[Numbers - General]
The Israelites spent nearly a year at Mount Sinai before they were ready to begin the march for the land of promise. During that period quite a constructive work was accomplished among them which transformed them from a horde of comparatively unorganized emigrants into a powerful nation with covenant relationship to God. The Law covenant was instituted ... the priesthood was organized ... the Tabernacle constructed and its religious services instituted ... that certainly was a year of great accomplishments in making them ready for the land. R4037:1
The Israelites were used of the Lord as a typical people, whose testings for good and for evil were made to picture forth in advance the corresponding experiences of spiritual Israel. (Brief summary follows in article) R4037:4
[Num. 1:2]
The sum —603,550 men age 20 and over; 22,273 Levites; total of about 2 million. R4037:2
[Num. 1:46]
603,550 —We would estimate the whole population of Israel, including females and young children, at 2,000,000. HG362:3 A liberal estimate of the world's population at the time of the exodus would be 14,241,744. HG362:2
[Num. 2:2]
By his own standard —The human skull corresponds to the layout of Israel's Tabernacle and camp. R4028:6, R4029:1 The order of the tents corresponds to the transformation of the converted mind. R4029:3
About the tabernacle —Religion was the center of all ambition and activity. R4028:3 All order in the church and harmony among brethren must recognize this common center. R4028:5
[Num. 2:32]
603,550 men —Implying a total number of about 2,000,000. R3982:3, R4037:2 Prof. Petrie suggests a total number of about 30,000. R5277:3* Prof. Petrie's reckoning refuted by B.H. Barton. R5355:5*
[Num. 3:3]
Priest's —Represented The Christ—High Priest and under priests. R5298:6
[Num. 3:4]
Nadab and Abihu —Representing the class that sins the sin unto death in the Gospel age and the Great Company class. T40; R4031:2
Strange fire —Attempting to offer our own imperfect works as meritorious and acceptable. R1007:3
[Num. 3:6]
Tribe of Levi —Those not priests represented overcomers, not of The Christ. R5298:6 The Great Company. R4030:4
Near —Picturing the prominence given to benevolence, hope, faith and conscience. R4029:4
Minister —The Great Company, as Levites, serve before the throne. R4677:6
[Num. 3:12]
The Levites —Separated by God for his own special use and as a channel of blessing and instruction for the other tribes, who represented all the families of the earth. R4389:6 The Levites did not need a Mediator because Moses represented the entire priestly class and the tribe of Levi in his various functions as Mediator between God and the nation. R4390:1 Represented the first-borns of Israel, typical of the Church of the first-born: the Bride of Christ and the Great Company. R5056:1; Q435:7, Q304:2
The firstborn —Represented the first-born of Israel spared in the Passover night, and typified those passed over in the Gospel age "night" preceding the Millennial day of general deliverance. R4537:1, 4, R5298:6
Shall be mine —Showing that the antitypical Levites would not have an earthly inheritance, but a spiritual one; and share in instructing and blessing the world. R5023:1, R4823:5; CR471:3; Q436:2
[Num. 3:19]
Amram —Father of Moses: meaning "High People" or "Exalted People," type of The Christ. F128
[Num. 3:25]
The sons of Gershon —Meaning "Refugees" or "Rescued"; type of those of mankind saved during the Millennial age. F129
The covering thereof —Hiding spiritual things from the unconsecrated. T127
For the door —Typifying the death of the human will. T22
[Num. 3:26]
Of the court —Typifying the condition of justification. T19
Door of the court —"I am the way" (John 14:6); "I am the door" (John 10:9). There is only one way of access to God. T18
And by the altar —The Brazen altar, type of the ransom sacrifice. T22
[Num. 3:27]
And of Kohath —Meaning "Ally" or "Comrade"; type of the Ancient Worthies. F129
[Num. 3:29]
Southward —Symbol of restitution to human perfection. D653
[Num. 3:33]
Of Merari —Meaning "Bitterness", type of the Great Company, saved so as by fire through bitter experiences. F129
[Num. 3:35]
Northward —Symbol of the Heavenly phase of the Kingdom. D653
[Num. 3:38]
Before the tabernacle —The Royal Priesthood, at the very gates of his favor. R4030:4
[Num. 3:41]
The firstborn —See comments on Num. 3:12.
[Num. 3:45]
The firstborn —See comments on Num. 3:12.
