Deuteronomy 4:11-12, Deuteronomy 4:15 ESV

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:9-14

The possession of the oracles of God by Israel was a benefit to them only as these were kept in mind and reverently obeyed. Therefore they were to take heed and diligently beware of forgetting the circumstances under which the Law had been received at Horeb. God had then commanded the people to be gathered together, so that they stood before the Lord, were in his manifested presence, and were made to hear his voice speaking to them from amidst the fire and the clouds that covered the mount.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:10-14

The revelation at Horeb. A revelation— I. OF THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD 'S NATURE . "Ye saw no similitude" ( Deuteronomy 4:12 ). A wonderful truth to be impressed on the minds of a people fresh from contact with the debasing idolatries of Egypt. A truth: 1. Difficult to grasp. 2. Elevating in its influence. 3. The apprehension of which is necessary for spiritual worship ( John 4:24 ). II. OF THE HOLINESS OF GOD 'S CHARACTER . The lightnings that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:11

The mountain burned with fire unto the midst [unto the heart] of heaven ; i . e . up to the Very skies; a rhetorical description of the mighty pillar of fire that blazed on Sinai, and betokened the presence of him whose symbol is fire. With darkness, clouds [cloud], and thick darkness; underneath the fire was a cloud of deep darkness, out of which it blazed, the "thick cloud" of Exodus 19:9 , Exodus 19:16 , and the "smoke" out of which the lightnings flashed, and over which the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:11-20

Israel's peculiar relation to God. This paragraph sets forth in earnest appeal the peculiar and distinctive relation to God in which Israel was placed. (For the precise details of the point in their history here referred to, see Exodus 19:1-25 .; and for the application of several of the expressions used both here and there to believers in Christ under the Christian dispensation, see 1 Peter 2:9 .) Here is a noble theme for the preacher—Israel ' s special relation to God , typical... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:12

On this occasion the people heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude ; there was no form or shape apparent to the eye. No man can see God's face ( Exodus 33:20 , Exodus 33:23 ); "no man hath seen God at any time" ( John 1:18 ); and though the nobles or elders of Israel who went up with Moses into the mount are said to have seen God, it is evident that what they saw was only some luminous manifestation of his glory, and not a form or shape of which a similitude could be... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 4:9-11

A full stop should end Deuteronomy 4:9; and Deuteronomy 4:10 begin, At the time that thou stoodest, etc. Deuteronomy 4:11 then ye came near, etc. Moses, exhorting to heedful observance of the Law, strives to renew the impressions of that tremendous scene which attended its promulgation at Sinai. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 4:12

Hero worship exhibited itself in the practice of setting up images of human form as household gods (Penates, compare Genesis 31:19; Genesis 35:2), or as local and civic divinities: a practice forbidden by Deuteronomy 4:16. Nature worship in its baser shapes is seen in the Egyptian idolatry of animals and animal figures, and is condemned in Deuteronomy 4:17-18 : while its less ignoble flight, the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, is forbidden in Deuteronomy 4:19. The great legislator may be... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 4:11-12

Deuteronomy 4:11-12. The midst of heaven Flaming up into the air, which is often called heaven. No similitude No resemblance or representation of God, whereby either his essence, or properties, or actions were represented, such as were usual among the heathen. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:1-43

Warning to be obedient (4:1-43)The reason Moses outlined Israel’s history was to show on the one hand that God’s promises did not fail, and on the other that his judgment on disobedience was certain. In view of this, the people were to keep all God’s laws and commandments without altering them to suit themselves. If they modelled their national life in Canaan on these laws, they would benefit themselves and be an example to others (4:1-8).In order that Israel might not forget his laws, God had... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Deuteronomy 4:11

thick darkness. See Exodus 20:21 , and compare Hebrew. araphel . 2 Samuel 22:10 . 1 Kings 8:12 .Psalms 97:2 . read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:9-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:10-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:11

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:11-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:12

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 4:9-11

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 4:12

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 4:11-12

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 4:1-43

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Deuteronomy 4:11

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