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
The sum -- 603,550 men age 20 and over; 22,273 Levites;
total of about 2 million. R4037:2
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
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
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*
Priest's -- Represented The Christ--High Priest and under
priests. R5298:6
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
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
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
Amram -- Father of Moses: meaning "High People" or
"Exalted People," type of The Christ. F128
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
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
And of Kohath -- Meaning "Ally" or "Comrade"; type of
the Ancient Worthies. F129
Southward -- Symbol of restitution to human perfection.
D653
Of Merari -- Meaning "Bitterness", type of the Great
Company, saved so as by fire through bitter experiences.
F129
Northward -- Symbol of the Heavenly phase of the
Kingdom. D653
Before the tabernacle -- The Royal Priesthood, at the very
gates of his favor. R4030:4
The firstborn -- See comments on Num. 3:12.
The firstborn -- See comments on Num. 3:12.
Five shekels -- Redemption could only be made by an
estimated equivalent value. R1031:2*
Sons of Kohath -- Meaning "Ally" or "Comrade"; type of
the Ancient Worthies. F129
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
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
Of badgers' skins -- Typifying that spiritual things are
hidden from the unconsecrated. T127; R1365:1
Wholly of blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
Upon the table -- Type of the Church as a whole,
including Jesus. T115
Shewbread -- Representing the Word of God, spiritual
food. T115; R5621:6
A cloth of scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom.
T34, T109
The candlestick -- Type of the complete Church. T115
Of the light -- Type of the spirit of truth. T116
The golden altar -- Type of the Church in the present
sacrificing condition. T120
A purple cloth -- Symbol of royalty. T34
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
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
The sons of Gershon -- Meaning "Refugees" or
"Rescued"; type of those of mankind saved during the
Millennium. F129
For the door -- Typifying the death of the human will.
T22
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
The sons of Merari -- Meaning "Bitterness"; type of the
Great Company, saved so as by fire through bitter
experiences. F129
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
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
When a man or woman -- Typifying any of the world of
mankind during the Millennial age. T99
The fifth part -- In the Millennial age retributive justice
will require restoration with 20% added. T99
Even to the priest -- Representing that during the
Millennial age the acknowledgments of wrongdoing will be
made through the Redeemer. T99, T100
Frankincense -- Representing praise. R3703:4
Picturing relationship of Bride and Bridegroom; could not be
used when sin was in question. R84:5*
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
For peace offerings -- Typifying covenants of
consecration to God made by mankind during the Millennial
age. T98
Unleavened bread -- Representing the offerer's faith in
Christ's character, which he will copy. T98
For a wave offering -- Showing that consecration is not
for a moment or a day or a year, but continually. T45
Speak unto Aaron -- Type of The Christ. T38
And unto his sons -- Representing the members of Christ's
Body. T36
Bless thee and keep -- With gladness that knoweth no
decay; in the shadow of his wings. R4823:3, 6
The sons of Gershon -- Type of those saved during the
Millennium. F129
The sons of Merari -- Type of the Great Company. F129
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
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
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
Levites -- The house of Aaron, atoned for by the bullock
of Lev. 16. R79:3
Firstborn -- See comments on Num. 3:12.
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.
Levites -- Not all priests, though they were the priestly
tribe. R4999:1
Those not priests represent the Great Company class.
CR485:6
Wait upon the service -- Consecration to service, not to
sacrifice-a Millennial age antitype. R442:3
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
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
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
Of silver -- Symbol of truth. T114
Peace offerings -- Typifying covenants of consecration to
God made by mankind during the Millennial age. T98
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
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
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
Armies -- Israel was now thoroughly organized. R4037:2
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
I will not go -- Similarly, if our arguments of faith fail to
influence our friends we should not give up. R4038:5
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
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
He said -- As his evening prayer. R4039:1, R5313:3
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
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
Beside this manna -- Representing the living Bread
supplied to the world by God in Christ. T122; R4037:5
Divine truth. R5307:1
Manna -- Meaning "What is it?" R4012:4
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
Moses -- Who acted representatively in making the Law
covenant with Israel, as Christ acted representatively in
bringing it to an end. R1725:3-5
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
Give us flesh -- Desires for worldly doctrines (specifically,
Evolution) instead of religious (spiritual) food--Manna.
R5267:3*
Is too heavy for me -- Moses, instead of being a schemer
after power and authority, was really an overworked servant.
A47
Kill me -- Moses urged that if this burden must remain
with him it would be better for him to die. R5306:4
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
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
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
They prophesied -- This became a sign to the elders
themselves and to all who heard it that they shared
responsibility of leadership. R5306:5
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Seven days -- Type of a full and complete period of tests
as respects a putting away of sin. R5308:5
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
Jehoshua -- Je: Jehovah, Oshea: Salvation; hence,
Jehovah's salvation, shortened to Joshua (Greek: Jesus).
R5335:3, R4060:3
The land of Canaan -- Typifying possession of the
blessings promised by the Lord. R5314:1, 4
The time -- July, apparently one or two months were spent
on the journey. R5313:3
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
Kadesh -- The place from which the spies were sent out.
B48
A delightful place, well-watered, sharp contrast to Paran.
R5313:3
The Amalekites -- The enemies of the land represent the
weaknesses of the flesh and the oppositions of the Christian's
fallen nature. R5314:2
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
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*
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
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
Return into Egypt -- To the world. R1842:6
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
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
And Moses -- Being more mindful of the Lord's honor than
his own. R1842:3
Thy cloud -- Manifestation of divine power and presence.
They stopped with the cloud and journeyed when it moved.
