_A.M. 2553. B.C. 1451._ God's mercy in renewing the tables, Deuteronomy 10:1. In leading Israel forward, and choosing the tribe of Levi for his own, Deuteronomy 10:6. accepting the intercession of Moses, Deuteronomy 10:10; Deuteronomy 10:11. An exhortation to fear, love, and serve God, Deuteronomy... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will write on the tables_ Though the tables were broken because they broke his commandment and made themselves a graven image, they were now renewed in proof that his wrath was turned away. And thus God's writing his law in our inward parts is the surest proof of our reconciliation to him, Jeremi... [ Continue Reading ]
_I made an ark_ Some of the Jewish doctors conclude from this text that there were two arks, one made by Bezaleel, and this one by Moses, which they fancy was the ark that went before them in their marches and battles. But this notion is confuted by many other passages. All that Moses means by sayin... [ Continue Reading ]
This following history comes in manifestly by way of parenthesis, as appears from Deuteronomy 10:10, where he returns to his former discourse; and it seems to be here inserted as an evidence of God's gracious answer to Moses's prayers, and of his reconciliation to the people, notwithstanding their l... [ Continue Reading ]
_At that time_ About that time, that is, when I was _come down from the mount_, as was said, Deuteronomy 10:5. _To stand before the Lord_ A phrase used concerning the prophets, 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 18:15, this being the posture of servants, Hence the angels are said to stand, 2 Chronicles 18:18; an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Levi hath no inheritance with his brethren_ That they might attend only on the duties of their sacred office, provision was made for their maintenance, without their being obliged to plough, or sow, or entangle themselves in other worldly affairs. And is not provision made for the clergy of this an... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord said unto me, Arise_ This is mentioned as a proof that God had hearkened to the intercession of Moses. _Take thy journey before the people_ It was fit that he, who had saved them from ruin by his intercession, should have the conduct and command of them. And herein he was a type of Christ,... [ Continue Reading ]
_What doth he require?_ By way of duty and gratitude for such amazing mercies? _But to fear the Lord thy God_, &c. When Jehovah is _our God_ in Christ, pacified toward us after all we have done, and has received us for his adopted children, then, and not before, are we qualified to comply with his w... [ Continue Reading ]
_The heaven_ The aerial and starry heaven. _The heaven of heavens_ The highest, or third heaven, thus named for its eminence. _All that therein is_ All creatures and all men, which being all his, he might have chosen what nation he pleased to be his people.... [ Continue Reading ]
_To love them_ He shows that God had no particular obligation to their fathers, any more than to other persons and people, all being equally his creation, and that his choice of them out of and above all others, proceeded only from his good pleasure.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Circumcise, therefore, your heart_ Rest not in your bodily circumcision, or in any mere external observances or duties; but seriously set upon that substantial and most important circumcision of the heart and of the spirit which is signified by that of the flesh, and intended to be inculcated there... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who regardeth not persons_ Whether Jews or Gentiles, but deals justly and equally with all sorts of men; and as whosoever fears and obeys him shall be accepted, (namely, through faith in the Messiah, working by love,) so all incorrigible transgressors shall be severely punished, and you no less tha... [ Continue Reading ]
_The judgment of the fatherless_ He is so far from disregarding those who are unbefriended, that he regards them the more on that account, takes their case under his special cognizance, and is particularly displeased with those who injure and oppress them. Nay, _he executes their judgment_, pleads t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Love ye, therefore, the stranger_ Be kind and just even to Gentile strangers, as to fellow-creatures of the same frame with yourselves, in honour to your common Creator, and in imitation of that tender care which he exercises over the sons of men.... [ Continue Reading ]
_To him shalt thou cleave_ With firm confidence, true affection, and constant obedience. _He is thy praise_ The object and matter of thy praise, as Exodus 15:2. It is thy greatest honour to belong to him, to be his subject and servant, his child and spouse, and it should be thy chief duty and deligh... [ Continue Reading ]