But all the congregation, &c.— This would be rendered more emphatically, but all the congregation bade stone them with stones, when the glory of the Lord appeared upon the tabernacle, &c. for by the awful and timely appearance of the glory of the Lord they were prevented from executing their rash purpose.
REFLECTIONS.—Vain is every attempt to stay those who are bent on their own ruin. (1.) Moses and Aaron fall upon their faces. None know the deep concern which ministers feel when they see immortal souls rush headlong to their destruction. Caleb and Joshua second their prayers with every forcible argument, with indignation at their baseness, and grief for their rebellion. They rend their clothes, entreat them to consider, declare the falsity of the report and the unreasonableness of their fears. 1. The land is a good land, exceeding good. 2. The people were nothing like so formidable as was apprehended; their defence was gone, as forsaken of God, and they might eat them up as bread. 3. God was their helper; if their enemies were ten times as numerous or strong, they need not fear, when strengthened by the arms of Omnipotence; nothing was to be feared but their own rebellious spirits, which would stay the current of his mercies to them. Note; (1.) The moment God leaves a sinner, he is an easy prey to every invader: (2.) With God's presence and favour, we never need fear. (3.) The soul which is lost, will have none to blame but his own rebellious self.
2. Deaf to every remonstrance, instead of taking their advice, the rulers of the congregation bid the people stone these faithful witnesses. Truth is most exasperating to those who hate to be reformed; and they who resolve to be faithful must often put their lives in their hands.
3. God appears to confound such a daring deed of wickedness, and to rescue his servants. They who dare to be zealous for God, may safely trust him to save them from the madness of the people.