Numbers
General
The Israelites spent nearly a year
at Mount Sinai before they were ready to begin the march for the land of
promise. During that period quite a constructive work was accomplished among
them which transformed them from a horde of comparatively unorganized emigrants
into a powerful nation with covenant relationship to God. The Law covenant was
instituted ... the priesthood was organized ... the Tabernacle constructed and
its religious services instituted ... that certainly was a year of great accomplishments
in making them ready for the land. R4037:1
The Israelites were used of the Lord as a typical people, whose testings
for good and for evil were made to picture forth in advance the corresponding
experiences of spiritual Israel. (Brief summary follows in article) R4037:4
Numbers
Numbers 1:2
The sum -- 603,550 men age 20 and over; 22,273 Levites; total of
about 2 million. R4037:2
Numbers 1:46
603,550 -- We would estimate the whole population of Israel,
including females and young children, at 2,000,000. HG362:3
A liberal estimate of the world's
population at the time of the exodus would be 14,241,744. HG362:2
Numbers 2
Numbers 2:2
By his own standard -- The human skull corresponds to the layout of Israel's
Tabernacle and camp. R4028:6, R4029:1
The order of the tents corresponds
to the transformation of the converted mind. R4029:3
About the tabernacle -- Religion was the center of all ambition and activity.
R4028:3
All order in the church and
harmony among brethren must recognize this common center. R4028:5
Numbers 2:32
603,550 men -- Implying a total number of about 2,000,000. R3982:3,
R4037:2
Prof. Petrie suggests a total
number of about 30,000. R5277:3*
Prof. Petrie's reckoning refuted
by B.H. Barton. R5355:5*
Numbers 3
Numbers 3:3
Priest's -- Represented The Christ--High Priest and under priests.
R5298:6
Numbers 3:4
Nadab and Abihu -- Representing the class that sins the sin unto death in
the Gospel age and the Great Company class. T40; R4031:2
Strange fire -- Attempting to offer our own imperfect works as
meritorious and acceptable. R1007:3
Numbers 3:6
Tribe of Levi -- Those not priests represented overcomers, not of The
Christ. R5298:6
The Great Company. R4030:4
Near -- Picturing the prominence given to benevolence, hope,
faith and conscience. R4029:4
Minister -- The Great Company, as Levites, serve before the throne.
R4677:6
Numbers 3:12
The Levites -- Separated by God for his own special use and as a
channel of blessing and instruction for the other tribes, who represented all
the families of the earth. R4389:6
The Levites did not need a
Mediator because Moses represented the entire priestly class and the tribe of
Levi in his various functions as Mediator between God and the nation. R4390:
Represented the first-borns of
Israel, typical of the Church of the first-born: the Bride of Christ and the
Great Company. R5056:1; Q435:7, Q304:2
The firstborn -- Represented the first-born of Israel spared in the
Passover night, and typified those passed over in the Gospel age
"night" preceding the Millennial day of general deliverance. R4537:1,
4, R5298:6
Shall be mine -- Showing that the antitypical Levites would not have an
earthly inheritance, but a spiritual one; and share in instructing and blessing
the world. R5023:1, R4823:5; CR471:3; Q436:2
Numbers 3:19
Amram -- Father of Moses:
meaning "High People" or "Exalted People," type of
The Christ. F128
Numbers 3:25
The sons of Gershon -- Meaning "Refugees" or "Rescued";
type of those of mankind saved during the Millennial age. F129
The covering thereof -- Hiding spiritual things from the unconsecrated. T127
For the door -- Typifying the death of the human will. T22
Numbers 3:26
Of the court -- Typifying the condition of justification. T19
Door of the court -- "I am the way" (John 14:6); "I am the door"
(John 10:9). There is only one way of access to God. T18
And by the altar -- The Brazen altar, type of the ransom sacrifice. T22
Numbers 3:27
And of Kohath -- Meaning "Ally" or "Comrade"; type of
the Ancient Worthies. F129
Numbers 3:29
Southward -- Symbol of restitution to human perfection. D653
Numbers 3:33
Of Merari -- Meaning "Bitterness", type of the Great Company,
saved so as by fire through bitter experiences. F129
Numbers 3:35
Northward -- Symbol of the Heavenly phase of the Kingdom. D653
Numbers 3:38
Before the tabernacle -- The Royal Priesthood, at the very gates of his favor.
R4030:4
Numbers 3:41
The firstborn -- See comments on Num. 3:12.
Numbers 3:45
The firstborn -- See comments on Num. 3:12.
Numbers 3:47
Five shekels -- Redemption could only be made by an estimated equivalent
value. R1031:2*
Numbers 4
Numbers 4:2
Sons of Kohath -- Meaning "Ally" or "Comrade"; type of
the Ancient Worthies. F129
Numbers 4:3
From thirty years -- The time when a Jew became of age, and therefore when
John and Jesus began their ministries. B58; R561:6*
No Levite was permitted to engage
in the work of the Tabernacle under the age of 30. R1161:2
Not until Jesus attained the age
of 30 was he the full-grown man, ready for sacrifice. R1682:5
Numbers 4:5
Aaron -- Type of The Christ. T38
Shall come -- This should not be misunderstood to mean that he and the
underpriests never went in thither during succeeding days; but only once a year
for the purpose of atonement. T9
And his sons -- Representing the members of Christ's Body. T36
The covering vail -- Type of the death of the human body. T22
And cover the ark -- Type of The Christ. T12
Numbers 4:6
Of badgers' skins -- Typifying that spiritual things are hidden from the
unconsecrated. T127; R1365:
Wholly of blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
Numbers 4:7
Upon the table -- Type of the Church as a whole, including Jesus. T115
Shewbread -- Representing the Word of God, spiritual food. T115;
R5621:6
Numbers 4:8
A cloth of scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109
Numbers 4:9
The candlestick -- Type of the complete Church. T115
Of the light -- Type of the spirit of truth. T116
Numbers 4:11
The golden altar -- Type of the Church in the present sacrificing condition.
