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Numbers 21:4

The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

THE DISCOURAGEMENTS OF THE WAY

The circumstances of the Israelites suggest some of the discouragements of Christian pilgrims. These may arise from—

I. THE DIRECTION OF THE WAY. It led away from Canaan; it was apparently a retreat. Our circumstances may seem to be drawing us further and further from God and heaven; but if we are in God's way it must lead right at last. Illustrate from , , and cf. , ,

II. THE LENGTH OF THE WAY. It might have been shorter, through Edom instead of round it; but it would have been a way of war, on which God's blessing would not have rested. The length avoided loss. Our short cuts may be perilous; e.g; David (), Jeroboam ().

III. THE ROUGHNESS OF THE WAY. Among rocky mountain defiles and treacherous foes. Portions of our pilgrimage are among the green pastures of peace; but others over hills of difficulty, intricate paths, and rugged mountain passes, and amidst powers of darkness that tempt us to despair. Illustrate Jeremiah in his trying and unpopular mission (, ; ).

IV. THE COMPANIONSHIPS OF THE WAY. Some of our comrades are complainers, and may infect us; others laggards, and tempt us to sloth; others apostates, who turn back and bring an evil report of the way beyond us (like Bunyan's Timorous and Mistrust). But God may be our companion to the end of the way (; ).

V. THE PROVISIONS OF THE WAY (verse 5). This a discouragement of their own seeking, and most culpable. Applicable to those who are dissatisfied with the truth provided as spiritual food for the pilgrimage (its quality, or quantity, or the means of imparting it, as though God must be expected to satisfy every intellectual whim). Applicable also to those who distrust the providence and promises of God in regard to temporal supplies. Our only safe course is to "walk in" () Christ, "the Way."—P.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Numbers 21:4-9The children of Israel were wearied by a long march round the land of Edom. They speak discontentedly of what God had done for them, and distrustfully of what he would do. What will they be pleased with, whom manna will…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Brazen Serpent. (b. c. 1452.)THE BRAZEN SERPENT. (B. C. 1452.) Here is, I. The fatigue of Israel by a long march round the land of Edom, because they could not obtain passage through it the nearest way: The soul of the people was much discouraged b…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4-9EXPOSITION THE FIERY SERPENTS (Numbers 21:4-9).Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4-9SIN AND THE SAVIOUR The type of the brazen serpent lifted up in the wilderness is the only one which our Lord directly claims for himself as a type of his own crucifixion. No one can doubt that many other types, hardly…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 21:4They journeyed from Mount Hor. It appears from comparison of Numbers 33:38 and Numbers 20:29 that their departure was not earlier than the beginning of the sixth month of the fortieth year. This season would be one of t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors