Deuteronomy · Chapter 4

V. 1. The statutes-The laws which concern the worship and service of God. The judgments-The laws concerning your duties to men. So these two comprehend both tables, and the whole law of God.

Verse 1. Hearken-unto the statutes] Every thing that concerned the rites and ceremonies of religion; judgments-all that concerned matters of civil right and wrong.

Verse 1. Now therefore hearken, O Israel — Having called to their remembrance the extraordinary dispensations of Divine Providence toward them, both in the way of mercy and judgment, he now calls upon their whole assembly, in the most serious and earnest manner, to consider what influence these things ought to have upon their conduct, answerable to the design of such mercies and judgments; namely, to render them punctually obedient to the laws of God, and cautions of offending him; this being the very intent for which they were conducted to the promised land, and the absolute condition of their peaceful and happy enjoyment of it. We may observe Moses here to speak with all possible energy of language. The greatness of the subject he is upon inspires him with more than usual warmth, and he cannot take a view of the extraordinary privilege and happiness bestowed upon his people, in having divine statutes and judgments to direct them, without rapture and admiration. He sees the happiness of their condition therein, and bestows all his zeal and spirit to make them sensible of it. He regards nothing but this only, as knowing this would be every thing to them, to make them great and happy. The statutes — The laws which concerned the worship and service of God. The judgments — The laws concerning their duty to men. So these two comprehend both tables, and the whole law of God.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

Verse 2. Ye shall not add] Any book, chapter, verse or word, which I have not spoken; nor give any comment that has any tendency to corrupt, weaken, or destroy any part of this revelation.

Neither shall ye diminish] Ye shall not only not take away any larger portion of this word, but ye shall not take one jot or tittle from the LAW; it is that word of God that abideth for ever.

Verse 2. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you — By desiring other doctrines, or ways of worship, than what I have taught or prescribed. For this were to accuse me of want of wisdom, or care, or faithfulness, in not giving you sufficient instructions for God’s service. Neither shall ye diminish aught from it — By rejecting or neglecting any thing which I have commanded, though it seem ever so small; but take my word, as it is, for your sole rule and guide in things temporal and eternal.

Verse 2. Ye shall not add unto the word. This would be to debase revelation, and treat the divine law as a defective production of man, that needed additions and retrenchments. Solon, the Athenian lawgiver, obtained an oath from the principal officers of the senate to observe his laws inviolate for ten years, till he should return from his travels. Besides, the tabernacle being a type of heaven, would utterly be gaited and marred by the fanciful rituals devised by men. Yet many things were added, as the feast of purim, in Esther, and additional altars when Solomon dedicated the temple.

2. Ye shall not add unto the word — The Pharisees received condemnation from Christ for adding to the law. Matthew 15:3.

Verses 3, 4. Are alive every one of you this day — A singular providence watched over them, to preserve them in such good healthy that not one of so many thousands was dead since that time. Nor, in the war with the Midianites, did they lose so much as one man, Numbers 31:7-49.

3. Of Baal-peor — Moses refers to that recent judgment of God upon the sins of the people when twenty-four thousand were slain. Numbers 25:1-9.

Verses 3, 4. Are alive every one of you this day — A singular providence watched over them, to preserve them in such good healthy that not one of so many thousands was dead since that time. Nor, in the war with the Midianites, did they lose so much as one man, Numbers 31:7-49.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 6. In the sight of the nations-For though the generality of Heathens in the latter ages, did through inveterate prejudices condemn the laws of the Hebrews, yet it is certain, the wisest Heathens did highly approve of them, so that they made use of divers of them, and translated them into their own laws and constitutions; and Moses, the giver of these laws, hath been mentioned with great honour for his wisdom and learning by many of them. And particularly the old Heathen oracle expressly said, that the Chaldeans or Hebrews, who worshipped the uncreated God, were the only wise men.

Verse 6. Keep-and do them; for this is your wisdom] There was no mode of worship at this time on the face or the earth that was not wicked, obscene, puerile, foolish, or ridiculous, except that established by God himself among the Israelites. And every part of this, taken in its connection and reference, may be truly called a wise and reasonable service. The nations-and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.] Almost all the nations in the earth showed that they had formed this opinion of the Jews, by borrowing from them the principal part of their civil code. Take away what Asia and Europe, whether ancient or modern, have borrowed from the Mosaic laws, and you leave little behind that can be called excellent.

Verse 6. In the sight of the nations — For though the generality of heathen, in the latter ages, did, through inveterate prejudices, condemn the laws of the Hebrews, yet it is certain the wisest heathen did highly approve of them, so that they made use of divers of them, and translated them into their own laws and constitutions; and Moses, the giver of these laws, hath been mentioned with great honour for his wisdom and learning by many of them. And particularly the old heathen oracle expressly said, “That the Chaldeans, or Hebrews, who worshipped the uncreated God, were the only wise men.”

