View Deuteronomy 10 in the note window.
God's mercy, in renewing the two tables, ver. 1 - 5.
In leading Israel forward, and chusing the tribe of Levi
for his own, ver. 6 - 9.
In accepting the intercession as Moses, ver. 10 - 11.
An exhortation to fear, love, and serve God, ver. 12 - 22.
2: I will write on the tables - Tho' the tables were broken, because
they broke his commandment, they were now renewed, in proof that his wrath
was turned away. And thus God's writing his law in our inward parts, is the
surest proof of our reconciliation to him.
6: This following history comes in manifestly by way of parenthesis,
as may appear from (De 10:10), where he returns to his former
discourse; and it seems to be here inserted as an evidence of God's gracious
answer to Moses's prayers, and of his reconciliation to the people,
notwithstanding their late and great provocation. For, saith he, after this
they proceeded by God's guidance in their journeys, and though Aaron
died in one of them, yet God made up that breach, and Eleazar came in
his place, and ministered as priest, one branch of which office was to
intercede for the people.
8: At that time - About that time, that is, when I was come down
from the mount, as was said, (De 10:5).
To stand before the Lord - A phrase used concerning the prophets,(1Ki 17:1,18:15), this being the posture of ministers.
Hence the angels are said to stand, (2Ch 18:18,Lu 1:19).
To bless - The people, by performance of those holy ministrations for the
people, and giving those instructions to them, to which God's blessing was
promised; and this they did in God's name, that is, by command, and
commission from him.
9: The Lord is his inheritance - That is, the Lord's portion, namely,
tithes and offerings, which belong to God, are given by him to the
Levites for their subsistence, from generation to generation.
11: Take thy journey before the people - 'Twas fit that he who had
saved them from ruin by his intercession, should have the conduct and
command of them. And herein he was a type of Christ, who, as he ever
lives to make intercession for us, so has all power in heaven and
in earth.
12: What doth he require - By way of duty and gratitude for such
amazing mercies.
14: The heaven - The airy and starry heaven. The heaven of
heavens - The highest or third heaven, called the heaven of heavens
for its eminency. All that therein is - With all creatures and all men,
which being all his, he might have chosen what nation he pleased to be his
people.
15: To love them - He shews that God had no particular obligation to
their fathers, any more than to other persons or people, all being equally
his creatures, and that his choice of them out of and above all others,
proceeded only from God's good pleasure.
16: Circumcise - Rest not in your bodily circumcision, but seriously
set upon that substantial work which is signified thereby: cleanse your
hearts from all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, fitly compared
to the foreskin, which if not cut off, made persons profane, unclean and
odious in the sight of God.
17: Regardeth not persons - Whether Jews or Gentiles, but
deals justly and equally with all sorts of men; and as whosoever fears and
obeys him shall be accepted, so all incorrigible transgressors shall be
severely punished, and you no less than other people: therefore do not
flatter yourselves as if God would bear with your sins because of his
particular kindness to you or to your fathers.
18: He doth execute - That is, plead their cause, and give them right
against their potent adversaries, and therefore he expects you should do so
too.
20: To him shalt thou cleave - With firm confidence, true affection,
and constant obedience.
21: Thy praise - The object and matter of thy praise, as(Ex 15:2), whom thou shouldest ever praise.
