he Israelites to distinguish themselves from other nations.
(1-21) Respecting the application of tithes. (22-29)
Verses 1-21: Moses tells the people of Israel how God had given them
three distinguishing privileges, which were their honour, and
figures of those spiritual blessings in heavenly things, with
which God has in Christ blessed us. Here is election; "The Lord
hath chosen thee." He did not choose them because they were by
their own acts a peculiar people to him above other nations, but
he chose them that they might be so by his grace; and thus were
believers chosen, (Eph 1:4). Here is adoption; "Ye are the
children of the Lord your God;" not because God needed children,
but because they were orphans, and needed a father. Every
spiritual Israelite is indeed a child of God, a partaker of his
nature and favour. Here is sanctification; "Thou art a holy
people." God's people are required to be holy, and if they are
holy, they are indebted to the grace God which makes them so.
Those whom God chooses to be his children, he will form to be a
holy people, and zealous of good works. They must be careful to
avoid every thing which might disgrace their profession, in the
sight of those who watch for their halting. Our heavenly Father
forbids nothing but for our welfare. Do thyself no harm; do not
ruin thy health, thy reputation, thy domestic comforts, thy
peace of mind. Especially do not murder thy soul. Do not be the
vile slave of thy appetites and passions. Do not render all
around thee miserable, and thyself wretched; but aim at that
which is most excellent and useful. The laws which regarded many
sorts of flesh as unclean, were to keep them from mingling with
their idolatrous neighbours. It is plain in the gospel, that
these laws are now done away. But let us ask our own hearts, Are
we of the children of the Lord our God? Are we separate from the
ungodly world, in being set apart to God's glory, the purchase
of Christ's blood? Are we subjects of the work of the Holy
Ghost? Lord, teach us from these precepts how pure and holy all
thy people ought to live!
Verses 22-29: A second portion from the produce of their land was
required. The whole appointment evidently was against the
covetousness, distrust, and selfishness of the human heart. It
promoted friendliness, liberality, and cheerfulness, and raised
a fund for the relief of the poor. They were taught that their
worldly portion was most comfortably enjoyed, when shared with
their brethren who were in want. If we thus serve God, and do
good with what we have, it is promised that the Lord our God
will bless us in all the works of our land. The blessing of God
is all to our outward prosperity; and without that blessing, the
work of our hands will bring nothing to pass. The blessing
descends upon the working hand. Expect not that God should bless
thee in thy idleness and love of ease. And it descends upon the
giving hand. He who thus scatters, certainly increases; and to
be free and generous in the support of religion, and any good
work, is the surest and safest way of thriving.
he Israelites to distinguish themselves from other nations.
(1-21) Respecting the application of tithes. (22-29)