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 7. So nigh-By glorious miracles, by the pledges of his special presence, by the operations of his grace, and particularly by his readiness to hear our prayers, and to give us those succours which we call upon him for.

Verses 7, 8. So nigh — By glorious miracles, by the pledges of his special presence, by the operations of his grace, and particularly by his readiness to hear our prayers, and to give us those succours which we call upon him for. So righteous — Whereby he implies that the true greatness of a nation doth not consist in pomp and power, or largeness of empire, as commonly men think, but in the righteousness of its laws.

Ver. 7. What nation—hath God so nigh? Moses here reaches the true sublime of instruction. Will the Lord indeed dwell with man, in all the promised glory and grace of his covenant? The gentile mythology can bear no comparison with the glory of the Hebrew ritual.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 8. So righteous-Whereby he implies that the true greatness of a nation doth not consist in pomp or power, or largeness of empire, as commonly men think, but in the righteousness of its laws.

Verses 7, 8. So nigh — By glorious miracles, by the pledges of his special presence, by the operations of his grace, and particularly by his readiness to hear our prayers, and to give us those succours which we call upon him for. So righteous — Whereby he implies that the true greatness of a nation doth not consist in pomp and power, or largeness of empire, as commonly men think, but in the righteousness of its laws.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

Verse 9. Only take heed to thyself] Be circumspect and watchful. Keep thy soul diligently] Be mindful of thy eternal interests. Whatever becomes of the body, take care of the soul.

Lest thou forget] God does his work that they may be had in everlasting remembrance; and he that forgets them, forgets his own mercies. Besides, if a man forget the work of God on his soul, he loses that work. Lest they depart from thy heart] It is not sufficient to lay up Divine things in the memory, they must be laid up in the heart. Thy word have I hidden in my heart, says David, that I might not sin against thee. The life of God in the soul of man can alone preserve the soul to life everlasting; and this grace must be retained all the days of our life. When Adam fell, his condition was not meliorated by the reflection that he had been once in paradise; nor does it avail Satan now that he was once an angel of light. Those who let the grace of God depart from their hearts, lose that grace; and those who lose the grace, fall from the grace; and as some have fallen and risen no more, so may others; therefore, take heed to thyself, &c. Were it impossible for men finally to fall from the grace of God, exhortations of this kind had never been given, because they would have been unnecessary, and God never does an unnecessary thing.

But teach them thy sons] If a man know the worth of his own soul, he will feel the importance of the salvation of the souls of his family. Those who neglect family religion, neglect personal religion; if more attention were paid to the former, even among those called religious people, we should soon have a better state of civil society. On family religion God lays much stress; and no head of a family can neglect it without endangering the final salvation of his own soul. See Clarke’s note at the conclusion of “Genesis 18:32”, and see Clarke at the end of “Genesis 19:38”, and see Clarke’s note on “Deuteronomy 6:7”.

Verses 9, 10. Only take heed — Their only danger was, lest they should grow careless and unmindful of all the wonderful things that God had done for them; for which reason he would have every Israelite to make these weighty concerns the subject of his most frequent study and intense meditation. Especially the day — When God delivered the law from mount Sinai to them, with such awful appearances of divine majesty. Thou stoodest — Some of them stood there in their own persons, though then they were but young; the rest in the loins of their parents.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 10. Thou stoodest-Some of them stood there in their own persons, though then they were but young, the rest in the loins of their parents.

Verses 9, 10. Only take heed — Their only danger was, lest they should grow careless and unmindful of all the wonderful things that God had done for them; for which reason he would have every Israelite to make these weighty concerns the subject of his most frequent study and intense meditation. Especially the day — When God delivered the law from mount Sinai to them, with such awful appearances of divine majesty. Thou stoodest — Some of them stood there in their own persons, though then they were but young; the rest in the loins of their parents.

10-12. The day that thou stoodest before the Lord — Here should commence a new sentence. Our translators have incorrectly brought into the text the word specially. In the day when you stood in the presence of Jehovah your God in Horeb, etc., then you drew near. Moses in these verses reminds the people of the chief events connected with the giving of the law. The mountain burned… unto the midst of heaven — To the heart of heaven. “A rhetorical description of the awful majesty of the pillar of fire in which the glory of Jehovah appeared upon Sinai, intended to impress deeply upon the minds of the people the remembrance of this manifestation of God.” — Keil.

V. 11. The midst of heaven-Flaming up into the air, which is often called heaven.

Verses 11, 12. The midst of heaven — Flaming up into the air, which is often called heaven. No similitude — No resemblance or representation of God, whereby either his essence, or properties, or actions were represented, such as were usual among the heathen.

