oses encourages the people, and Joshua. (1-8) The law to be
read every seventh year. (9-13) The Israelites' apostacy
foretold, A song given to be witness against them. (14-22) The
law delivered to the Levites. (22-30)
Verses 1-8: Moses assures Israel of the constant presence of God with
them. This is applied by the apostle to all God's spiritual
Israel, to encourage their faith and hope; unto us is this
gospel preached, as well as unto them; he will never fail thee,
nor forsake thee, (Heb 13:5). Moses commends Joshua to them for
a leader; one whose wisdom, and courage, and affection they had
long known; one whom God had appointed to be their leader; and
therefore would own and bless. Joshua is well pleased to be
admonished by Moses to be strong and of good courage. Those
shall speed well, who have God with them; therefore they ought
to be of good courage. Through God let us do valiantly, for
through him we shall do victoriously; if we resist the devil, he
will flee from us.
Verses 9-13: Though we read the word in private, we must not think it
needless to hear it read in public. This solemn reading of the
law must be done in the year of release. The year of release was
typical of gospel grace, which is called the acceptable year of
the Lord; for our pardon and liberty by Christ, engage us to
keep his commandments. It must be read to all Israel, men,
women, children, and to the strangers. It is the will of God
that all people should acquaint themselves with his word. It is
a rule to all, therefore should be read to all. Whoever has read
of the pains taken by many persons to get scraps of the
Scriptures, when a whole copy could not be obtained, or safely
possessed, will see how thankful we should be for the thousands
of copies amongst us. They will also understand the very
different situation in which the Israelites were placed for many
ages. But the heart of man is so careless, that all will be
found too little, to keep up a knowledge of the truths,
precepts, and worship of God.
Verses 14-22: Moses and Joshua attended the Divine Majesty at the door
of the tabernacle. Moses is told again that he must shortly die;
even those who are most ready and willing to die, need to be
often reminded of its coming. The Lord tells Moses, that, after
his death, the covenant he had taken so much pains to make
between Israel and their God, would certainly be broken. Israel
would forsake Him; then God would forsake Israel. Justly does he
cast those off who so unjustly cast him off. Moses is directed
to deliver them a song, which should remain a standing testimony
for God, as faithful to them in giving them warning, and against
them, as persons false to themselves in not taking the warning.
The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of
men's hearts, and meets them by reproofs and correction.
Ministers who preach the word, know not the imaginations of men;
but God, whose word it is, knows perfectly.
Verses 23-30: The solemn delivery of the book of the law to the
Levites, to be deposited in, or rather by the side, of the ark,
is again related. The song which follows in the next chapter is
delivered to Moses, and by him to the people. He wrote it first,
as the Holy Spirit taught him; and then spake it in the hearing
of all the people. Moses tells them plainly, I know that after
my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves. Many a sad thought,
no doubt, it occasioned to this good man; but his comfort was,
that he had done his duty, and that God would be glorified in
their dispersion, if not in their settlement, for the foundation
of God stands sure.
oses encourages the people, and Joshua. (1-8) The law to be
read every seventh year. (9-13) The Israelites' apostacy
foretold, A song given to be witness against them. (14-22) The
law delivered to the Levites. (22-30)