Deuteronomy 33:2

Deu. 33:2. "From His right hand went a fiery Law for them." The words seem to be something wronged in the translation. The word 'went' is not in the original, but is supplied, and if the word 'proceeded' or 'come' had been supplied, it might more naturally have led us to what Moses had respect, which seems to be God's writing the Law with His right hand on the two tables of stone, and then delivering them with His right hand thus engraven, to be for the people, as He did the two first tables that were the workmanship of God; and also the other two that Moses had made were delivered of Moses out of God's hand after He had written the Law on them. But the sense seems to be wronged in the translation more in rendering the words, a "fiery Law for them:" the words in the original are "a fire of Law for them" - i.e., to be for a light to them, or as a fire to enlighten, as the pillar of fire was for a light to them in the night; for "the commandment is a lamp, and the Law is a light." The same seems to be meant here as is expressed in Isaiah 51:4 - "For a Law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people." This last agrees with the foregoing words, wherein it is said that God "shined from Mount Paran;" and it is more natural to understand it thus, for it is said to be "for them." It was a light to enlighten them; it is more natural to say it is "for them" than if it were a fire threatening to consume them. And this sense much the best agrees with the following verses, and their evident connection with these words which speak of God's great love and grace in giving them this Law, and how it was given as an inheritance to them, and with what pleasure and delight they received it: "Yea, He loved the people; all His saints are in Thy hand: and they sat down at Thy feet; every one shall receive of Thy words. Moses commanded us a Law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob."