the innocent, and cut them off without touching their children. Thus God would not utterly take
away his loving kindness.
Verses 36–39
Here is the sudden death of the ten evil spies. They sinned in bringing a slander upon the land
of promise. Those greatly provoke God, who misrepresent religion, raise dislike in men's minds
toward it, or give opportunity to those to do so, who seek occasion. Justly are murmurers made
mourners. If they had mourned for the sin, when they were faithfully reproved, the sentence had
been prevented; but as they mourned for the judgment only, it did them no service. There is in hell
such mourning as this; but tears will not quench the flames, nor cool the tongue.
Verses 40–45
Some of the Israelites were now earnest to go forward toward Canaan. But it came too late. If
men would but be as earnest for heaven while their day of grace lasts, as they will be when it is
over, how well would it be for them! That which has been duty in its season, when mistimed, may
be turned into sin. Those who are out of the way of their duty, are not under God's protection, and
go at their peril. God bade them go, and they would not; he forbade them, and they would go. Thus
is the carnal mind enmity against God. They had distrusted God's strength; they now presume upon
their own without his. And the expedition fails accordingly; now the sentence began to be executed,
that their carcases should fall in the wilderness. That affair can never end well, which begins with
sin. The way to obtain peace with our friends, and success against our enemies, is, to have God, as
our Friend, and to keep in his love. Let us take warning from the fate of Israel, lest we perish after
the same example of unbelief. Let us go forth, depending on God's mercy, power, promise, and
truth; he will be with us, and bring our souls to everlasting rest.
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
The law of the meat-offering and the (1–21)
drink-offering, The stranger under the same
law.
The sacrifice for the sin of ignorance. (22–29)
The punishment of presumption, The (30–36)
sabbath-breaker stoned.
The law for fringes on garment. (37–41)Verses 1–21