[Num. 3:47]
Five shekels —Redemption could only be made by an estimated equivalent value. R1031:2*
[Num. 4:2]
Sons of Kohath —Meaning "Ally" or "Comrade"; type of the Ancient Worthies. F129
[Num. 4:3]
From thirty years —The time when a Jew became of age, and therefore when John and Jesus began their ministries. B58; R561:6* No Levite was permitted to engage in the work of the Tabernacle under the age of 30. R1161:2 Not until Jesus attained the age of 30 was he the full-grown man, ready for sacrifice. R1682:5
[Num. 4:5]
Aaron —Type of The Christ. T38
Shall come —This should not be misunderstood to mean that he and the underpriests never went in thither during succeeding days; but only once a year for the purpose of atonement. T91
And his sons —Representing the members of Christ's Body. T36
The covering vail —Type of the death of the human body. T22
And cover the ark —Type of The Christ. T121
[Num. 4:6]
Of badgers' skins —Typifying that spiritual things are hidden from the unconsecrated. T127; R1365:1
Wholly of blue —Symbol of faithfulness. T30
[Num. 4:7]
Upon the table —Type of the Church as a whole, including Jesus. T115
Shewbread —Representing the Word of God, spiritual food. T115; R5621:6
[Num. 4:8]
A cloth of scarlet —Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109
[Num. 4:9]
The candlestick —Type of the complete Church. T115
Of the light —Type of the spirit of truth. T116
[Num. 4:11]
The golden altar —Type of the Church in the present sacrificing condition. T120
[Num. 4:13]
A purple cloth —Symbol of royalty. T34
[Num. 4:15]
Shall not touch —None except those who are walking in the footsteps of Jesus could have a deep, full appreciation of the divine plan. R4876:1, R1365:1, R2002:5
Lest they die —Because these things illustrated something greater and more important to come later. T12
[Num. 4:20]
But they —Representing justified believers. T19
Not go in to see —The curtains were kept down. They were forbidden to look in when the priest lifted the curtain and passed under it. R3053:6 Only New Creatures can enter into and see spiritual things. R3054:1
The holy things —Typifying the things of the New Creature, begotten of the Spirit. T19
[Num. 4:22]
The sons of Gershon —Meaning "Refugees" or "Rescued"; type of those of mankind saved during the Millennium. F129
[Num. 4:25]
For the door —Typifying the death of the human will. T22
[Num. 4:26]
Of the court —Typifying the condition of justification. T19
Gate of the court —"I am the way" (John 14:6); I am the door" (John 10:9). There is only one way of access to God. T18
And by the altar —The Brazen altar, type of the ransom sacrifice. T22
[Num. 4:29]
The sons of Merari —Meaning "Bitterness"; type of the Great Company, saved so as by fire through bitter experiences. F129
[Num. 4:36]
Those that were numbered —17,160 Levites to 5 priests (Exod. 28: 1), showing much larger proportion saved in next age compared with Gospel age priests. R443:1
[Num. 4:48]
Of them —Of the Levites, representing all believers. T 118
Were 8,580 —Of whom only five, or one in 1,716, were sacrificing priests; possibly this is also typical. T118
[Num. 5:6]
When a man or woman —Typifying any of the world of mankind during the Millennial age. T99
[Num. 5:7]
The fifth part —In the Millennial age retributive justice will require restoration with 20% added. T99
[Num. 5:8]
Even to the priest —Representing that during the Millennial age the acknowledgments of wrongdoing will be made through the Redeemer. T99, T100
[Num. 5:15]
Frankincense —Representing praise. R3703:4 Picturing relationship of Bride and Bridegroom; could not be used when sin was in question. R84:5*
[Num. 6:2]
Vow of a Nazarite —A vow to avoid spiritous liquor in every form, and that the hair would not be cut; it should not be confounded with the residents of the city of Nazareth. It seems to have signified the full, complete consecration of the individual to God and his service. R5612:3, R4088:1
[Num. 6:14]
For peace offerings —Typifying covenants of consecration to God made by mankind during the Millennial age. T98
[Num. 6:15]
Unleavened bread —Representing the offerer's faith in Christ's character, which he will copy. T98
[Num. 6:20]
For a wave offering —Showing that consecration is not for a moment or a day or a year, but continually. T45
[Num. 6:23]
Speak unto Aaron —Type of The Christ. T38
And unto his sons —Representing the members of Christ's Body. T36
[Num. 6:24]
Bless thee and keep —With gladness that knoweth no decay; in the shadow of his wings. R4823:3, 6
[Num. 7:7]
The sons of Gershon —Type of those saved during the Millennium. F129
[Num. 7:8]
The sons of Merari —Type of the Great Company. F129
[Num. 7:9]
The sons of Kohath —Type of the Ancient Worthies. F129
Upon their shoulders —It was indirectly David's neglect of this command that caused the death of Uzzah. R3252:5
[Num. 7:89]
Off the mercy seat —Which, with its cherubim and glory-light, represented the presence of Jehovah. T123, T124
Upon the Ark —Representing The Christ. T121
The two cherubims —Representing love and power. T125
[Num. 8:4]
The candlestick —Type of the complete Church. T115
Was of beaten gold —Symbol of the divine nature. T18
Unto the flowers —Representing the fruitfulness of the Church. T116
[Num. 8:12]
Levites —The house of Aaron, atoned for by the bullock of Lev. 16. R79:3
[Num. 8:17]
Firstborn —See comments on Num. 3:12.
[Num. 8:18]
Levites —The first-borns were exchanged for the tribe of Levi, which thereafter was the tribe of the first-borns. R4999:1 See also comments on Num. 3:12.
