1:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of a
Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first
[day] of the b second month, in the second year after they
were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
The Argument - In that as God has appointed that his Church in
this world shall be under the cross, both so they could
learn not to put their trust in worldly things, and also
feel his comfort, when all other help fails: he did not
immediately bring his people, after their departure out of
Egypt, into the land which he had promised them: but led
them to and fro for the space of forty years, and kept them
in continual exercises before they enjoyed it, to try their
faith, teach them to forget the world, and to depend on him.
Which trial greatly profited, to discern the wicked and the
hypocrites from the faithful and true servants of God, who
served him with pure heart, while the other, preferring
their earthly lusts to God's glory, and making religion to
serve their purpose, complained when they lacked enough to
satisfy their lusts, and despised those who God had
appointed as rulers over them. By reason of which they
provoked God's terrible judgments against them, and are set
forth as a notable example for all ages, to beware how they
abuse God's word, prefer their own lusts to his will, or
despise his ministers. Nonetheless, God is always true to
his promise, and governs his by his Holy Spirit, that either
they fall not to such inconveniences, or else return to him
quickly in true repentance: and therefore he continues his
graces toward them, he gives them ordinances and
instructions, as well for religion, as outward policy: he
preserves them against all deceit and conspiracy, and gives
them many victories against their enemies. To avoid all
controversies that might arise, he takes away the occasions,
by dividing among all the tribes, both the land which they
had won, and that also which he had promised, as seemed
best to his godly wisdom.
(a) In the place in the wilderness that was near mount Sinai.
(b) Which is part of April and part of May.
1:4 And with you there shall be a c man of every tribe; every
one head of the house of his fathers.
(c) That is, the chiefest man of every tribe.
1:5 And these [are] the names of the men that shall d stand
with you: of [the tribe of] Reuben; Elizur the son of
Shedeur.
(d) And afflict you when you number the people.
1:16 These [were] the renowned of the congregation, e princes
of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in
Israel.
(e) Or captains, and governors.
1:18 And they assembled all the congregation together on the
first [day] of the second month, and they declared f
their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their
fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty
years old and upward, by their polls.
(f) In showing every man his tribe and his ancestors.
1:47 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not
numbered among g them.
(g) Which were warriors, but were appointed to the use of
the Tabernacle.
1:51 And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall
take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the
Levites shall set it up: and the h stranger that cometh
nigh shall be put to death.
(h) Whoever is not of the tribe of Levi.
1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of
testimony, that there be no wrath i upon the congregation
of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the
charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
(i) By not having due regard to the tabernacle of the Lord.