T120
Numbers 4:13
A purple cloth -- Symbol of royalty. T34
Numbers 4:15
Shall not touch -- None except those who are walking in the footsteps of
Jesus could have a deep, full appreciation of the divine plan. R4876:1,
R1365:1, R2002:5
Lest they die -- Because these things illustrated something greater and
more important to come later. T12
Numbers 4:20
But they -- Representing justified believers. T19
Not go in to see -- The curtains were kept down. They were forbidden to look
in when the priest lifted the curtain and passed under it. R3053:6
Only New Creatures can enter into
and see spiritual things. R3054:
The holy things -- Typifying the things of the New Creature, begotten of
the Spirit. T19
Numbers 4:22
The sons of Gershon -- Meaning "Refugees" or "Rescued";
type of those of mankind saved during the Millennium. F129
Numbers 4:25
For the door -- Typifying the death of the human will. T22
Numbers 4:26
Of the court -- Typifying the condition of justification. T19
Gate of the court -- "I am the way" (John 14:6); I am the door"
(John 10:9). There is only one way of access to God. T18
And by the altar -- The Brazen altar, type of the ransom sacrifice. T22
Numbers 4:29
The sons of Merari -- Meaning "Bitterness"; type of the Great
Company, saved so as by fire through bitter experiences. F129
Numbers 4:36
Those that were numbered -- 17,160 Levites to 5 priests (Exod. 28:1), showing much
larger proportion saved in next age compared with Gospel age priests. R443:
Numbers 4:48
Of them -- Of the Levites, representing all believers. T
118
Were 8,580 -- Of whom only five, or one in 1,716, were sacrificing
priests; possibly this is also typical. T118
Numbers 5
Numbers 5:6
When a man or woman -- Typifying any of the world of mankind during the
Millennial age. T99
Numbers 5:7
The fifth part -- In the Millennial age retributive justice will require
restoration with 20% added. T99
Numbers 5:8
Even to the priest -- Representing that during the Millennial age the
acknowledgments of wrongdoing will be made through the Redeemer. T99, T100
Numbers 5:15
Frankincense -- Representing praise. R3703:4
Picturing relationship of Bride
and Bridegroom; could not be used when sin was in question. R84:5*
Numbers 6
Numbers 6:2
Vow of a Nazarite -- A vow to avoid spiritous liquor in every form, and that
the hair would not be cut; it should not be confounded with the residents of
the city of Nazareth. It seems to have signified the full, complete
consecration of the individual to God and his service. R5612:3, R4088:1
Numbers 6:14
For peace offerings -- Typifying covenants of consecration to God made by
mankind during the Millennial age. T98
Numbers 6:15
Unleavened bread -- Representing the offerer's faith in Christ's character,
which he will copy. T98
Numbers 6:20
For a wave offering -- Showing that consecration is not for a moment or a day
or a year, but continually. T45
Numbers 6:23
Speak unto Aaron -- Type of The Christ. T38
And unto his sons -- Representing the members of Christ's Body. T36
Numbers 6:24
Bless thee and keep -- With gladness that knoweth no decay; in the shadow of
his wings. R4823:3, 6
Numbers 7
Numbers 7:7
The sons of Gershon -- Type of those saved during the Millennium. F129
Numbers 7:8
The sons of Merari -- Type of the Great Company. F129
Numbers 7:9
The sons of Kohath -- Type of the Ancient Worthies. F129
Upon their shoulders -- It was indirectly David's neglect of this command that
caused the death of Uzzah. R3252:5
Numbers 7:89
Off the mercy seat -- Which, with its cherubim and glory-light, represented
the presence of Jehovah. T123, T124
Upon the Ark -- Representing The Christ. T12
The two cherubims -- Representing love and power. T125
Numbers 8
Numbers 8:4
The candlestick -- Type of the complete Church. T115
Was of beaten gold -- Symbol of the divine nature. T18
Unto the flowers -- Representing the fruitfulness of the Church. T116
Numbers 8:12
Levites -- The house of Aaron, atoned for by the bullock of Lev.
16. R79:3
Numbers 8:17
Firstborn -- See comments on Num. 3:12.
Numbers 8:18
Levites -- The first-borns were exchanged for the tribe of Levi,
which thereafter was the tribe of the first-borns. R4999:
See also comments on Num. 3:12.
Numbers 8:19
Levites -- Not all priests, though they were the priestly tribe.
R4999:
Those not priests represent the
Great Company class. CR485:6
Numbers 8:24
Wait upon the service -- Consecration to service, not to sacrifice-a Millennial
age antitype. R442:3
Numbers 9
Numbers 9:2
The passover -- Represented the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on behalf of
the Church only. R4384:3
At his appointed season -- In the spring, the beginning of the religious year.