10-12. The day that thou stoodest before the Lord — Here should commence a new sentence. Our translators have incorrectly brought into the text the word specially. In the day when you stood in the presence of Jehovah your God in Horeb, etc., then you drew near. Moses in these verses reminds the people of the chief events connected with the giving of the law. The mountain burned… unto the midst of heaven — To the heart of heaven. “A rhetorical description of the awful majesty of the pillar of fire in which the glory of Jehovah appeared upon Sinai, intended to impress deeply upon the minds of the people the remembrance of this manifestation of God.” — Keil.

V. 12. No similitude-No resemblance or representation of God, whereby either his essence, or properties, or actions were represented, such as were usual among the Heathens.

Verses 11, 12. The midst of heaven — Flaming up into the air, which is often called heaven. No similitude — No resemblance or representation of God, whereby either his essence, or properties, or actions were represented, such as were usual among the heathen.

10-12. The day that thou stoodest before the Lord — Here should commence a new sentence. Our translators have incorrectly brought into the text the word specially. In the day when you stood in the presence of Jehovah your God in Horeb, etc., then you drew near. Moses in these verses reminds the people of the chief events connected with the giving of the law. The mountain burned… unto the midst of heaven — To the heart of heaven. “A rhetorical description of the awful majesty of the pillar of fire in which the glory of Jehovah appeared upon Sinai, intended to impress deeply upon the minds of the people the remembrance of this manifestation of God.” — Keil.

13. Ten commandments — Literally, ten words. Comp. Exodus 20:1-17. Upon two tables of stone — Comp. Exodus 31:18, and 34:1. IDOLATRY SPECIALLY FORBIDDEN, 15-24.

Idolatry in various and in most gross forms prevailed throughout the East among the nations with whom Israel would be brought in contact. Moses in these few passages comprehends the various form of idolatry prevalent.

V. 14. Statutes and judgments-The ceremonial and judicial laws which are here distinguished from the moral, or the ten commandments.

Verse 14. To teach you statutes and judgments — This relates to the rest of the laws which God gave to Moses, immediately after he himself had delivered to them the ten commandments, (Exodus 21.,) it being the people’s desire that God would communicate to them the rest of his will by Moses.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 15. In Horeb-God, who in other places and times did appear in a similitude in the fashion of a man, now in this most solemn appearance, when he comes to give eternal laws for the direction of the Israelites in the worship of God, and in their duty to men, purposely avoids all such representations, to shew that he abhors all worship of images, or of himself by images of what kind soever, because he is the invisible God, and cannot be represented by any visible image.

Verse 15. Ye saw no manner of similitude] Howsoever God chose to appear or manifest himself, he took care never to assume any describable form. He would have no image worship, because he is a SPIRIT, and they who worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth. These outward things tend to draw the mind out of itself, and diffuse it on sensible, if not sensual, objects; and thus spiritual worship is prevented, and the Holy Ghost grieved. Persons acting in this way can never know much of the religion of the heart.

Verse 15. Ye saw no similitude in Horeb — God, who, in some other places and times, did appear in a human form, now in this most solemn appearance, when he came to give eternal laws for the direction of the Israelites in the worship of himself, and in their duty to their fellow-creatures, purposely avoided all such representations, to show that he abhors all worship by images, of what kind soever, because he is the invisible God, and cannot be represented by any visible image.

Ver. 15. Ye saw no—similitude. It is not a statue, nor even the glory of the heavens, that can adequately represent the Theotes or Divinity. Yet the fine paintings of scripture histories hung up in churches, did very much contribute to instruct the ignorant, and impress the heart.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 16. Lest ye corrupt yourselves-Your ways, by worshipping God in a corrupt manner.

Verse 16. The likeness of male or female] Such as Baal-peor and the Roman Priapus, Ashtaroth or Astarte, and the Greek and Roman Venus; after whom most nations of the world literally went a whoring.

Verses 16, 17. Lest ye corrupt yourselves — Corrupt your minds with mean thoughts of God, your hearts by suffering any creature to alienate your affections from him, or your ways by worshipping him in a corrupt manner, or by falling into idolatry. And make you a graven image — For worship, or for the representation of God; which he forbids under the penalty of his displeasure. The likeness of any beast, &c. — Dr. Chandler observes, that “this is the very picture of Egypt, which had gods of all sorts; dead persons deified, male and female, and numerous images of them; who worshipped as deities bulls, cows, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, birds, the ibis and hawk, serpents, crocodiles, river-horses, together with the sun, moon, and stars of heaven.”

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

Verse 17. The likeness of any beast, &c.] Such as the Egyptian god Apis, who was worshipped under the form of a white bull; the ibis and hawk, among the FOWLS, had also Divine honours paid to them; serpents and the crocodile among REPTILES; besides monkeys, dogs, cats, the scarabæus, leeks, and onions! See this explained at large, See Clarke “Exodus 20:4”.

Verses 16, 17. Lest ye corrupt yourselves — Corrupt your minds with mean thoughts of God, your hearts by suffering any creature to alienate your affections from him, or your ways by worshipping him in a corrupt manner, or by falling into idolatry. And make you a graven image — For worship, or for the representation of God; which he forbids under the penalty of his displeasure. The likeness of any beast, &c. — Dr. Chandler observes, that “this is the very picture of Egypt, which had gods of all sorts; dead persons deified, male and female, and numerous images of them; who worshipped as deities bulls, cows, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, birds, the ibis and hawk, serpents, crocodiles, river-horses, together with the sun, moon, and stars of heaven.”

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 19. Driven-Strongly inclined. Which the Lord hath divided unto all nations-Which are not Gods, but creatures, made not for the worship, but for the use of men; yea, of the meanest and most barbarous people under heaven, and therefore cannot without great absurdity be worshipped, especially by you who are so much advanced above other nations in wisdom and knowledge, and in this, that you are my peculiar people.

Verse 19. When thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars] The worship of the heavenly bodies was the oldest species of idolatry. Those who had not the knowledge of the true God were led to consider the sun, moon, planets, and stars, as not only self-existing, but the authors of all the blessings possessed by mankind. The knowledge of a rational system of astronomy served to destroy this superstition; and very little of it remains now in the world, except among a few Christian and Mohammedan astrologers; those miserable sinners who endeavour, as much as possible, to revive the old idolatry, while vainly professing to believe in the true God! Nor is it to be doubted that God will proceed with them as he has done of old with the worshippers of the host of heaven. Sound philosophy is next in importance to sound divinity; and next to the study of the work of grace is that of the operations of God in nature; for these visible things make known his eternal power and Godhead.

Verse 19. Lest thou shouldest be driven — Strongly inclined; to worship them. Which the Lord hath divided unto all nations — Which are not gods, but creatures, made not for worship, but for the use of men; yea, of the meanest and most barbarous people under heaven, and therefore cannot, without great absurdity, be worshipped, especially by you, who are so much advanced above other nations in wisdom and in knowledge, and in this, that you are my peculiar people.

Ver. 19. Lest when thou seest the sun, the moon, and the stars. This is the Sabian worship, strongly abhorred by Job, in Job 31:26; a worship which overspread the world, and still subsists in the east. The sun is called the king of heaven, or Baal, the lord or ruler of the day. The moon (Juno, or the queen of heaven, Jeremiah 7:18) is called Baala, or lady, ruling the night; which Baala is called by Abedenus, bhltiv. In Philo, we find the word Baaltis. The Jews worship the moon with baking cakes, and by consequence with fire.

General Vallancey has written on the antiquities of the Irish language; and supposes Ireland to be the ancient Thule, and to have derived their worship from the Carthaginians, whose presiding deity was Baal. He supports his theory by the fires which they used to kindle, mi Baal tienne, in Baal’s month; that is, on the first of May. On that day, the children scatter fire in the fields, and cry, Baal tienne fires. See on Job 1:5. Herodotus gives us, book 7., an example how Xerxes worshipped the rising sun, before he set out on his most unfortunate expedition against the Greeks. “Awaiting the rising of the sun, they poured on the bridge all kinds of sweet odours, and scattered on all the road, branches of myrtle. Immediately when it was day, Xerxes with a golden phial poured a libation into the sea, and prayed the sun to turn away whatever might obstruct his subjugation of all Europe.” In this disastrous expedition, the stars did not hear him.

19. The Lord… hath divided — The view held by many of this passage is that God permitted the nations to choose the heavenly bodies as objects of worship — as Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, and some modern critics, as Keil and Knobel. The meaning is, rather, that God has given the nations the heavenly bodies for service, and to lead them to the knowledge of himself. Comp. Romans 1:20.

Verse 20. Out of the iron furnace] From this mention of the word iron furnace there can be little doubt that the Israelites were employed in Egypt in the most laborious works of metallurgy. Digging, smelting, and forging of iron in so hot a climate must have been oppressive work indeed.

Verse 20. The Lord hath taken you — Of his own free mercy, unmerited by you; and brought you forth out of the iron furnace — The furnace wherein iron and other metals are melted, to which Egypt is compared, from the torment and misery which the Israelites there endured. To be unto him a people of inheritance — His peculiar possession from generation to generation; and therefore for you to forsake God, and worship idols, would be wickedness and ingratitude to the highest degree.

