Moses now passes on to apply Deut. 12–26 the leading principles of
the Decalogue to the ecclesiastical, civil, and social life of the
people. Particulars will be noticed which are unique to the Law as
given in Deuteronomy; and even in laws repeated from the earlier books
various new circumstances an... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR GROVES - Render their idols of wood: and see the Deuteronomy 7:5
note.... [ Continue Reading ]
i. e., “The idolaters set up their altars and images on any high
hill, and under every green tree at their pleasure, but ye shall not
do so; the Lord Himself shall determine the spot for your worship, and
there only shall ye seek Him.” The religion of the Canaanites was
human; its modes of worship w... [ Continue Reading ]
“To put his name there” means to manifest to men His divine
presence. The Targumists rightly refer to the Shechinah; but the
expression comprehends all the various modes in which God vouchsafed
to reveal Himself and His attributes to men.
The purpose of the command of the text is to secure the unit... [ Continue Reading ]
Some have objected that this command cannot possibly have been ever
carried out, at all events until in later (lays the territory which
owned obedience to it was narrowed to the little kingdom of Judah. But
in these and in other precepts Moses doubtless takes much for granted.
He is here, as elsewhe... [ Continue Reading ]
An injunction that the feasts which accompanied certain offerings (not
specified) were to be also held in the same place.... [ Continue Reading ]
Moses points out that heretofore they had not observed the prescribed
order in their worship, because during their migratory life in the
wilderness it had been impossible to do so. During their wanderings
there were doubtless times when the tabernacle was not set up for days
together, and when the d... [ Continue Reading ]
While a stringent injunction is laid down that the old rule (compare
Leviticus 17:3, etc.) must be adhered to as regards animals slain in
sacrifice, yet permission is now given to slaughter at home what was
necessary for the table. The ceremonial distinctions did not apply in
such cases, anymore tha... [ Continue Reading ]
IF THE PLACE ... - Rather, “Because, or since, the place will be too
far from thee.” The permission given in Deuteronomy 12:15 is
repeated, and the reason of it assigned.... [ Continue Reading ]
This caution is based upon the notion generally entertained in the
ancient pagan world, that each country had its own tutelary deities
whom it would be perilous to neglect; compare 1 Kings 20:23; 2 Kings
17:26. Israel was to shun such superstitions as unworthy of the elect
people of God.... [ Continue Reading ]