Deuteronomy 1:10

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

Moses here reminds them of the happy constitution of their government, which was such as might make them all safe and easy if it was not their own fault. When good laws were given them good men were entrusted with the execution of them, which, as it was an instance of God's goodness to them, so it was of the care of Moses concerning them; and, it should seem, he mentions it here to recommend himself to them as a man that sincerely sought their welfare, and so to make way for what he was about... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:10

The Lord your God hath multiplied you ,.... Which was the reason why he could not bear them, or the government of them was too heavy for him, because they were so numerous, and the cases brought before him to decide were so many: and, behold, you are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude ; whereby it appeared that the promise to Abraham was fulfilled, Genesis 15:5 , they were now 600,000 men fit for war, besides women and children, and those under age, which must make the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 1:10

Ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude - This was the promise God made to Abraham, Genesis 15:5 , Genesis 15:6 ; and Moses considers it now as amply fulfilled. But was it really so? Many suppose the expression to be hyperbolical; and others, no friends to revelation, think it a vain empty boast, because the stars, in their apprehension, amount to innumerable millions. Let us consider this subject. How many in number are the stars which appear to the naked eye? for it is by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:1-18

The impartiality of God to be reflected in the judges of his people. In the following Homilies we adhere to the traditional view of the Mosaic authorship of the book, believing that no sufficient evidence has yet been adduced by the critics for departing from that view. Moses enters upon his addresses in the land of Moab by recapitulating the salient points of the Exodus. The first notable reference is to the appointment of the judges. The qualifications and directions here recorded are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:6-18

Rules to be observed in choosing rulers. This paragraph may with advantage be compared with Exodus 18:1-27 ; in which there is a fuller account of the circumstances under which the choice of judges and magistrates was proposed and made; this important step towards the order and consolidation of the national life was taken at the suggestion of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. Referring to the exposition of that chapter for the historic detail, we note here simply: 1. That the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-16

Division of labor. (Cf. Exodus 18:13-27 .) An instance of a good idea Reminds us that division of labor is as important in Church work as in the arts. I. THE NEGLECT OF DIVISION OF LABOR LEADS TO SERIOUS EVILS . 1. The work is not overtaken. "Not able" ( Deuteronomy 1:9 ). 2. Those who have to do it are greatly overtaxed. "Cumbrance," "burden" ( Deuteronomy 1:12 ). 3. Energy is wasted on subordinate tasks which might be applied to better purpose.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

Moses reminds them that he had done all that was required on his part to conduct the people to the enjoyment of what God had freely given to them. The people had so increased in number that Moses found himself unable to attend to all the matters that concerned them, or to adjudicate in all the differences that arose among them. God had brought to pass that which he had promised to Abraham ( Genesis 15:5 ), that his seed should be as the stars of heaven for multitude; in this Moses rejoiced,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

The blessing of good government. I. A WISE MAN DISAVOWS ABSOLUTE MONARCHY . Legislation, the most difficult department of government, had been furnished for Israel by the Supreme Mind of the universe; yet Moses found the task of administration too much for a single arm. The aim of every ruler ought to be, not personal power, but universal service—the greatest good of the greatest number. No wise man will expose himself to the tremendous temptation of personal aggrandizement.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:10

Notwithstanding the cruel oppression to which they were subjected in Egypt, the Israelites had so increased in numbers that they went out of the house of their bondage a mighty host. Ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude (cf. Genesis 15:5 ; Genesis 22:17 ). God had promised to Abraham that his seed should be as the stars of heaven for multitude; and Moses here reminds the people that this promise had been fulfilled. This is hardly to be regarded as the utterance of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:10-11

Israel's increase. These verses embody the expression of a very natural state of feeling in contemplating the marvel of the Church's growth. I. THE CHURCH 'S INCREASE AN OBJECT OF DESIRE . "The Lord God of your fathers make you," etc. ( Deuteronomy 1:11 ). Such increase is: 1. A token of Divine favor ( Acts 11:24 ). 2. A manifestation of Divine power ( 1 Corinthians 1:18-30 ; Ephesians 1:19 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:5 ). 3. A source of blessing to the... read more

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