R4127:3, R4384:3
Numbers 9:11
The fourteenth day The full of the moon, symbol of the Law covenant and the
people under that covenant. Christ's crucifixion at the full of the moon and
its immediately beginning to wane foreshadowed Israel's national decline. F48
As the moon waned for as long as
it had increased, so Christ's death was the turning point between the two equal
periods of Israel's history. R2270:6
Of the second month -- Typifying the Millennial age. R2270:6
If any miss the real communion of
the Memorial because of spiritual defilement, let them purge their hearts and
celebrate four weeks later. R3013:6
Thus appropriate to celebrate
Memorial one month late if date missed through ignorance. R1961:5
At even -- Margin: (Between the two evenings). The Jews had two
evenings: one from noon to three o'clock; and the other from three o'clock
until sunset. Christ's sacrifice was completed at three o'clock, midway between
these. R2953:2*
Between six o'clock one evening
and six o'clock the next evening. R2917:6
They shall keep it -- Typifying that those prevented by ignorance from
accepting Messiah as their Redeemer when offered to them will have an
opportunity of doing so in the Times of Restitution when their nation,
represented by the moon, shall again be full of blessings--in the latter
harvest. R2270:6, R1289:6, R5191:3
Unleavened bread -- Symbolizing the precious promises that come to us from
the Heavenly Father through Christ. R2918:3
Symbolically, without the
corruption of human theory, selfishness and ambition. F464
And bitter herbs -- Symbols of trials, persecutions, etc. F460
Numbers 9:12
Nor break any bone -- A type of the fact that none of Jesus' bones were
broken. (John 19:36) R198:2*
Of the passover -- "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." (1
Cor. 5:7) F460
Numbers 10
Numbers 10:2
Of silver -- Symbol of truth. T114
Numbers 10:10
Peace offerings -- Typifying covenants of consecration to God made by
mankind during the Millennial age. T98
Numbers 10:11
In the second year -- Approximately one year; link No. 2
in the true Bible chronology. B48
The cloud -- Representing the Lord. R3060:5
A continual reminder of their
covenant with God. R4037:3
Numbers 10:12
Sinai -- Picturing the Kingdom of God. R4037:5
Wilderness of Paran -- The place from which the spies were sent out. B48
Much more rugged than Sinai.
R3060:6
Referred to in Deut. 1:19 as
"great and terrible." R4037:3
Numbers 10:13
Commandment of the LORD -- Spiritual Israelites should not murmur or even express a
choice when the Lord's providences lead into new circumstances. R3060:6
Numbers 10:18
Armies -- Israel was now thoroughly organized. R4037:2
Numbers 10:29
Hobab -- Moses' brother-in-law who belonged to an Arab tribe of
Midian known as the Kenites. R4038:3
Raguel -- Otherwise called Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. Jethro
means "excellent" and was probably Raguel's title as chief of the
Midianites. R3061:5, R4038:3
We -- Typifying the Church of God. R4038:4
Unto the place -- The heavenly Canaan. R4038:4
Come thou with us -- So we may now invite those who are still strangers to
the Lord's covenants. R4038:4
Numbers 10:30
I will not go -- Similarly, if our arguments of faith fail to influence
our friends we should not give up. R4038:5
Numbers 10:31
Instead of eyes -- Similarly, some may be attracted to the Lord's people by
opportunity for rendering service (not as elders). The Lord's people should
always be ready to make use of every human instrumentality that would aid in
carrying out the divine program. R4038:5
Hobab went with the Israelites
(Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11; Sam. 15:6)
(See comment on "Hobab," Num. 10:29). R3061:5, R4038:5
Hobab was more familiar with the
trackless wilderness. R4038:6
Numbers 10:35
That Moses said -- As his morning invocation. R4039:1, R5313:3
Rise up, LORD -- In other words, "Abide with us." R5313:3
Evidently referring to Psa. 68.
R3060:6, R4039:1
This verse was Israel's usual
battle hymn. R5626:3
Numbers 10:36
He said -- As his evening prayer. R4039:1, R5313:3
Numbers 11
Numbers 11:4
A lusting -- Typifying God's people seeking worldly doctrines
(specifically, Evolution) instead of religious (spiritual) food. R5267:3*
Wept again -- To murmur is to dispute the divine wisdom and promises
and to long for food of one's own provision. R5306:2, 6
The prayers of murmurers, when
answered, often bring sorrow. R3061:2
Numbers 11:5
Remember the fish -- How apt are all to remember the pleasures of the sinful
condition and to forget its hardships. R3036:3
The world's theories. R5307:1
Numbers 11:6
Beside this manna -- Representing the living Bread supplied to the world by
God in Christ. T122; R4037:5
Divine truth. R5307:1
Numbers 11:7
Manna -- Meaning "What is it?" R4012:4
Numbers 11:9
Manna fell upon it -- Evidently deposited in, or from, the dew by some power
of God working in harmony with the natural laws of chemistry not yet thoroughly
understood. R3036:4
Numbers 11:1
Moses -- Who acted representatively in making the Law covenant with
Israel, as Christ acted representatively in bringing it to an end. R1725:3-5
Numbers 11:12
As a nursing father -- God dealt with Moses in making the Law covenant; he
stood in the position of a father to the nation and they were regarded and
treated as children under age. R5046:3, R1725:3
Numbers 11:13
Give us flesh -- Desires for worldly doctrines (specifically, Evolution)
instead of religious (spiritual) food--Manna. R5267:3*
Numbers 11:14
Is too heavy for me -- Moses, instead of being a schemer after power and
authority, was really an overworked servant. A47
Numbers 11:15
Kill me -- Moses urged that if this burden must remain with him it
would be better for him to die. R5306:4
Numbers 11:16
70 men of the elders -- Supposedly the original Sanhedrin. R4037:2, R5306;4
Elders of the people -- The civil government which was established was virtually
a democracy. HG533:6
A form of government calculated to
cultivate the spirit of liberty. HG534:2
Numbers 11:17
I will take -- Showing Israel's government to be a Theocracy. A46
Put it upon them -- Fecundating their minds mechanically, without affecting
them in any moral sense. E175
Bear the burden -- God granted the prayer of Moses as a proper one. R5307:4
Numbers 11:18
Ye have wept -- The murmurings of the people were classed as their
prayers. They got what they desired, but with it a punishment. R5307:4
Let us take heed how we pray.
R5307:4
Numbers 11:25
They prophesied -- This became a sign to the elders themselves and to all
who heard it that they shared responsibility of leadership. R5306:5
Numbers 11:29
And Moses -- Foreshadowing Christ's willingness to share the honors
of the divine nature with the Church. R3553:1
Enviest thou for my sake? -- An example of true and guileless statesmanship and
meekness. A47
Numbers 11:31
Two cubits high -- Every spring they come in great flocks and, wearied with
the long flight across the Red Sea, fly so low, about two cubits from the
ground, that they are easily captured. R4012:3, R5306:5; PD34/45
Numbers 11:33
Smote the people -- Those who fill themselves with Higher Criticism and
Evolutionary theories perish as New Creatures. R5307:1
Very great plague -- An insidious pestilence, a fever from overeating.
