_Hear, O Israel._ THE CALL TO ATTENTION I. He represents to them the formidable strength of the enemies which they were now to encounter (Deuteronomy 9:1). This representation is much the same with that which the evil spies had made (Numbers 13:28; Numbers 13:31), but made with a very different in... [ Continue Reading ]
_Not for thy righteousness._ THAT OUTWARD SUCCESS, PROSPERITY, AND GREATNESS IN THE WORLD IS NO TRUE EVIDENCE OF GRACE I. Men are very prone to make the outward prosperity and increase which God giveth them an argument of their righteousness, and so of God’s love to them, to save them. They think... [ Continue Reading ]
_Remember. .. how thou provokedst the Lord._ PROFITABLE REMEMBRANCE I. The fact asserted is this: we have provoked the Lord our God. Shall we call to mind the sins of our youth and the transgressions of our riper years? They are a long catalogue, and they testify strongly against us. But as profes... [ Continue Reading ]
_And at Taberah. .. ye provoked the Lord to wrath._ WARNING EXAMPLES In the histories here referred to we have examples of some of the methods of the Divine government of the world which reappear in all ages. I. God does not always lead peoples and individuals to repentance by visitations of his... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye have been rebellious._ REBELLION I. The source of rebellion. This is to be found in selfishness, in the preference by men of their own will over the way of God. When men choose another lord than the Eternal and Holy Ruler they set up a standard of rebellion, and are in revolt. II. The sin and... [ Continue Reading ]
_I prayed therefore unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, destroy not Thy people._ A COVENANT PEOPLE This prayer brings out in its greatest strength a contrast which goes through the Book of Deuteronomy, and through the whole Bible. The Israelites are the people of God, His inheritance, redeemed by... [ Continue Reading ]
_I prayed therefore unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, destroy not Thy people._ A COVENANT PEOPLE This prayer brings out in its greatest strength a contrast which goes through the Book of Deuteronomy, and through the whole Bible. The Israelites are the people of God, His inheritance, redeemed by... [ Continue Reading ]