[Num. 8:19]
Levites —Not all priests, though they were the priestly tribe. R4999:1 Those not priests represent the Great Company class. CR485:6
[Num. 8:24]
Wait upon the service —Consecration to service, not to sacrifice-a Millennial age antitype. R442:3
[Num. 9:2]
The passover —Represented the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on behalf of the Church only. R4384:3
At his appointed season —In the spring, the beginning of the religious year. R4127:3, R4384:3
[Num. 9:11]
The fourteenth day —The full of the moon, symbol of the Law covenant and the people under that covenant. Christ's crucifixion at the full of the moon and its immediately beginning to wane foreshadowed Israel's national decline. F481 As the moon waned for as long as it had increased, so Christ's death was the turning point between the two equal periods of Israel's history. R2270:6
Of the second month —Typifying the Millennial age. R2270:6 If any miss the real communion of the Memorial because of spiritual defilement, let them purge their hearts and celebrate four weeks later. R3013:6 Thus appropriate to celebrate Memorial one month late if date missed through ignorance. R1961:5
At even —Margin: (Between the two evenings). The Jews had two evenings: one from noon to three o'clock; and the other from three o'clock until sunset. Christ's sacrifice was completed at three o'clock, midway between these. R2953:2* Between six o'clock one evening and six o'clock the next evening. R2917:6
They shall keep it —Typifying that those prevented by ignorance from accepting Messiah as their Redeemer when offered to them will have an opportunity of doing so in the Times of Restitution when their nation, represented by the moon, shall again be full of blessings—in the latter harvest. R2270:6, R1289:6, R5191:3
Unleavened bread —Symbolizing the precious promises that come to us from the Heavenly Father through Christ. R2918:3 Symbolically, without the corruption of human theory, selfishness and ambition. F464
And bitter herbs —Symbols of trials, persecutions, etc. F460
[Num. 9:12]
Nor break any bone —A type of the fact that none of Jesus' bones were broken. (John 19:36) R198:2*
Of the passover —"Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." (1 Cor. 5:7) F460
[Num. 10:2]
Of silver —Symbol of truth. T114
[Num. 10:10]
Peace offerings —Typifying covenants of consecration to God made by mankind during the Millennial age. T98
[Num. 10:11]
In the second year —Approximately one year; link No. 21 in the true Bible chronology. B48
The cloud —Representing the Lord. R3060:5 A continual reminder of their covenant with God. R4037:3
[Num. 10:12]
Sinai —Picturing the Kingdom of God. R4037:5
Wilderness of Paran —The place from which the spies were sent out. B48 Much more rugged than Sinai. R3060:6 Referred to in Deut. 1:19 as "great and terrible." R4037:3
[Num. 10:13]
Commandment of the LORD —Spiritual Israelites should not murmur or even express a choice when the Lord's providences lead into new circumstances. R3060:6
[Num. 10:18]
Armies —Israel was now thoroughly organized. R4037:2
[Num. 10:29]
Hobab —Moses' brother-in-law who belonged to an Arab tribe of Midian known as the Kenites. R4038:3
Raguel —Otherwise called Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. Jethro means "excellent" and was probably Raguel's title as chief of the Midianites. R3061:5, R4038:3
We —Typifying the Church of God. R4038:4
Unto the place —The heavenly Canaan. R4038:4
Come thou with us —So we may now invite those who are still strangers to the Lord's covenants. R4038:4
[Num. 10:30]
I will not go —Similarly, if our arguments of faith fail to influence our friends we should not give up. R4038:5
[Num. 10:31]
Instead of eyes —Similarly, some may be attracted to the Lord's people by opportunity for rendering service (not as elders). The Lord's people should always be ready to make use of every human instrumentality that would aid in carrying out the divine program. R4038:5 Hobab went with the Israelites (Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11; 1 Sam. 15:6) (See comment on "Hobab," Num. 10:29). R3061:5, R4038:5 Hobab was more familiar with the trackless wilderness. R4038:6
[Num. 10:35]
That Moses said —As his morning invocation. R4039:1, R5313:3
Rise up, LORD —In other words, "Abide with us." R5313:3 Evidently referring to Psa. 68. R3060:6, R4039:1 This verse was Israel's usual battle hymn. R5626:3
[Num. 10:36]
He said —As his evening prayer. R4039:1, R5313:3
[Num. 11:4]
A lusting —Typifying God's people seeking worldly doctrines (specifically, Evolution) instead of religious (spiritual) food. R5267:3*
Wept again —To murmur is to dispute the divine wisdom and promises and to long for food of one's own provision. R5306:2, 6 The prayers of murmurers, when answered, often bring sorrow. R3061:2
[Num. 11:5]
Remember the fish —How apt are all to remember the pleasures of the sinful condition and to forget its hardships. R3036:3 The world's theories. R5307:1
[Num. 11:6]
Beside this manna —Representing the living Bread supplied to the world by God in Christ. T122; R4037:5 Divine truth. R5307:1
[Num. 11:7]
Manna —Meaning "What is it?" R4012:4
[Num. 11:9]
Manna fell upon it —Evidently deposited in, or from, the dew by some power of God working in harmony with the natural laws of chemistry not yet thoroughly understood. R3036:4
[Num. 11:11]
Moses —Who acted representatively in making the Law covenant with Israel, as Christ acted representatively in bringing it to an end. R1725:3-5
[Num. 11:12]
As a nursing father —God dealt with Moses in making the Law covenant; he stood in the position of a father to the nation and they were regarded and treated as children under age. R5046:3,R1725:3
[Num. 11:13]
Give us flesh —Desires for worldly doctrines (specifically, Evolution) instead of religious (spiritual) food—Manna. R5267:3*
[Num. 11:14]
