Chapter XXIX
it is thought to have been said in answer to the looks of astonishment or the words of inquiry, whether they would be ever so wicked as to deserve such punishments. Tlie recorded history of God's providential dealings towards Israel presents a wonderlul combination of "goodness and severity." There is much of it involved in mystery too profound for our limited capacities to liilliom;
Ver. 1-29. An Exhobta'tiox to Obedience. 1. Tliese
B»-e tlie words of tlie covenaut^The discourse of Moses
is continued, and the subjectof that discourse was Israel's covenant witli God, the privileges it conferred, and the
oblig.ations it imposed, beside tlie covenant -wljicli Ue
nia<ie wltli tliem i» Horelj—It was substantially the
but, from the comprehensive wisdom disphij'ed in those parts which have been made known to us, we are prepared to enter into the full spiritof the apostle's exclama-
Riiiiie ; but It was renewed now, in different circumstances.
Tliey had violated its conditions. Moses rehearses these,
th;\t they migiit haveabetter knowledgeof its condiiions,
tion, How uiiseai'chable are His judgments(l!,oinansll. ;>j).
Riid be more disposed to comply with tliem. a. Closes^ CiiUcd luito all Israel, Ye liave seen all tli.it tlie Lord' did, itc—This appeal to the experience of the people,
CHAPTER XXX.
tliou;^h made generally, was applicable only to that portion of them who had been very young at the period of
%'er. 1-10. Grkat Mekcies promised xtnto TitE PknITENT. 3. When all tliese tilings are come upon
tli<^ Exodus, and who remembered the marvellous transactions that preceded and followed that era. Yet, alas! those wonderful events made no good Impression upon them (v. 4). They were strangers to that grace of wisdora
tiice, and <]i<m slialt return . . . tlien tiie liord si>ull turn tliy captivity—The hoj)es of the Hebrew people are ardently directed to this promise, ami they contidently expect that God, commiserating their Ibrlorn s.ud fallen condition, will yet rescue tliem from all the evils of tlieir long dispersion". They do not consider the promise as ful-
w!)i<-h is liberally given to all who ask it; and their in-
sensiliility was all the more inexcusable that so many miracles had been performed which might have led to a
cei iain conviction of the presence and tlie power of God with them. The preservation of their clotlies and slioes, tne supply of daily food and fresli water; these continued without interruption or diminution during so many years'
filled by their restoration from the cajiti vity in Babylon,
for Israel was not then scattered in the manner li<Me described—"among all the nations," " unto the utmost jiarts of heaven" (f. 4,i; and when God recalled tliem from that bondage, all the Israelites were not lii'oiight back, they were not multiplied above their lathers {v. 5), nor were their hearts and tliose of their children circumcised to love the Lord (v. 6). It is not, thei'efore, of the Babylonish captivity that Moses was speaking in this passage; it must be of the dispersed state to which tliey have been doomed for 1800 years. This prediction may have been partially accomplished on the return of the Israelites from Babylon ; for, according to the structure and design of Scripture proplieey, it may have pointed to several similar eras in their national liistory; and this view is sanctioned by the prayer of Nelicmiah (Nelieniiah 1. 8, 9). But undoubtedly it will receive its full and complete acconiplislimont in the conversion of the Jews to the Gospel of Christ. At the restoration from the Babylonish cap-
B'ljcj'.u n in the desert, were miracles which iinniistakablj' proclaimed the immediate hand of God, and were performed for the express purpose of training them to a prac-
ti<'al knowledge of and habitual confidence in Him. Tlieir experience of this extraordinary goodness and care, together with their remembrance of the brilliant successes bj' which, with little exertion or loss on Ilieir part, God enabled them to acquire the valuable territory on which tliey stood, is mentioned again to enforce a faithful adlierence to the covenant, as the direct and sure means of obtaining its promised blessings. 10-29. Ye si«a»d tliis day, ail of you, before tUe Lord—The whole congregation of Israel, of all ages and conditions, all—young as well as old ; menials as well as masters; native Israelites as well as naturalized strangers—all were assembled before the tabernacle to renew the Sinaitic covenant. None of them were allowed to consider themselves as ex(>mpt from the terms of that national compact, lest any lapsing into idolatry might prove a root of bitterness, spreading Us noxious seed and corrupt influence all around (cf. Hebrews 12. 