This and the following chapter contain the address of Moses to the people on the solemn renewal of the covenant. Consult the marginal references for proof of historical statements or explanation of obscure words.... [ Continue Reading ]
Ability to understand the things of God is the gift of God (compare 1 Corinthians 2:13); yet man is not guiltless if he lacks that ability. The people had it not because they had not felt their want of it, nor asked for it. Compare 2 Corinthians 3:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT YE MAY PROSPER - literally, “that ye may act wisely.” The connection of the two ideas of wisdom in conduct and prosperity in circumstances is noteworthy.... [ Continue Reading ]
The covenant was national, and therefore embraced all the elements which make up the nation. The “little ones” would of course be represented by their parents or guardians; the absent Deuteronomy 29:15 by those present; nor were the servants and proselytes to be excluded (compare Acts 2:39). The tex... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH HIM THAT IS NOT HERE WITH US - i. e. as the Jews explain, posterity; which throughout all generations was to be taken as bound by the act and deed of those present and living.... [ Continue Reading ]
IDOLS - See the margin, “dungy gods;” i. e. clods or stocks which can be rolled about (compare Leviticus 26:30).... [ Continue Reading ]
The word here and in Deuteronomy 32:32 rendered “gall,” is in Hosea 10:4 translated “hemlock.” It is the name of a plant of intense bitterness, and of quick growth; and is therefore repeatedly used in conjunction with “wormwood” (compare Jeremiah 9:15; Lamentations 3:19; Amos 6:12), to express figur... [ Continue Reading ]
Compare on the thought Jeremiah 23:17. The secret and presumptuous sinner is meant who flatters himself that all is well and will be well with him, since he follows his own devices and prospers. Compare Psalms 73:11 ff. TO ADD DRUNKENNESS TO THIRST - The sense is probably: “Himself, drinking iniqui... [ Continue Reading ]
The description is borrowed from the local features of the Dead Sea and its vicinity. The towns of the vale of Siddim were fertile and well watered (compare Genesis 13:10) until devastated by the wrath of God Genesis 19:24. The ruin of Israel and its land should be of the like sort (compare Leviticu... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SECRET THINGS BELONG UNTO THE LORD OUR GOD - This verse seems to be added as a solemn admonition on the part of Moses, in order to close the series of blessings and curses which he has delivered. The sense seems to be this: “The future, when and how these good and evil things will take effect, i... [ Continue Reading ]