King James Version
Numbers 7
89 verses with commentary
Offerings for the Tabernacle Dedication
And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
On the tabernacle's dedication day, 'Moses had fully set it up, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof.' The Hebrew 'kalah' (fully/completely) emphasizes thorough completion according to God's exact pattern (Ex 25:9). The anointing oil consecrated the tabernacle for God's exclusive use, separating it from common use. This dedication occurred on the first day of the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: and were: Heb. who stood
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KJV Study Commentary
The leaders of Israel, heads of their fathers' houses, who were the rulers of the tribes, offered willingly. These tribal leaders presented dedicatory gifts after the tabernacle's completion. The phrase 'offered willingly' (vayaqrivu, וַיַּקְרִיבוּ) indicates voluntary gifts beyond required offerings. The leaders' generosity set example for their tribes. Their offerings (described in detail, Numbe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The princes' offering of six covered wagons and twelve oxen demonstrates generous, coordinated giving for God's work. These were not token gifts but substantial, practical resources for transporting the tabernacle. The covered wagons protected the sacred items from weather and dust. The Reformed principle of proportionate giving is evident—these were leaders giving according to their capacity. Two...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
The Lord's speech to Moses establishes that all offerings must be received according to divine direction, not human preference. God would determine how the wagons and oxen were distributed. This teaches that even generous gifts must be stewarded according to God's wisdom. The phrase 'of them' emphasizes acceptance—God receives what is offered in faith. The Reformed principle of divine sovereignty ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses receiving the wagons and oxen to distribute to the Levites shows proper ecclesiastical authority in handling gifts for ministry. The phrase 'every man according to his service' establishes the principle of distributing resources based on actual need and function. Not all received equally, but all received appropriately. This demonstrates the Reformed understanding that gifts are tools for se...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Moses taking the wagons and oxen positions him as faithful steward of resources given for God's work. He didn't keep them or distribute them according to personal preference but faithfully allocated them as God commanded. This models faithful church leadership—receiving gifts on behalf of the body and stewarding them for maximum kingdom effectiveness. The Reformed emphasis on accountability in lea...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**38. those that encamp, &c.--**That being the entrance side, it was the post of honor, and consequently reserved to Moses and the priestly family. But the sons of Moses had no station here.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The allocation of two wagons and four oxen to the Gershonites provided transportation proportionate to their burden—the tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and hangings. These fabric items, while extensive, were lighter than the structural components. The principle of proportionate provision demonstrates God's wisdom—He supplies according to need, neither excess nor insufficiency. This reflects the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39. twenty and two thousand--**The result of this census, though made on conditions most advantageous to Levi, proved it to be by far the smallest in Israel. The separate numbers stated in Nu 3:22, 28, 34, when added together, amount to twenty-two thousand three hundred. The omission of the three hundred is variously accounted for--by some, because they might be first-born who were already devot...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Merarites receiving four wagons and eight oxen—double what the Gershonites received—reflects their heavier burden of boards, bars, pillars, and sockets. The bronze and wooden framework was substantially heavier than fabric coverings. This demonstrates that God distributes resources equitably based on need, not equally regardless of circumstances. The Reformed principle that to whom much is giv...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The Kohathites receiving no wagons appears surprising until we remember their unique calling—they carried the most sacred objects (ark, table, lampstand, altars) on their shoulders. These items were too holy to be placed on wagons pulled by animals. Physical proximity and direct human contact emphasized their sanctity. This teaches that the most precious things require the most careful handling. T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle.(1-9)
The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar.(10-89)
**Verses 1-9**
The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the gr...
