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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Deuteronomy, Chapter XXX].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1706)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>D E U T E R O N O M Y</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XXX.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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One would have thought that the threatenings in the close of the
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foregoing chapter had made a full end of the people of Israel, and had
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left their case for ever desperate; but in this chapter we have a plain
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intimation of the mercy God had in store for them in the latter days,
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so that mercy at length rejoices against judgment, and has the last
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word. Here we have,
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I. Exceedingly great and precious promises made to them, upon their
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repentance and return to God,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:1-10">ver. 1-10</A>.
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II. The righteousness of faith set before them in the plainness and
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easiness of the commandment that was now given them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:11-14">ver. 11-14</A>.
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III. A fair reference of the whole matter to their choice,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:15-20">ver. 15</A>,
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&c.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="De30_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Promises to the Penitent.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1451.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come
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upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before
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thee, and thou shalt call <I>them</I> to mind among all the nations,
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whither the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God hath driven thee,
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2 And shalt return unto the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God, and shalt obey his
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voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy
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children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
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3 That then the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God will turn thy captivity, and have
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compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all
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the nations, whither the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God hath scattered thee.
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4 If <I>any</I> of thine be driven out unto the outmost <I>parts</I> of
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heaven, from thence will the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God gather thee, and from
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thence will he fetch thee:
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5 And the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God will bring thee into the land which thy
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fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee
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good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
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6 And the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the
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heart of thy seed, to love the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God with all thine heart,
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and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
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7 And the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God will put all these curses upon thine
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enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.
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8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, and do
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all his commandments which I command thee this day.
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9 And the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God will make thee plenteous in every work
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of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy
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cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> will
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again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy
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fathers:
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10 If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God, to
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keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this
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book of the law, <I>and</I> if thou turn unto the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God with
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all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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These verses may be considered either as a conditional promise or as an
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absolute prediction.</P>
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<P>
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I. They are chiefly to be considered as a conditional promise, and so
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they belong to all persons and all people, and not to Israel only; and
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the design of them is to assure us that the greatest sinners, if they
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repent and be converted, shall have their sins pardoned, and be
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restored to God's favour. This is the purport of the covenant of grace,
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it leaves room for repentance in case of misdemeanour, and promises
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pardon upon repentance, which the covenant of innocency did not. Now
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observe here,</P>
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<P>
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1. How the repentance is described which is the condition of these
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promises.
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(1.) It begins in <I>serious consideration,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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"Thou shalt call to mind that which thou hadst forgotten or not
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regarded." Note, Consideration is the first step towards conversion.
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+46:8">Isa. xlvi. 8</A>,
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<I>Bring to mind, O you transgressors.</I> The prodigal son came to
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himself first, and then to his father. That which they should call to
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mind is the blessing and the curse. If sinners would but seriously
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consider the happiness they have lost by sin and the misery they have
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brought themselves into, and that by repentance they may escape that
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misery and recover that happiness, they would not delay to <I>return to
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the Lord their God.</I> The prodigal <I>called to mind the blessing and
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the curse</I> when he considered his present poverty and the plenty of
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bread <I>in his father's house,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+15:17">Luke xv. 17</A>.
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(2.) It consists in sincere conversion. The effect of the consideration
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cannot but be godly sorrow and shame,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+6:9,7:16">Ezek. vi. 9; vii. 16</A>.
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But that which is the life and soul of repentance, and without which
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the most passionate expressions are but a jest, is <I>returning to the
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Lord our God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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If thou turn
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>)
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<I>with all thy heart and with all thy soul.</I> We must return to our
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allegiance to God as our Lord and ruler, our dependence upon him as our
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Father and benefactor, our devotedness to him as our highest end, and
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our communion with him as our God in covenant. We must return to God
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from all that which stands in opposition to him or competition with
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him. In this return to God we must be upright--with the heart and soul,
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and universal--with all the heart and all the soul.
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(3.) It is evidenced by a constant obedience to the holy will of God:
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If thou shalt <I>obey his voice</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>),
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<I>thou and thy children;</I> for it is not enough that we do our duty
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ourselves, but we must train up and engage our children to do it. Or
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this comes in as the condition of the entail of the blessing upon their
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children, provided their children kept close to their duty.
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[1.] This obedience must be with an eye to God: Thou shalt <I>obey his
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voice</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
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and hearken to it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
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[2.] It must be sincere, and cheerful, and entire: <I>With all thy
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heart, and with all thy soul,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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[3.] It must be from a principle of love, and that love must be <I>with
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all thy heart and with all thy soul,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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It is the heart and soul that God looks at and requires; he will have
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these or nothing, and these entire or not at all.
