Ver. 25. That goodly mountain, and Lebanon— The French renders this, that goodly mountain, that is to say, Lebanon; c'est a savoir, le Liban. Some commentators suppose mount Moriah, on which the temple was built, to be meant. But there seems no ground for this supposition. A similar mode of expression is found ver. 17 where the plain also, and Jordan, signifies only the plain of Jordan. See commentary on Deu 3:29 read more
See commentary on Deu 3:29 read more
25. I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon—The natural and very earnest wish of Moses to be allowed to cross the Jordan was founded on the idea that the divine threatening might be conditional and revertible. "That goodly mountain" is supposed by Jewish writers to have pointed to the hill on which the temple was to be built (Deuteronomy 12:5; Exodus 15:2). But biblical scholars now, generally, render the words—"that goodly... read more
26. speak no more unto me of this matter—that is, My decree is unalterable. read more
A. God’s past dealings with Israel 1:6-3:29Moses began this first "sermon" by reviewing God’s faithfulness to Israel. God had been faithful in bringing the nation from Sinai to her present location, and by giving her victory over her Transjordanian enemies. He also reminded the people of the future blessings that she could anticipate. read more
6. Moses’ anticipation of future blessing 3:21-29Moses encouraged Joshua, his successor, to take courage on the basis of all that God had done for Israel thus far, especially in defeating Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 3:21-22). A better translation of Deuteronomy 3:22 is ". . . for Yahweh [the covenant-keeping God] your Elohim [strong One], He [emphatic] is the one fighting for you." Israel’s future success was certain because of Israel’s God, not because of Israel’s strength or wisdom.Moses was so... read more
Review Of The Journey (concluded)1-11. The conquest of Og, king of Bashan. See Numbers 21:33 to Numbers 35:5. The ruins of these cities remain to this day: see on Numbers 21:33.9. Sirion] means ’glittering like a polished shield,’ and corresponds, therefore, to the name Mt. Blanc. The Hermon range is mostly covered with a cap of snow. In Deuteronomy 4:48; Hermon is also called ’Sion,’ which means the same as Sirion, if indeed it is not a clerical error for that word. 10. Salchah] still existing... read more
(23-28) And I besought the Lord at that time.—Two things Moses is recorded to have asked for himself in the story of the exodus. The first is written in Exodus 33:18, “I beseech thee shew me thy glory;” the second is before us here. “O Lord GOD (Adonai Jehovah), thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness and thy mighty hand . . . I pray thee let me go over and see the good land beyond Jordan.” It would seem that Moses desired not so much to view the land (which, indeed, was granted him),... read more
(26) Let it suffice thee.—Literally, enough for thee, or, as it is paraphrased by Rashi from older commontatore, “Far more than this is reserved for thee; plentiful goodness is hidden for thee.” And so indeed it proved. For on some “goodly mountain” (Hermon or “Lebanon,”) Moses and Elias stood with the Saviour of the world, and spake of a far more glorious conquest than Joshua’s, even “His exodus, which He should fulfil at Jerusalem” (St. Luke 9:31). read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Deuteronomy 3:21-29
Ver. 21-29. As Joshua was ordained to succeed Moses in the government, he repeats the encouragement that he gave him to be brave and confident in so good a cause. Joshua had seen already some of God's mighty acts, and he was assured that such would be the success which should ever attend him, since it was the Lord who fought their battles. If God be for us, wherefore should we fear or doubt? Moses mentions his own desire and prayer, and the refusal he met with. 1. He adores God for the mercies... read more