Read full commentary →And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The princes offered for the altar's dedication 'on the day that it was anointed.' Their voluntary, generous gifts demonstrated joyful worship - bringing beyond required offerings. Each tribe's identical offering (v.13-83) showed equality before God regardless of tribe size or prominence. The repetitive recording of each tribe's offering honors every giver - God notices and values each act of worsh...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The instruction that one prince per day would offer demonstrates orderly worship and prevents chaos or competition. Spreading the offerings over twelve days allowed each tribal leader to present his gift with proper ceremony and attention. This reflects the Reformed principle of decency and order in worship—God is not honored by confusion or haste but by thoughtful, orderly service. The daily patt...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Nahshon, prince of Judah, offering on the first day establishes Judah's prominence among the tribes. This foreshadows Judah's role as the royal tribe from which David and ultimately Christ would come. His offering sets the pattern that all other princes will follow, making his leadership representative. The Reformed understanding of covenant headship is reflected—one leader represents and patterns...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The detailed inventory of Nahshon's offering—silver charger and bowl with specific weights, golden spoon filled with incense—demonstrates that worship of God deserves our finest resources. The weights indicated substantial value; these were not token gifts but costly sacrifices. The combination of silver (redemption), gold (deity/purity), and incense (prayer) represents comprehensive worship. The ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden spoon weighing ten shekels, full of incense, represents prayer ascending to God. Incense consistently symbolizes prayer throughout Scripture. The gold vessel emphasizes the preciousness of prayer—we approach God not through ordinary means but through channels refined and precious. The specific weight indicates standardization; each prince brought the same amount, showing that God receiv...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The young bullock, ram, and lamb without blemish for burnt offering represent comprehensive dedication—strength (bullock), leadership (ram), and innocence (lamb). The burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender to God. The requirement that animals be without blemish teaches that God deserves perfect offerings, not defective gifts. This prefigures Christ, the spo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The kid of the goats for a sin offering addresses the reality that even in dedication, atonement is needed. Before communion with God (peace offering) or dedication (burnt offering), sin must be addressed. The sin offering blood was sprinkled on the altar's horns and poured at its base, signifying that sin's penalty is death and only blood can atone. The Reformed doctrine of substitutionary atonem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The peace offerings of oxen, rams, goats, and lambs constituted a feast celebrated in God's presence. These offerings were partially burned on the altar, partially given to the priests, and partially eaten by the offerer, symbolizing communion with God and community. The variety and number of animals (seven total) indicate abundant provision for celebration. This reflects the Reformed understandin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Nethaneel, prince of Issachar, offering on the second day continues the pattern established by Nahshon. His identical offering demonstrates unity of purpose and equality of devotion among the tribes. While Judah had prominence in order, Issachar's equal gift showed that all tribes contributed fully to God's house. This reflects the Reformed understanding of the body of Christ—different members wit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repetition of the identical offering—silver charger, silver bowl, golden spoon—emphasizes the standardized nature of acceptable worship. God prescribed the amount and type, ensuring equity and preventing either ostentation or stinginess. This standardization teaches that while our hearts may differ, God establishes clear expectations for worship. The Reformed regulative principle of worship is...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40-51. Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.--**The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as subst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repeated golden spoon full of incense emphasizes the constancy of prayer in worship. Day after day, tribe after tribe, the same precious prayers ascended to God. This repetition teaches that prayer is not occasional but continual, not varied by circumstances but constant in devotion. The golden vessel holding prayer illustrates that we approach God through precious means—in the New Testament, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering of bullock, ram, and lamb continues the pattern of total dedication to God. These three animals together—the strength of the ox, the leadership of the ram, and the innocence of the lamb—represent the totality of what Israel offered. Each completely consumed by fire, holding nothing back. This comprehensive dedication prefigures Christ who gave Himself wholly as our burnt offerin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sin offering of a kid of the goats appears in every tribal offering, emphasizing the universal need for atonement. No tribe was exempt from sin; all required blood sacrifice for approach to God. This repetition drives home the Reformed doctrine of total depravity—every person, every tribe, every nation stands guilty before God and needs substitutionary atonement. The repeated goat offerings po...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 4 Nu 4:1-49. Of the Levites' Service.
**2-3. sons of Kohath, from thirty years old and upward--**This age was specifically fixed (see on Nu 8:24) as the full maturity of bodily energy to perform the laborious duties assigned them in the wilderness, as well as of mental activity to assist in the management of the sacred services. And it was the period of life at which John the Baptist and ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The peace offerings—two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs—provided abundant meat for fellowship meals. The numbers (totaling twelve animals) speak of completeness and abundance. These offerings transformed worship from duty into celebration, from sacrifice into feast. This reflects the theological truth that reconciliation with God leads to joy and fellowship, not merely obligation. The Refo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 4 Nu 4:1-49. Of the Levites' Service.