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[4.] It must be universal: <I>According to all that I command thee,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>,
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and again
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>,
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<I>to do all his commandments;</I> for he that allows himself in the
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breach of one commandment involves himself in the guilt of contemning
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them all,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+2:10">James ii. 10</A>.
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An upright heart has <I>respect to all God's commandments,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+119:6">Ps. cxix. 6</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. What the favour is which is promised upon this repentance. Though
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they are brought to God by their trouble and distress, in the nations
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whither they were driven
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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yet God will graciously accept of them notwithstanding; for on this
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errand afflictions are sent, to bring us to repentance. Though they are
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<I>driven out to the utmost parts of heaven,</I> yet thence their
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penitent prayers shall reach God's gracious ear, and there his favour
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shall find them out,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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<I>Undique ad cælos tantundem est viæ--From every place there is
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the same way to heaven.</I> This promise Nehemiah pleads in his prayer
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for dispersed Israel,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ne+1:9">Neh. i. 9</A>.
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It is here promised,
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(1.) That God would have compassion upon them, as proper objects of his
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pity,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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Against sinners that go on in sin God has indignation
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+29:20"><I>ch.</I> xxix. 20</A>),
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but on those that repent and bemoan themselves he has compassion,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+31:18,20">Jer. xxxi. 18, 20</A>.
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True penitents may take great encouragement from the compassions and
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tender mercies of our God, which never fail, but overflow.
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(2.) That he would <I>turn their captivity, and gather them from the
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nations whither they were scattered</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>),
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though ever so remote,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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One of the Chaldee paraphrasts applies this to the Messiah, explaining
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it thus: <I>The word of the Lord shall gather you by the hand of Elias
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the great priest, and shall bring you by the hand of the king
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Messiah;</I> for this was God's covenant with him, that he should
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<I>restore the preserved of Israel,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+49:6">Isa. xlix. 6</A>.
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And this was the design of his death, to <I>gather into one the
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children of God that were scattered abroad,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+11:51,52">John xi. 51, 52</A>.
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<I>To him shall the gathering of the people be.</I>
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(3.) That he would <I>bring them into their land again,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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Note, Penitent sinners are not only delivered out of their misery, but
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restored to true happiness in the favour of God. The land they are
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brought into to possess it is , though not the same, yet in some
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respects better than that which our first father Adam possessed, and
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out of which he was expelled.
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(4.) That he would <I>do them good</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>)
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and <I>rejoice over them for good,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
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For there is joy in heaven upon the repentance and conversion of
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sinners: the father of the prodigal <I>rejoiced over him for good.</I>
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(5.) That he would multiply them
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
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and that, when they grew numerous, every mouth might have meat: he
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would <I>make them plenteous in every work of their hand,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
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National repentance and reformation bring national plenty, peace, and
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prosperity. It is promised, <I>The Lord will make thee plenteous</I> in
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the fruit of thy cattle and land, for good. Many have plenty for hurt;
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the prosperity of fools destroys them. Then it is for good when with
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it God gives us grace to use it for his glory.
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(6.) That he would transfer the curses they had been under to their
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enemies,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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When God was gathering them in to re-establish them they would meet
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with much opposition; but the same curses that had been a burden upon
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them should become a defence to them, by being turned upon their
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adversaries. The cup of trembling should be taken out of their hand,
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and put into the hand of those that afflicted them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+51:22,23">Isa. li. 22, 23</A>.
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(7.) That he would give them his grace to change their hearts, and rule
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there
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
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<I>The Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart, to love the Lord.</I>
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Note,
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[1.] The heart must be circumcised to love God. The filth of the flesh
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must be put away; and the foolishness of the heart, as the Chaldee
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paraphrase expounds it. See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+2:11,12,Ro+2:29">Col. ii. 11, 12; Rom. ii. 29</A>.
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Circumcision was a seal of the covenant; the heart is then
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<I>circumcised to love God</I> when it is strongly engaged and held by
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that bond to this duty.
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[2.] It is the work of God's grace to circumcise the heart, and to shed
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abroad the love of God there; and this grace is given to all that
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repent and seek it carefully. Nay, that seems to be rather a promise
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than a precept
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>):
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<I>Thou shalt return and obey the voice of the Lord.</I> He that
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requires us to return promises grace to enable us to return: and it is
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our fault if that grace be not effectual. herein the covenant of grace
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is well ordered, that whatsoever is required in the covenant is
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promised. <I>Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my
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Spirit,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+1:23">Prov. i. 23</A>.</P>
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<P>
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3. It is observable how Moses here calls God <I>the Lord thy God</I>
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twelve times in
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:1-10">these ten verses</A>,
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intimating,
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(1.) That penitents may take direction and encouragement in their
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return to God from their relation to him.
