и потом, после богослужения. Со времени второго храма в праздник кущей стали совершаться два вновь учрежденных обряда: 1) обряд возлияния воды и 2) возжжения светильников. Порядок первого представляется в таком виде. Один из священников брал золотую чашу, шел с нею к Силоамскому источнику и почерпал воду, после чего, встречаемый песнопением, входил во внутренние ворота храма и выливал воду в трубы жертвенника. Второй обряд заключался в том, что после вечерней жертвы на женском дворе храма зажигались четыре высоких светильника, покрытых лампадками. На ступенях лестницы, ведшей в женское отделение, становились левиты и, переходя от ступеньки к ступеньке (с продолжительной остановкой на нижней, 10-й и 15), играли на музыкальных инструментах и пели. Под аккомпанемент священных песен и игры на музыкальных инструментах присутствовавшие делали радостные телодвижения. Как бы в пояснение мотивов торжества, священники обращались к народу и говорили: «отцы наши отпадали от храма и поклонялись солнцу, а мы — нет», мы верны Иегове и храму Его. Радостное настроение, охватывавшее народ в течение этого праздника, было настолько велико, что составилась поговорка: «Не видал тот светлых дней, кто не видал праздника кущей!»

29:39 О жертвах мирных и по усердию см. Лев 3; 7:11-21 .

29:40-2 Под именем обета (недер) разумеется положительное обещание исполнить что-либо, воздержаться от чего-либо (в последнем случае будет «зарок» — иссар, ст. 3), а также посвятить кого-нибудь или что-нибудь во имя Божье. Об обетах см. Лев 27 , Чис 6 . В настоящей главе отмечаются случаи, когда обеты должны быть соблюдаемы, и случаи, когда обеты не могут иметь силы.

30:3-16 Осуществимый обет, данный человеком, не стесненным, по закону, в своих личных делах волею другого, должен быть исполнен. Обет же человека, подчиненного воле другого, тогда только имеет силу, когда этот другой утверждает его или словесно, или простым неопротестованием в момент произнесения обета или упоминания о нем.

31:1-4 Повеление об истреблении мадианитян дается согласно закону о наказании подстрекателей к идолослужению ( Втор 13:6-10 ) и в целях гарантирования евреев от будущего опасного соседства.

31:6 Главным священником при войсках посылается сын первосвященника Елеазара Финеес, наглядно засвидетельствовавший свою ревность о славе имени Божия в момент увлечения народа языческим блужением ( Чис 25:6-8,10-13 ).

31:7  И убили всех мужеского пола, за исключением, конечно, тех, кто спасся бегством, или отсутствием в данной местности. В Суд 8:6 в числе народов, делавших нападение на израильтян, упоминаются и мадианитяне. Но после того, как «смирил» их Гедеон, «мадианитяне уже не стали поднимать своей головы» ( Суд 8:28 ).

31:8 В Нав 13:21 Евий, Рекем, Цур, Хур и Рева названы «князьями Сигоновыми», т. е. князьями царя Сигона, — вероятно по причине доминировавшего положения Сигона аморрейского в пределах южного Заиорданья ( Чис 21:29 ).

31:17-18 Мальчики рассматриваются как вероятные продолжатели жизни своих отцов: Женщины, «познавшие мужа на мужеском ложе», — как постоянная возможность соблазна для евреев повторить свое ситтимское увлечение ( Чис 25 ). Девочки, не оскверненные постыдными обрядами в честь Ваал-Фегора, могли быть перевоспитаны (по сравнительной мягкости своего характера) в среде благочестивых евреянок и впоследствии стать членами израильской общины.

31:19-24 Закон об очищении прикоснувшихся к человеческому трупу и предметам, имевшим соприкосновение с последним, изложен в 19-й гл. Чис.

31:25-31 Способ, каким разделена была мадианитская добыча (пополам между ходившими на войну и оставшимися в стане, при обозе), получил впоследствии силу всегдашнего закона ( 1 Цар 30:24,25 ). Воины, не участвовавшие в экспедиции, обязались сделать из полученной ими добычи вклад в скинию в размере ¹/₅₀ части добычи; принимавшие участие — в размере ¹/₅₀₀ части добычи. Первая часть добычи должна была поступить в пользование левитов, вторая — в пользование священников.

31:48-54  Приношение Господу, как начаток от добычи и как знак благодарности за благополучное окончание похода ( ст. 32-46,49 ). Для очищения душ наших, осквернившихся убийством и прикосновением к убитым и их вещам.