Is too heavy for me —Moses, instead of being a schemer after power and authority, was really an overworked servant. A47
[Num. 11:15]
Kill me —Moses urged that if this burden must remain with him it would be better for him to die. R5306:4
[Num. 11:16]
70 men of the elders —Supposedly the original Sanhedrin. R4037:2, R5306;4
Elders of the people —The civil government which was established was virtually a democracy. HG533:6 A form of government calculated to cultivate the spirit of liberty. HG534:2
[Num. 11:17]
I will take —Showing Israel's government to be a Theocracy. A46
Put it upon them —Fecundating their minds mechanically, without affecting them in any moral sense. E175
Bear the burden —God granted the prayer of Moses as a proper one. R5307:4
[Num. 11:18]
Ye have wept —The murmurings of the people were classed as their prayers. They got what they desired, but with it a punishment. R5307:4 Let us take heed how we pray. R5307:4
[Num. 11:25]
They prophesied —This became a sign to the elders themselves and to all who heard it that they shared responsibility of leadership. R5306:5
[Num. 11:29]
And Moses —Foreshadowing Christ's willingness to share the honors of the divine nature with the Church. R3553:1
Enviest thou for my sake? —An example of true and guileless statesmanship and meekness. A47
[Num. 11:31]
Two cubits high —Every spring they come in great flocks and, wearied with the long flight across the Red Sea, fly so low, about two cubits from the ground, that they are easily captured. R4012:3,R5306:5; PD34/45
[Num. 11:33]
Smote the people —Those who fill themselves with Higher Criticism and Evolutionary theories perish as New Creatures. R5307:1
Very great plague —An insidious pestilence, a fever from overeating. R5306:6, R3061:2 Errors produce a fever which consumes the New Creature.R5307:1
[Num. 11:34]
Kibroth-hattaavah —"Graves of greediness." R5306:6
Buried the people —Thus did the Lord permit the murmurers to do themselves injury—a lesson for spiritual Israel. R5306:6
[Num. 12:1]
Miriam —Typifying those who fail to recognize Christ as the leader of spiritual Israel and who fail to honor those whom he uses as his mouthpieces and servants. R4037:5 Her jealousy-poisoned mind began to see evidences that the Lord had forsaken Moses. R5308:2
And Aaron —Busy-bodying in other men's matters. R3061:4 A weak character; as shown on this occasion and when he made the golden calf. R5308:3
Spake against Moses —While both participated in the sin, Miriam was the leading spirit. R5308:1
An Ethiopian woman —A Negress. R3042:6 The start of the matter was a question of family pride. R5308:1 The Lord could have hindered the marriage. He probably favored it so the Jews would not choose Moses' children as his successors; they were supposed to look to the Lord as their leader. R3061:4 Of an alien race, she replaced Miriam as first lady, arousing Miriam's jealousy on religious grounds. R5308:1 Zipporah, typifying the Bride of Christ. R1651:6 Perhaps Moses' first wife had died, and Zipporah was his second wife. R5308:1
[Num. 12:2]
They said —Miriam began to spread her seditious suggestions throughout the camp of Israel. R5308:3
Also by us —Miriam had been recognized by the Lord as a prophetess and Aaron had been used as the mouthpiece of Moses. R5308:2
The LORD heard it —The Lord is not inattentive to his own business. R5308:3
[Num. 12:3]
Was very meek —Thus a suitable type of the meek and lowly Nazarene and of the members of his Body. R1651:3 If Moses had been proud and arrogant he would have been unfit for the duties and responsibilities which devolved upon him as the leader of his people out of Egypt to the borders of Canaan. R5252:1 Meekness was a marked characteristic of all the prophets and Ancient Worthies. R1921:1 Yet it was this same Moses who was hindered from entering the promised land as a punishment for spiritual pride. R5957:3, R4047:4, R3866:4
[Num. 12:8]
Mouth to mouth —Not through dreams and visions, but in plain language. R5308:4
Similitude of the LORD —Moses was granted a closer approach to the divine presence; it may be that our Lord Jesus, as Michael, especially represented the Father with Moses. R4055:2
[Num. 12:9]
Anger of the LORD —Typifying God's indignation against those who fail to recognize him as leader of spiritual Israel and fail to honor those whom he uses as his mouthpieces and servants. R4037:5
[Num. 12:10]
She was leprous —Aaron realized that he had assisted and upheld his sister in a sinful course. R5308:4 Such prompt dealing with sin will be the regular order under the Messianic Kingdom. R5308:6 Leprosy: typifying sin. R5308:5
[Num. 12:14]
Seven days —Type of a full and complete period of tests as respects a putting away of sin. R5308:5
[Num. 13:1]
And the LORD —The request of the people that the land be spied and reported on before its conquest was begun was acceded to by Moses. R4045:3
[Num. 13:16]
Jehoshua —Je: Jehovah, Oshea: Salvation; hence, Jehovah's salvation, shortened to Joshua (Greek: Jesus). R5335:3, R4060:3
[Num. 13:17]
The land of Canaan —Typifying possession of the blessings promised by the Lord. R5314:1, 4
[Num. 13:20]
The time —July, apparently one or two months were spent on the journey. R5313:3
[Num. 13:23]
Cluster of grapes —Many Christians give an unsatisfactory sample of the fruits of the spirit, hindering the outflow of the Lord's blessings. R4046:4
[Num. 13:26]
Kadesh —The place from which the spies were sent out. B48 A delightful place, well-watered, sharp contrast to Paran. R5313:3
[Num. 13:29]
The Amalekites —The enemies of the land represent the weaknesses of the flesh and the oppositions of the Christian's fallen nature. R5314:2
[Num. 13:30]
We are well able —Faith, though not minimizing the difficulties, counts on God. R4046:5 To the eye of faith all things are possible; to the eye of unbelief the conquest of the flesh is impossible. R5314:2
[Num. 13:31]
But the men —The ten spies, representing the Great Company. R4046:4