**2-3. sons of Kohath, from thirty years old and upward--**This age was specifically fixed (see on Nu 8:24) as the full maturity of bodily energy to perform the laborious duties assigned them in the wilderness, as well as of mental activity to assist in the management of the sacred services. And it was the period of life at which John the Baptist and ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eliab, prince of Zebulun, offering on the third day maintains the pattern. His tribe's equal participation demonstrates that geographic location (Zebulun would settle in the north) or tribal status did not diminish the expectation of full devotion. Every tribe had equal access to God and equal responsibility to worship Him fully. This reflects the New Testament truth that in Christ there is neithe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repeated inventory—silver charger, silver bowl, golden spoon with specified weights—emphasizes that God's prescription for worship doesn't change based on who is offering. The same standard applies to prince and pauper, first tribe and last. This consistency reflects God's immutable character—He doesn't change His standards based on circumstances. The Reformed doctrine of God's immutability is...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden spoon full of incense represents the fullness and richness of prayer that should characterize God's people. Not a pinch, but full—wholehearted, abundant prayer. The gold vessel reminds us that prayer is precious to God, not a burden or obligation but a privilege. The Reformed tradition's emphasis on regular prayer finds support here—prayer should be continuous, full, and valued, not spo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering animals—young bullock, ram, lamb—each represent different aspects of dedication. The young bullock in its prime strength, the ram in its mature leadership, and the lamb in its innocent submission together picture comprehensive consecration. These three together prefigure Christ who brought strength, leadership, and innocent submission to His sacrifice. The Reformed understanding...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The sin offering kid of the goats addresses sin even in the context of joyful dedication. Celebration doesn't eliminate the need for atonement; rather, atonement makes celebration possible. This ordering—sin addressed before fellowship enjoyed—establishes the gospel pattern. We cannot feast with God until sin is dealt with through sacrifice. The Reformed ordo salutis (order of salvation) is prefig...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The peace offerings' abundance—two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs—created substantial fellowship meals. The generous provision reflects God's character as the generous host who provides abundantly for those reconciled to Him. Peace offerings were not austere obligations but lavish celebrations. This abundance points forward to the wedding feast of the Lamb, where God's people will feast e...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Elizur, prince of Reuben, offering on the fourth day continues the pattern despite Reuben's complicated tribal history. Reuben was Jacob's firstborn but lost his birthright due to sin. Yet here, his tribal representative offers the same gifts as Judah and all others. This demonstrates that God's grace overcomes past failure. The Reformed doctrine of irresistible grace is reflected—God's call and p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repeated offering specifications—silver charger of 130 shekels, bowl of 70, golden spoon of 10—establish that God's requirements don't vary based on personal history or tribal status. Reuben's past sin didn't result in a diminished expectation or offering. This teaches that God's standard for worship is consistent, not adjusting down for the weak or up for the strong. The Reformed understandin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden spoon full of incense represents prayer that is both precious (gold vessel) and complete (full). This combination teaches that prayer should be both valued and wholehearted. Incomplete, half-hearted prayer dishonors the God we approach. The fullness suggests fervent, comprehensive prayer—thanksgiving, confession, petition, intercession—all aspects of communion with God. The Reformed tra...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering animals—bullock, ram, lamb—wholly consumed by fire represent total dedication without reservation. Nothing held back, nothing preserved for personal use. This complete offering prefigures Christ who gave Himself entirely for our redemption, holding nothing back, not even His life. The Reformed doctrine of Christ's complete satisfaction for sin is illustrated—His sacrifice was to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The kid of the goats for sin offering addresses the ongoing reality that even redeemed people continue to sin and need atonement. The repeated sin offering day after day throughout the dedication emphasizes that dealing with sin is not a one-time event but an ongoing necessity. This prefigures the Christian life where we continually confess sin and receive forgiveness, not because Christ's sacrifi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The peace offerings creating fellowship meals transformed worship from individual sacrifice into communal celebration. Eating together in God's presence fostered unity among the tribes while celebrating vertical reconciliation with God. These meals were not somber but joyful, reflecting the truth that reconciliation produces joy. The abundant provision—twelve animals total—ensured everyone could p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--**They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Shelumiel, prince of Simeon, offering on the fifth day continues the established pattern. Simeon's tribal history included violence (Genesis 34) and later loss of independent territory, yet his representative offers fully and equally with all others. This demonstrates that God's grace reaches beyond tribal failures to restore and include. The consistent pattern of equal offerings shows that in wor...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. to the office of Eleazar ... pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, &c.--**He was charged with the special duty of superintending the squadron who were employed in the carrying of the sacred furniture; besides, to his personal care were committed the materials requisite for the daily service, and which it was necessary he should have easily at his command (Ex 29:38).