Homilist Numbers 21:21-35 And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,… I. THE KING'S HIGHWAY SHOULD BE A PUBLIC ROAD. Royalty ought to be democracy personified. What the king holds is for the people's use; what he does, for their good. II. THE KING'S HIGHWAY SHOULD, THEREFORE, BE, FREE, But, alas! what king's highway is free? There are taxes and hindrances, and some are not allowed to pass it at all. National jealousies and pride bar the national highway. III. THE KING'S HIGHWAY BEING CLOSED, INJURES THOSE WHO CLOSE IT. 1. It makes enemies. Those who demand access are sore at the refusal. 2. It does not accomplish the object in view. Those who wish to get through, find other ways round. 3. It causes loss. The Israelites would have paid for all they required, and so have benefited the Edomites. IV. THERE IS ONE KING'S HIGHWAY WHICH IS FREE TO ALL, from which none are turned back, which is free from toll and safe from foes. This is that which Christ has opened, and which leads straight to the throne of God. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,WEB: Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, |
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