We be not able —Through timidity and lack of faith they murmured against going up. R5388:1 Unbelief never goes beyond the difficulties, the cities, the walls, the giants. R4046:4*
[Num. 13:32]
Evil report —Presenting the matter from the standpoint of its difficulties and forgetting the divine providences. R5313:6
That eateth up —Perhaps by pestilence or local warfare. R3063:6
[Num. 13:33]
We saw the giants —Nephilim. "There were giants in the earth." (Gen. 6:4) This was a false report. E104; R777:4 Probably some of the same families afterward represented by Goliath. R5313:6 Giants of opposition and despair. R4046:6
[Num. 14:4]
Return into Egypt —To the world. R1842:6
[Num. 14:6]
And Joshua —Meaning "Deliverer of his people"; type of Jesus. A79; R3064:5
And Caleb —Meaning "Dog"; type of the Church, chiefly composed of the poor of this world. R3064:5
Searched the land —Joshua toured the entire country, some 300 miles; while Caleb's group only went as far as Hebron. R4045:3
[Num. 14:7]
The land —Canaan, type of the rest of faith. R5345:4; T25 Canaan represents the conflict conditions of the trial-state. F130 "We who believe do enter into rest" in proportion to our exercise of faith. (Heb. 4:3) R5345:5 It is proper to speak of an earthly and a heavenly Canaan.R3945:2
[Num. 14:13]
And Moses —Being more mindful of the Lord's honor than his own. R1842:3
[Num. 14:14]
Thy cloud —Manifestation of divine power and presence. They stopped with the cloud and journeyed when it moved. R5387:5
[Num. 14:17]
The power of my Lord —Pray, pleading God's glory. R5380:6*
[Num. 14:18]
By no means —He has, however, provided a way by which he can be just and yet justify and release justly condemned sinners. This one just way is through Christ. HG308:5
Clearing the guilty —Moses did not ask the Lord to clear persistently willful sinners. R1842:4 The demands of justice must be satisfied. R2328:2;Q'05/10/20
Unto the third —Deviations from the prototype are corrected in the course of three generations. R4859:6*
[Num. 14:20]
To thy word —This mercy could be extended to the young, but not to the adults (willful sinners), an illustration of the value of intercessory prayer. R1842:5
[Num. 14:21]
All the earth —"He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth." (Psa. 72:8) R1415:1 Then all shall see the glorious brightness of God's wisdom, justice, love and power. R5210:5
Shall be filled —By the end of the Millennium. D656
[Num. 14:23]
They —Type of a class of willful sinners of this Gospel age who come under condemnation to the Second Death. R1842:5
[Num. 14:31]
They shall know —Showing the value of intercessory prayer on behalf of those who sin not unto death. R1842:5
[Num. 14:33]
Children shall wander —Illustrates that fidelity to the truth will in due time be rewarded, though for a time the faithful may suffer on account of the unfaithful. R1842:1 Because of their lack of faith and their rebellion. R5387:6
Forty years —The remainder of 40 years. R4046:2 Typifying the period of Jewish disfavor. R3064:4
[Num. 14:34]
Day for a year —A key by which nearly all time prophecies can be unlocked. B91 The six creative days were not 24-hour days. The word "day" stands for epoch, or period. F19
[Num. 14:37]
The evil report —The false statement that they saw giants, or Nephilim, whom the flood had destroyed, was part of it. E104
[Num. 14:44]
Departed not —We should never attempt any undertaking, temporal or spiritual, without seeking to know the will of the Lord concerning it. R3062:1
[Num. 15:16]
For the stranger —The Mosaic Law was far ahead of its time. A50
[Num. 15:31]
Cut off —Willful enemies are cut off in Second Death. R1176:1
[Num. 15:32]
Gathered sticks —Contrary to the Law, which forbade any kind of work, secular or religious. R1727:1
[Num. 15:34]
It was not declared —Moses' uncertainty proves the Sabbath to be a new law, previously unknown. R1731:3, R972:1
[Num. 15:35]
Put to death —To serve as a lesson; not so punished subsequently. R2943:5 If the Sabbath still applies, so does the strictness of its adherence. R970:1, R971:5
[Num. 15:38]
Make them fringes —A tassel. It is suggested that this was what led to the rebellion of Korah. R5268:1*
Fringe of the borders —Represents the "Vow unto the Lord." R5268:3*
Ribband of blue —To inspire their fidelity by recalling God's faithfulness. R100:6*
[Num. 16:1]
Now Korah —Teaches us that in God's estimation there is no holiness that does not include humility and full submission. R3100:2
Son of Levi —The uprising was amongst the consecrated Levites. R5268:2*
[Num. 16:2]
They rose up —Represents those who fail to recognize divine institutions in spiritual Israel. R4037:5
[Num. 16:3]
Gathered themselves —Typical of the opposition engendered against the Lord's harvest work: "Why so high a standard?" R5268:3*
Too much upon you —"Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." (1 Cor 10:10) R2300:4 Had they recognized the Lord as Governor they would have accepted Moses as his representative. R4047:1 So some ignore Jesus and talk of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. R4047:2 Thus Christ calls not all, but a special class. R4047:2 The Lord sets the members in the Body, we are not to set ourselves. R4047:3
LORD is among them —Boastfulness is not a sign of piety, but of the reverse. R2300:5
[16:12]
We will not come up —Where the heart is wrong it cannot be guided by reason. R3100:3
[Num. 16:17]
Censer —Pictures the bringing forth of many tracts and pamphlets by those who oppose the harvest work. R5268:4*
[Num. 16:22]
Of the spirits —Ruach, life-power, spirit of life. E314
[Num. 16:30]
Earth open —Possibly showing being swallowed up by worldliness, business, etc. R5268:4
Into the pit —Sheol, oblivion, the death-state. E356; R828:3 Typical, here, of the Second Death. R3100:5, R138:4*
[Num. 16:32]
