Numbers 10:29-32 And Moses said to Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying to the place of which the LORD said… Moses, the mouth of the congregation, lifts up a prayer, both at the removing and at the resting of the ark. Thus their going out and coming in were sanctified by prayer; and it is an example to us to begin and end every day's journey, and every day's work with prayer. 1. Here is his prayer when the ark set forward: "Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies be scattered" (ver. 35). They were now in a desolate country, but they were marching towards an enemy's country; and their dependence was upon God for success and victory in their wars, as well as for directions and supply in the wilderness. David used this prayer long after (Psalm 68:1); for he also fought the Lord's battles. Note — (1) There are those in the world that are enemies to God, and haters of Him. Secret and open enemies; enemies to His truths, His laws, His ordinances, His people. (2) The scattering and defeating of God's enemies is a thing to be earnestly desired and believingly expected by all the Lord's people. This prayer is a prophecy. Those that persist in rebellion against God are hastening towards their own ruin. (3) For the scattering and defeating of God's enemies, there needs no more but God's arising. When God arose to judgment, the work was soon done (Psalm 76:8, 9). "Rise, Lord, as the sun riseth to scatter the shadows of the night." Christ rising from the dead scattereth His enemies (Psalm 68:18). 2. His prayer when the ark rested (ver. 36). (1) That God would cause His people to rest. So some read it, "Return, O Lord, the many thousands of Israel; return them to their rest again after this fatigue." Thus it is said, "The Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest " (Isaiah 63:14). Thus he prays that God would give Israel success and victory abroad, and peace and tranquility at home. (2) That God Himself would take up His rest among them. So we read it, "Return to the thousands of Israel"; the ten thousand thousand, so the word is. Note — 1. The Church of God is a great body; there are many thousands belonging to God's Israel. 2. We ought in our prayers to concern ourselves for this body. 3. The welfare and happiness of the Israel of God consists in the remaining presence of God among them. ( Matthew Henry, D. D..) Parallel Verses KJV: And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel. |
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