32:1  Земля Иазер и земля Галаад — восточное Заиорданье.

32:3 Города восточного Заиорданья; из них — Дибон, Атароф и Нево упоминаются, между прочим, в надписи моавитского царя Меши.

32:34-38  Построили, вернее — восстановили, так как большинство из этих городов существовало ранее прибытия сюда евреев.

32:39-42 Подробнее о размещении колен Рувима, Гада и полуколена Манассии см. Втор 3:12-20; Нав 13:8-12,24-31 . Рувим и Гад заняли юг восточного Заиорданья; Манассия — север, причем потомки Манассии «сыны Махира» утвердились по преимуществу в Галааде, а «сыны Иаира» — по преимуществу в Васане.

33:1-49 В настоящей главе перечислены 42 стана, что, конечно, далеко не соответствует количеству всех остановок, имевших себе место за долгий период сорокалетнего пустынного странствования евреев. Возможно предположить, что отмечены лишь пункты продолжительных остановок, со сбором и постановкой скинии, притом остановок, оставивших какой-нибудь след в жизни и религиозном сознании странствовавших. Сделать точное географическое определение тех 42 станов, которые отмечаются 33-я гл. кн. Числ, невозможно за недостатком необходимых для того данных. Возможно отметить лишь главное направление движения евреев из Раамсеса до Иордана. Из Раамсеса евреи двинулись на восток, по направлению к северной оконечности Суэцкого залива. Здесь имели себе место остановки: Сокхоф, Ефам, Пигахироф, что пред Ваал-Цеероном, и Мигдол. В пределах северной оконечности Суэцкого залива произошел чудесный переход евреями Чермного моря. По выходе из моря израильтяне двинулись по западному берегу Синайского полуострова (пустыни Ефам, Сур, Син) к югу, до гор Синая. Здесь имели себе место остановки: Мерра, Елим, стан у моря, стан в пустыне Зин, Дофка, Алуша, Рефидим, Синай. От Синая евреи двинулись на северо-восток (пустыня Фаран), к северной оконечности залива Акаба (Ецион-Гавер), отсюда — на север, к южным пределам Ханаана (Кадес). Здесь имели себе место остановки: Тавера-Киброт-Гаттаава, Асироф, Рифма, Римнон-Фарец, Ливна, Рисса, Кегелафа, Шафер, Харада, Макелоф, Тахаф, Тарах, Мифка, Хашмона, Мосероф, Бене-Яакан, Хор-Агидгад, Иотваф, Аврон, Ецион-Гавер, Кадес в пустыне Цин. По окончании 38-летнего странствования (в наказание за ропот) евреи прибыли опять в Кадес. Отсюда они идут на восток и потом на север, в обход Идумеи и Моава: победоносно проходят царства Сигона аморрейского и Ога васанского; спускаются обратно на юг и сосредоточиваются в моавитских равнинах у Иордана, против Иерихона. Здесь имели себе место остановки: стан у горы Ор, Салмон, Пунон, Овоф, Ийм-Аварим, Дивон-Гад, Алмон-Дивлафаим, стан у горы Нево, стан на равнинах моавитских у Иордана, против Иерихона, в пределах от Беф-Иешимофа до Аве-Ситтима (21-22 гл. кн. Числ после стана Ийм-Аварим упоминают следующие: в долине Заред, у потока Арнон, у колодца Беер, Матанна, Нагалиил, Вамоф, Гай у Фасги, Аморрея, Васан, равнины моавитские у Иордана, против Иерихона).

При заметной склонности Израиля к сенсуализму в религии и его пылком темпераменте и отзывчивом на чувственные удовольствия, соседство язычников-хананеев с их культом в честь Ваала-Астарты, не должно быть желательным для избранного народа.

33:53-54 Ср. Чис 26:54-56 .

34:1-2 Очерчивается гранью лишь западное Заиорданье (Ханаан); восточное Заиорданье было занято коленами Рувима, Гада и полуколеном Манассии в силу личного разрешения Моисея ( Чис 32 ).

34:3-5 Южной границей обетованной земли полагается пустыня Син (Цин), Идумея, поток Египетский (нынешняя водяная балка Вади-ель-Ариш), при устье которого был построен древний город Риноколура (нынешний Ель-Ариш).

34:6 Западной границей полагается Средиземное море.

