Deuteronomy 30:17-18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Moses here concludes with a very bright light, and a very strong fire, that, if possible, what he had been preaching of might find entrance into the understanding and affections of this unthinking people. What could be said more moving, and more likely to make deep and lasting impressions? The manner of his treating with them is so rational, so prudent, so affectionate, and every way so apt to gain the point, that it abundantly shows him to be in earnest, and leaves them inexcusable in their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:17

But if thine heart turn away ,.... From the true God, and the right worship of him, and from his commands, statutes, and judgments: so that thou wilt not hear ; the voice of the Lord and obey it, or hearken to his laws, and do them: but shalt be drawn away ; by an evil heart, and by the ill examples of others: and worship other gods and serve them ; the gods of the Gentiles, the idols of the people, besides the one living and true God, the God of Israel. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:18

I denounce unto, you this day that ye shall surely perish ,.... By one judgment or another; this he most solemnly averred, and it might be depended upon that it would certainly be their case; see Deuteronomy 4:26 , and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it ; but be cut short by death, of one kind or another, by sword, or famine, or pestilence, or be carried into captivity; one or other of which were frequently their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Moses concludes by solemnly adjuring the people, as he had set before them, in his proclamation of the Law and in his preaching, good and evil, life and death, to choose the former and eschew the latter, to love and serve the Lord which is life, and to shun apostasy and disobedience which are death (cf. Deuteronomy 11:26 , Deuteronomy 11:27 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:15-20

A dread alternative. While handling substantially the same momentous themes, the aged lawgiver, as if the thought were oppressing him that he should very soon speak his last word, becomes more and more intensely earnest, and mingles a solemnity and pathos which may well be followed by those whose work it is to "warn every man, and teach every man in all wisdom," that they may "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." Here is presented to us a series of considerations, which are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:15-20

A last word. I. AN ALTERNATIVE . Life and death; good and evil ( Deuteronomy 30:15 ); blessing and cursing ( Deuteronomy 30:19 ). An alternative for the nation, but also for the individual. "Life" is more than existence—it is holy and happy existence. "Death" is not equivalent to non-existence. As respects the natural life, it is the separation of the living, thinking principle from the body, and is compatible with the survival of the soul in a future state. As respects the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:15-20

An alternative choice. The prophet's power to persuade and influence a people is great—unspeakably great; yet it is not irresistible. It has its limits. After all that has been said to him, a man feels that the determination and choice rest within himself. Reason may be convinced; judgment may give a decided verdict; still inclination may inordinately lean to the weaker side, and baffle all prudent calculations. The intense eagerness of Moses for the people's weal is a sublime spectacle of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Death and life set before the people. In this earnest word which concludes a section of his address to the people, Moses is summing up his deliverance. It has been called by Havernick "the classic passage" upon the subject of death and life as understood in Old Testament times. £ "Shut out from the true community of life ( Lebensgemeinschaft )," says Havernick," the sinner puts in only a pretended life ( Scheinleben ), without God, enduring and promoting ruin in himself, until... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 30:17

(Cf. Deuteronomy 4:19 .) read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Ignorance of the requirements of the law cannot be pleaded Deuteronomy 30:10-14; hence, Deuteronomy 30:15-20 life and death, good and evil, are solemnly set before the people for their own choice; and an earnest exhortation to choose the better part concludes the address.Deuteronomy 30:11-14. “The righteousness which is of faith” is really and truly described in these words of the Law; and, under Paul’s guidance (see marginal references) we affirm was intended so to be. For the simplicity and... read more

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