Deuteronomy 31:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:14-21

Here, I. Moses and Joshua are summoned to attend the divine majesty at the door of the tabernacle, Deut. 31:14. Moses is told again that he must shortly die; even those that are most ready and willing to die have need to be often reminded of the approach of death. In consideration of this, he must come himself to meet God; for whatever improves our communion with God furthers our preparation for death. He must also bring Joshua with him to be presented to God for a successor, and to receive... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:20

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers ,.... To give it to them, and put them into the possession of it, even the land of Canaan, often thus described, and as it is by the following character: that floweth with milk and honey ; aboundeth with all good things; see Exodus 3:8 , and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat ; that is, after they have for a considerable time enjoyed the good things of the land, and they abound... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 31:20

Verse 20 20.But when I shall have brought them. In other words, God again enlarges upon the atrociousness of their iniquity, in that, when He had dealt liberally with the Israelites, they would turn His benefits into occasions of perversity, since nothing can be more base than such ingratitude, he says, then, that He will perform to them, unworthy as they are, that which he has sworn, so that He might thus be faithful to His promises. He commends the fertility of the land, since this striking... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:3-23

Joshua. Joshua a type of Jesus, the true Leader into the rest of God ( Hebrews 4:8 ). God has given him, as formerly he gave the son of Nun, for "a Leader and Commander to the people" ( Isaiah 55:4 ). I. THE MAN . Joshua as leader was: 1. Divinely appointed (verse 3). 2. Divinely led . "He doth go before thee" (verse 8). The captain had a higher Captain ( Joshua 5:14 ). 3. Divinely assisted . "He will be with thee" (verse 8). Our Leader is Emmanuel—"God... read more

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 31:14-23

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

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