Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:9-26

The authorship of the book. A clear testimony to the Mosaic authorship of the Book of Deuteronomy. The book, as Moses gave it to the priests, has plainly been re-edited, with the additions of Moses' song, Moses' blessing, and the account of his death; but only the wantonness of criticism can see "a different hand or hands" in Deuteronomy 12-26, from that employed upon the earlier chapters, or discern probability in the assumption that De 4:44-26:19 once constituted a separate book. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:9-27

The written Word. The Law here put in writing and solemnly deposited in the side of the ark, is the foundation of our present Bible. All Scripture is built up upon it. On this consignment of the first installment of the Word, we remark— I. THE WRITTEN WORD EMBODIES AND IS THE VEHICLE OF AN AUTHORITATIVE REVELATION . The Law was first given, thereafter recorded. Revelation precedes the record of it. But this line must not be drawn too finely. The record is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:9-29

The honor appertaining to God's Law. As our Lord, in the near prospect of death, employed his thoughts in comforting and instructing others, so Moses, instead of centering his thought upon himself, is only more eager to provide for the people's future obedience. Inasmuch as his days on earth were now very few, he yearned to crowd into them as much counsel and kindly warning as it was possible. To be of service to Israel—this absorbed the passions and desires of his soul. I. GOD 'S ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:14

The tabernacle of the congregation ; properly, the tent of meeting (cf. Exodus 33:7 ; Exodus 39:32 ). May give him a charge; may constitute him ( צִוָּה ; cf. Numbers 27:19 ; "and constitute him in their sight," Gesenius), appoint and confirm him in this office. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:14-23

After nominating Joshua as his successor, and assigning the keeping of the Law to the priesthood and body of elders, Moses was summoned by the Lord to appear with Joshua in the tabernacle, that Joshua might receive a charge and appointment to his office. At the same time, God announced to Moses that after his death the people would go astray, and turn to idolatry, and violate the covenant, so that God's anger should be kindled against them, and he would leave them to suffer the consequences of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:14-23

The Lord's charge to Moses and Joshua. Moses, in making over the leadership to Joshua, was only anticipating a more formal assignment of it by God himself. He directs the old leader and his successor to repair to the tabernacle, and there to receive their respective charges. The Shechinah appeared to convince the people of the reality of the Divine interview with the leaders. Moses is first informed of his own approaching end, of the certain apostasy of the people, and of the desirability... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:14-23

The official investiture of Joshua. It was fitting that a public transference of authority should be made from Moses to Joshua. The nobleness of Moses comes prominently into view. As John said of Jesus, so substantially Moses said of Joshua, "He must increase, but I must decrease." I. THE OCCASION . The occasion had an aspect of mournfulness. Moses was about to die; nevertheless, no tinge of grief is in his words. He contemplates the event with calm serenity. His chief concern is a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:15

The Lord appeared … in a pillar of a cloud (cf. Ex Deuteronomy 33:9 ; 40:38; Le Deuteronomy 16:2 ; Numbers 12:5 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:16

Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12 ; Psalms 13:3 ; Psalms 76:5 ; Daniel 12:2 ; Matthew 27:52 ; John 11:11 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:14 ). "The death of men, both good and bad, is often called a sleep , because they shall certainly awake out of it by resurrection" (Peele). Go a whoring (cf. Exodus 34:15 ; 2:17 ) after the gods of the strangers of the land ; literally, after gods of strangeness of the land ; i . e . after gods foreign to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:16-21

Faithful words silent accusers of those who heed them not. In the several paragraphs of this chapter we find that Moses was borne along by the Holy Ghost to take a glance into the future. He had been instructed by God to give a charge to Joshua, and to surrender into his hands the leadership of the host. He had given to the priests their commission to guard the Law for the people. And now there remained but for him to give his final words to the people themselves. The Omniscient One... read more

Group of Brands