34:7-9 Северной границей: гора Ор (по всей вероятности одна из возвышенностей Ливана (LXX и в славянском нарицат. ὄρος , гора) и Емаф (горный проход и город на р. Оронте, в Келе-Сирии, между Ливаном и Антиливаном). Цедад, по мнению комментаторов, — нынешний Седад; Цифрон — нынешний Цифран. Первый расположен вблизи емафского горного прохода, второй — вблизи Дамаска.

34:10-12 Восточной границей полагаются река Иордан и Соляное (Мертвое) море. Киннереф — Гениссаретское озеро.

34:16-29 О происшедшем разделе земли по коленам см. И. Нав 13-21 гл.

35:1-3 См. И. Навин 21 .

35:4-5 Во избежание уклонения левитов от их прямых обязанностей в сторону преимущественного эксплуатирования земельных угодий, закон ограничивает пределы их земельной собственности количеством, необходимым лишь для нешироких хозяйственных потребностей.

35:9-34 Распространенный на древнем Востоке обычай кровавой мести убийц со стороны родственников или людей близких к убитому имеет признание и в законе Моисея (ст. 19), как принцип, сдерживающий страсти враждующих, — хотя, в своем применении к укладу еврейской жизни, получает некоторые существенные видоизменения, гарантировавшие общество от несправедливости и жестокости возбужденного мстителя. Всякое убийство (и намеренное, и ненамеренное) подлежало прежде всего формальному судебному расследованию (ст. 16-24,30). Оказавшийся умышленным убийцей предавался смертной казни (ст. 16-21,30) без права выкупа (31-34). Оказавшийся же невольным убийцей получал возможность избегнуть кровавой расправы со стороны гоэла, спасшись в один из шести городов убежища и находясь там до смерти первосвященника. Со смертью первосвященника мститель лишался права кровавой мести, и невольный убийца получал все свои прежние права свободного гражданина. 9-15,22-29).

35:32 Выкуп за убежавшего в город убежища, дабы позволить ему жить в своей земле прежде смерти первосвященника, — не допускался. Страх возмездия и стеснительное во многих отношениях проживание в городе убежища должны были приучать евреев к осторожности в обращении с жизнью ближнего. Разрешающее в данном случае значение смерти ветхозаветного первосвященника прообразовало собою, по учению блаж. Феодорита, искупительные плоды смерти первосвященника по чину Мелхиседекову (Толк. на кн. Чис, вопр. 50). О названии и местоположении городов убежища для неумышленных убийц см. Втор 4:41-43; 19:1-10; Нав 20-21 .

36:1-9  См. Чис 27:1-11 и прим. к Чис 27:8.

36:4 О юбилейном годе см. Лев 25 .

36:11 Закон, изложенный в 18 и 20 гл. кн. Лев , не запрещает подобных браков.

36:13 Заключение книги Числ.

22:5 Евр. Биля#м.

22:7 Друг. возм. пер.: старейшины... опытные в ворожбе; букв.: с ворожбой в своих руках.

22:13 LXX: к господину вашему.

22:32 Смысл последней части предложения в евр. тексте не вполне ясен.

22:36 Букв.: у города Моава (евр. эль-ир Моав), но ср. 21:13-15, где упоминается город Ар, что на границе Моава и амореев.

22:41 Возможно, речь идет о географическом названии: Бамот-Баал.

23:3 Согласно поверью язычников, вершины голых холмов были наиболее вероятным местом встреч с богами.

23:7 Или: изрек притчу / поучительное рассуждение; то же в ст. 18.

23:14 Или: на место дозорных.

23:21 Или: Он (Бог) не посмотрел на преступления Иакова и на неверные поступки, совершенные в Израиле.

23:23 Друг. возм. пер.: нет колдовства у Иакова, и ворожбы - у Израиля.

23:28 Или: Ешимон - возможно, топоним.

24:3 а) Или: изрек притчу / поучительное рассуждение; то же в ст. 15, 20, 21 и 23.

24:3 б) LXX: мужа, истинно видящего; то же и в ст. 15.

24:4 а) Евр. Шаддай традиционно переводилось как «Всемогущий» или как «Вседержитель».

24:4 б) Друг. возм. пер.: он падает / в транс впадает, и глаза его открыты; то же и в ст. 16.

24:13 Букв.: из сердца своего.

24:16 Букв.: знание.

24:17 а) LXX: восходит звезда от Иакова, поднимается муж (в сирийском переводе: князь; в Таргуме Онкелоса: мессия / помазанник) от Израиля.

24:17 б) Так в Самаритянском Пятикнижии (ср. с Иер 48:45).

24:19 Друг. чтение: оставшихся в Аре.

25:4 Букв.: повесь; или: посади на кол.

25:5 См. Исх 18:21-25.

25:6 Букв.: на глазах у…

25:7 а) Евр. Пинхас.

25:7 б) Букв.: от общины.

25:11 Или: в Своей ревности; ср. примеч. «а» к Исх 20:5.

25:18 Букв.: их сестрой.

26:2 Букв.: по домам их отцов.

26:4 Первое исчисление всех годных к службе в войске было проведено тридцать восемь лет назад. То первое поколение людей от двадцати лет и старше почти всё умерло. Пришло время исчислить и подготовить новое поколение к ожидавшему их походу.

26:59 Принимая во внимание, что библейское повествование лишь вскользь затрагивает вопросы генеалогии и хронологии, вероятней всего, что Кехат был лишь прародителем Амрама, а его жена Йохевед была дочерью Левия не в прямом, а в общем смысле.

27:12 а) Это добавление сделано в LXX, ср. Втор 32:49.

27:12 б) Букв.: дал.

27:13 Букв.: будешь приобщен к народу своему - эвфемизм, означающий «умереть».

27:16 Букв.: Боже духов всякой плоти. Ср.16:22.

27:17 Букв.: который выходил бы перед ними и входил бы перед ними, который выводил бы их и приводил бы их - здесь используется военная терминология, связанная с выступлением военачальника и войска в поход и их возвращением, подобное выражение в ст. 21.

27:20 Букв. возложи на него (часть) от достоинства / величия твоего; некоторые толкователи видят в этом указание на то, что ни один человек не мог принять всего, чем обладал Моисей.

27:21 а) См. примеч. к Исх 28:30.

27:21 б) Букв.: по (слову) уст его они должны уходить и по (слову) уст его приходить.

28:5 См. примеч. к 15:4.

28:7 Обычно для возлияний использовалось вино, но в данном случае евр. шехар (в Син. пер.: сикера), возможно, обозначает брагу или пиво - напиток, изготовляемый в те дни из ячменя в состоянии брожения и фиников или меда. Как вино, так и этот напиток употреблялись в определенных количествах при богослужениях, конечно, не для того, чтобы их пить (это было запрещено при служении во Святилище, см. Лев 10:9), а чтобы выливать на жертвенник как возлияние.

28:11 Или: в каждое новолуние; то же в ст. 14.

28:26 Праздник Недель, слав. седмиц (Лев 23:15,16; Втор 16:9), или Пятидесятница, был праздником, отмечаемым в начале жатвы пшеницы (Исх 34:22).

29:3 Т.е. около 6,5 и 4,5 л соответственно.

29:4 Т.е. около 2 л; то же в подобных случаях в этой главе.

29:7 Или: поститься.

30:2 Букв.: не должен осквернить свое слово - нарушение данного обещания было преступлением перед Богом и профанацией человеческой личности.

30:13 Или: ее пост.

31:2 Букв.: будешь приобщен к (ушедшим) твоим сородичам.

31:52 Т.е. около 190 кг.

31:54 Возможно, что сохранение золота в Святилище имело двойное назначение: свидетельствовать перед Господом о благодарности и щедрости израильтян, а также напоминать и им самим о победе, которую даровал им Господь.

32:5 Эти слова могут быть поняты не как отказ от участия в завоевании земель по другую сторону Иордана, а как просьба оставить за ними земли на восточном берегу реки.

32:13 Букв.: зло в глазах Господа.

32:21 Или: пред Господом.

32:23 Букв.: вы узнаете свой грех, который вас найдет - здесь грех олицетворен: он преследует, находит и наказывает.

32:41 Евр. Хавво#т-Яир.

33:1 Букв.: под рукой.

33:3 Букв.: с / под рукой высокой; возможно и друг. понимание: под защитой сильной руки (Божьей).

33:8 Так в древн. рукописях; масоретский текст: в Хахироте.

33:40 Или: на юге.

33:55 Букв.: как шипы для глаз ваших и колючки в бока.

34:3 Т.е. Мертвого моря.

34:5 Т.е. Средиземного.

34:11 Или: озера Галилейского.

35:5 Стих 4 говорит о тысяче локтей, а стих 5 - о двух тысячах. Согласно обычному объяснению иудейских писателей, первая тысяча локтей угодий отводилась для пастбища, а вторая - для виноградников.

35:26 Букв.: в который он убежал.

36:4 Или: год, в который трубят в бараний рог (евр. йовель).

36:11 Букв.: сыновей своих дядей.

36:13 Или: неподалеку от Иерихона.