Ver. 2. The princes of Israel offered.] So they did at the making of the tabernacle, and at the building of the temple, (Exodus 35:27 1 Chronicles 29:6-8) which was but to give God of his own; as David aeknowledgeth with all thankfulness, (1 Chronicles 29:14) τα σα εκ των σων σοι προσφερομεν. Of thine own we offer unto thee, said Justinian, when he had offered up, in the temple of Sophia, at Constantinople, a communion table that had in it, saith the author, all the riches of land and sea. Cedrenus.
Ver. 8. And four waggons and eight oxen.] Double the number of what the Gershonites had, because their carriage was heavier; God proportions the burden to the back: none of his shall be oppressed, though “pressed out of measure above strength,” (2 Corinthians 1:8) as Joseph was, whom the archers hated, and shot at: “But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob,” ever reserved for a dead lift. (Genesis 49:23,24 Matthew 8:17) [See Trapp on “Ge 49:23”] [See Trapp on “Ge 49:24”] [See Trapp on “Mt 8:17”]
Ver. 9. Bear upon their shoulders.] Therefore when David carted the ark, as the Philistines had done before, God was angry, and made a breach upon Uzza, because they sought him not in due order. (1 Chronicles 15:13)
Ver. 11. For the dedicating of the altar.] No warrant at all for Popish dedications of altars, churches, religious houses built for superstitious uses, as appears in stories: as pro remissione et redemptione peccatorum; pro remedio et liberatione animae; pro amore caelestis patriae; pro salute regnorum; in honorem gloriosae virginis, &c. Act. and Mon.
Ver. 12. Of the tribe of Judah.] Ut ubique superemineat praerogativa Christi a Iuda oriundi.
Ver. 17. And for peace offerings.] Sacrifices of all sorts they brought, whereby, having made their peace, they kept a feast with joy before the Lord, for his mercy to them through the merits of his Son.
Ver. 18. On the second day.] Their offerings are severally and largely described; to show how highly accepted in heaven.
Ver. 19. And when Moses was gone into, &c.] Scipio Africanus was wont, before day, to go into the Capitol, in cellam Iovis, and there to stay a great while, quasi consultans de Rep. cum Iove, as if he had advised with his god about the public businesses. Gell., lib. vii., cap. 1.