R5306:6, R3061:2
Errors produce a fever which
consumes the New Creature. R5307:1
Numbers 11:34
Kibroth-hattaavah -- "Graves of greediness." R5306:6
Buried the people -- Thus did the Lord permit the murmurers to do themselves
injury--a lesson for spiritual Israel. R5306:6
Numbers 12
Numbers 12:1
Miriam -- Typifying those who fail to recognize Christ as the
leader of spiritual Israel and who fail to honor those whom he uses as his
mouthpieces and servants. R4037:5
Her jealousy-poisoned mind began
to see evidences that the Lord had forsaken Moses. R5308:2
And Aaron -- Busy-bodying in other men's matters. R3061:4
A weak character; as shown on this
occasion and when he made the golden calf. R5308:3
Spake against Moses -- While both participated in the sin, Miriam was the
leading spirit. R5308:1
An Ethiopian woman -- A Negress. R3042:6
The start of the matter was a
question of family pride. R5308:
The Lord could have hindered the
marriage. He probably favored it so the Jews would not choose Moses' children
as his successors; they were supposed to look to the Lord as their leader.
R3061:4
Of an alien race, she replaced
Miriam as first lady, arousing Miriam's jealousy on religious grounds. R5308:1
Zipporah, typifying the Bride of
Christ. R1651:6
Perhaps Moses' first wife had
died, and Zipporah was his second wife. R5308:
Numbers 12:2
They said -- Miriam began to spread her seditious suggestions
throughout the camp of Israel. R5308:3
Also by us -- Miriam had been recognized by the Lord as a prophetess
and Aaron had been used as the mouthpiece of Moses. R5308:2
The LORD heard it -- The Lord is not inattentive to his own business. R5308:3
Numbers 12:3
Was very meek -- Thus a suitable type of the meek and lowly Nazarene and
of the members of his Body. R1651:3
If Moses had been proud and
arrogant he would have been unfit for the duties and responsibilities which
devolved upon him as the leader of his people out of Egypt to the borders of Canaan.
R5252:
Meekness was a marked
characteristic of all the prophets and Ancient Worthies. R1921:
Yet it was this same Moses who was
hindered from entering the promised land as a punishment for spiritual pride. R5957:3,
R4047:4, R3866:4
Numbers 12:8
Mouth to mouth -- Not through dreams and visions, but in plain language.
R5308:4
Similitude of the LORD -- Moses was granted a closer approach to the divine presence;
it may be that our Lord Jesus, as Michael, especially represented the Father
with Moses. R4055:2
Numbers 12:9
Anger of the LORD -- Typifying God's indignation against those who fail to
recognize him as leader of spiritual Israel and fail to honor those whom he
uses as his mouthpieces and servants. R4037:5
Numbers 12:10
She was leprous -- Aaron realized that he had assisted and upheld his
sister in a sinful course. R5308:4
Such prompt dealing with sin will
be the regular order under the Messianic Kingdom. R5308:6
Leprosy: typifying sin. R5308:5
Numbers 12:14
Seven days -- Type of a full and complete period of tests as respects
a putting away of sin. R5308:5
Numbers 13
Numbers 13:1
And the LORD -- The request of the people that the land be spied and
reported on before its conquest was begun was acceded to by Moses. R4045:3
Numbers 13:16
Jehoshua -- Je: Jehovah, Oshea: Salvation; hence, Jehovah's salvation,
shortened to Joshua (Greek: Jesus). R5335:3,
R4060:3
Numbers 13:17
The land of Canaan -- Typifying possession of the blessings promised by the
Lord. R5314:1, 4
Numbers 13:20
The time -- July, apparently one or two months were spent on the
journey. R5313:3
Numbers 13:23
Cluster of grapes -- Many Christians give an unsatisfactory sample of the
fruits of the spirit, hindering the outflow of the Lord's blessings. R4046:4
Numbers 13:26
Kadesh -- The place from which the spies were sent out. B48
A delightful place, well-watered,
sharp contrast to Paran. R5313:3
Numbers 13:29
The Amalekites -- The enemies of the land represent the weaknesses of the
flesh and the oppositions of the Christian's fallen nature. R5314:2
Numbers 13:30
We are well able -- Faith, though not minimizing the difficulties, counts on
God. R4046:5
To the eye of faith all things are
possible; to the eye of unbelief the conquest of the flesh is impossible.
R5314:2
Numbers 13:31
But the men -- The ten spies, representing the Great Company. R4046:4
We be not able -- Through timidity and lack of faith they murmured against
going up. R5388:
Unbelief never goes beyond the
difficulties, the cities, the walls, the giants. R4046:4*
Numbers 13:32
Evil report -- Presenting the matter from the standpoint of its
difficulties and forgetting the divine providences. R5313:6
That eateth up -- Perhaps by pestilence or local warfare. R3063:6
Numbers 13:33
We saw the giants -- Nephilim. "There were giants in the earth."
(Gen. 6:4) This was a false report. E104; R777:4
Probably some of the same families
afterward represented by Goliath. R5313:6
Giants of opposition and despair.
R4046:6
Numbers 14
Numbers 14:4
Return into Egypt -- To the world. R1842:6
Numbers 14:6
And Joshua -- Meaning "Deliverer of his people"; type of Jesus.
