“obtulerunt principes Israël et capita familiarum, qui erant per singulas tribus, præfectique eorum, qui numerati fuerant,”
“That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: and were: Heb. who stood”
“And the leaders of Israel, the heads of their families, presented an offering. These men were the tribal leaders who had supervised the registration.”
“the princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, offered. These were the princes of the tribes. These are they who were over those who were counted:”
“that the princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers' houses, offered. These were the princes of the tribes, these are they that were over them that were numbered:”
II. Who it was that offered: The princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, v. 2. Note, Those that are above others in power and dignity ought to go before others, and endeavour to go beyond them, in every thing that is good. The more any are advanced the more is expected from them, on account of the greater opportunity they have of serving God and their generation. What are wealth and authority good for, but as they enable a man to do so much the more good in the world?
Verses 1-9 The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the greater opportunity they have of serving God and their generation. No sooner was the tabernacle set up, than provision is made for the removal of it. Even when but just settled in the world, we must be preparing for changes and removes, especially for the great change.