Numbers 31

Numbers 31:2

AVenge] For their malignant and fraudulent injurie, of bringing them to idolatry, the meanes of thei women which were suborned thereunto, Num. 25. 2. and 31. 16: The Midianites] the Moabites were also partakers in this misdeed; See upon Num. 22. 4. and 25. 1. but the Lord wa pleased to spare them 〈◊〉 Deuteronomy 2:9.

Numbers 31:3

The Lord] Who had been wronged in his glory and service, through this idolatry, procured by the Midianites.

Numbers 31:6

Instruments] The Arke with all their furniture, which sometimes was carried to the wars, Numbers 14:44. Joshua 6:9. 1 Sam. 4. 4. and 14. 18. Or only the sacred Ephod, with Urim and Thummim, for to inquire of the Lord, as the occurences and necessities of the war required, as 1 Sam. 23. 9. and 30. 7. according to the command, Numbers 27:21.

Numbers 31:7

All the males] According to the order of war, established by God himself, Deuteronomy 20:13. Judges 21:11. 1 Samuel 27:9. 1 Kings 11:15-16. in the wars against other nations save the Amorites, who were to be destroyed according to the manner of the injunction, without any distinction.

Numbers 31:8

The Kings] See Numbers 22:4 Balaam] See Numbers 24:25.

Numbers 31:10

Wherein they dwelt] Over all the precincts of their countrey.

Numbers 31:12

Neere Jericho] See Numbers 22:1.

Numbers 31:14

Was wroth] Either because that Gods command, Deuteronomy 20:13. to destroy women also, was already published, or because the souldiers had not taken notice of the end of this service, which was to punish the enemies for misleading the people by the meanes of women.

Numbers 31:18

Keep alive] For to be your servants or slaves.

Numbers 31:20

Rayment] Of the prey or spoile; Goats haire] whereof in old times was made a kind of course cloth, for tents or souldiers coates, coverings for carriage,&c. See Exo. 25. 4. and 26. 7.

Numbers 31:21

This is] This manner of purifying by the water of separation, is a common ordinance for all such like uncleannesses, Num. 19. 12. 15. 19. but I as high Priest, do now enjoyn you a particular one by fire, in signe of extreame abomination of that, whereto these mettals had been employed and made use of amongst the Midianites.

Numbers 31:28

Of five hundred] According to the proportion of tithes; for the Levites took the tenth of the fruits of the earth, of the people, & the Priests took the of Levites the tenth of the tenth, Num. 8. 26. So the Levites had here one of fifty, and the Priests one of five hundred.

Numbers 31:32

Being the rest] After the slaughter of the males and the females which had known man, & some waste which might be made by the army in its return, and whilst it lay without the campe.

Numbers 31:41

As the Lord] Either being a new and singular command, which he had received from God for this action, as v. 47. or because that Moses did bring it in as by necessary consequence, from that which God had commanded in gnerall, Numbers 18:8.

Numbers 31:50

Therfore] We offer him this oblation of gold, for an acknowledgement, that through his grace he hath miraculously preserved us all from the dangers of war, and brought us home again healthfull and safe, though we had given occasion enough to cause us to perish, Exodus 30:12.

Numbers 31:52

Shekels] A weight, or coine of halfe an ounce, Exo, 30. 13.

Numbers 31:54

Memoriall] See upon Exodus 30:16.