Numbers 15

Numbers 15:2

YOur habitations] In the Land of Cahaan, where ye shall have fixed dwellings, and not wander nor dwell in Tents, as now you doe.

Numbers 15:3

tenth deale] That is, the tenth part of an Ephah, to wit, an Omer; what that is, see Annot. on Exodus 16:36.

Numbers 15:4

of flowre] Which is offered onely with the holocaust, or whole-burnt-offering, and with the peace-offerings; but not with the sin-offering, or trespasse-offering.

Hin of oyle] See Annot. on Exodus 29:40. The fourth part of an Hin is fourtie ounces that is, three pound and foure ounces Troy weight, reckoning twelve ounces to the pound; according to this, gold, silver, pearles, precious stones, electuaries, and bread are weighed.

Numbers 15:9

three tenth deales] See the first Annot. on vers. 4.

Numbers 15:14

so shall he doe] If he be a Proselyte, and embrace the same beliefe and religion with you.

Numbers 15:15

One ordinance] One ordinance here, and one law, vers. 16. are to be understood for matters of religion, wherein an Israelite and a stranger came under one rule; for in Civill matters there was much difference; for which see Levit. 25. vers. 44, 45, 46. & Deuteronomy 23:20.

Numbers 15:20

first of your dough] Which is made of the first corne ye gather and bake; but not onely that was to be given, (as some resolve) but as they were to set apart at least the sixtieth part of of their harvest fruits, to be given in the name of the first-fruits unto the Priests; so as often as they baked, they were to give a cake unto the Priest, which was not to be sent to Jerusalem, nor were the first fruits to be sent thither, but to be given to the Priests, where they dwelled and performed some of their holy ministration. See Annot. on Numbers 35:2.

Numbers 15:22

if ye have erred] As by oversight, or ignorance. See Leviticus 4:2. 13.

Numbers 15:24

burnt-offering] This bullock for a burnt-offering, and the goate for a sin-offering are added to the ordinance, Leviticus 4:13. for the sinne of the whole Congregation.

Numbers 15:30

reproacheth the Lord] For by this presumption, he maketh as if God were an ignorant God, that did not know his wickednesse; or a carelesse God, that would not; or an impotent God, that could not punish his rebellion.

that soule] That is, that person; see Annot. on Leviticus 5:1.

cut off] Either by the hand of the Magistrate, where his presumption deserveth death by the law; or by immediate vengeance from the hand of God, as Chap. 14. vers. 37.

Numbers 15:32

gathered sticks] The Sabbath in respect of cessation from workes, was precisely observed in the wildernesse; but so were not sacrifices.

Numbers 15:34

not declared] But was it not declared what should be done when it was expresly decreed that the Sabbath-breaker should be put to death? Exodus 31:14. & Exodus 35:2. Answ. First, though the Law was a killing letter in the rigour of it, yet it might admit of some favourable construction of necessitie, which might make the offender capable of pardon: Secondly, (which is more certaine) though there were a law to put to death a Sabbath-breaker, yet it was not declared what manner of death he should die; and of that the question being proposed, the answer is made by declaring the kinde of death he must suffer, which is set downe in the next verse.

Numbers 15:35

stone him] Capitall punishments among the Jewes were either by 1 strangling; (which was not done by hanging as some conceive, (though it seeme otherwise, Deut. 21. 22, 23.) but by putting a towell about the neck of him that was to die, (standing) two executioners plucking the towell contrary waies untill he were stifled; yet when execution was done, in some cases, viz. in the fourth of those that follow, the dead body was to be hanged up for a time for caution to others, which was limited in the place fore-cited) or 2 by slaying with the sword: 3 by burning: or 4 by stoning: of these, the two last were most painfull, and therefore inflicted upon the greatest offenders. This may seeme to be too severe for so small a trespasse, but it may be it was done presumptuously, or with publique scandall; howsoever it is not a light offence, (though many make little of it) to doe needlesse workes upon the Sabbath day.

Numbers 15:38

fringe] The fringe and riband on the border of the garment were helpes to memorie; so that when men looked on them they might be admonished of their duty to God; which being upon the borders of their garment, or upon the foure quarters, they could not which way soever they went in company but be in the view of those that met or followed one another: It is thought our Saviour wore such, which was touched by the woman, who by a touch was cured of her disease, Luke 8:44.

Numbers 15:39

after which ye use] That is, after those things which are the delightfull objects of your hearts, and eyes, ye goe a whoring; that is, you breake your vowes of loyall love and affection to me, who have married you to my selfe, and like whorish wives, prostitute your selves to Idols. See Hos. 2. vers. 2. & 19.