A79; R3064:5
And Caleb -- Meaning "Dog"; type of the Church, chiefly composed
of the poor of this world. R3064:5
Searched the land -- Joshua toured the entire country, some 300 miles; while
Caleb's group only went as far as Hebron. R4045:3
Numbers 14:7
The land -- Canaan, type of the rest of faith. R5345:4; T25
Canaan represents the conflict
conditions of the trial-state. F130
"We who believe do enter into
rest" in proportion to our exercise of faith. (Heb. 4:3) R5345:5
It is proper to speak of an
earthly and a heavenly Canaan. R3945:2
Numbers 14:13
And Moses -- Being more mindful of the Lord's honor than his own.
R1842:3
Numbers 14:14
Thy cloud -- Manifestation of divine power and presence. They stopped
with the cloud and journeyed when it moved. R5387:5
Numbers 14:17
The power of my Lord -- Pray, pleading God's glory. R5380:6*
Numbers 14:18
By no means -- He has, however, provided a way by which he can be just
and yet justify and release justly condemned sinners. This one just way is
through Christ. HG308:5
Clearing the guilty -- Moses did not ask the Lord to clear persistently willful
sinners. R1842:4
The demands of justice must be
satisfied. R2328:2; Q'05/10/20
Unto the third -- Deviations from the prototype are corrected in the
course of three generations. R4859:6*
Numbers 14:20
To thy word -- This mercy could be extended to the young, but not to
the adults (willful sinners), an illustration of the value of intercessory
prayer. R1842:5
Numbers 14:21
All the earth -- "He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from
the river unto the ends of the earth." (Psa. 72:8) R1415:1
Then all shall see the glorious
brightness of God's wisdom, justice, love and power. R5210:5
Shall be filled -- By the end of the Millennium. D656
Numbers 14:23
They -- Type of a class of willful sinners of this Gospel age
who come under condemnation to the Second Death. R1842:5
Numbers 14:31
They shall know -- Showing the value of intercessory prayer on behalf of
those who sin not unto death. R1842:5
Numbers 14:33
Children shall wander -- Illustrates that fidelity to the truth will in due time
be rewarded, though for a time the faithful may suffer on account of the
unfaithful. R1842:
Because of their lack of faith and
their rebellion. R5387:6
Forty years -- The remainder of 40 years. R4046:2
Typifying the period of Jewish
disfavor. R3064:4
Numbers 14:34
Day for a year -- A key by which nearly all time prophecies can be
unlocked. B9
The six creative days were not
24-hour days. The word "day" stands for epoch, or period. F19
Numbers 14:37
The evil report -- The false statement that they saw giants, or Nephilim,
whom the flood had destroyed, was part of it. E104
Numbers 14:44
Departed not -- We should never attempt any undertaking, temporal or
spiritual, without seeking to know the will of the Lord concerning it. R3062:
Numbers 15
Numbers 15:16
For the stranger -- The Mosaic Law was far ahead of its time. A50
Numbers 15:31
Cut off -- Willful enemies are cut off in Second Death. R1176:1
Numbers 15:32
Gathered sticks -- Contrary to the Law, which forbade any kind of work,
secular or religious. R1727:1
Numbers 15:34
It was not declared -- Moses' uncertainty proves the Sabbath to be a new law,
previously unknown. R1731:3, R972:
Numbers 15:35
Put to death -- To serve as a lesson; not so punished subsequently.
R2943:5
If the Sabbath still applies, so
does the strictness of its adherence. R970:1, R971:5
Numbers 15:38
Make them fringes -- A tassel. It is suggested that this was what led to the
rebellion of Korah. R5268:1*
Fringe of the borders -- Represents the "Vow unto the Lord." R5268:3*
Ribband of blue -- To inspire their fidelity by recalling God's
faithfulness. R100:6*
Numbers 16
Numbers 16:1
Now Korah -- Teaches us that in God's estimation there is no holiness
that does not include humility and full submission. R3100:2
Son of Levi -- The uprising was amongst the consecrated Levites. R5268:2*
Numbers 16:2
They rose up -- Represents those who fail to recognize divine
institutions in spiritual Israel. R4037:5
Numbers 16:3
Gathered themselves -- Typical of the opposition engendered against the Lord's
harvest work: "Why so high a standard?"
R5268:3*
Too much upon you -- "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured,
and were destroyed of the destroyer." (1 Cor 10:10) R2300:4
Had they recognized the Lord as
Governor they would have accepted Moses as his representative. R4047:
So some ignore Jesus and talk of
the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. R4047:2
Thus Christ calls not all, but a
special class. R4047:2
The Lord sets the members in the
Body, we are not to set ourselves. R4047:3
LORD is among them -- Boastfulness is not a sign of piety, but of the reverse.
R2300:5
Numbers 16:12
We will not come up -- Where the heart is wrong it cannot be guided by reason.
R3100:3
Numbers 16:17
Censer -- Pictures the bringing forth of many tracts and pamphlets
by those who oppose the harvest work. R5268:4*
Numbers 16:22
Of the spirits -- Ruach, life-power, spirit of life. E314
Numbers 16:30
Earth open -- Possibly showing being swallowed up by worldliness,
business, etc. R5268:4
Into the pit -- Sheol, oblivion, the death-state. E356; R828:3
Typical, here, of the Second
Death. R3100:5, R138:4*
Numbers 16:32
Swallowed them up -- Thus worldliness or various false ideas have swallowed
or buried in oblivion, as far as leadership is concerned, some who have become
heady and have been rejected by the Lord. R3100:6
Numbers 16:33
Into the pit -- Not only Korah, but his house and household goods all
went into hell. HG556:2
They perished -- Typifying the everlasting destruction of those who would
despise the antitypical Moses and his redemptive work. R4037:5
Numbers 16:41
Israel murmured -- Instead of recognizing the justice of the Lord in
dealing with those who were rebellious against his divine arrangements. R5268:4*
Typifying some who now falsely
accuse the Lord's true servants when the Lord himself has ceased to use some unfaithful
servant. R3101:
This same spirit may be noted in
our day. How many there are who, because not right at heart, are more or less
in sympathy with those with whom the Lord has no sympathy. R3100:6
Numbers 17
Numbers 17:2
A rod -- Authority; a special manifestation of divine power and
rule. R5419:5
Numbers 17:8
Of Aaron -- Representing the Royal Priesthood. T122
Was budded -- Showing the elect character of all the Body of Christ as
members of the Royal Priesthood. T122
And yielded almonds -- A peculiarity of the almond tree is that the fruit buds
appear before the leaves do; so with the Royal Priesthood: they bring forth fruit before the leaves of profession
are seen. T122
Numbers 17:10
To be kept -- In the ark of the testimony. T12
Numbers 17:13
Shall die -- Necessary because it illustrated something greater and
more important to come later. T12
Numbers 18
Numbers 18:1
Said unto Aaron -- Type of Christ. T38
Numbers 18:9
Every oblation -- Every offering made by the world of mankind during the
Millennial age. T92
Numbers 18:10
In the most holy -- The perfect spiritual condition. T92
Shalt thou -- Aaron and his sons, representing the Royal Priesthood.
