he yearly feasts. (1-17) Of judges, Groves and images
forbidden. (18-22)
Verses 1-17: The laws for the three yearly feasts are here repeated;
that of the Passover, that of the Pentecost, that of
Tabernacles; and the general law concerning the people's
attendance. Never should a believer forget his low estate of
guilt and misery, his deliverance, and the price it cost the
Redeemer; that gratitude and joy in the Lord may be mingled with
sorrow for sin, and patience under the tribulations in his way
to the kingdom of heaven. They must rejoice in their receivings
from God, and in their returns of service and sacrifice to him;
our duty must be our delight, as well as our enjoyment. If those
who were under the law must rejoice before God, much more we
that are under the grace of the gospel; which makes it our duty
to rejoice evermore, to rejoice in the Lord always. When we
rejoice in God ourselves, we should do what we can to assist
others also to rejoice in him, by comforting the mourners, and
supplying those who are in want. All who make God their joy, may
rejoice in hope, for He is faithful that has promised.
Verses 18-22: Care is taken for the due administration of justice. All
personal regards must be laid aside, so that right is done to
all, and wrong to none. Care is taken to prevent following the
idolatrous customs of the heathen. Nothing belies God more, or
tends more to corrupt the minds of men, than representing and
worshipping, by an image, that God, who is an almighty and
eternal Spirit, present every where. Alas! even in gospel days,
and under a better dispensation, established upon better
promises, there is a tendency to set up idols, under one form or
another, in the human heart.
he yearly feasts. (1-17) Of judges, Groves and images
forbidden. (18-22)