Verses 21–33
We have here the charge of the other two families of the Levites, which, though not so honourable
as the first, yet was necessary, and to be done regularly. All the things were delivered them by
name. It intimates the care God takes of his church and every member of it. The death of the saints
is represented as the taking down of the tabernacle, 2Co 5:1, and the putting it off, 2Pe 1:14. All
shall be raised up in the great day, when these vile bodies shall be made like the glorious body of
Jesus Christ, and so shall be for ever with the Lord.
Verses 34–49
God so ordered it, that though the Merarites were the fewest in number, yet they should have
most able men among them; for whatever service God calls men to, he will furnish them for it, give
strength in proportion to the work, and grace sufficient. The least of the tribes had many more able
men than the Levites: those who engage in the service of this world, are many more than those
devoted to the service of God. May our souls be wholly devoted to his service.
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
The unclean to be removed out of the camp, (1–10)
Restitution to be made for trespasses.
The trial of jealousy. (11–31)Verses 1–10
The camp was to be cleansed. The purity of the church must be kept as carefully as the peace
and order of it. Every polluted Israelite must be separated. The wisdom from above is first pure,
then peaceable. The greater profession of religion any house or family makes, the more they are
obliged to put away iniquity far from them. If a man overreach or defraud his brother in any matter,
it is a trespass against the Lord, who strictly charges and commands us to do justly. What is to be
done when a man's awakened conscience charges him with guilt of this kind, though done long
ago? He must confess his sin, confess it to God, confess it to his neighbour, and take shame to
himself; though it go against him to own himself in a lie, yet he must do it. Satisfaction must be
made for the offence done to God, as well as for the loss sustained by the neighbour; restitution in
that case is not enough without faith and repentance. While that which is wrongly gotten is knowingly
kept, the guilt remains on the conscience, and is not done away by sacrifice or offering, prayers or
tears; for it is the same act of sin persisted in. This is the doctrine of right reason, and of the word
of God. It detects hypocrites, and directs the tender conscience to proper conduct, which, springing
from faith in Christ, will make way for inward peace.