Swallowed them up —Thus worldliness or various false ideas have swallowed or buried in oblivion, as far as leadership is concerned, some who have become heady and have been rejected by the Lord. R3100:6
[Num. 16:33]
Into the pit —Not only Korah, but his house and household goods all went into hell. HG556:2
They perished —Typifying the everlasting destruction of those who would despise the antitypical Moses and his redemptive work. R4037:5
[Num. 16:41]
Israel murmured —Instead of recognizing the justice of the Lord in dealing with those who were rebellious against his divine arrangements. R5268:4* Typifying some who now falsely accuse the Lord's true servants when the Lord himself has ceased to use some unfaithful servant. R3101:1 This same spirit may be noted in our day. How many there are who, because not right at heart, are more or less in sympathy with those with whom the Lord has no sympathy. R3100:6
[Num. 17:2]
A rod —Authority; a special manifestation of divine power and rule. R5419:5
[Num. 17:8]
Of Aaron —Representing the Royal Priesthood. T122
Was budded —Showing the elect character of all the Body of Christ as members of the Royal Priesthood. T122
And yielded almonds —A peculiarity of the almond tree is that the fruit buds appear before the leaves do; so with the Royal Priesthood: they bring forth fruit before the leaves of profession are seen. T122
[Num. 17:10]
To be kept —In the ark of the testimony. T121
[Num. 17:13]
Shall die —Necessary because it illustrated something greater and more important to come later. T12
[Num. 18:1]
Said unto Aaron —Type of Christ. T38
[Num. 18:9]
Every oblation —Every offering made by the world of mankind during the Millennial age. T92
[Num. 18:10]
In the most holy —The perfect spiritual condition. T92
Shalt thou —Aaron and his sons, representing the Royal Priesthood. T92
Eat It —Accept it. T92
[Num. 18:19]
Covenant of salt —The covenant of faithfulness, a pledge of lasting friendship. R4907:1 A covenant made over a sacrificial meal with salt; its preservative qualities a symbol of an enduring compact. R2099:2*
[Num. 18:23]
No inheritance —Typifying that the imperfect conditions of the present time are not the inheritance of those who are consecrated to the Lord and whose hopes are heavenly. F130 All the Gospel Church are called to heavenly conditions; therefore cut off from their earthly rights as men. R5023:2 The antitypical Levites will not have an earthly inheritance. Q436:1; R4655:2
[Num. 19:2]
Red heifer —Type of the Ancient Worthies; red to teach that they were not sinless, a heifer instead of a bullock to show that it was not one of the sacrifices of the Day of Atonement. T106,T111; R4389:1 They were justified by faith—red represents the blood of Christ—they caught a glimpse of Christ's day. R1872:1
Never came yoke —Showing that the Ancient Worthies were justified, made free from the Law covenant, thus to "obtain a good report through faith." (Heb. 11:39) T110
[Num. 19:3]
Eleazar the priest —Probably typifying the Apostle Paul. The name Eleazar signifies "Helped by God." T110
And one —Not a priest, showing that the sacrifice did not in any sense of the word represent the sacrifices of the Gospel age. T106
Before his face —Representing that one of the underpriests would so recognize and approve the sacrifices of the Ancient Worthies; as the Apostle Paul has done in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. T110
[Num. 19:4]
Before the tabernacle —Showing that their lives were in full harmony with the Tabernacle conditions. T110
[Num. 19:6]
Take cedar wood —Representing the gift of everlasting life to them. T109
And hyssop —Representing the purging or cleansing of truth. T109
And scarlet —Representing that they were justified or accepted by the blood of the cross. T109
Cast It —The ignominy heaped on the Ancient Worthies permitted the merit of the blood, the cleansing of the truth and everlasting life, to be accounted to them through faith. T110
[Num. 19:9]
Gather up the ashes —Representing the knowledge and remembrance of their faithfulness unto death. T108 The instructions of the Ancient Worthies. T112
In a clean place —Picturing the store of blessings, instructions and help by which the Ancient Worthies will assist in the restitution work. T111
[Num. 19:11]
The dead body —Representing Adamic death. T111
[Num. 19:16]
Toucheth . . . a grave —Ordinary graves were covered with a stone slab and whitewashed lest someone tread upon them and be defiled. R5952:3
[Num. 19:19]
In water —Symbol of truth. T112
[Num. 20:1]
First month —In April of the 40th year they assembled to enter the promised land. R5315:1
[Num. 20:3]
Chode with Moses —All leaders of honor and influence carry weighty responsibilities. R5315:1
[Num. 20:6]
Glory of the LORD —Surmised to have been a ray of light emanating from the Mercy Seat in the Most Holy. R5315:1
Unto them —Possibly also manifest to the people of Israel, who looked on. R5315:1
[Num. 20:8]
Take the rod —Presumably "Aaron's rod that budded." R5315:1 A reminder to the people of the Lord's special acceptance of Aaron as the High Priest and assistant of Moses. R5315:2
[Num. 20:10]
Must we fetch —Moses took the honor to himself instead of giving God the glory. R41:1, R5957:4 One of the most illustrious servants of God there fell under divine disapprobation. R5315:2 Similarly, the feet class will need to be specially upheld by the Lord that they stumble not through pride or self-conceit. R4047:5 Those who do not have sufficient faith in the Lord as the real Head of the Church are generally those who feel too much self-assurance. R3018:2
[Num. 20:11]
And Moses —Typifying, in this case, those who crucify the Son of God afresh; commit the sin unto death. R3077:4, R4058:1, R5333:3, R5957:5
Smote the rock —Type of Christ. R3077:4, R5333:3 In this he spoiled a type while he made another type. Christ Jesus, the true Rock, was to be smitten but once for our sins. But the second smiting made a new type—some now crucify Christ afresh, committing the sin unto death—the Second Death. R3077:3, 4