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The inventory continues with meticulous detail—silver charger, bowl, golden spoon—demonstrating that God values precision in worship. Every offering matters, every detail counts. This precision reflects God's character as one who sees and values every act of devotion, no matter how repetitive it might seem to human eyes. The Reformed understanding that God ordains not only ends but means is releva...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-20. Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites, &c.--**a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should creep in, and to take the greatest care that all the parts of this important service be apportioned to the proper parties, lest the Kohathites should be disqualified for thei...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repeated golden spoon of ten shekels full of incense emphasizes the constancy and fullness of prayer that should characterize God's people. Day by day, the same precious prayer ascends. This teaches that effective prayer is not dependent on novelty or creativity but on faithful, consistent communion with God. The fullness indicates wholehearted devotion—not empty ritual but genuine engagement....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-20. Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites, &c.--**a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should creep in, and to take the greatest care that all the parts of this important service be apportioned to the proper parties, lest the Kohathites should be disqualified for thei...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering of bullock, ram, and lamb represents the offering of our entire selves—our strength, our leadership capacity, and our innocent trust. All consumed by fire, nothing held back. This total consecration prefigures the Christian life described by Paul—presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, wholly given to God. The Reformed understanding of sanctification as increasing conformity...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-20. Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites, &c.--**a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should creep in, and to take the greatest care that all the parts of this important service be apportioned to the proper parties, lest the Kohathites should be disqualified for thei...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The kid of the goats for sin offering continues to address sin even in joyful dedication. This repetition emphasizes that confronting sin is not negative or pessimistic but realistic and necessary. We cannot celebrate reconciliation without acknowledging the sin that necessitated it. The sin offering doesn't dampen celebration but makes it possible. The Reformed doctrine that assurance of salvatio...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-20. Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites, &c.--**a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should creep in, and to take the greatest care that all the parts of this important service be apportioned to the proper parties, lest the Kohathites should be disqualified for thei...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The peace offerings of two oxen, five rams, five goats, and five lambs provided abundant provision for fellowship meals. The specific number five (repeated three times) may symbolize grace—God's gracious provision for fellowship with His people. These offerings were not grudging obligations but generous expressions of gratitude and celebration. The abundance reflects the generous heart that grace ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eliasaph, prince of Gad, offering on the sixth day maintains the pattern. Gad's tribal history included choosing inheritance east of the Jordan, yet this didn't diminish their participation in Israel's central worship. Geographic location or life choices don't exempt believers from full participation in worship. The standardized offering shows that all are called to the same level of devotion rega...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The silver charger and bowl with specified weights continue the pattern of precise, prescribed worship. The consistency across offerings demonstrates that God's standard doesn't shift based on who is worshiping or when. This immutability of divine expectation provides both clarity and security—we know what God requires and can be confident that His acceptance doesn't depend on our performance but ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The golden spoon of ten shekels full of incense represents prayer that is both precious (gold) and abundant (full). This combination teaches that our prayers should reflect both the value we place on communion with God and the completeness with which we engage in it. Prayer is not a last resort or perfunctory duty but a precious privilege exercised fully and regularly. The Reformed emphasis on pra...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-28. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, &c.--**They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle"--that is, the goats' hair covering of the tent--the ten curious curtains and embroidered hangings at the entrance, with their red morocco covering, &c.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The burnt offering animals—young bullock, ram, lamb—each in its prime and without defect, represent offering God our best rather than our leftovers. The young bullock in strength, the ram in maturity, the lamb in innocence—together they symbolize comprehensive devotion of our entire being. This completeness of offering prefigures Christ's perfect sacrifice and calls us to give ourselves wholly to ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-28. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, &c.--**They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle"--that is, the goats' hair covering of the tent--the ten curious curtains and embroidered hangings at the entrance, with their red morocco covering, &c.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The kid of the goats for sin offering addresses the reality that even in contexts of extraordinary devotion (tribal princes dedicating the tabernacle), sin must be addressed. No human righteousness, no matter how impressive, eliminates the need for atonement. This teaches humility—even our best works are tainted with sin and require forgiveness. The Reformed understanding of simul justus et peccat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-28. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, &c.--**They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle"--that is, the goats' hair covering of the tent--the ten curious curtains and embroidered hangings at the entrance, with their red morocco covering, &c.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For a sacrifice of peace offerings</strong> (זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים, <em>zevach shelamim</em>)—The <em>shelamim</em> (from <em>shalom</em>, peace/wholeness) involved shared consumption: portions for God (burnt on altar), priests (breast and thigh), and offerer (remaining meat). This communal meal symbolized covenant fellowship. Eliasaph's offering—<strong>two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-28. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, &c.--**They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle"--that is, the goats' hair covering of the tent--the ten curious curtains and embroidered hangings at the entrance, with their red morocco covering, &c.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered</strong>—The seventh day holds symbolic significance: creation rest (Genesis 2:2), Sabbath observance, and completion. Ephraim's prominence (Joseph's younger son who received Jacob's primary blessing, Genesis 48:17-20) is reflected in Elishama leading the tribe. The title <strong>prince</strong> (נָש...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-28. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, &c.--**They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle"--that is, the goats' hair covering of the tent--the ten curious curtains and embroidered hangings at the entrance, with their red morocco covering, &c.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary</strong>—The silver vessels (קְעָרָה, <em>qe'arah</em>, 'charger/dish'; מִזְרָק, <em>mizraq</em>, 'bowl' for sprinkling) held the grain offering (<em>minchah</em>). The total 200 shekels of silver per tribe amounted to 2,400 shekels across all twel...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-33. As for the sons of Merari--**They carried the coarser and heavier appurtenances, which, however, were so important and necessary, that an inventory was kept of them--not only on account of their number and variety, but of their comparative commonness and smallness, which might have led to their being lost or missing through carelessness, inadvertency, or neglect. It was a useful lesson, s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense</strong> (כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת, <em>kaf achat asarah zahav male'ah qetoret</em>)—The golden spoon/ladle (<em>kaf</em>, literally 'palm/hand') held incense for the altar, symbolizing prayer ascending to God. Gold represented purity and divine glory. At ten shekels (about 115 grams), this was substantial precious metal, th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-33. As for the sons of Merari--**They carried the coarser and heavier appurtenances, which, however, were so important and necessary, that an inventory was kept of them--not only on account of their number and variety, but of their comparative commonness and smallness, which might have led to their being lost or missing through carelessness, inadvertency, or neglect. It was a useful lesson, s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering</strong> (עֹלָה, <em>olah</em>)—The burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender to God. The progression from <strong>young bullock</strong> (פַּר בֶּן־בָּקָר, <em>par ben-baqar</em>) to <strong>ram</strong> (אַיִל, <em>ayil</em>) to <strong>lamb of the first year</strong> (כֶּבֶ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-33. As for the sons of Merari--**They carried the coarser and heavier appurtenances, which, however, were so important and necessary, that an inventory was kept of them--not only on account of their number and variety, but of their comparative commonness and smallness, which might have led to their being lost or missing through carelessness, inadvertency, or neglect. It was a useful lesson, s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One kid of the goats for a sin offering</strong> (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים לְחַטָּאת, <em>se'ir-izim lechatat</em>)—The sin offering (<em>chatat</em>) specifically atoned for unintentional sin and ritual uncleanness (Leviticus 4:1-5:13). Using a male goat (<em>se'ir</em>) rather than female (prescribed for individuals, Leviticus 4:28) reflected the prince's leadership status. The goat's role in ato...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-33. As for the sons of Merari--**They carried the coarser and heavier appurtenances, which, however, were so important and necessary, that an inventory was kept of them--not only on account of their number and variety, but of their comparative commonness and smallness, which might have led to their being lost or missing through carelessness, inadvertency, or neglect. It was a useful lesson, s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year</strong>—This concludes Elishama's (Ephraim's) offering with the <em>shelamim</em> meal. The abundance (13 animals total) contrasts with the singular burnt offering (3 animals) and sin offering (1 goat). Peace offerings involved communal feasting, symbolizing restored fellowship. The phrase...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-33. As for the sons of Merari--**They carried the coarser and heavier appurtenances, which, however, were so important and necessary, that an inventory was kept of them--not only on account of their number and variety, but of their comparative commonness and smallness, which might have led to their being lost or missing through carelessness, inadvertency, or neglect. It was a useful lesson, s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh</strong>—The eighth day transcends the seven-day creation week, symbolizing new creation and resurrection (Jesus rose on the eighth day counting from Palm Sunday). Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn, received the secondary blessing (Genesis 48:14), yet remained prominent among the tribes. <strong>Gamaliel<...