Numbers 32:8-42

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:17

Because of the inhabitants of the land - These were the Ammonites, Moabites, Idumeans, and the remains of the Midianites and Amorites. But could the women and children even keep the defenced cities, when placed in them? This certainly cannot be supposed possible. Many of the men of war must of course stay behind. In the last census, Numbers 26, the tribe of Reuben consisted of 43,730 men; the tribe of Gad, 40,500; the tribe of Manasseh, 52,700; the half of which is 26,350. Add this to the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:34

The children of Gad built - Aroer - This was situated on the river Arnon, Deuteronomy 2:36 ; 2 Kings 10:33 . It was formerly inhabited by the Emim, a warlike and perhaps gigantic people. They were expelled by the Moabites; the Moabites by the Amorites; and the Amorites by the Israelites. The Gadites then possessed it till the captivity of their tribe, with that of Reuben and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, by the Assyrians, 2 Kings 15:29 , after which the Moabites appear to have... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:38

And Nebo - their names being changed - That is, Those who conquered the cities called them after their own names. Thus the city Kenath, being conquered by Nobah, was called after his name, Numbers 32:42 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:41

Havoth-jair - That is, the villages or habitations of Jair; and thus they should have been translated. As these two tribes and a half were the first, says Ainsworth, who had their inheritance assigned to them in the promised land, so they were the first of all Israel that were carried captive out of their own land, because of their sins. "For they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after other gods. And God delivered them into the hands of Pul and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:8

Verse 8 8.Thus did your fathers. He amplifies their crime by reference to their continued perverseness: for so far is the imitation of ungodly parents from being an excuse for their children, that it rather doubles their guilt. Thus also does Stephen allege against the Jews of his days, their persevering in the sins of their fathers; as if he had cried out against them, that they were “the bad eggs of bad birds.” “Ye stiff-necked (he says) and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:14

Verse 14 14.And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers’ stead. He signifies that, by their evil doings, they were “filling up the measure” of their fathers, as Jesus spoke of the Jews of His own time. In this sense he calls them an addition (accessio,) which word I take to mean a climax (cumulus.) For their translation is a poor one, who render it education, or offspring, or foster-children. With the Hebrews, תרבות, (217) tarbuth, is literally an increase, or multiplication; and thus is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:16

Verse 16 16.And they came near tinto him, and said. It is probable that they returned after having held a consultation: and now, — when they had considered what they ought to do, before promising what they had not previously thought of, — they assent to the decision of Moses, in accordance with their general opinion. From their reply itself we gather how usefully the severity of Moses had influenced their minds. If he had dealt with them with greater mildness and gentleness, his kindness would... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:20

Verse 20 20.And Moses said unto them. Moses might seem to err on the side of excessive good-nature, in that he extends the boundaries prescribed by God, in complying with their wish. For, since their inheritance had been promised them in the land of Canaan, they ought to have been contented with that as their abode; nor was it allowable for Moses to make any alteration in the Divine decree. There is also another thing no less inconsistent, that in a point of so much perplexity, Moses does not,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:23

Verse 23 23.But if ye will not do so. He makes a solemn protestation that they will deal wickedly, if they break their promise: and at the same time denounces punishment against them, as if he were summoning them before the tribunal of God. But, although he speaks conditionally of that particular engagement, whereby the two tribes had voluntarily bound themselves, still we may derive from his words the general doctrine, that, unless we abide by our promises, God will always be the avenger of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:28

Verse 28 28.So concerning them Moses commanded. Moses annexes these conditions to his decision, lest, when the Reubenites and their companions had performed their military tasks:, they should be falsely alleged to have passed over Jordan for the purpose of seeking a new home; whilst at the same time, if they should deceive the other tribes, he provided that their cowardice and deceit should not profit them. In short, if they assisted their brethren in pursuance of their agreement, he commands... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:34

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:38

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:41

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:20

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:23

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 32:28

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