_A.M. 2553. B.C. 1451._ Moses encourages the people and Joshua, vv1-8, vv23. Delivers to the priests the law, to be read every seventh year, Deuteronomy 31:9. God informs Moses of his approaching death, and the future apostacy of Israel, Deuteronomy 31:14. Orders him to write a song, which should b... [ Continue Reading ]
_Went and spake_ Continued to speak, a usual Hebrew phrase. _Go out and come in_ Perform the office of a leader or governor, because my death approaches.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be strong_ In faith in God. _He will not fail thee nor forsake thee_ Will not leave thee to thyself, but will be always present with thee to assist and make thee successful in thy undertakings. This promise, though made at this time particularly to Israel and Joshua, yet belongs to all believers, H... [ Continue Reading ]
_Moses said to him in the face of all Israel_ Lest any should question or deny his authority after Moses's death. _Be strong and of good courage_ The same exhortation and promise are given to him in particular, that were before given to them all, because he was to bear the charge of them all, and th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Moses wrote this law_ Largely so called, comprehending not only the contents of this book of Deuteronomy, but the whole law or doctrine delivered unto him, contained in these five books. Or rather it is probable the whole Pentateuch is here intended, which is the meaning of the word _law_ in many p... [ Continue Reading ]
_The year of release_ The most proper time that could be chosen for the purpose, when they were freed from debts, and troubles, and cares of a worldly nature, and at liberty to attend to the reading of it without distraction; and when all Israel were required to appear before the Lord, even the wome... [ Continue Reading ]
_That I may give him a charge_ Immediately from myself, for his great encouragement, and to gain him more authority with the people.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou shalt sleep with thy fathers_ Sleep is a common word for death, and, to those who believe a resurrection, has a peculiar propriety, to remind them that death shall not have dominion over them for ever, but that they shall awake as certainly as they fall asleep. _This people will go after the g... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then my anger shall be kindled against them_ So it was upon their first defection to idolatry, (Judges 2:14,) and so it continued to be in all ages, as we read in that and the following sacred books. _I will hide my face from them_ A metaphor borrowed from kings, who will not allow those who have o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now, therefore, write this song_ Recorded in the next chapter, the contents of which were put into a song, that they might be better learned and more fixed in their minds and memories. For it has always been thought the most profitable way of instructing people, and communicating things to posterit... [ Continue Reading ]
_This song shall testify against them as a witness_ That they were sufficiently admonished of their duty, and forewarned what would be the consequence of their defection from me and my worship, (Deuteronomy 32:18,) and be a clear evidence that the calamities which befall them are judgments sent from... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Levites_ The priests, (Deuteronomy 31:9,) who also were Levites. _Put it in the side_ Or, _by the side of the ark_, as the same word is rendered, 1 Samuel 6:8. For it does not appear that it was laid up within the ark, it being expressly said that there was nothing in the ark save the two table... [ Continue Reading ]
_Gather unto me all the elders_ It is probable that Moses, having spoken to the people what he was commanded, dismissed them again till he should write the following song; which having done, he summoned the elders (and people, Deu 31:30) to deliver to them from his own mouth what he had written. _Mo... [ Continue Reading ]