15). It was of the greatest consequence thus to reach the heart and conscience of every one, for some might delude tliemselves with the vain idea tliat by taking the oath (v. 12) by which they engaged tliemselves in covenant with God. they would secure its blessings; and even though they onould not rigidly adhere to His worsnip and commands, but follow the devices and inclinations of their own hearts, yet that He would wink at such liberties and not punish them. It was of the greatest consequence to impress all with the strong and abiding conviction, that wliile the covenant of grace had special blessings belonging to it, it at the same time had curses in reserve for transgressors, tlie intJiction of which would be as certain, as lasting and severe. This w.as the advantage contemplated In the law being reliearsed a second time. Thepictureof a once rich and nourishing region, blasted and doomed In consequence of the sins of Its inhabitants. Is very striking, and calculati'd to awaken awe In every refle<!ting mind. Such Is, and long has Ijeen, the desolate state of Palestine; and. In looking at its ruined cities, its blasted coast. Its naked mountains, its sterile and parched soil—all the sad and unmistakable evidences of a land lying under a curse, numliersof travellers from Europe, America, and the Indies—"strangers from a far country"
tivity, that people were changed in many respects for the
better. They were completely weaned fr(mi sensible idolatry; and this outward reformation was a prelude to the higher attainments they are destined to reach in the age of Messiah, " when the Lord God will circumcise their hearts and the hearts of their seed to love the Lord." The course pointed out seems clearly to be this : that the iK.arla of the Hebrew people shall be circumcised ((.'olossians
2.2); in other words, by the combined influences of the Word and Spirit of God, their hearts will be touched and purilied from all their superstition and unbelief; they will be converted to the faith of Jesus Christ as their Messiah—a spiritual deliverer, and the eli'ect of their conversion will lie that they will return and obey the voice (the Gospel, tlie evangelical law) of the Lord. The words may be interpreted eitlier wholly in a spiritual sense (.lolin 11.
51, 52), or, as many think, in a literal sense also (Romans
11). They will be recalled from all places of the disiiersiou to their own land, and enjoy the highest prosperity. The mercies and favours of a liountiful Providence will not then be abused as formerly (ch. 81. 20; .'12. 15). They will be received in a betttnspirit, and employed to nobler jiurposes. They will be happy, "for the Lord will again rejoice over them for good, as He rejoiced over their fathers."
11-11. The Commandment is Manifest. 11-14. for tliiscoiniiiandnient Is not liiddeii, iieltlier far olT—That law of loving and obeying God which was the subject of Moses' discourse, was well known to the Israelites. They could not plead ignorance of its existence and require*
(t. 22)—in too present day see that the Lord has executed
TJte People and Joshua Encouraged. DEUTERONOMY XXXI, XXXII. 7^1 e Song of Mosea.
turn of the sabbatic year, and during the feast of tabernacles, the law was to be publicly read. This order of Moses was a future and prospective arrangement ; for the observance of the sabbatic ,vear did not commence till the conquest and peaceful occupation of Canaiin. Tlie ordinance was subservient to several important purposes. For, while the people had opportunities of being instructed in the law every Sabbath, and daily in their own homes, this public periodical rehearsal at meetings in the courts of the sanctuary, where women and children of twelve years were present, as they usually were at the great festivals, was calculated to produce good and pious impressions of Divine truth amid the sacred associations of the time and place; besides, it formed a public guarantee for the preservation, integrity, and faithful transmission of
raents. It was not concealed as an impenetrable mystery in heaven, for it had been revealed ; nor was it cavefuUj' withheld IVom tlie people as a dangerous discovery; for the youngest and humblest of them were instructed in those truths, which were subjects of earnest study and research among the wisest and greatest of other nations. They were not under a necessity of undertaking long journey's or distant voyages, as many ancient sages did In quest of knowledge. They enjoyed the peculiar privilege of a familiar acquaintance with it. It was with tliem
ii subject of common conversation, engraven on their memories, and frequently explained and inculcated on their hearts. The apostle Paul (Romans 10. 6-S) has applied this passage to the Gospel, for the law of Christ is substantially the same as that of Moses, only exhibited more clearlj' in its spiritual nature and extensive application, and, accompanied with the advantages of Gospel grace, \s practicable and easy.
