but the enticements of worldly interests and pleasures. Here is the sin of Israel, to which they are
enticed by the daughters of Moab and Midian. Those are our worst enemies who draw us to sin,
for that is the greatest mischief any man can do us. Israel's sin did that which all Balaam's
enchantments could not do; it set God against them. Diseases are the fruits of God's anger, and the
just punishments of prevailing sins; one infection follows the other. Ringleaders in sin ought to be
made examples of justice.
Verses 6–15
Phinehas, in the courage of zeal and faith, executed vengeance on Zimri and Cozbi. This act
can never be an example for private revenge, or religious persecution, or for irregular public
vengeance.
Verses 16–18
We read not that any Midianites died of the plague; God punished them with the sword of an
enemy, not with the rod of a father. We must set ourselves against whatever is an occasion of sin
to us, Mt 5:29, 30. Whatever draws us to sin, should be a vexation to us, as a thorn in the flesh.
And none will be more surely and severely punished than those who, after Satan's example, and
with his subtlety, tempt others to sin.
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
Numbering of Israel in the plains of Moab. (1–51)
The division of the land. (52–56)
Number of the Levites. (57–62)
None remaining of the first numbering. (63–65)Verses 1–51
Moses did not number the people but when God commanded him. We have here the families
registered, as well as the tribes. The total was nearly the same as when numbered at mount Sinai.
Notice is here taken of the children of Korah; they died not, as the children of Dathan and Abiram;
they seem not to have joined even their own father in rebellion. If we partake not of the sins of
sinners, we shall not partake of their plagues. (Nu 26:52-56)
Verses 52–56