persuasive to obedience. (1-3) An exhortation to obedience.
(4,5) Obedience taught. (6-16) General precepts, Instructions to
be given to their children. (17-25)
Verses 1-3: In this and the like passages, the "commandments" seem to
denote the moral law, the "statues" the ceremonial law, and the
"judgments" the law by which the judges decided. Moses taught
the people all that, and that only, which God commanded him to
teach. Thus Christ's ministers are to teach his churches all he
has commanded, neither more nor less, (Mt 28:20). The fear of
God in the heart will be the most powerful principle of
obedience. It is highly desirable that not we only, but our
children, and our children's children, may fear the Lord.
Religion and righteousness advance and secure the prosperity of
any people.
Verse 4,5: Here is a brief summary of religion, containing the first
principles of faith and obedience. Jehovah our God is the only
living and true God; he only is God, and he is but One God. Let
us not desire to have any other. The three-fold mention of the
Divine names, and the plural number of the word translated God,
seem plainly to intimate a Trinity of persons, even in this
express declaration of the unity of the Godhead. Happy those who
have this one Lord for their God. It is better to have one
fountain than a thousand cisterns; one all-sufficient God than a
thousand insufficient friends. This is the first and great
commandment of God's law, that we love him; and that we do all
parts of our duty to him from a principle of love; My son, give
me thine heart. We are to love God with all our heart, and soul,
and might. That is, 1. With a sincere love; not in word and
tongue only, but inwardly in truth. 2. With a strong love. He
that is our All, must have our all, and none but he. 3. With a
superlative love; we must love God above any creature whatever,
and love nothing but what we love for him. 4. With an
intelligent love. To love him with all the heart, and with all
the understanding, we must see good cause to love him. 5. With
an entire love; he is ONE, our hearts must be united in his
love. Oh that this love of God may be shed abroad in our hearts!
Verses 6-16: Here are means for maintaining and keeping up religion in
our hearts and houses. 1. Meditation. God's words must be laid
up in our hearts, that our thoughts may be daily employed about
them. 2. The religious education of children. Often repeat these
things to them. Be careful and exact in teaching thy children.
Teach these truths to all who are any way under thy care. 3.
Pious discourse. Thou shalt talk of these things with due
reverence and seriousness, for the benefit not only of thy
children, but of thy servants, thy friends and companions. Take
all occasions to discourse with those about thee, not of matters
of doubtful disputation, but of the plain truths and laws of
God, and the things that belong to our peace. 4. Frequent
reading of the word. God appointed them to write sentences of
the law upon their walls, and in scrolls of parchment to be worn
about their wrists. This seems to have been binding in the
letter of it to the Jews, as it is to us in the intent of it;
which is, that we should by all means make the word of God
familiar to us; that we may have it ready to use upon all
occasions, to restrain us from sin, and direct us in duty. We
must never be ashamed to own our religion, nor to own ourselves
under its check and government. Here is a caution not to forget
God in a day of prosperity and plenty. When they came easily by
the gift, they would be apt to grow secure, and unmindful of the
Giver. Therefore be careful, when thou liest safe and soft, lest
thou forget the Lord. When the world smiles, we are apt to make
court to it, and expect our happiness in it, and so we forget
Him who is our only portion and rest. There is need of great
care and caution at such a time. Then beware; being warned of
your danger, stand upon your guard. Thou shalt not tempt the
Lord thy God; neither by despairing of his power and goodness,
while we keep in the way of our duty; nor by presuming upon it,
when we turn aside out of that way.
Verses 17-25: Moses gives charge to keep God's commandments. Negligence
will ruin us; but we cannot be saved without diligence. It is
our interest, as well as our duty, to be religious. It will be
our life. Godliness has the promise of the continuance and
comfort of the life that now is, as far as it is for God's
glory. It will be our righteousness. It is only through the
Mediator we can be righteous before God. The knowledge of the
spirituality and excellency of the holy law of God, is suited to
show sinful man his need of a Saviour, and to prepare his heart
to welcome a free salvation. The gospel honours the law, not
only in the perfect obedience of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus
Christ; but in that it is a plan for bringing back apostate
rebels and enemies, by repentance, faith, forgiveness, and
renewing grace, to love God above all things, even in this
world; and in the world above, to love him perfectly, even as
angels love him.
persuasive to obedience. (1-3) An exhortation to obedience.
(4,5) Obedience taught. (6-16) General precepts, Instructions to
be given to their children. (17-25)