Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

(Jeff_L) #1

God will visit on their children. God himself gives judgment. He takes notice of the affairs, not
only of nations, but of private families, and orders them according to his will. The petition is granted.
Those who seek an inheritance in the land of promise, shall have what they seek for, and other
things shall be added to them.


Verses 12–14


Moses must die, but he shall have the satisfaction of seeing the land of promise. This sight of
Canaan signified his believing prospect of the better country, that is, the heavenly. Moses must die,
but death does not cut him off; it only brings him to rest with the holy patriarchs. It is but to die as
they died, having lived as they lived; and as their end was peace, why should we fear any evil in
the passage of that dark valley? (Nu 27:15-23)


Verses 15–23


Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern
ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may
be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua;
who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering to Moses,
and his faith and sincerity in witnessing against the report of the evil spies. This man God appoints
to succeed Moses; a man in whom is the Spirit, the Spirit of grace. He is a good man, fearing God
and hating covetousness, and acting from principle. He has the spirit of government; he is fit to do
the work and discharge the trusts of his place. He has a spirit of conduct and courage; he had also
the Spirit of prophecy. That man is not fully qualified for any service in the church of Christ, who
is destitute of the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit, whatever human abilities he may possess. And
in Joshua's succession we are reminded “that the law was given by Moses,” who by reason of our
transgression could not bring us to heaven; but “grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” for the
salvation of every believer.


Chapter 28


Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice. (1–8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons. (9–15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of (16–31)
first-fruits.

Verses 1–8


God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they
were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily sacrifice

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