Numbers 3:15-22 Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families… : — That He taketh them from a month old is a thing of good use, and we may note it, for it notably showeth that we may destinate our children to God before they be fit for any other course of life. In the Gospel, those parents that brought little children to Christ are chronicled up for an eternal praise of them, and for an example to all parents to the end of the world. Matthew calleth them "little children." Luke calleth them "babes," even such as yet hanged upon the breast, effectually noting how soon we should bring them to Christ. Satan's envy even against these babes to be brought to Christ appeareth there, and our Saviour's unspeakable good against that malice, commanding them to be brought unto Him, and not to be hindered, taking them in His arms, putting His hands upon them, blessing them, and graciously affirming, that "of such is the kingdom of God." A natural parent wishes all good to his child, and as he is able, procureth it, even as the root spreadeth his sap to the branches without grudge or exception; and a religious parent, above all worldly good, careth for God's holy fear to be planted in his child. For the effecting whereof soon he bringeth him unto Christ, knowing that the first liquor put into a vessel is of great force ever in the same. Alas, what will the whole world profit them, were we able to give it them, ii eternally they be damned — yea, they and we both, they for not knowing Christ, and we for not bringing them to Christ. Wherefore earnest is that commandment of the Holy Ghost, "Fathers, bring up your children in instruction and information of the Lord." Abraham is registered up for this care; and whilst this Book of God remaineth it will be found written to their praise that Timothy's grandmother and mother brought him up in the knowledge of the Scripture from a child. Honour may shine and glory may glitter, but how soon covered with a cloud. Beauty much wished, but permanent with neither wishes nor wisdom whatsoever. Only the good gotten by bringing children to Christ remaineth for ever in his reward. And therefore let religious parents have a care of it, even soon, soon, remembering this place, that the Levites, appointed for His service, He would have numbered from a month old. (Bp. Babington.) Parallel Verses KJV: Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them. |
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