20. Out of the iron furnace — A furnace for smelting iron is the figure descriptive of the terrible sufferings Israel endured in Egypt.

Verse 21. The Lord was angry with me] And if with me, so as to debar me from entering into the promised land, can you think to escape if guilty of greater provocations?

Verse 21. That I should not go over Jordan — And as God has granted you the favour which he has denied me, your obligation to him is greatly increased.

21. Angry with me — Comp. Deuteronomy 1:37.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

Verse 23. Lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God — Lest you either disregard the knowledge of God’s law, or wilfully disobey it, now it is declared to you, and thereby bring misery and destruction upon yourselves.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 24. A consuming fire-A just and terrible God, who, notwithstanding his special relation to thee, will severely punish thee, if thou provoke him. A jealous God-Who being espoused to thee, will be highly incensed against thee, (if thou follow after other lovers, or commit whoredom with idols) and will bear no rival or partner.

Verse 24. Thy God is a consuming fire] They had seen him on the mount as an unconsuming fire, while appearing to Moses, and giving the law; and they had seen him as a consuming fire in the case of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their company. They had, therefore, every good to expect from his approbation, and every evil to dread from his displeasure.

Verse 24. A consuming fire — A just and terrible God, who, notwithstanding his special relation to you, will severely punish you, if you provoke him. A jealous God — Who, being espoused to you, will be highly incensed against you if you follow after other lovers, or commit whoredom (so to speak) with idols, and will bear no rival or partner.

24. God is a consuming fire — This term is applied to Jehovah with special reference to his manifestation of himself in Sinai. Comp. Exodus 24:17, where it is said the glory of Jehovah was like devouring, or consuming, fire. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews, in Hebrews 12:29, quotes from these passages, “Our God is a consuming fire.” DISPERSION AMONG THE HEATHEN THREATENED, 25-28.

Verse 25. And shall corrupt yourselves — This seems to be evidently a prediction of what Moses foresaw would take place; which that he did is still more manifest in verse 30.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

Verse 26. I call heaven and earth to witness against you] A most solemn method of adjuration, in use among all nations in the world. So Virgil, Æn., lib. xii., ver. 176, &c.

Tum pius Æneas stricto sic ense precatur: Esto nunc Sol testis et haec mihi terra vocanti— Fontesque fluviosque voco, quæque ætheris alti Relllgio, et quæ cæruleo sunt numina ponto, &c. “Then the great Trojan prince unsheathed his sword, And thus, with lifted hands, the gods adored: Thou land for which I wage this war, and thou Great source of day, be witness to my vow!— Almighty king of heaven and queen of air, Propitious now and reconciled by prayer,— Ye springs, ye floods, ye various powers who lie Beneath the deep, or tread the golden sky,— HEAR and ATTEST!”

PITT.

God and man being called upon to bear testimony to the truth of what was spoken, that if there was any flaw or insincerity, it might be detected; and if any crime, it might not go unpunished. Such appeals to God, for such purposes, show at once both the origin and use of oaths. See Clarke’s note on “Deuteronomy 6:13”.

26. I call heaven and earth to witness — Heaven and earth are personified in this solemn form of adjuration, as in Isaiah 1:2, “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth.” Comp. also Deuteronomy 32:1, of this book.

Verse 27. The Lord shall scatter you among the nations] This was amply verified in their different captivities and dispersions.

27. The Lord shall scatter you — How clearly this was fulfilled in the nation’s history! Assyrians, Babylonians, the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties, and finally the Romans, scattered the rebellious people.

V. 28. Ye shall serve Gods-You shall be compelled by men, and given up by me to idolatry. So that very thing which was your choice, shall be your punishment: it being just and usual for God to punish one sin by giving men up to another.

Verse 28. There ye shall serve gods-wood and stone] This was also true of the Israelites, not only in their captivities, but also in their own land. And it may now be literally the case with the ten tribes who were carried away captive by the Assyrians, and of whose residence no man at present knows any thing with certainty. That they still exist there can be no doubt; but they are now, most probably, so completely incorporated with the idolaters among whom they dwell, as to be no longer distinguish able: yet God can gather them.

Verses 28, 29. Ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands — You shall be compelled by men, and given up by me, to idolatry. So that very thing which was your choice, shall be your punishment: it being just and usual for God to punish one sin by giving men up to another. If from thence thou seek the Lord — Whatever place we are in, we may from thence seek him. There is no part of the earth which has a gulf fixed between it and heaven.

THE PEOPLE EXHORTED TO FAITHFULLY OBSERVE THE LAW, 1-40.