the Sacred Book to successive ages. 14, 15. the Lord said nnto Moses, Call Joshua, ajid present yourselves to the tal>ernaele of the congregation—Joshua liad been publicly designated to the ofliee of commander by Moses; and God was pleased to confirm his appointment by the visible symbols of His presence and approval. As none but the priests were privileged to enter the sanctuary, it is probal)le that this significant manifestation of the cloudy pillar was made while the leaders stood at the door of the tabernacle. 1G-2 J. The Lord said unto Moses . . . This people win rise np—In this remarkable i nterview, Moses was distinctlj^ apprised of the infidelity of Israel, their corruptions of the true religion through intercourse with the idolatrous inhabitants of Canaan (An)os 5. 20), and their chastisements in consequence of those national defections. 17. then my aikger sliall be ktuflled, and I will hide my face from them—An announcement of the withdrawal of the Divine favour and protection of which theShechinah was the symbol and pledge. It never appeared in the second temple; audits non-appearance was a prelude of "all the evils that came upon them, because th(Mr God was not among them." Xow therefore write ye this song—National songs take deep hold
15-20. Death and Life are set before the Israelites, l.j-ao. See, I have set before thee this day, life ami death i. e., the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life. Love of God, and compliance with His will, are the only ways of securing the blessings and avoiding the evils described. The choice was left to themselves, and In urging upon them the inducements to a wise choice, Moses warmed as he pro ceeded into a tone of solemn and impressive earnestness similar to that of Paul' to the elders of Ephcsus (Acts
20. 26, 27). CHAPTER XXXI.
Ver, IS. Moses encourageth the Peorle and Joshua. 1. Moses went and spake—It is probable that this rehearsal of the law extended over several successive days; and it might be the last and most important day on which the return of Moses to the place of assembly is specially noticed. In drawing his discourse towards a conclusion, ho adverted to his advanced age; and altliough neither his physical nor intellectual powers had suffered any decay (eli. 84. 7), yet he knew by a special revelation, that the time had arrived when he wau about to be withdrawn from the superintendence and government of Israel. 2-8. also <he Lord hitth said—should be "for the Lord hath said" thou Shalt not go over this Jordan. "While taking a solemn leave of the people, he exhorted them not to be intimidated by the menacing opposition of enemies; to take encouragement from the continued presence of their covenanted God; and to rest assured that the same Divine power which had enable<l tliein to discomfit their first assailants on the east of Jordan, would aid them not less effectually in the adventurous enterprise whicrh they were about to undertake, and by which tney would obtain possession of "the land which He had sworn nnto their fathers to give them."
ol the memories, and have a powerful influence in stirring the deepest feelings of a people; and in accordance with this principle in human nature, a song was ordered to be comiiosed by Moses, doubtless under Divine inspiration; which was to be learnt by the Israelites themselves, and to be taught to their children in ever.y age, embodying the substance of the preceding addresses, and of a strain well suited to inspire the jiopular mind with a strong sense of Goil's favour to their nation. 20. Take this book of the law, and put It In the side of the ark—The second copy of the law (see on v.i)) was deposited for greater security and reverence in a little chest beside the ark of the covenant, for there was nothing contained within it but the tables of stone. (1 Kings S. 9.) Others think it was put within the ark, it being certain, fl-oni the testimony of Paul (Hebrews 0. 41, that there were once other things inside tlie ark. and that this was the copy found in the time of Josiah. (2 Kings 22. 8.)
9-13. He delivers the Law to the Priests, to read IT every Seventh Year to the People. 9-13. niosea wrote this law, and delivered It unto the priests—Tlie law thus committed to writing was eitlier the whole l)ook of Deuteronomy, or the important part of It contained between the twenty-seventh and thirtieth eliapters. Itwas usual in cases of public or private contract for two copies of the engagement to be made—one to be deposited in the national archives, or some secure place for reference, should occasion require; the other to remain in the liands of thecontracting parties. (Jeremiah 32. 12-11.) Thesamo course was followed on tliis renewal of tlie covenant between God anil Israel. Two written copies of the law were prepared, the one of which was delivered to tlie jjublic reprpsentativi'S of Israel, viz., the priests and the elders, the priests, wlio hare the nrk of the covenant—In all ordinary journeys, it was tlie common duty of the Levites to carry tlie ark anrl its furniture (Numbers 1. LI); but, on solemn or exi niordina ry occasions, that office was discharged l)y the priests. (Joshua 3. 3-8; 6. 0; I Chronicles lo.