Deuteronomy 4:37 - Chapter 4:44—chapter 26:19. Summary

Beloved for the fathers' sake.

We learn, taking this verse with the context—

I. THAT THE PIETY OF ANCESTORS IS REMEMBERED BY GOD IN HIS DEALINGS WITH THE DESCENDANTS . He remembers:

1. Their piety.

2. The love he bore them.

3. His promises.

4. Their prayers.

II. THAT THE PIETY OF ANCESTORS IS A FREQUENT GROUND OF LONG - SUFFERING AND FORBEARANCE . It was SO with Israel ( Deuteronomy 9:5 ); Solomon ( 1 Kings 12:12 ), etc.

III. YET THAT THE PIETY OF ANCESTORS WILL NOT OF ITSELF SECURE SALVATION . The Jews were not to be exempted from chastisement for personal transgressions. If "they abide still in unbelief" ( Romans 11:23 ), they cannot be saved. There cannot be salvation without personal faith and obedience.—J.O.

HOMILIES BY D. DAVIES