Números 25
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 25
Spurgeon - They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor. Ritualism led on to the adoration of false gods. If we choose a false way of worship we shall, ere long, choose to worship a false god. This abomination of the Moabites was an idol in whose worship women gave up their bodies to the most shameless lust. Think of the people of a holy God coming down to this. And ate the sacrifices of the dead ( What does the Bible say about necromancy? ). In the orgies with which the Baalites celebrated their detestable worship Israel joined, partaking even in their sacrifices as earnest inner court worshippers, though the gods were but dead idols. Perhaps they assisted in necromantic rites which were intended to open a correspondence with departed spirits, thus endeavouring to break the seal of God's providence, and burst into the secret chambers which God has shut up. Those who are weary of seeking the living God have often shown a hankering after dark sciences, and have sought after fellowship with demons and spirits. To what strong delusions those are often given up who cast off the fear of God! This remark is as much needed now as in days gone by. John Kitto - "bound themselves with his badge": for it was the custom in ancient times, as it is now, in all Pagan countries, for every idol to have some specific badge, or ensign, by which his votaries are known.
Números 25
Spurgeon - Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. God has his champions left in the worst times, and they will stand up when the time comes for them to come forth to battle. This righteous indignation moved him to a quick execution of two open offenders. His honest spirit could not endure that lewdness should be publicly practised at a time when a fast had been proclaimed. Such daring defiance of God and of all law he could not brook, and so with his sharp javelin he transfixed the two guilty ones in the very act. It was a holy passion which inflamed him, and no enmity to either of the persons whom he slew. The circumstances were so remarkable and the sin so flagrant that it would have involved great sin in a public man to have stood still and seen God thus defied, and Israel thus polluted. Phinehas was not of this mind, he was no trimmer, or palliator of sin, his heart was sound in God's statutes, and his whole nature was ablaze with zeal for God's glory, and therefore, though a priest, and therefore not obliged to be an executioner, he undertook the unwelcome task, and though both transgressors were of princely stock he had no respect of persons, but dealt justice upon them as if they had been the lowest of the people. This brave and decided deed was so acceptable to God as a proof that there were some sincere souls in Israel that the deadly visitation went no further. Two deaths had sufficed to save the lives of the multitude. And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. Down to the moment when this psalm was penned the house of Phinehas was honoured in Israel. His faith had performed a valorous deed, and his righteousness was testified of the Lord, and honoured by the continuance of his family in the priesthood. He was impelled by motives that what would otherwise have been a deed of blood was justified in the sight of God; nay, more, was made the evidence that Phinehas was righteous. No personal ambition, or private revenge, or selfish passion, or even fanatical bigotry, inspired the man of God, but zeal for God, indignation at open filthiness, and true patriotism urged him on. Once again we have cause to note the mercy of God that even when his warrant was out, and actual execution was proceeding, he stayed his hand at the suit of one man: finding, as it were, an apology for his grace when justice seemed to demand immediate vengeance. Notice that in Psalms, there is no mention of the covenant of peace, but there is a declaration of righteousness. Reason with me. If Phinehas had righteousness reckoned or credited or imputed from the "account of Jesus" to his "spiritual bank account," then Phinehas was "justified" before God or "saved" as we might say today. Notice also how the description of this covenant as the covenant of peace correlates with the results of justification (being declared righteous) described by Paul in (Ro 5:1-note) "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." In this passage Paul is referring to justification based on entrance by grace through faith into the New Covenant in His blood. The text in Ps 106 emphasizes Phinehas' actions associated with his being reckoned righteous, whereas Numbers focuses primarily on the perpetuation of the priesthood through Phinehas. In summary, the "rewards" to Phinehas include (realizing that they are all manifestations of God's grace) Plague was stopped - God's wrath turned away Phinehas receives covenant of peace Phinehas is lineage thru which there would be a perpetual priesthood Phinehas' "sacrifice" accomplished atonement Phinehas was reckoned righteous (See explanation in notes on Ps 106:31) John