Journey XEEF. v. 16. From the Desert of Sinai, they removed to Kibroth KIBROTH signifies a Grave; and Aveh and Aveth, Concupiscence, or Graves of Greediness. We find in the 11th chap ter of Numbers, that the people lusted for flesh, and it so displeased the Almighty, that they were consumed in the uttermost part of the camp by the plague, which brake in upon them after they had began to eat of the quails, God in judgment had sent among them. Though they had so lately received the law; yet how soon did they break it! On feeling the difficulties and fatigues of their journey, their complaints were again renewed against him who had hitherto fed them with angels' food, and had clave the rock to quench their thirst. Is not this apt to be too much the case with ourselves? almost ready at times to be discontented with our very blessings? and it may be, preferring sin, and its baneful pleasures, to that love and the divine presence which cheer the heart when almost fainting by the way; instead of coming to our Redeemer, and saying, Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest; where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? (a) for if we profess to know God, but in works deny him, having a form of godliness, but denying the power, we are abominable and disobedient. (b) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (c) Whosoever feareth God, to them is the word of this salvation sent. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but a new creature. (d) (a) Sol. Song, 1. 7. (b) Titus, 1. 16. 2 Tim. 3. 5. (d) Gal. 6. 15. And as the word is nigh us, even in our mouth, and in our heart, let us cleave unto the Lord our God; and serve him in sincerity and truth; with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind, and with a pure conscience; (e) for he is more ready to hear than we are to pray, and more willing to give than we can desire or deserve, and will not withhold from the least of his followers any of those spiritual or temporal mercies we so often need. And were we called, like the Israelites, to travel through the wilderness, no doubt bread would be given us from heaven; and the desert would smile and blossom as the rose. May we not yield to murmuring, and the desire of evil things as they also desired them, and thereby bring upon ourselves the justice and vengeance of the Almighty; for they forgot not the onions and garlick of Egypt. Neither must we desire to return (e) Josh. 23. 8.: 24. 14. 1 Chron. 28.9. to those beggarly elements in which we were in bondage, as the refined delights and pleasures of this world; but we must cast them to the moles and to the bats; that the body of sin may be destroyed, and that we may rise and walk in newness of life. Many sorrows, says David, shall be to the wicked; but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. (f) (f) Ps. 32. 10. And they departed from Kibroth Hattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth. HAZEROTH, from Roth, to tremble, trembling, &c. This may represent of what we read in the 12th chapter of Numbers, where Aaron and Miriam spake against Moses; for which the Almighty smote Miriam with leprosy, and she was shut out of the camp seven days. The not being permitted to come into the presence of Him, who is represented as dwelling among the Israelites, must have been felt as a severe punishment. How great is the suffering of sitting in spiritual darkness to a soul that knows the value and great consolation of communion with the Father of Light, who knows no variableness nor shadow of turning. Is it not highly necessary to examine well into our hearts, and to see if we are earnestly endeavouring to escape that land of darkness from which we can never return; and repent and live? For the righteous |