T92
Eat It -- Accept it. T92
Numbers 18:19
Covenant of salt -- The covenant of faithfulness, a pledge of lasting
friendship. R4907:1
A covenant made over a sacrificial
meal with salt; its preservative qualities a symbol of an enduring compact. R2099:2*
Numbers 18:23
No inheritance -- Typifying that the imperfect conditions of the present
time are not the inheritance of those who are consecrated to the Lord and whose
hopes are heavenly. F130
All the Gospel Church are called
to heavenly conditions; therefore cut off from their earthly rights as men.
R5023:2
The antitypical Levites will not
have an earthly inheritance. Q436:1; R4655:2
Numbers 19
Numbers 19:2
Red heifer -- Type of the Ancient Worthies; red to teach that they
were not sinless, a heifer instead of a bullock to show that it was not one of
the sacrifices of the Day of Atonement. T106, T111; R4389:
They were justified by faith--red
represents the blood of Christ--they caught a glimpse of Christ's day. R1872:
Never came yoke -- Showing that the Ancient Worthies were justified, made
free from the Law covenant, thus to "obtain a good report through
faith." (Heb. 11:39) T110
Numbers 19:3
Eleazar the priest -- Probably typifying the Apostle Paul. The name Eleazar
signifies "Helped by God." T110
And one -- Not a priest, showing that the sacrifice did not in any
sense of the word represent the sacrifices of the Gospel age. T106
Before his face -- Representing that one of the underpriests would so
recognize and approve the sacrifices of the Ancient Worthies; as the Apostle
Paul has done in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. T110
Numbers 19:4
Before the tabernacle -- Showing that their lives were in full harmony with the
Tabernacle conditions. T110
Numbers 19:6
Take cedar wood -- Representing the gift of everlasting life to them. T109
And hyssop -- Representing the purging or cleansing of truth. T109
And scarlet -- Representing that they were justified or accepted by the
blood of the cross. T109
Cast It -- The ignominy heaped on the Ancient Worthies permitted
the merit of the blood, the cleansing of the truth and everlasting life, to be
accounted to them through faith. T110
Numbers 19:9
Gather up the ashes -- Representing the knowledge and remembrance of their
faithfulness unto death. T108
The instructions of the Ancient
Worthies. T112
In a clean place -- Picturing the store of blessings, instructions and help
by which the Ancient Worthies will assist in the restitution work. T11
Numbers 19:11
The dead body -- Representing Adamic death. T11
Numbers 19:16
Toucheth . . . a grave -- Ordinary graves were covered with a stone slab and
whitewashed lest someone tread upon them and be defiled. R5952:3
Numbers 19:19
In water -- Symbol of truth. T112
Numbers 20
Numbers 20:1
First month -- In April of the 40th year they assembled to enter the
promised land. R5315:1
Numbers 20:3
Chode with Moses -- All leaders of honor and influence carry weighty
responsibilities. R5315:1
Numbers 20:6
Glory of the LORD -- Surmised to have been a ray of light emanating from the
Mercy Seat in the Most Holy. R5315:
Unto them -- Possibly also manifest to the people of Israel, who looked
on. R5315:
Numbers 20:8
Take the rod -- Presumably "Aaron's rod that budded." R5315:
A reminder to the people of the
Lord's special acceptance of Aaron as the High Priest and assistant of Moses.
R5315:2
Numbers 20:10
Must we fetch -- Moses took the honor to himself instead of giving God
the glory. R41:1, R5957:4
One of the most illustrious
servants of God there fell under divine disapprobation. R5315:2
Similarly, the feet class will
need to be specially upheld by the Lord that they stumble not through pride or
self-conceit. R4047:5
Those who do not have sufficient
faith in the Lord as the real Head of the Church are generally those who feel
too much self-assurance. R3018:2
Numbers 20:11
And Moses -- Typifying, in this case, those who crucify the Son of
God afresh; commit the sin unto death. R3077:4, R4058:1, R5333:3, R5957:5
Smote the rock -- Type of Christ. R3077:4, R5333:3
In this he spoiled a type while he
made another type. Christ Jesus, the true Rock, was to be smitten but once for
our sins. But the second smiting made a new type--some now crucify Christ
afresh, committing the sin unto death--the Second Death. R3077:3, 4
Twice -- Twice, typically putting Christ "to an open shame."
(Heb. 6:6) R3077:4
The second time; the first time in
Ex. 17:1-7; this time he was to speak to the rock, not smite it. R3077:3
The smiting of the rock at the
beginning of Israel's experience was authorized; it was necessary that upon
Jesus should fall the rod of affliction. The second smiting may symbolize a smiting
of the people of God in the end of this age. R5315:3
Water came out -- Symbolizing the blessings which flow from the smiting of
Jesus' followers. Under the divine providence blessings will flow from the
wrong course, yet no greater blessings than might have come by pursuing the
right course. R5315:3
Numbers 20:12
Believed me not -- Self-assertion and lack of faith were Moses' sin.
