CONTENTS This sacred book opens with an account of the children of Israel just as they are entering the borders of Canaan. They had nearly completed the fortieth year of their wilderness journey: and now, before they enter the promised land, Moses addresses them in a long discource. this chapter is... [ Continue Reading ]
It is equally to be observed, the time specified yet remaining to be fulfilled; to show how exact the LORD is to his word, and to his promise: Reader! let you and I pause in the several parts of our pilgrimage state; and depend upon it, we shall find also, no less, how faithful our GOD is. This... [ Continue Reading ]
I would beg the Reader yet further to remark, from the great particularity observed, that it is not a thing of small moment to notice, where, and when, and how, divine manifestations are made to us. This memorable spot, this memorable time and manner, no doubt were sweet to Israel, when Moses h... [ Continue Reading ]
The repeating again those instances of divine mercy to Israel, in the destruction of their enemies, forms no improper preface to Moses' Sermon. When our JESUS had subdued our enemies by his victory on the cross, he came to speak peace to his disciples; to them that were nigh, and to them that we... [ Continue Reading ]
Is there not a good deal of gospel in this opening of Moses' discourse? Was not this the Mount Sinai? and as such, is it not a figure of the bondage state of sin and Satan, under which GOD'S people continue as long as they are looking to a covenant of works? And is not the land of Canaan, to whic... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader, do not overlook in this, as well as in numberless other instances, how inferior every character is to JESUS. Moses was faithful in all his house, we are told by the apostle, as a servant, but JESUS as the LORD of his own house. He indeed is able, and he alone, to bear the burdens of the... [ Continue Reading ]
What a delightful view doth the increase of Israel afford! Compare this verse with the account of Jacob's first going down into Egypt. Genesis 46:27. But what a more glorious view doth the apostle give of the church of JESUS, the true Israel of GOD! Revelation 7:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, how the love and piety of Moses breaks out in the midst of his sermon, with a prayer to GOD. These are sweet breaks, when the soul, in the contemplation of GOD'S love and mercy in CHRIST, leaves all other considerations to look up, with faith and hope, to an unseen but well-known Redeemer.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is sweetly, said of JESUS, in his unequalled undertaking, "that of the people there was none with him." Isaiah 63:3. Oh! thou precious bearer of the burdens of thy people! may I never lose sight of thee in this soul-strengthening character. Isaiah 53:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
All these verses refer to that period in Israel's history, in which at the advice of Jethro, and by the divine permission, Moses took into the administration of justice with himself, certain of the elders of Israel. See Exodus 18:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
I did not think it needful to stop the Reader with any observations which arise out of these verses, having already dwelt upon the subject in the Commentary on the 13th and 14th Chapter s of the Book of Numbers. If the Reader will consult what is there said, he will find that what suits the one is e... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS WHAT a most beautiful representation doth this chapter afford of a faithful, laborious minister, in the character of Moses! Who can behold this aged servant of JEHOVAH, thus sermonizing even to the very close of life, and going over again and again in relation, all the great things the... [ Continue Reading ]