R5387:5
The power of my Lord -- Pray, pleading God's glory.
R5380:6*
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*
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
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
They -- Type of a class of willful sinners of this Gospel
age who come under condemnation to the Second Death.
R1842:5
They shall know -- Showing the value of intercessory
prayer on behalf of those who sin not unto death. R1842:5
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
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
The evil report -- The false statement that they saw giants,
or Nephilim, whom the flood had destroyed, was part of it.
E104
Departed not -- We should never attempt any undertaking,
temporal or spiritual, without seeking to know the will of the
Lord concerning it. R3062:1
For the stranger -- The Mosaic Law was far ahead of its
time. A50
Cut off -- Willful enemies are cut off in Second Death.
R1176:1
Gathered sticks -- Contrary to the Law, which forbade
any kind of work, secular or religious. R1727:1
It was not declared -- Moses' uncertainty proves the
Sabbath to be a new law, previously unknown. R1731:3,
R972:1
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
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*
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*
They rose up -- Represents those who fail to recognize
divine institutions in spiritual Israel. R4037:5
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
Lev 16:12::
We will not come up -- Where the heart is wrong it cannot
be guided by reason. R3100:3
Censer -- Pictures the bringing forth of many tracts and
pamphlets by those who oppose the harvest work. R5268:4*
Of the spirits -- Ruach, life-power, spirit of life. E314
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*
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
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
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
A rod -- Authority; a special manifestation of divine power
and rule. R5419:5
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
To be kept -- In the ark of the testimony. T121
Shall die -- Necessary because it illustrated something
greater and more important to come later. T12
Said unto Aaron -- Type of Christ. T38
Every oblation -- Every offering made by the world of
mankind during the Millennial age. T92
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
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*
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
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
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
Before the tabernacle -- Showing that their lives were in
full harmony with the Tabernacle conditions. T110
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
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
The dead body -- Representing Adamic death. T111
Toucheth . . . a grave -- Ordinary graves were covered
with a stone slab and whitewashed lest someone tread upon
them and be defiled. R5952:3
In water -- Symbol of truth. T112
First month -- In April of the 40th year they assembled to
enter the promised land. R5315:1
Chode with Moses -- All leaders of honor and influence
carry weighty responsibilities. R5315:1
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
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
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
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
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
Of Edom -- Descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother.
R5316:1
Type of Christendom. D15
Israel turned away -- The Midianites, Moabites and
Edomites were related to Abraham so Israel left them
unmolested, except when they attacked. R5316:1
Vowed a vow -- Because of a pre-emptory attack by the
Canaanites. R3101:2
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
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
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
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
Pray unto the LORD -- On such occasions they
understood that it was a punishment and made no effort to use
medicines. R2029:2
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*
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
Moab -- The Moabites were children of Lot, Abraham's
nephew. R5316:1
Midian -- The Midianites were children of Abraham by
Keturah. R5316:1
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
Is blessed -- Balaam was considered an oracle whose
messages were sure to come to pass. R5322:2
Rewards of divination -- Salary, maintenance of position,
friendship of wealthy Balaks. R2204:5
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
And Balaam -- Type of a class that teaches error for profit.
(Jude 1:11-16) F166
Stood in the way -- Angels can be, and frequently are,
present, yet invisible. A182
Turned from me -- Even an ass knew better than to go
contrary to the Higher Power. R5323:2
Have I now any power -- Illustrating how the holy Spirit
in the Jewish age took possession of prophets as machines.
R217:6
Seven altars -- He would have a form of godliness even
while desiring to do contrary to the divine will. R5322:6
How shall I curse? -- While outwardly he still remained
loyal to God, yet inwardly his harmony with God was gone.
R5323:2
Shall dwell alone -- Israel shall be separate from all other
nations. To this day they remain a people of preserved
identity. R5323:6
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
That he should lie -- In contrast with Satan, the father of
lies. (John 8:44) Q765:4
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
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
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
And Edom -- Type of Christendom. D15
Amalek -- Type of willful sinners of the Millennial age.
F174
To his place -- He evidently remained to oversee the work
of iniquity and to secure the rewards of his nefarious advice.
R5323:5
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
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
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
601,730 -- The male forces numbering less than when they
left Egypt. (Num. 1:46) HG362:3
More inheritance -- The Mosaic Law particularly
safeguarded the interests of the poor. A50
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
Amram -- Type of The Christ. F128
Nadab and Abihu -- Types of those who sin the sin unto
death during the Gospel age, and of the Great Company. T41
And Moses -- Without complaint and with touching
sweetness and grandeur of nobility in his devotion to the Lord
and to his people. R1850:1
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
Take thee Joshua -- Type of The Christ. A79
Urim -- Associated with the breastplate stones, but nothing
is specifically known. Q697:2, Q728:2
The fifteenth day -- Their Passover week always began
with the 15th of Nisan, by divine direction. R2115:5
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
Held his peace -- The husband, not dissenting to his wife's
consecration, should give liberty to her conscience. R2747:3
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
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
Killed any person -- Nephesh, Sentient being, soul. E334
Touched any slain -- From the Lord's standpoint war is
unclean. R3276:4
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
Not wholly followed -- The majority failed to enter Canaan
because of their lack of faith, their fearfulness and their
consequent rebellion. R5387:6
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
Wilderness of Sin -- Type of the wilderness of sin through
which the Church journeys to the heavenly Canaan. A221
Cities of refuge -- Typifying Christ. R4079:6, R3093:2
Killeth any person -- Nephesh, soul, sentient being. E334
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
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
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
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