Numbers 14

Numbers 14:3

A stranger - Who is a proselyte.

Numbers 14:4

Namely, the tent of the testimony - Or, the tabernacle above the tent of the testimony, that is, that part of the tabernacle in which was the testimony, or the ark of the testimony; for there the cloudy pillar stood. This was an evident token of God’s special presence with, and providence over them. And this cloud was easily distinguished from other clouds, both by its peculiar figure and by its constant residence in that place. Fire - That they might better discern it and direct themselves and their journeys or stations by it. Had it been a cloud only, it had scarce been visible by night: And had it been a fire only, it would have been scarce discernable by day. But God was pleased to give them sensible demonstrations, that he kept them night and day.

Numbers 14:6

Was taken up - Or, ascended on high, above its ordinary place, by which it became more visible to all the camp.

Numbers 14:7

The motion or stay of the cloud is fitly called the command of God, because it was a signification of God’s will and their duty.

Numbers 14:8

The charge - That is, the command of God, that they should stay as long as the cloud stayed.

Numbers 14:10

When the cloud abode - This is repeated again and again, because it was a constant miracle, and because it is a matter we should take particular notice of, as highly significant and instructive. It is mentioned long after by David, Psalms 105:39, and by the people of God after their captivity, Nehemiah 9:19. And the guidance of this cloud is spoken of, as signifying the guidance of the Blessed Spirit, Isaiah 63:14. The Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest, and so didst thou lead the people. And thus, in effect, does he guide, all those, who commit their ways unto the Lord. So that they may well say, Father, thy will be done! Dispose of me and mine as thou pleasest. Here I am, waiting on my God, to journey and rest at the commandment of the Lord. What thou wilt, and where thou wilt: only let me be thine, and always in the way of my duty.

Numbers 14:15

Two trumpets - For Aaron’s two sons: though afterwards the number of the trumpets was much increased, as the number of the priests also was. These trumpets were ordained, both for signification of the great duty of ministers, to preach the word; and for use, as here follows.

Numbers 14:19

For their journeys - As a sign for them to march forward, and consequently for the rest to follow them.

Numbers 14:22

Ye shall be saved - If you use this ordinance of God with trust and dependance upon God for help.

Numbers 14:23

In the days of your gladness - Days appointed for rejoicing and thanksgiving to God for former mercies, or deliverances. Your solemn days - Your stated festivals. For a memorial - That God may remember you for good to accept and bless you. God then takes pleasure in our religious exercises, when we take pleasure in them. Holy work should be done with holy joy.

Numbers 14:25

Paran - From which they travelled to other places, and then returned into it again, Numbers 12:16.

Numbers 14:34

The others - The Gershonites, and Merarites, who therefore marched after the first camp, a good distance from, and before the Kohathites, that they might prepare the tabernacle for the reception of its utensils, which the Kohathites brought some time after them.

Numbers 14:42

Raguel - Called also Reuel, Exodus 2:18, who seems to be the same with Jethro; it being usual in scripture for one person to have two or three names. And therefore this Hobab is not Jethro, but his son, which may seem more probable, because Jethro was old and unfit to travel, and desirous, as may well be thought, to die in his own country, whither he returned, Exodus 18:27, but Hobab was young and fitter for these journeys, and therefore entreated by Moses to stay and bear them company.

Numbers 14:43

I will not go - So he might sincerely say, though afterward he was overcome by the persuasions of Moses.

Numbers 14:44

Thou mayest be to us instead of eyes - To direct and guide us: for though the cloud determined them to a general place, yet many particulars might be unknown to Moses, wherein Hobab, having long lived in those parts, might be able to advise him, as concerning the conveniences of water for their cattle, concerning the safety or danger of the several parts, by reason of serpents or wild - beasts, or enemies, in the parts adjoining to them, that so they might guard themselves better against them. Or, this is to be understood of his directing them not so much in their way. as about great and difficult matters, wherein the counsel he had from God did not exclude the advice of men, as we see in Hobab’s father Jethro, Exodus 18:19 - 27. And it is probable, this was the wise son of a wise father.