The Pulpit Commentary — Numbers — Section 284

(Gen. xx.xii!.), The descendants he.d passed through very different experiences, and were now m very different positions; but Moses felt that this common ancestry constituted II claim which he might reason11bly plead. So wherever the believer ire.vels, though he cannot put in the claim of grace upon the unbeliever, he may put m the claim of nature, '' God bath me.de of one blood all nations of men," said the Jew Paul to the Gentiles of Athens. The changes of grace transform the ties of nature, but do not destroy them. Believers must always do their best to keep holc1 of unbelievers by virtue of their common humanity. Israel must remind Edom of orotherhood, not only that Israel may profit by the tie, but may also have the cha.nee of profiting Edom (1 Cor. vii. 12-16). 2. It is the claim of a kinsman in need. We a.re not told exactly how the request co.me to be made. God commanded the people to pass through the coasts of Edom (Deut. ii. 4), and the presumption is that Moses discovered on approach that the way through Edom would be the most direct and convenient to the land of Ce.nae.n. One gets the impression that the people were now allowed to me.ke their way to Cano.an with whe.t speed they could, as if to make contrast with the penal delay which God had so long and sternly imposed. If Edom no.d been willing, Israel might have got to Jordan all the sooner. And so the Church of Christ, in its onward rush, has had to plead with the world, its brother, for tolera- tion e.nd free paseage, freedom to speak and a.et according to conviction. Our chief resort, and always our lo.et one, is to God himself, but there a.re some ways in which the world can help. Pe.ul counted it part of his advantage, e.s an apostle, that he could plead for justice, protection, e.nd free course e.s a Roman before Roman tribunals. 3. It is the claim of a kinsman who had been tlirough very peculiar experiences. The great need of Israel we.a tbe.t it wanted to get home again. The plea is the plea of an exile, who bas been in a strange land for a long time, and amid cruel oppressors. Further, the experiences had been peculiar not only in respect of the cruelty of men, but e.lso of the goodness of God. He had sent an angel to deliver nnd guide. More indication Moses could not give, because it would not have been understood. So peculiar had these experiences been that Edom liad heard some- thing of them. The presumption is that all through the f>ast Edom had known somethmg of Israel's history, and Israel something of Edom s. The histories of the Church and the world intermingle. The world cannot but know such experiences of the Church as are perceptible to the eye of sense. " This thing was not done in a corner," so.id Paul to. the incredulous Festus. The course of the Church has been one of sufferings, marvels and mysteries, interpositions and fo.vours of God, which are not to be concealed in any appeals which are to be me.de to the world. " He hath not dealt so with any nation" (Ps. cxlvii. 20). "Blesse<l is the nation whose God is the Lord; nnd the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance" (Ps. x.xxiii. 12). 4. It asks comparatively little, and promises much in return. The request throws great light on Moses' own character, o.nd shows clearly bow fnr be was from reckless ambition. It w11s e.n honest request, founded in truth, and Moses mnde it as one quite reasonable and safe for Edom to gmnt. The people of God have but little to ask the world for themselves, if it will but let them go through quietly nnd peaceably. They want none of this world's goods and pleasures, and are ready to assure it that these will remain untouched. There is nothing in the shape of a holy city, a new Jerusalem, among this world's possessions. It iR a grand assurance to give, that no one in the world will" be the worse for the true Christians who pass through it. Moses might even have said, "Let 11s through, and a blessing will rest upon you.'' Wherever the Christian goes, he not simply refrains from evil, but does positive good. "Ye are the salt of the earth; ye are the light of the world." II. THE REJECTION OF THE CLAIM. 1. It was rejected without giving reasons. There is no answer but that of the "much people" and the drawn sword. This in general bas been the method by which the world has met the Church when P.lcading for toleration, liberty of conscience, liberty to Bcrve God according to his will. The world in its pride will not stoop to understand or calmly consider whe.t the Church may feel it needful to ask. It gets it1:1 brute force ready at once, whether in coarser or more refined forms, for those who have different purposes and sympathies (Acts iv. 3,17, 18; v.18,40; vii.57,58; ix.1,2; xiv.5,19,&c.). 2. Though no reason.  THE BOOK OF NUMBERS. [OH. XX. 1-911.