And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book ,.... In this book of Deuteronomy, and which concluded the Pentateuch: until they were finished ; all the words of the law, and the whole five books of Moses, excepting some few verses, Deuteronomy 34:1 , which were added by another hand, Joshua or Ezra. read more
That Moses commanded the Levites ,.... These were not the common Levites, but the priests who were also Levites, to whom the law was given, Deuteronomy 31:9 ; and none but they might touch the ark, or go so near it as, they are bid to do, to put the law on the side of it; so Aben Ezra; it follows: which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord ; as the priests are said to do; see Gill on Deuteronomy 31:9 ; for though in journeying the Kohathites carried it, yet not until it was... read more
Take this book of the law ,.... Not Deuteronomy only, but the whole Pentateuch: and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God ; not in the ark, for there were nothing there but the two tables of stone with the ten commands on them, 1 Kings 8:9 ; but on one side of it; the Targum of Jonathan says, it was"put in a chest (or box) on the right side of the ark of the covenant;'which is very probable. Jarchi observes, that the wise men of Israel are divided about it... read more
Take this book of the law - The standard copy to which all transcripts must ultimately refer: another copy was put into the bands of the priests. See the note on Deuteronomy 31:9 . read more
Verse 24 24.And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end. By “the words of this law,” we must understand not only those which are embraced in this book, but in the other three also; and there is an implied antithesis between the two tables written by God’s hand, and the exposition which was afterwards added, lest there should be any obscurity respecting God’s will on account of the brevity with which it was delivered. At the very beginning, indeed, God had set forth whatever it was useful... read more
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
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
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
The last precaution against idolatry. We cannot trace into all its ramifications the subtle influence of a good man's life. If it does not accomplish all that he has desired, it often achieves more than he imagines. It operates in directions he had not designed. The presence of a good man will often repress an evil which he cannot eradicate. All the faith and piety of Moses had hardly restrained the people from idolatry; his removal will be the loosening of the flood-gates which had held... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:22-30
Here, I. The charge is given to Joshua, which God has said (Deut. 31:14) he would give him. The same in effect that Moses had given him. The same in effect that Moses had given him (Deut. 31:7): Be strong and of a good courage, Deut. 31:23. Joshua had now heard from God so much of the wickedness of the people whom he was to have the conduct of as could not but be a discouragement to him: ?Nay,? says God, ?how bad soever they are, thou shalt go through thy understanding, for I will be with... read more