Numbers 25

Numbers 25:1

ABode] was encamped, as Numbers 24:1 Commit whoredome] being inticed by the Midianitish women, according to Balaams counsell, Num: 24. 14. and 31. 16. Revelation 2:14

Numbers 25:2

Vnto the sacrifices] That is to say to the feasts which they made of the flesh, consecrated to idolls; whereof one part was already offered. See that prohibited Exodus 34:15.

Numbers 25:3

Joyned himself] Committed idolatry, which is a spirituall fornication and adultery, communicating with the Idoll, by participating of his table; by which was signified an acknowledgement of, and a dependency from him. See upon 1 Corinthians 10:20 Baal-Peor] An idoll of the Moabites. Baal was a name common to many Idols, especially such as represented any starre or planet, and signifieth Master, Lord. The addition of Peor is taken from the hill Peor, where he was worshipped. Numbers 23:28.

Numbers 25:4

The heads] Those which have consented, dissembled, or participated in this wickednesse Hang the〈…〉] By this punishing of the guilty, give my justice satisfaction, and appease my wrath, which is kindled against the people. See upon Deuteronomy 21:23. 2 Samuel 21:6 Before] publikely for a spectacle layd open to all mens view.

Numbers 25:5

Judges.] See Exodus 18:21 His men] Which are under his charge and jurisdiction, according to the order of the rulers of the people, set over a certaine number of families. Exodus 18:25.

Numbers 25:6

The Congregation] Namely, he great councell of he people, Numbrrs 1. 16. and 16. 2 Were weeping] through extream grief, making intercession for the peoples sinne towards God, as Numbers 20 6.

Numbers 25:8

The tent] The Italian hath it, The brothell] The Hebrew word signifieth certaine little houses, or tents set up neere to the Idols Temples, where prostitute persons went to commit fornication. See 2 Kings 23:7 Thrust both of them through]An act of extraordinary zeal, and motion of Gods spirit, in a cruell and fierce delict, which was approved in Phineha’s by God after the act was done: and by Moses the supream Magist ate, the execution being done under his eyes, and knowne to him Through her belly] Or through the naturall parts Others have it, in the Brothell house The plague] This word in like Histories signifieth some suddain mortality caused by Pestilence, or otherwise: and it is likely that some such destruction happened at this time, besides the execution which was done by the hand of men.

Numbers 25:9

Twenty and foure] The Apostle 1 Corinthians 10:8 speaketh onely of three and twenty thousand; but it seemeth he speaketh onely of them that dyed by the hand of God: and that Moses addeth thereunto a thousand more, which were put to death by the Judges.

Numbers 25:11

Hath turned] Having wrought my revenge, having strongly and angerly conceived mine indignation.

Numbers 25:12

My Covenant] By expresse covenant I conferre upon him and his posterity the dignity of high Priest, for to be an everlasting Mediator for peace between me and my people, as he hath been at this time by appeasing my wrath: Or else which dignity, he shall quietly enjoy without any disturbance. See Mal. 2, 4, 5.

Numbers 25:13

His seca] This suffered some interruption through some unknown cause or accident, when Eli who was of Itamars line, obtained the high Priest-hood, and left it to his children afterward: but a little while after, by vertue of this promise, it came again into Eleazar & Phinchas his stock in Zadock. See 1 Samuel 2:35. 1 Kings 2. 26. 34. 1 Chronicles 24:3 An atonement] by just revenge and punishment, not by expiation or satisfaction.

Numbers 25:14

A chief house] One of those great households whereinto each tribe was divided. See Numbers 1:2.

Numbers 25:15

Head over a people] A principall man amongst his people, who was Lord over some part of the Midianites: and peradventure it was the same Zur as was called King. Numbers 31:8. Joshuah 13. 21.

Numbers 25:18

Of Peor] Of the Idoll Baal-Peor.