After the preceding historical review Moses passes to a forcible exhortation to keep the law of Jehovah. He commences by urging the people to keep the requirements of Jehovah without adding to them or taking from them. He warns them of the perils of disobedience by recalling to their minds the fate of those who joined in the idolatrous and licentious rites of Baal-peor. He reminds them that they who kept Jehovah’s commandments are alive. He tells them that their greatness as a nation and their position in the estimation of other nations would depend upon their observance of these statutes and requirements. He warns them not to forget what they have seen in their past experience. By the sublime scenes of Horeb, when Jehovah spake unto them out of the midst of the fire, they are warned against idolatry. The discourse passes to a threatening of their dispersion among the nations as the punishment for their turning away from God, but with a promise of their restoration if they shall again seek Jehovah. Again, Moses appeals to the wonders of their past history. He tells them God loved their fathers. He brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He is to drive out great and mighty nations so as to give them an inheritance. This first discourse closes with promises of prosperity if they will keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah.

1. The statutes and… judgments — That is, the whole law. Compare the same expression in Leviticus 19:37, and in this book, Deuteronomy 26:16.

V. 29. If from thence thou seek the Lord-Whatever place we are in, we may from thence seek him. There is no part of the earth which has a gulf fixt between it and heaven.

Verse 29. But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord] God is longsuffering, and of tender mercy; and waits, ever ready, to receive a backsliding soul when it returns to him. Is not this promise left on record for the encouragement and salvation of lost Israel?

Verses 28, 29. Ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands — You shall be compelled by men, and given up by me, to idolatry. So that very thing which was your choice, shall be your punishment: it being just and usual for God to punish one sin by giving men up to another. If from thence thou seek the Lord — Whatever place we are in, we may from thence seek him. There is no part of the earth which has a gulf fixed between it and heaven.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

V. 30. In the latter days-In succeeding ages.

Verse 30. When thou art in tribulation in the latter days] Are not these the times spoken of? And is there not still hope for Israel? Could we see them become zealous for their own law and religious observances-could we see them humble themselves before the God of Jacob-could we see them conduct their public worship with any tolerable decency and decorum-could we see them zealous to avoid every moral evil, inquiring the road to Zion, with their faces thitherward; then might we hope that the redemption of Israel was at hand: but alas! there is not the most distant evidence of any thing of the kind, except in a very few solitary instances. They are, perhaps, in the present day, more lost to every sacred principle of their own institutions than they have ever been since their return from the Babylonish captivity. By whom shall Jacob arise? for in this sense he is small-deeply fallen, and greatly degraded.

Verses 30, 31. In the latter days — Either in general in succeeding ages and generations, or particularly in the days of the Messiah, commonly called in Scripture, the latter, or last days. Here the apostacy and misery of the Jewish nation in the latter days is clearly foretold, as it is more at large in chap 28. But the passage also gives encouragement to hope for their conversion and redemption; and that even in those times when their case should seem most desperate; when they should have forsaken God and rejected the Messiah, toward the end of the world.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

Verses 30, 31. In the latter days — Either in general in succeeding ages and generations, or particularly in the days of the Messiah, commonly called in Scripture, the latter, or last days. Here the apostacy and misery of the Jewish nation in the latter days is clearly foretold, as it is more at large in chap 28. But the passage also gives encouragement to hope for their conversion and redemption; and that even in those times when their case should seem most desperate; when they should have forsaken God and rejected the Messiah, toward the end of the world.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

V. 32. The one side of heaven-That is, of the earth under heaven. Ask all the inhabitants of the world.

Verses 32-34. The one side of heaven — That is, of the earth under heaven. Ask all the inhabitants of the world. And live — And was not overwhelmed and consumed by such a glorious appearance. By temptations — Temptations is the general title, which is explained by the following particulars, signs, and wonders, &c., which are called temptations, because they were trials both to the Egyptians and Israelites, whether they would be induced to believe and obey God or not. By terrors — Raised in the minds of the Egyptians, or, by terrible things done among them.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

V. 33. And live-And was not overwhelmed and consumed by such a glorious appearance.

Verse 33. Did ever people hear the voice of God] It seems to have been a general belief that if God appeared to men, it was for the purpose of destroying them; and indeed most of the extraordinary manifestations of God were in the way of judgment; but here it was different; God did appear in a sovereign and extraordinary manner; but it was for the deliverance and support of the people. 1. They heard his voice speaking with them in a distinct, articulate manner. 2. They saw the fire, the symbol of his presence, the appearances of which demonstrated it to be supernatural. 3. Notwithstanding God appeared so terrible, yet no person was destroyed, for he came, not to destroy, but to save.