Twice —Twice, typically putting Christ "to an open shame." (Heb. 6:6) R3077:4 The second time; the first time in Ex. 17:1-7; this time he was to speak to the rock, not smite it. R3077:3 The smiting of the rock at the beginning of Israel's experience was authorized; it was necessary that upon Jesus should fall the rod of affliction. The second smiting may symbolize a smiting of the people of God in the end of this age. R5315:3
Water came out —Symbolizing the blessings which flow from the smiting of Jesus' followers. Under the divine providence blessings will flow from the wrong course, yet no greater blessings than might have come by pursuing the right course.R5315:3
[Num. 20:12]
Believed me not —Self-assertion and lack of faith were Moses' sin. R4047:6, R5315:5 Any denial of the Redeemer on the part of the consecrated would signify a crucifying afresh, a smiting of the rock a second time. R5315:4 The most unjust thing we can do is judge Moses or any other man by his deeds and not by his fruits. R4055:5
[Num. 20:14]
Of Edom —Descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. R5316:1 Type of Christendom. D15
[Num. 20:21]
Israel turned away —The Midianites, Moabites and Edomites were related to Abraham so Israel left them unmolested, except when they attacked. R5316:1
[Num. 21:2]
Vowed a vow —Because of a pre-emptory attack by the Canaanites. R3101:2
[Num. 21:3]
The Canaanites —Representing sin, its enticements and blandishments in the weaknesses of the flesh. R3101: 3
Utterly destroyed —Not then, but a parenthesis showing that they later kept their vow. R3101:2
Hormah —So called, meaning "utter destruction," because of their vow. R3101:2
[Num. 21:4]
Compass the land —To take a shortcut through Edom, typical of taking in the pleasures of this life and the fellowship of the world as part of the Christian life. R5267:5 *
Of Edom —Type of Christendom. D15
Much discouraged —Type of how in the nominal churches there is an opposition to the narrow way of self-sacrifice. R5267:6 Because of the detour around Edom. R5316:1
[Num. 21:5]
Spake against God —Against the voice of the Lord through the Scriptures and against all those who walk in the wilderness way. R5267:6*
Loatheth this light bread —Representing a tendency of spiritual Israelites to lose their appreciation for spiritual food and go hungering after the pleasures of the world. Such a yielding to worldly appetites will surely expose them to the bite of the serpent of sin. R2300:2
[Num. 21:6]
Fiery —Supposed to have been thus called because of red streaks upon the head. Their bite so inflames the nervous system as to cause the feeling of fire throughout the entire body, often resulting in death in a few hours. R4048:2 In India several thousand people die annually from the bite of the cobra. R3101:4
Serpents —Representing sin. "The sting of death is sin." (1 Cor. 15:56) R5239:1, R4037:5, R4048:4,R5316:4; PD34/45
[Num. 21:7]
Pray unto the LORD —On such occasions they understood that it was a punishment and made no effort to use medicines. R2029:2
[Num. 21:8]
When he looketh —Our mission has been during the reign of sin and death to point the sin-bitten to the Savior. R5316:4; SM767:1 Not when Jesus was made flesh, nor when exalted, but only when looked upon does he give life; looking by the eyes of understanding is expressed by the word believing. R1328:5*
[Num. 21:9]
Made a serpent —Primarily representing sin, Satan's agent in alluring our first parents into condemnation hence our Lord Jesus, who took the sinner's place. "He made him who knew no sin to be a sin-offering for us." (2 Cor. 5:21 Diaglott) R4049:4, R4970:1, R5847:1; Q498:T
Of brass —Copper, symbolizing the perfect humanity of our Lord. T18; R3101:6
Upon a pole —Type of the cross. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." (John 3:14) R5239:1, R4037:5, R4049:1
[Num. 21:11]
Moab —The Moabites were children of Lot, Abraham's nephew. R5316:1
[Num. 22:4]
Midian —The Midianites were children of Abraham by Keturah. R5316:1
[Num. 22:5]
Balaam —A Gentile. Before the Israelites had entered Canaan and were fully recognized as God's holy nation, men of faith in God were more or less recognized by him. R5322:3
To Pethor —400 miles away, on the Euphrates. R5322:3
River of the land —The Euphrates, in the country which Abraham left when he came to Canaan. R5322:3
[Num. 22:6]
Is blessed —Balaam was considered an oracle whose messages were sure to come to pass. R5322:2
[Num. 22:7]
Rewards of divination —Salary, maintenance of position, friendship of wealthy Balaks. R2204:5
[Num. 22:19]
Tarry ye —The nobles should have been kindly, but firmly, told that the divine will was the law of Balaam. R5323:2
Say unto me more —Balaam knew the mind of the Lord on the subject but was a money-lover, hoping for a chance to get some reward. R5322:3
[Num. 22:21]
And Balaam —Type of a class that teaches error for profit. (Jude 1:11-16) F166
[Num. 22:22]
Stood in the way —Angels can be, and frequently are, present, yet invisible. A182
[Num. 22:33]
Turned from me —Even an ass knew better than to go contrary to the Higher Power. R5323:2
[Num. 22:38]
Have I now any power —Illustrating how the holy Spirit in the Jewish age took possession of prophets as machines. R217:6
[Num. 23:1]
Seven altars —He would have a form of godliness even while desiring to do contrary to the divine will. R5322:6
[Num. 23:8]
How shall I curse? —While outwardly he still remained loyal to God, yet inwardly his harmony with God was gone. R5323:2
[Num. 23:9]
Shall dwell alone —Israel shall be separate from all other nations. To this day they remain a people of preserved identity. R5323:6
[Num. 23:10]
Let me —Nephesh, the sentient being, soul. E334
Death of the righteous —Our Lord Jesus. When we think of death we should think of his death, laying down our lives for the brethren. R4055:4
