Bible Commentaries
Numbers 32

Verse 1

children = sons.

cattle. In Hebrew this verse begins and ends with the word "cattle". Figure of speech Epanadiplosis ( App-6 ), to emphasise the first cause of this division.

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos , to strengthen the emphasis.

Verse 3

Ataroth, &c. These were the places in the countries of Sihon and Og, on the east of Jordan. Compare Joshua 16:2 , Joshua 16:5 , Joshua 16:7 .

Dibon. Compare Numbers 21:30 . Joshua 13:9 , Joshua 13:17 .

Nimrah. Called Beth-nimrah, Numbers 32:36 , and Nimrim. Isaiah 15:6 . Compare Joshua 13:27 .

Heshbon. Numbers 21:26 . Joshua 13:17 .

Shebam. Called Shibmah, Numbers 32:38 . Compare Joshua 13:19 , Isaiah 16:8 , Isaiah 16:9 . Jeremiah 48:32 .

Beon. Called Baal-meon, Numbers 32:38 ; Beth-meon, Jeremiah 48:23 ; and Bethbaal- meon, Joshua 13:17 .

Verse 4

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

is. Heb "it [is]".

Verse 9

Eshcol. Compare Numbers 13:23 , Numbers 13:24 .

Verse 10

the same time. Hebrew "on that day".

Verse 11

unto Abraham, &c. All three mentioned together here as equally subjects of the oath of Jehovah. Compare Genesis 50:24 .

Verse 13

the generation.: or, the men of that generation.

evil. Hebrew. ra'a' .

Verse 14

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos ( App-6 ), to emphasize what follows.

increase = a crew, multitude, or brood.

sinful. Hebrew. chat'a. App-44 .

Verse 15

leave them: or leave them behind.

Verse 18

will not return. Promise fulfilled (Joshua 22:3 , Joshua 22:4 ).

man. Hebrew. 'ish ( App-14 ).

Verse 25

spake. Hebrew text reads singular, "he spake", and by Figure of speech Heterosis (of Number), App-6 , might be translated plural, "they spake". But "they spake" is the actual reading in several codices: Samaritan Pentateuch, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Targum of Onkelos, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate. It is also the Sevir reading. See App-34 .

as = according as.

Verse 27

will pass over. Compare Joshua 4:12 .

Verse 29

every man = all.

Verse 30

armed . . . they. Between these two words the Septuagint has "to do battle before Jehovah, then shall ye bring over their baggage, and their wives, and their cattle earlier than you into the land of Canaan; so shall" (they have possession), &c.

Verse 33

Moses gave. Compare Deuteronomy 3:12 .Joshua 13:8 ; Joshua 22:4 .

coasts = borders, or confines.

Verse 41

Jair. In the Hebrew this verse begins and ends with the word "Jair". Figure of speech Epanadiplosis ( App-6 ).

Havoth = the encampments, or tent villages (of Jair).

Verse 42

villages. Hebrew daughters; depending on the mother or metropolitan city. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia ( App-6 ).