The Pulpit Commentary — Numbers — Section 101

IRw mo.y be fato.l (Jo.mes ii. 10). Yet this stringent law could be modified. It was flexible, beco.nee God was a paterno.l King, and not a despotic martinet. But God alone could modify the law (ver. 8), or condone for its literal non-observance (e. g. 2 Chron. xxx. 15-20). Provision was mo.de for disabilities arising from (1) uncleanness, contracted unavoidably, or in the path of duty (cf. Pe. ciii. 14); or (2) absence from home, for such journeys were not prohibited because the passover was near. To meet such caees- II. THE SPIRIT 01' THE LAW WAS BENEFICENT. Neglect was not sanctioned; it never is. Great care needed lest, while claiming liberty to set aside the letter of the lo.w in favour of the spirit, we neglect the spirit also ( apply, e. g., to the sanctification of the Lord's day). But God provided a substitute for the literal observance (vem. 9-12). Learn-1. The laws of Christ are not "grievous," but may not be trifled with. A difficulty in the way of observing some law may arise from circumstances, or character. Illustrate, the Lord's Sup.per. In the early history of some of the Polyneeian missions, where no bread or "fruit of the vine" was to be had, the service was not neglected on account of these circumstances, but bread fruit and water, or other beverage, was used. If the hindrance to our observance should arise from any II uncleanness," we need not wnit for a lengthened process of purification, but may apply to our cleansing High Priest at once (John xiii. 1-10). 2. Precepts that are called II positive" must not be neglected because moral precepts are observed. Illustrate from Matt. v. 23, 24 (cf. Matt. x::xiii. 23 ; Deut. iv. 2; Pa. cxix. 128). Christ having redeemed us unto God by hie blood, his law extends to every depart• ment of our life.-P. Ver. 14.-The beneficent aspect of the law of Moses towards foreigners. Judaism, according to the II law given by Moses," was not the exclusive and repulsive system that many have imagined. The gate into Judaism, through circumcision, &c., may seem strait to us; but a thorough separation from the corrupt heathen world was a necessity and a blessing, just as the utter renunciation of Hinduism by breaking caste is now, Laws relating to strangers occupy no inconsiderable place in the legislation of Moses. These laws have a most beneficent aspect, which may suggest lessons regarding our duties as Christiane towards aliens, whether of blood or creed. \Ve find precepts recognising for the strangers- I. EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW. Thie is taught in our text and in several other passages (Exod. xii. 49; Levit. x.xiv. 22; Numb. xv. 15, 16, 29). Thie is especially noticeable in regard to tl1e laws of the sabbath (Exod. x::x. 10; xxiii. 12 {. Deut. v. 14), and of the cities of refuge (Numb. x:xxv. 15). Hence the Israe ites were repeatedly warned against oppressing the stranger (Exod. xxii. 21 ; xxiii. 9), thongh he might be a hired servant, at the mercy of his employer (Deut. xxiv. 14, 15), or an Egyptian (Deut. xxiii. 7). In administering these laws strict impartinlity is demanded of the judges (Deut. i. f6; x::xiv. 17). Such equality is recognised under the laws of Christinn England, but needs to be most carefully guarded. E. g. in our treatment of coolies or other coloured people in our colonies, foreign sailors in our ports, &c. Oppression of strangers one great crime before the fall of the Jewish monarchy (Ezek. xxii. 7, 29). Ill-treatment of non-Christian races outside its borders one of England's national crimes (Chinese opium traffic ; some of our colonial wars, &c.). II. A CLAIM ON BENEVOLENCE. Strangers were not only guarded from oppression, but commended to the love of the Israelites. See precepts in Levit. xix. 33, 34 ; Deut. x. 18, 19; Levit. xxv. 35, blossoming into the beautiful flower, "Thou shalt love tliy neighbour as thyself," which our Lord plucks from its hiding-place in Leviticus and exhibits and enforces on the whole world. Hence follow the precepts requiring that gleanings be left for the strangers (Levit. xix. 10 ; xxiii. 22), and that they should be allowed to share " in every good thing" God bestowed on Israel (Deut. xiv. 29; xvi, 11, 14; xxvi. 11). God be praised for all the philanthropio agencies of England on behalf of foreigners. Let us see that our personal benefi- cence is not limited by race or creed (Isa. !viii. 6-11, &c.). III. INVITATIONS TO NATIONAL AND PERSONAL BLESSrnGs. Gentiles were welcom~d to all p1ivilegc5 of Judaism through conformity to its laws. They !'ould enter into 78 THE BOOK OF NUMBERS. [cu. 1x. 1-14.