R4047:6, R5315:5
Any denial of the Redeemer on the
part of the consecrated would signify a crucifying afresh, a smiting of the
rock a second time. R5315:4
The most unjust thing we can do is
judge Moses or any other man by his deeds and not by his fruits. R4055:5
Numbers 20:14
Of Edom -- Descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. R5316:1
Type of Christendom. D15
Numbers 20:21
Israel turned away -- The Midianites, Moabites and Edomites were related to
Abraham so Israel left them unmolested, except when they attacked. R5316:1
Numbers 2
Numbers 21:2
Vowed a vow -- Because of a pre-emptory attack by the Canaanites.
R3101:2
Numbers 21:3
The Canaanites -- Representing sin, its enticements and blandishments in
the weaknesses of the flesh. R3101:1
3
Utterly destroyed -- Not then, but a parenthesis showing that they later kept
their vow. R3101:2
Hormah -- So called, meaning "utter destruction,"
because of their vow. R3101:2
Numbers 21:4
Compass the land -- To take a shortcut through Edom, typical of taking in
the pleasures of this life and the fellowship of the world as part of the
Christian life. R5267:5*
Of Edom -- Type of Christendom. D15
Much discouraged -- Type of how in the nominal churches there is an
opposition to the narrow way of self-sacrifice. R5267:6
Because of the detour around Edom.
R5316:
Numbers 21:5
Spake against God -- Against the voice of the Lord through the Scriptures and
against all those who walk in the wilderness way. R5267:6*
Loatheth this light bread -- Representing a tendency of spiritual Israelites to lose
their appreciation for spiritual food and go hungering after the pleasures of
the world. Such a yielding to worldly appetites will surely expose them to the bite
of the serpent of sin. R2300:2
Numbers 21:6
Fiery -- Supposed to have been thus called because of red streaks
upon the head. Their bite so inflames the nervous system as to cause the
feeling of fire throughout the entire body, often resulting in death in a few
hours. R4048:2
In India several thousand people
die annually from the bite of the cobra. R3101:4
Serpents -- Representing sin. "The sting of death is sin."
(1 Cor. 15:56) R5239:1, R4037:5, R4048:4, R5316:4; PD34/45
Numbers 21:7
Pray unto the LORD -- On such occasions they understood that it was a
punishment and made no effort to use medicines. R2029:2
Numbers 21:8
When he looketh -- Our mission has been during the reign of sin and death
to point the sin-bitten to the Savior. R5316:4; SM767:
Not when Jesus was made flesh, nor
when exalted, but only when looked upon does he give life; looking by the eyes
of understanding is expressed by the word believing. R1328:5*
Numbers 21:9
Made a serpent -- Primarily representing sin, Satan's agent in alluring
our first parents into condemnation hence our Lord Jesus, who took the sinner's
place. "He made him who knew no sin to be a sin-offering for us." (2
Cor. 5:21 Diaglott) R4049:4, R4970:1, R5847:1; Q498:T
Of brass -- Copper, symbolizing the perfect humanity of our Lord.
T18; R3101:6
Upon a pole -- Type of the cross. "As Moses lifted up the serpent
in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." (John 3:14)
R5239:1, R4037:5, R4049:
Numbers 21:11
Moab -- The Moabites were children of Lot, Abraham's nephew.
R5316:
Numbers 22
Numbers 22:4
Midian -- The Midianites were children of Abraham by Keturah.
R5316:
Numbers 22:5
Balaam -- A Gentile. Before the Israelites had entered Canaan and
were fully recognized as God's holy nation, men of faith in God were more or
less recognized by him. R5322:3
To Pethor -- 400 miles away, on the Euphrates. R5322:3
River of the land -- The Euphrates, in the country which Abraham left when he
came to Canaan. R5322:3
Numbers 22:6
Is blessed -- Balaam was considered an oracle whose messages were sure
to come to pass. R5322:2
Numbers 22:7
Rewards of divination -- Salary, maintenance of position, friendship of wealthy
Balaks. R2204:5
Numbers 22:19
Tarry ye -- The nobles should have been kindly, but firmly, told
that the divine will was the law of Balaam. R5323:2
Say unto me more -- Balaam knew the mind of the Lord on the subject but was
a money-lover, hoping for a chance to get some reward. R5322:3
Numbers 22:21
And Balaam -- Type of a class that teaches error for profit. (Jude
1:11-16) F166
Numbers 22:22
Stood in the way -- Angels can be, and frequently are, present, yet
invisible. A182
Numbers 22:33
Turned from me -- Even an ass knew better than to go contrary to the
Higher Power. R5323:2
Numbers 22:38
Have I now any power -- Illustrating how the holy Spirit in the Jewish age took
possession of prophets as machines. R217:6
Numbers 23
Numbers 23:1
Seven altars -- He would have a form of godliness even while desiring to
do contrary to the divine will. R5322:6
Numbers 23:8
How shall I curse? -- While outwardly he still remained loyal to God, yet
inwardly his harmony with God was gone. R5323:2
Numbers 23:9
Shall dwell alone -- Israel shall be separate from all other nations. To this
day they remain a people of preserved identity. R5323:6
Numbers 23:10
Let me -- Nephesh, the sentient being, soul. E334
Death of the righteous -- Our Lord Jesus. When we think of death we should think
of his death, laying down our lives for the brethren. R4055:4
Numbers 23:19
That he should lie -- In contrast with Satan, the father of lies. (John 8:44)
Q765:4
Numbers 23:21
Not beheld iniquity -- God's covenant with Israel was that while they would be
loyal to him and his Law, their enemies could not prevail against them. R5323:4
Numbers 24
Numbers 24:9
Blessed is he -- Great Britain and the United States, nations which have
blessed the Jew, have in turn received great blessings. R5323:6
Cursed is he -- Every nation that has dealt harshly with Israel has
received severe chastisement or blight. R5323:6
Numbers 24:17
There shall come -- Referring to Messiah's Kingdom. R5323:6
A Star -- "I am the bright and morning star." (Rev. 22:16)
R5323:6
And a Sceptre -- The right to rule. B83
Numbers 24:18
And Edom -- Type of Christendom. D15
Numbers 24:20
Amalek -- Type of willful sinners of the Millennial age. F174
Numbers 24:25
To his place -- He evidently remained to oversee the work of iniquity
and to secure the rewards of his nefarious advice. R5323:5
Numbers 25
Numbers 25:1
Whoredom -- Guided by Balaam, Balak had Midianite women seduce
Israelites so they would be cursed by God's Law. R5323:3
Spiritual fornication is any
illicit fellowship with the world by those betrothed to Christ; friendship in
spirit with those who have not the Lord's spirit. R2300:1
Numbers 25:2
Sacrifices of their gods -- "Balaam taught Balak to cast a stumbling block
before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit
fornication." (Rev. 2:14) R5323:3
Numbers 25:5
Slay -- The death of thousands of Israelites on such occasions
was the whole penalty for their sin. They did not drop into a hell of torment.