Verses 32-34. The one side of heaven — That is, of the earth under heaven. Ask all the inhabitants of the world. And live — And was not overwhelmed and consumed by such a glorious appearance. By temptations — Temptations is the general title, which is explained by the following particulars, signs, and wonders, &c., which are called temptations, because they were trials both to the Egyptians and Israelites, whether they would be induced to believe and obey God or not. By terrors — Raised in the minds of the Egyptians, or, by terrible things done among them.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

V. 34. By temptations-Temptations is the general title, which is explained by the following particulars, signs, and wonders, &c. which are called temptations, because they were trials both to the Egyptians and Israelites, whether they would be induced to believe and obey God or no. By terrors-Raised in the minds of the Egyptians, or, by terrible things done among them.

Verse 34. From the midst of another nation] This was a most extraordinary thing, that a whole people, consisting of upwards of 600,000 effective men, besides women and children, should, without striking a blow, be brought out of the midst of a very powerful nation, to the political welfare of which their services were so essential; that they should be brought out in so open and public a manner; that the sea itself should be supernaturally divided to afford this mighty host a passage; and that, in a desert utterly unfriendly to human life, they should be sustained for forty years. These were such instances of the almighty power and goodness of God as never could be forgotten.

In this verse Moses enumerates seven different means used by the Almighty in effecting Israel’s deliverance.

1. TEMPTATIONS, tsm massoth, from hcn nasah, to try or prove; the miracles which God wrought to try the faith and prove the obedience of the children of Israel.

2. SIGNS, tta othoth, from hta athah, to come near; such signs as God gave them of his continual presence and especial providence, particularly the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire, keeping near to them night and day, and always directing their journeys, showing them when and where to pitch their tents, &c., &c.

3. WONDERS, מופתים mophethim, from tpy yaphath, to persuade; persuasive facts and events, says Parkhurst, whether strictly miraculous, and exceeding the powers of nature, as Exodus 7:9; 11:9, 10; or not, as Isaiah 20:3; Ezekiel 12:6, 11. It probably means typical representations: in this signification the word is used, Zechariah 3:8. Joshua, the high priest, and his companions were tpwm yvna anshey mopheth, typical men, raised up by God as types of Christ, and proofs that God would bring his servant THE BRANCH. All the dealings of God with this people, and even the people themselves, were types-present significators of distant facts and future occurrences.

4. WAR, hmjlm milchamah, hostile engagements; such as those with the Amalekites, the Amorites, and the Bashanites, in which the hand of God was seen rather than the hand of man.

5. A MIGHTY HAND, hqzj dy yad chazakah; one that is strong to deal its blows, irresistible in its operations, and grasps its enemies hard, so that they cannot escape, and protects its friends so powerfully that they cannot be injured. Neither stratagem nor policy was used in this business, but the openly displayed power of God.

6. A STRETCHED-OUT ARM, hywcn [wrz zeroa netuyah; a series of almighty operations, following each other in quick astonishing succession. Let it be noted that in the Scriptures, 1. The finger of God denotes any manifestation of the Divine power, where effects are produced beyond the power of art or nature. 2. The hand of God signifies the same power, but put forth in a more signal manner. 3. The arm of God, the Divine omnipotence manifested in the most stupendous miracles. 4. The arm of God stretched out, this same omnipotence exerted in a continuation of stupendous miracles, both in the way of judgment and mercy. In this latter sense it appears to be taken in the text: the judgments were poured out on the Egyptians; the mercies wrought in favour of the Israelites.

7. GREAT TERRORS, גדלים מוראים moraim gedolim; such terror, dismay, and consternation as were produced by the ten plagues, to which probably the inspired penman here alludes: or, as the Septuagint has it, en oramasin megaloiv, with great or portentous sights; such as that when God looked out of the cloud upon the Egyptians, and their chariot wheels were taken off, Exodus 14:24, 25. More awful displays of God’s judgments, power, and might, were never witnessed by man.

Verses 32-34. The one side of heaven — That is, of the earth under heaven. Ask all the inhabitants of the world. And live — And was not overwhelmed and consumed by such a glorious appearance. By temptations — Temptations is the general title, which is explained by the following particulars, signs, and wonders, &c., which are called temptations, because they were trials both to the Egyptians and Israelites, whether they would be induced to believe and obey God or not. By terrors — Raised in the minds of the Egyptians, or, by terrible things done among them.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

V. 37. In his sight-Keeping his eye fixed upon him, as the father doth on his beloved child.

Verse 37. Brought thee out in his sight — Keeping his eye fixed on thee, as a father doth on his beloved child. He himself was present with thee, and marched along with thee in the pillar of cloud and fire. With his mighty power — And not by any natural strength of thy own, thou wast delivered from that bondage in which all the thousands of Israel so long lived in Egypt.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

