nticers to idolatry to be put to death. (1-5) Relations who
entice to idolatry not to be spared. (6-11) Idolatrous cities
not to be spared. (12-18)
Verses 1-5: Moses had cautioned against the peril that might arise from
the Canaanites. Here he cautions against the rise of idolatry
among themselves. It is needful for us to be well acquainted
with the truths and precepts of the Bible; for we may expect to
be proved by temptations of evil under the appearance of good,
of error in the guise of truth; nor can any thing rightly oppose
such temptations, but the plain, express testimony of God's word
to the contrary. And it would be a proof of sincere affection
for God, that, notwithstanding specious pretences, they should
not be wrought upon the forsake God, and follow other gods to
serve them.
Verses 6-11: It is the policy of Satan to try to lead us to evil by
those whom we love, whom we least suspect of any ill design, and
whom we are desirous to please, and apt to conform to. The
enticement here is supposed to come from a brother or child, who
are near by nature; from a wife or friend, who are near by
choice, and are to us as our souls. But it is our duty to prefer
God and religion, before the nearest and dearest friends we have
in the world. We must not, to please our friends, break God's
law. Thou shalt not consent to him, nor go with him, not for
company, or curiosity, not to gain his affections. It is a
general rule, If sinners entice thee, consent thou not, (Pr
1:10). And we must not hinder the course of God's justice.
Verses 12-18: Here is the case of a city revolting from the God of
Israel, and serving other gods. The crime is supposed to be
committed by one of the cities of Israel. Even when they were
ordered to preserve their religion by force, yet they were not
allowed to bring others to it by fire and sword. Spiritual
judgments under the Christian dispensation are more terrible
than the execution of criminals; we have not less cause than the
Israelites had, to fear the Divine wrath. Let us then fear the
spiritual idolatry of covetousness, and the love of worldly
pleasure; and be careful not to countenance them in our
families, by our example or by the education of our children.
May the Lord write his law and truth in our hearts, there set up
his throne, and shed abroad his love!
nticers to idolatry to be put to death. (1-5) Relations who
entice to idolatry not to be spared. (6-11) Idolatrous cities
not to be spared. (12-18)