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary</strong>—Gamaliel's offering mirrors Elishama's (7:49) and every other tribe's—identical weights, vessels, and contents. The repetition isn't tedious but theologically intentional: God values each tribe equally. The <strong>shekel of the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense</strong>—Gamaliel's golden ladle matches the previous pattern precisely. The repetition of <strong>ten shekels</strong> across all twelve tribes meant 120 shekels of gold total (about 1.38 kg), substantial wealth dedicated to prayer and worship. Gold's incorruptibility symbolized the eternal nature of prayer—petitions offered in faith never ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering</strong>—Gamaliel's <em>olah</em> repeats the threefold pattern: bullock (costly leadership offering), ram (mature substitute), and year-old lamb (Passover redemption). The burnt offering's complete consumption symbolized Israel's total consecration to God. Nothing was held back; the entire animal ascended as smok...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One kid of the goats for a sin offering</strong>—Gamaliel's <em>chatat</em> matches the pattern: a single male goat atoning for tribal guilt. The sin offering's necessity before peace offerings establishes theological order—reconciliation must precede fellowship. God cannot feast with un-atoned sinners. The goat's blood sprinkled on the altar satisfied divine justice, removing the barrier ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year</strong>—Gamaliel's <em>shelamim</em> concludes his offering with the covenant meal. The abundance (13 animals) invited extended fellowship—priests, offerer, and family shared the feast, celebrating reconciliation. The phrase <strong>this was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur</st...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered</strong>—Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son (Genesis 35:18), was Rachel's only son born in Canaan. <strong>Abidan</strong> ('my father is judge,' אֲבִידָן, <em>Avidan</em>) and <strong>Gideoni</strong> ('hewer/warrior,' גִּדְעֹנִי, <em>Gid'oni</em>) both carry militant overtones, fitting Benjamin's fierce w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels</strong>—The Hebrew <em>qe'arah</em> (קְעָרָה) for 'charger' means a large, deep dish for presenting the <em>minchah</em> (מִנְחָה, grain offering). The 130-shekel weight (about 3.25 pounds silver) matched Judah's first offering (v. 13), establishing perfect equalit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense</strong>—The Hebrew <em>kaf</em> (כַּף) literally means 'palm' or 'hollow hand,' describing a ladle-shaped vessel. Gold (זָהָב, <em>zahav</em>) signifies deity and divine glory, while ten shekels (about 4 ounces) provided substance without ostentation. The <em>qetoreth</em> (קְטֹרֶת, incense) burned continually on the golden altar (Exodus 30...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering</strong>—The <em>'olah</em> (עֹלָה, burnt offering) derives from a root meaning 'to ascend,' as the entire sacrifice ascended as smoke to God. The bullock (<em>par</em>, פַּר) symbolizes strength and service; the ram (<em>ayil</em>, אַיִל) represents leadership and substitution (recalling Isaac, Genesis 22:13); th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One kid of the goats for a sin offering</strong>—The <em>chatta'th</em> (חַטָּאת, sin offering) addresses defilement and broken fellowship with God. The Hebrew <em>se'ir</em> (שְׂעִיר, male goat) was the standard sin offering for leaders and the congregation (Leviticus 4:23, 9:3). Unlike the burnt offering that ascended entirely to God, portions of the sin offering were eaten by priests (L...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year</strong>—The <em>shelamim</em> (שְׁלָמִים, peace offerings) derives from <em>shalom</em> (שָׁלוֹם), meaning wholeness, completeness, and peace. Unlike burnt and sin offerings, the peace offering was partially eaten by the worshiper (Leviticus 7:15-18), making it a fellowship meal shared...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered</strong>—Dan (דָּן, 'judge') was Rachel's son through her maidservant Bilhah (Genesis 30:6). Despite his irregular birth, Dan received full tribal status and inheritance. <strong>Ahiezer</strong> ('my brother is help,' אֲחִיעֶזֶר, <em>Achi'ezer</em>) and <strong>Ammishaddai</strong> ('my kinsman is Shad...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary</strong>—Dan's offering precisely matched every previous tribe's, demonstrating God's requirement for equality in worship. The silver (<em>kesef</em>, כֶּסֶף) symbolizes redemption (Exodus 30:11-16), where each Israelite paid a hal...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes part of the offering from <strong>one of the twelve tribal leaders</strong> during the dedication of the tabernacle altar. The golden spoon (<em>kaf</em> in Hebrew, literally "palm" or "hollow of the hand") held exactly ten shekels of incense, demonstrating <strong>precise obedience and equality among the tribes</strong>. Each leader brought identical offerings over twelve day...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering</strong>—Dan's burnt offering (<em>'olah</em>, עֹלָה) maintained the pattern established by all previous tribes. The threefold sacrifice—bullock, ram, lamb—comprehensively covers the spectrum of acceptable burnt offerings listed in Leviticus 1:3-10. The <em>'olah</em> expressed total devotion: the entire animal co...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-49. Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, &c.--**This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter [Nu 3:15]. That was confined to the males from a month old and upward, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One kid of the goats for a sin offering</strong>—The <em>chatta'th</em> (חַטָּאת) addresses the fundamental problem separating humanity from God: sin's defilement. The male goat (<em>se'ir</em>, שְׂעִיר) served as the standard sin offering for leaders and rulers (Leviticus 4:22-24). Significantly, the sin offering always preceded the peace offering in the sacrificial sequence, establishing...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year</strong>—The abundant <em>shelamim</em> (שְׁלָמִים, peace offerings) climaxes the sacrificial pattern: seventeen animals offered in thanksgiving and fellowship. The peace offering's unique characteristic was the communal meal—worshipers ate portions of the sacrifice in God's presence (L...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered</strong>—Asher (אָשֵׁר, 'happy/blessed') was Leah's son through her maidservant Zilpah (Genesis 30:12-13). Leah's exclamation 'Happy am I!' (בְּאָשְׁרִי, <em>be-oshri</em>) reflects the blessing of fullness and satisfaction. <strong>Pagiel</strong> ('God meets/encounters,' פַּגְעִיאֵל, <em>Pag'i'el</em>) ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 5 Nu 5:1-4. The Unclean to Be Removed out of the Camp.