Verse 39. Know and consider it in thy heart — From all that thou hast seen, heard, and experienced. That the Lord he is God, &c. — Settle it in thy heart that none but the Creator of all things could perform those mighty acts.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent. Moses does not close his discourse without again reminding them of the glorious works wrought in connexion with their deliverance. Verses 37-39 inclusive would better be read: “Because he loved thy fathers, and chose his [Abraham’s] seed after him, and brought thee out of Egypt in his sight with great power, to drive out nations mightier and stronger than thou art from before thy face, and to bring thee in, and to give thee their land for an inheritance that thou mightest know and consider in thy heart that Jehovah he is the God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath.” In his sight — Literally, by his face — by his personal presence. In Exodus 33:14, Jehovah is represented as saying to Moses, “My presence [literally, my face] shall go with thee.” As it is this day — By the conquest of Og and Sihon the Israelites had a pledge that the nations of Canaan would be dispossessed.

Verse 41. Then Moses severed three cities] See the law relative to the cities of refuge explained, See Clarke “Numbers 35:11”, &c.

CHOICE OF THREE CITIES OF REFUGE ON THE EAST OF JORDAN, 41-43. According to Numbers 35:14, Moses had been commanded to select three cities on the east of Jordan and three in Canaan. The first three are here selected by Moses. The other three were not selected until the land was apportioned to the tribes in Canaan. See Joshua 20:7.

43. Bezer — This city is mentioned in Joshua 20:8; 21:36, and 1 Chronicles 6:63. By some it is thought to be the same as Bosor. 1 Macc. 5:36. It may possibly be the modern Berza of Robinson. Ramoth in Gilead — By some writers considered the same as Ramath-mizpeh. Comp. Joshua 20:8, with 13:26. It was situated fifteen Roman miles west of Rabbath-Ammon. Golan in Bashan — According to Eusebius it was a large village in Batanaea even in his day. The district received its name Gaulonitis from Golan.

Second Discourse, Deuteronomy 4:44-16:19.

INTRODUCTION.

CHOICE OF THREE CITIES OF REFUGE ON THE EAST OF JORDAN, 41-43. According to Numbers 35:14, Moses had been commanded to select three cities on the east of Jordan and three in Canaan. The first three are here selected by Moses. The other three were not selected until the land was apportioned to the tribes in Canaan. See Joshua 20:7.

43. Bezer — This city is mentioned in Joshua 20:8; 21:36, and 1 Chronicles 6:63. By some it is thought to be the same as Bosor. 1 Macc. 5:36. It may possibly be the modern Berza of Robinson. Ramoth in Gilead — By some writers considered the same as Ramath-mizpeh. Comp. Joshua 20:8, with 13:26. It was situated fifteen Roman miles west of Rabbath-Ammon. Golan in Bashan — According to Eusebius it was a large village in Batanaea even in his day. The district received its name Gaulonitis from Golan.

Second Discourse, Deuteronomy 4:44-16:19.

INTRODUCTION.

Verse 43. Bezer in the wilderness] As the cities of refuge are generally understood to be types of the salvation provided by Christ for sinners; so their names have been thought to express some attribute of the Redeemer of mankind. See them explained Joshua 20:7, 8.

I SUPPOSE the last nine verses of this chapter to have been added by either Joshua or Ezra.

DEUTERONOMY

CHOICE OF THREE CITIES OF REFUGE ON THE EAST OF JORDAN, 41-43. According to Numbers 35:14, Moses had been commanded to select three cities on the east of Jordan and three in Canaan. The first three are here selected by Moses. The other three were not selected until the land was apportioned to the tribes in Canaan. See Joshua 20:7.

43. Bezer — This city is mentioned in Joshua 20:8; 21:36, and 1 Chronicles 6:63. By some it is thought to be the same as Bosor. 1 Macc. 5:36. It may possibly be the modern Berza of Robinson. Ramoth in Gilead — By some writers considered the same as Ramath-mizpeh. Comp. Joshua 20:8, with 13:26. It was situated fifteen Roman miles west of Rabbath-Ammon. Golan in Bashan — According to Eusebius it was a large village in Batanaea even in his day. The district received its name Gaulonitis from Golan.

Second Discourse, Deuteronomy 4:44-16:19.

INTRODUCTION.

V. 44. This is the law-More punctually expressed in the following chapter, to which these words are a preface.

Verse 44. This is the law — More particularly and fully expressed in the following chapter, to which these words are an introduction.

44. This is the law — Thorah (law) is the word that brought to the mind of Israel the ten words spoken by Jehovah on Sinai, together with the legislation and comments of Moses.

48. Mount Sion, which is Hermon — See note on Deuteronomy 3:9.

49. Springs of Pisgah — The same Hebrew expression is found here as in Deuteronomy 3:17, where our version treats it as a proper name. It should be rendered slopes of Pisgah.