[14] Even in the matter of appointing deacons, in Acts vi. we see it was an apostolic act. “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom _we may appoint_ over this business.” The brethren were allowed to _select_ the men, inasmuch as it was their money that was in question; but the _appointment_ was divine; and this, be it remembered, had reference merely to the business of deacons who were to manage the Church’s temporal affairs. But as regards the work of evangelists, pastors, and teachers, it is wholly independent of human choice and human authority, and rests simply upon the gift of Christ. (Eph. iv. 11.)
[15] As a general principle, the “son” presents the divine idea; the “daughter,” the human apprehension thereof: the “male” sets forth the thing as God gives it; the “female,” as we realize and exhibit it.
[16] Let the reader consider what the moral effect must be of taking the above passage literally and applying it to a certain priestly class in the Church of God. Take it typically and spiritually, and you have a striking and beautiful figure of the spiritual food provided for all the members of the priestly family, which is, in one word, Christ in all His preciousness and fullness.
[17] For further remarks on the subject presented in Numbers xviii. 14-19, the reader is referred to “Notes on Exodus,” chapter xiii. We are anxious to avoid, as much as possible, any repetition of what has been gone into in previous volumes.
[18] “The camp,” in the above passage, refers primarily to Judaism; but it has a very pointed moral application to every system of religion set up by man, and governed by the spirit and principles of this present evil world.
[19] Poor, wretched Balaam! Miserable man! He would fain die the death of the righteous. Many there are who would say the same; but they forget that the way “to die the death of the righteous” is to possess and exhibit the _life_ of the righteous. Many—alas! how many—would like to die the death who do not live the life. Many would like to possess Balak’s silver and gold and yet be enrolled amongst the Israel of God. Vain thought! Fatal delusion! We cannot serve God and mammon.
[20] The statement in the text does not, by any means, touch the question of discipline in the house of God. We are bound to judge moral evil and doctrinal error. (1 Cor. v. 12, 13.)
[21] See an article entitled “Grace and Government,” in “Things New and Old,” Vol. iv, p. 121. Loizeaux Brothers.
[22] As though the two tribes and a half were actually detached from the nation of Israel.
[23] No doubt there are many sincere Christians who do not see the heavenly calling and position of the Church—who do not enter into the special character of truth taught in the epistle to the Ephesians—who are, nevertheless, according to their light, earnest, devoted, and true-hearted; but we feel persuaded that such persons lose incalculable blessing to their own souls, and fall very short of the true Christian testimony.
[24] Chapter xxxvi. has been referred to in our meditation on chapter xxvii.