**2. Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper--**The exclusion of leprous persons from the camp in the wilderness, as from cities and villages afterwards, was a sanitary measure taken according to prescribed rules (Le 13:1-14:57). This exclusion of lepers from society has been acted upon ever since; an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>His offering was one silver charger</strong> (קַעֲרַת־כֶּסֶף, <em>qa'arat-kesef</em>)—Pagiel, prince of Asher, brings the eleventh offering, identical in content and value to the previous ten tribes. The repetition underscores that God values <strong>fine flour mingled with oil</strong> (סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן, <em>solet belulah bashemen</em>) equally from every tribe—the grain offering...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense</strong> (כַּף עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת, <em>kaf asarah zahav mele'ah qetoret</em>)—The golden spoon or ladle weighs precisely ten shekels, the number of divine order and completeness. Filled with <em>qetoret</em> (fragrant incense), it prefigures the prayers of the saints rising before God's throne (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4).<br><br>Gold...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering</strong> (פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן־בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ־אֶחָד, <em>par echad ben-baqar ayil echad keves-echad</em>)—The burnt offering (<em>olah</em>, עֹלָה, "that which ascends") was wholly consumed on the altar, representing complete consecration to God. The bullock symbolizes strength in service, the ram represent...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One kid of the goats for a sin offering</strong> (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת, <em>se'ir-izim echad lechatat</em>)—The male goat (<em>se'ir</em>) served as the <em>chatat</em> (חַטָּאת, sin offering), addressing unintentional transgression and ceremonial defilement. Unlike the burnt offering (voluntary consecration), the sin offering was mandatory, acknowledging that even covenant peop...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 5:5-10. Restitution Enjoined.
**6-8. When a man or a woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord--**This is a wrong or injury done by one man to the property of another, and as it is called "a trespass against the Lord," it is implied, in the case supposed, that the offense has been aggravated by prevaricating--by a false oath, or a fraudulent lie in denying i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs</strong> (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים, <em>zevach hashelamim</em>)—The peace offering (<em>shelamim</em>, from <em>shalom</em>, שָׁלוֹם, "wholeness/peace") celebrates restored fellowship between God and man. Unlike burnt offerings (entirely consumed) or sin offerings (for the priests), portions were eaten by the wors...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 5:5-10. Restitution Enjoined.
**6-8. When a man or a woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord--**This is a wrong or injury done by one man to the property of another, and as it is called "a trespass against the Lord," it is implied, in the case supposed, that the offense has been aggravated by prevaricating--by a false oath, or a fraudulent lie in denying i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered</strong> (בְּיוֹם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר יוֹם, <em>beyom sheneym asar yom</em>)—Naphtali, positioned last in the camp order (Numbers 2:29-31), brings the final tribal offering. The twelfth day completes the cycle, as twelve represents governmental perfection and divine order (twelve tribes, twelve apostles, Revel...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 5:5-10. Restitution Enjoined.
**6-8. When a man or a woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord--**This is a wrong or injury done by one man to the property of another, and as it is called "a trespass against the Lord," it is implied, in the case supposed, that the offense has been aggravated by prevaricating--by a false oath, or a fraudulent lie in denying i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels</strong> (קַעֲרַת־כֶּסֶף אַחַת שְׁלֹשִׁים וּמֵאָה מִשְׁקָלָהּ, <em>qa'arat-kesef achat sheloshim ume'ah mishqalah</em>)—Naphtali's offering mirrors the previous eleven tribes exactly. The repetition, far from tedious, demonstrates covenant faithfulness: God's people worship according to His revealed p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-10. every offering ... shall be his--**Whatever was given in this way, or otherwise, as by freewill offerings, irrevocably belonged to the priest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense</strong> (כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת, <em>kaf achat asarah zahav mele'ah qetoret</em>)—The golden spoon (<em>kaf</em>, literally "palm" or "hand") represents the hand of worship lifting prayers to God. Gold signifies deity, purity, and imperishability. The precise ten shekels reflects divine order—not nine (deficiency) or elev...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-10. every offering ... shall be his--**Whatever was given in this way, or otherwise, as by freewill offerings, irrevocably belonged to the priest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering</strong> (פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן־בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ־אֶחָד בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה, <em>par echad ben-baqar ayil echad keves-echad ben-shenato le'olah</em>)—The burnt offering (<em>olah</em>, עֹלָה, "ascension") represents total consecration. The bullock (strength), ram (substitution), and firstling lamb (innocence)...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One kid of the goats for a sin offering</strong> (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת, <em>se'ir-izim echad lechatat</em>)—The goat for the sin offering (<em>chatat</em>) addresses moral defilement and unintentional transgression. Even in celebration (the dedication), sin must be covered. This teaches that all human approach to God, no matter how joyful or consecrated, requires atonement. The ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 5:11-31. The Trial of Jealousy.