[Num. 23:19]
That he should lie —In contrast with Satan, the father of lies. (John 8:44) Q765:4
[Num. 23:21]
Not beheld iniquity —God's covenant with Israel was that while they would be loyal to him and his Law, their enemies could not prevail against them. R5323:4
[Num. 24:9]
Blessed is he —Great Britain and the United States, nations which have blessed the Jew, have in turn received great blessings. R5323:6
Cursed is he —Every nation that has dealt harshly with Israel has received severe chastisement or blight. R5323:6
[Num. 24:17]
There shall come —Referring to Messiah's Kingdom. R5323:6
A Star —"I am the bright and morning star." (Rev. 22:16) R5323:6
And a Sceptre —The right to rule. B83
[Num. 24:18]
And Edom —Type of Christendom. D15
[Num. 24:20]
Amalek —Type of willful sinners of the Millennial age. F174
[Num. 24:25]
To his place —He evidently remained to oversee the work of iniquity and to secure the rewards of his nefarious advice. R5323:5
[Num. 25:1]
Whoredom —Guided by Balaam, Balak had Midianite women seduce Israelites so they would be cursed by God's Law. R5323:3 Spiritual fornication is any illicit fellowship with the world by those betrothed to Christ; friendship in spirit with those who have not the Lord's spirit. R2300:1
[Num. 25:2]
Sacrifices of their gods —"Balaam taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication." (Rev. 2:14) R5323:3
[Num. 25:5]
Slay —The death of thousands of Israelites on such occasions was the whole penalty for their sin. They did not drop into a hell of torment. R5323:4 God also punished the Midianites and Balaam. (Num. 31:2, 8) R5323:5
[Num. 26:51]
601,730 —The male forces numbering less than when they left Egypt. (Num. 1:46) HG362:3
[Num. 26:54]
More inheritance —The Mosaic Law particularly safeguarded the interests of the poor. A50
[Num. 26:56]
Between many and few —No laws more carefully provide that rich and poor shall stand on a common level in accountability before the civil law. HG535:1
[Num. 26:58]
Amram —Type of The Christ. F128
[Num. 26:61]
Nadab and Abihu —Types of those who sin the sin unto death during the Gospel age, and of the Great Company. T41
[Num. 27:15]
And Moses —Without complaint and with touching sweetness and grandeur of nobility in his devotion to the Lord and to his people. R1850:1
[Num. 27:16]
Set a man —When God bade Moses make ready to ascend the mount to view the promised land and there to lie down and die alone, Moses' only reply was an expression of deep concern for Israel. Then he applied himself to the completion of his work, giving his fatherly counsel to his beloved people, as recorded in Deuteronomy. R1850:1
[Num. 27:18]
Take thee Joshua —Type of The Christ. A79
[Num. 27:21]
Urim —Associated with the breastplate stones, but nothing is specifically known. Q697:2, Q728:2
[Num. 28:17]
The fifteenth day —Their Passover week always began with the 15th of Nisan, by divine direction. R2115:5
[Num. 30:2]
Not break his word —Subsequent verses show that a vow made by a wife or daughter was void unless ratified by the husband or father, whose responsibility as head of the family was thus shown. R2100:5
[Num. 30:7]
Held his peace —The husband, not dissenting to his wife's consecration, should give liberty to her conscience. R2747:3
[Num. 31:8]
They slew —Not only did God punish the Israelites for their whoredom (Num. 25:1-4), but he also punished the Midianites and Balaam. R5323:5
Balaam also —Type of the class that teach error for profit. (Jude 1:11-16) F166
[Num. 31:16]
Counsel of Balaam —He instructed King Balak how to tempt Israel to sin. So Pagan priests taught the Church to indulge in spiritual fornication. R5993:1, R491:3* Some of these Balaams are in the ministry for the sake of salary and are willing to preach doctrines which they do not believe. R2204:5
[Num. 31:19]
Killed any person —Nephesh, Sentient being, soul. E334
Touched any slain —From the Lord's standpoint war is unclean. R3276:4
[Num. 31:28]
One soul —Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E324 The Word of God speaks both of men and of beasts as souls. R5166:1
[Num. 32:11]
Not wholly followed —The majority failed to enter Canaan because of their lack of faith, their fearfulness and their consequent rebellion. R5387:6
[Num. 32:23]
Sin will find you —As King Ahab was met by Elijah as he entered the vineyard which Queen Jezebel obtained for him by perfidy. R5771:2 Zedekiah was overthrown because he broke his vow to Nebuchadnezzar. Disloyalty to our vow to the Lord would mean Second Death. R3623:3-5
[Num. 33:11]
Wilderness of Sin —Type of the wilderness of sin through which the Church journeys to the heavenly Canaan. A221
[Num. 35:11]
Cities of refuge —Typifying Christ. R4079:6, R3093:2
Killeth any person —Nephesh, soul, sentient being. E334
[Num. 35:12]
The avenger —Every Jew was an avenger of God to render just punishment—not so with the Christian. R5645:1, 4 Typifying justice. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Heb. 10:31) R3093:4
[Num. 35:24]
Congregation shall judge —The cities of refuge did not shelter a willful murderer, but accorded a fair trial. R4079:3 Was it malicious? Was it with guile? Was there enmity between the two men? R3092:5
[Num. 35:25]
Unto the death —As long as Christ continues in his priestly office, at the end of the Millennium. R4080:1
Of the high priest —Typifying the new dispensation when we shall be presented faultless before the Father's presence after the last member of the High Priest has died and has been glorified. R3093:4
[Num. 35:31]
Put to death —Christ is no shelter for unrepentant sinners. R4079:6 Because even the measure of life enjoyed is so much of the original divine gift and no one is at liberty to treat it lightly. R3092:3 Evidently the lesson of just retribution for sin was to be deeply impressed upon the people of Israel. R5645:4