R5323:4
God also punished the Midianites
and Balaam. (Num. 31:2, 8) R5323:5
Numbers 26
Numbers 26:51
601,730 -- The male forces numbering less than when they left
Egypt. (Num. 1:46) HG362:3
Numbers 26:54
More inheritance -- The Mosaic Law particularly safeguarded the interests of
the poor. A50
Numbers 26:56
Between many and few -- No laws more carefully provide that rich and poor shall
stand on a common level in accountability before the civil law. HG535:1
Numbers 26:58
Amram -- Type of The Christ. F128
Numbers 26:61
Nadab and Abihu -- Types of those who sin the sin unto death during the
Gospel age, and of the Great Company. T4
Numbers 27
Numbers 27:15
And Moses -- Without complaint and with touching sweetness and
grandeur of nobility in his devotion to the Lord and to his people. R1850:
Numbers 27:16
Set a man -- When God bade Moses make ready to ascend the mount to
view the promised land and there to lie down and die alone, Moses' only reply
was an expression of deep concern for Israel. Then he applied himself to the
completion of his work, giving his fatherly counsel to his beloved people, as
recorded in Deuteronomy. R1850:
Numbers 27:18
Take thee Joshua -- Type of The Christ. A79
Numbers 27:21
Urim -- Associated with the breastplate stones, but nothing is
specifically known. Q697:2, Q728:2
Numbers 28
Numbers 28:17
The fifteenth day -- Their Passover week always began with the 15th of Nisan,
by divine direction. R2115:5
Numbers 30
Numbers 30:2
Not break his word -- Subsequent verses show that a vow made by a wife or
daughter was void unless ratified by the husband or father, whose
responsibility as head of the family was thus shown. R2100:5
Numbers 30:7
Held his peace -- The husband, not dissenting to his wife's consecration,
should give liberty to her conscience. R2747:3
Numbers 3
Numbers 31:8
They slew -- Not only did God punish the Israelites for their
whoredom (Num. 25:1-4), but he also punished the Midianites and Balaam. R5323:5
Balaam also -- Type of the class that teach error for profit. (Jude
1:11-16) F166
Numbers 31:16
Counsel of Balaam -- He instructed King Balak how to tempt Israel to sin. So
Pagan priests taught the Church to indulge in spiritual fornication. R5993:1,
R491:3*
Some of these Balaams are in the
ministry for the sake of salary and are willing to preach doctrines which they
do not believe. R2204:5
Numbers 31:19
Killed any person -- Nephesh, Sentient being, soul. E334
Touched any slain -- From the Lord's standpoint war is unclean. R3276:4
Numbers 31:28
One soul -- Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E324
The Word of God speaks both of men
and of beasts as souls. R5166:1
Numbers 32
Numbers 32:11
Not wholly followed -- The majority failed to enter Canaan because of their
lack of faith, their fearfulness and their consequent rebellion. R5387:6
Numbers 32:23
Sin will find you -- As King Ahab was met by Elijah as he entered the
vineyard which Queen Jezebel obtained for him by perfidy. R5771:2
Zedekiah was overthrown because he
broke his vow to Nebuchadnezzar. Disloyalty to our vow to the Lord would mean
Second Death. R3623:3-5
Numbers 33
Numbers 33:11
Wilderness of Sin -- Type of the wilderness of sin through which the Church
journeys to the heavenly Canaan. A22
Numbers 35
Numbers 35:11
Cities of refuge -- Typifying Christ. R4079:6, R3093:2
Killeth any person -- Nephesh, soul, sentient being. E334
Numbers 35:12
The avenger -- Every Jew was an avenger of God to render just
punishment--not so with the Christian. R5645:1, 4
Typifying justice. "It is a
fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Heb. 10:31)
R3093:4
Numbers 35:24
Congregation shall judge -- The cities of refuge did not shelter a willful murderer,
but accorded a fair trial. R4079:3
Was it malicious? Was it with
guile? Was there enmity between the two men? R3092:5
Numbers 35:25
Unto the death -- As long as Christ continues in his priestly office, at
the end of the Millennium. R4080:
Of the high priest -- Typifying the new dispensation when we shall be
presented faultless before the Father's presence after the last member of the
High Priest has died and has been glorified. R3093:4
Numbers 35:31
Put to death -- Christ is no shelter for unrepentant sinners. R4079:6
Because even the measure of life
enjoyed is so much of the original divine gift and no one is at liberty to
treat it lightly. R3092:3
Evidently the lesson of just
retribution for sin was to be deeply impressed upon the people of Israel. R5645:4