Deuteronomy 11:18-25

The Pl. address is continued in a series of formulas, repeated with some variations from previous passages. The secondary nature of part of this section cannot be doubted. The emergence of the Sg. in Deuteronomy 11:19 shows that the passage is a quotation (slightly varied) of Deuteronomy 6:6-9; it has been partly adapted to the compiler's Pl., while Deuteronomy 11:22 naturally follows on to Deuteronomy 11:17. The rest only partly repeats, and contains some matter peculiar to this section of Deut.

18 21. See on Deuteronomy 6:6-9. Besides the form of address, Sg. there, Pl. here, there are the following differences: Deuteronomy 6:6-9 has shall be upon thine heart, and wants and in your soul; takes next thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children(a more natural place and a sign of the originality of Deuteronomy 6:6-9), and wants Deuteronomy 11:21, which is repeated from other passages. See Deuteronomy 4:40; Deuteronomy 6:2; Deuteronomy 11:9. In Deuteronomy 11:19 read with Sam., LXX, in the house. Deuteronomy 11:18break the connection: Deuteronomy 11:22 follows naturally on Deuteronomy 11:17.

21. as the days of the heavens above the earth Not repeated in Deut.; the phrase is equivalent to for ever, cp. Psalms 89:29; Job 14:12. The eternity of the heavens was self-evident to primitive Israel, and for long it appeared that they could be shaken only by the appearance of God in His glory, 2 Samuel 22:8 (cp. Job 26:11). It was not till the later Apocalypse that the imagination became frequent of the passing away both of heaven and earth.

22. Repetitions of previous verses: diligently keep all this commandment, Deuteronomy 5:31; Deuteronomy 6:17 (the commandments), Deuteronomy 6:1, this is the commandment; to love, Deuteronomy 6:5; to walk, Deuteronomy 10:12; to cleave, Deuteronomy 10:20. To I command you, Sam., LXX add to-day.

23. drive out Deuteronomy 4:38.

possess nations greater, etc.] Deuteronomy 9:1, but Sg.

24. whereon the sole of your foot shall tread For the idiom see Deuteronomy 2:5; Joshua 1:3.

from the wilderness, and Lebanon Joshua 1:4; perhaps we should read and unto Lebanon(Grätz, Dillm. and others).

and from the river, the river Euphrates See on Deuteronomy 1:7.

unto the hinder sea i.e. according to the Semitic orientation, the western sea, the Mediterranean. These limits are, of course, ideal, but observe how the promise is limited by the words every place whereon the sole of your foot shall tread.

25. There shall no man, etc.] So Deuteronomy 7:24, but Sg.

the fear of you and the dread of you So Deuteronomy 2:25, but Sg.