And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart — And is this only an external commandment? Can any then say, that the Sinai — covenant was merely external? With all thy heart — With an entire love. He is One; therefore our hearts must be united in his love. And the whole stream of our aff... [ Continue Reading ]
Teach them diligently — Heb. whet, or sharpen them, so as they may pierce deep into their hearts. This metaphor signifies the manner of instructing them, that it is to be done diligently, earnestly, frequently, discreetly.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou shalt bind them — Thou shalt give all diligence, and use all means to keep them in thy remembrance, as men often bind something upon their hands, or put it before their eyes to prevent forgetfulness of a thing which they much desire to remember.... [ Continue Reading ]
Shalt swear by his name — When thou hast a call and just cause to swear, not by idols, or any creatures.... [ Continue Reading ]
Among you — Heb. In the midst of you, to see and observe all your ways and your turnings aside to other Gods.... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye shall not tempt — Not provoke him, as the following instance explains. Sinners, especially presumptuous sinners, are said to tempt God, that is, to make a trial of God, whether he be, so wise as to see their sins, so just and true and powerful as to take vengeance on them, concerning which they a... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye diligently keep — Negligence will ruin us: but we cannot be saved without diligence.... [ Continue Reading ]
It shall be our righteousness — Heb. Righteousness shall be to us. We shall be owned and pronounced by God to be righteous and holy persons, if we sincerely obey him, otherwise we shall be declared to be unrighteous and ungodly. Or, mercy shall be to us, or with us. For as the Hebrew word rendered r... [ Continue Reading ]