**12-15. if any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him--**This law was given both as a strong discouragement to conjugal infidelity on the part of a wife, and a sufficient protection of her from the consequences of a hasty and groundless suspicion on the part of the husband. His suspicions, however, were sufficient in the absence of witnesses (Le...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan</strong> (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים, <em>zevach hashelamim</em>)—The peace offering (<em>shelamim</em>, from <em>shalom</em>) celebrates restored fellowship. Unlike burnt offerings (wholly consumed) or sin offerings (for priests), portions of the pea...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 5:11-31. The Trial of Jealousy.
**12-15. if any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him--**This law was given both as a strong discouragement to conjugal infidelity on the part of a wife, and a sufficient protection of her from the consequences of a hasty and groundless suspicion on the part of the husband. His suspicions, however, were sufficient in the absence of witnesses (Le...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed</strong> (זֹאת חֲנֻכַּת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ בְּיוֹם הִמָּשַׁח אֹתוֹ, <em>zot chanukat hamizbeach beyom himashach oto</em>)—The dedication (<em>chanukkah</em>, חֲנֻכָּה) commemorates the altar's anointing and consecration. <strong>Twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold</strong>—the repetition of "t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 5:11-31. The Trial of Jealousy.
**12-15. if any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him--**This law was given both as a strong discouragement to conjugal infidelity on the part of a wife, and a sufficient protection of her from the consequences of a hasty and groundless suspicion on the part of the husband. His suspicions, however, were sufficient in the absence of witnesses (Le...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels</strong> (כָּל־כֶּסֶף הַכֵּלִים אַלְפַּיִם וְאַרְבַּע־מֵאוֹת בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, <em>kol-kesef hakelim alpayim ve'arba-me'ot besheqel haqodesh</em>)—The summary tallies 2,400 shekels of silver, calculated from twelve sets of 200 shekels eac...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 5:11-31. The Trial of Jealousy.
**12-15. if any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him--**This law was given both as a strong discouragement to conjugal infidelity on the part of a wife, and a sufficient protection of her from the consequences of a hasty and groundless suspicion on the part of the husband. His suspicions, however, were sufficient in the absence of witnesses (Le...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →The golden spoons were twelve , full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels</strong> (כָּל־זְהַב הַכַּפּוֹת עֶשְׂרִים וּמֵאָה זָהָב, <em>kol-zehav hakapot esrim ume'ah zahav</em>)—The twelve golden spoons total 120 shekels (12 × 10), combining governmental perfection (twelve) with divine order ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve , the lambs of the first year twelve , with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve .
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve</strong> (כָּל־הַבָּקָר לָעֹלָה שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר פָּרִים, <em>kol-habaqar la'olah sheneim asar parim</em>)—The twelve-fold repetition emphasizes completeness: twelve bullocks (strength), twelve rams (substit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-18. the priest shall take holy water--**Water from the laver, which was to be mixed with dust--an emblem of vileness and misery (Ge 3:14; Psa 22:15).
**in an earthen vessel--**This fragile ware was chosen because, after being used, it was broken in pieces (Le 6:28; 11:33). All the circumstances of this awful ceremony--her being placed with her face toward the ark--her uncovered head, a sign...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>All the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty</strong> (כָּל־הַבָּקָר זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים עֶשְׂרִים וְאַרְבָּעָה פָרִים, <em>kol-habaqar zevach hashelamim esrim ve'arba'ah parim</em>)—The peace offering totals dwarf the burnt and sin offerings: 24 oxen, 60 rams, 60 goats, 60 lambs (2...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-18. the priest shall take holy water--**Water from the laver, which was to be mixed with dust--an emblem of vileness and misery (Ge 3:14; Psa 22:15).
**in an earthen vessel--**This fragile ware was chosen because, after being used, it was broken in pieces (Le 6:28; 11:33). All the circumstances of this awful ceremony--her being placed with her face toward the ark--her uncovered head, a sign...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him. with him: that is, with God
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KJV Study Commentary
When Moses entered the tabernacle, he heard 'the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims.' The mercy seat (kapporeth), where atoning blood was sprinkled, became the meeting place between holy God and sinful humanity. God spoke 'from between the cherubims' - guardians of divine holiness. This illustrates that God comm...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-89**
The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-...
Read full commentary →