CONTENTS
This Chapter commenceth afresh the historical part of Israel's journey through the wilderness. From the end of the second year after the children of Israel's going forth from Egypt to the close of the thirty-ninth year, there is but little relation. But now, in the fortieth and last year which this chapter opens with, the history of the events which happened to them is more circumstantially related. Herein is contained the death of Miriam, and of Aaron: the people's murmurings for want of water: Moses' conduct on that occasion: the refusal of Edom to let Israel pass through his land: the succession of Eleazar to the priesthood after the death of Aaron, by the LORD'S appointment.
It is worthy remark what a way the LORD led Israel through the wilderness. The psalmist tells us it was a right way. And no doubt it was, for it was to prove them and to humble them. But it was not the direct way, for eleven days journey would have been enough, according to the present method of travelling, to have passed on from the borders of the Red Sea to the borders of Canaan. But Reader! what is the way of Israel now, but the same wandering life. Sweet is that prayer of Moses the man of GOD, which the HOLY GHOST taught him, and which is recorded for the benefit of the church, and no doubt penned upon this occasion. Psalms 90:1-12. The death of Miriam ought not to be passed over without due reflection. There can be no question but that she was a child of GOD, witness her conduct at the Red Sea: Exodus 15:20-21. And indeed the prophet makes honourable mention of her as such. Micah 6:4. But Miriam, like all others taken from among men, manifested the hole of the pit from whence she was digged. See Numbers 12:1-10. How precious ought JESUS to appear in every renewed view, of his expediency to others as well as to ourselves. Reader! do let me prevail upon you in this place, to read what Paul the apostle saith of the constraining love of JESUS, and the cause of it, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.