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+3:22">Jer. iii. 22</A>,
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"<I>Behold, we come unto thee, for thou art the Lord our God;</I>
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therefore to thee we are bound to come, whither else should we go? And
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therefore we hope to find favour with thee."
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(2.) That those who have revolted from God, if they return to him and
|
|
do their first works, shall be restored to their former state of honour
|
|
and happiness. <I>Bring hither the first robe.</I> In the threatenings
|
|
of the former chapter he is all along called the <I>Lord,</I> a God of
|
|
power and the Judge of all: but, in the promises of this chapter,
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|
<I>the Lord thy God,</I> a God of grace, and in covenant with thee.</P>
|
|
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<P>
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|
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|
II. This may also be considered as a prediction of the repentance and
|
|
restoration of the Jews: <I>When all these things shall have come upon
|
|
thee</I>
|
|
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|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
the blessing first, and after that the curse, then the mercy in reserve
|
|
shall take place. Though their hearts were wretchedly hardened, yet
|
|
the grace of God could soften and change them; and then, though their
|
|
case was deplorably miserable, the providence of God would redress all
|
|
their grievances. Now,
|
|
|
|
1. It is certain that this was fulfilled in their return from their
|
|
captivity in Babylon. It was a wonderful instance of their repentance
|
|
and reformation that Ephraim, who had been joined to idols, renounced
|
|
them, and said, <I>What have I to do any more with idols?</I> That
|
|
captivity effectually cured them of idolatry; and then God planted them
|
|
again in their own land and did them good. But,
|
|
|
|
2. Some think that it is yet further to be accomplished in the
|
|
conversion of the Jews who are now dispersed, their repentance for the
|
|
sin of their fathers in crucifying Christ, their return to God through
|
|
him, and their accession to the Christian church. But, <I>alas! who
|
|
shall live when God doth this?</I></P>
|
|
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<A NAME="De30_11"> </A>
|
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<A NAME="De30_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="De30_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Advantages of Revelation.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1451.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it <I>is</I>
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|
not hidden from thee, neither <I>is</I> it far off.
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|
12 It <I>is</I> not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go
|
|
up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it,
|
|
and do it?
|
|
13 Neither <I>is</I> it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who
|
|
shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may
|
|
hear it, and do it?
|
|
14 But the word <I>is</I> very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in
|
|
thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
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<P>
|
|
|
|
Moses here urges them to obedience from the consideration of the
|
|
plainness and easiness of the command.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
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|
I. This is true of the law of Moses. They could never plead in excuse
|
|
of their disobedience that God had enjoined them that which was either
|
|
unintelligible or impracticable, impossible to be known or to be done
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>It is not hidden from thee.</I> That is, not send messengers to
|
|
heaven
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
to enquire what thou must do to please God; nor needest thou <I>go
|
|
beyond sea</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>),
|
|
|
|
as the philosophers did, that travelled through many and distant
|
|
regions in pursuit of learning; no, thou art not put to that labour and
|
|
expense; nor is the commandment within the reach of those only that
|
|
have a great estate or a refined genius, but it is <I>very nigh unto
|
|
thee,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is written in thy books, made plain upon tables, so that he that
|
|
runs may read it; thy priests' lips keep this knowledge, and, when any
|
|
difficulty arises, thou mayest <I>ask the law at their mouth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+2:7">Mal. ii. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is not communicated in a strange language; but it is in thy mouth,
|
|
that is, in the vulgar tongue that is commonly used by thee, in which
|
|
thou mayest hear it read, and talk of it familiarly among thy children.
|
|
It is not wrapped up in obscure phrases or figures to puzzle and amuse
|
|
thee, or in hieroglyphics, but it is in thy heart; it is delivered in
|
|
such a manner as that it is level to thy capacity, even to the capacity
|
|
of the meanest."
|
|
|
|
2. "It is not too <I>hard</I> nor <I>heavy</I> for thee:" so the
|
|
Septuagint reads it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thou needest not say, "As good attempt to climb to heaven, or flee upon
|
|
the wings of the morning to the uttermost part of the sea, as go about
|
|
to do all the words of this law:" no, the matter is not so; it is no
|
|
such intolerable yoke as some ill-minded people represent it. It was
|
|
indeed a heavy yoke in comparison with that of Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:10">Acts xv. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
but not in comparison with the idolatrous services of the neighbouring
|
|
nations. God appeals to themselves that he had not <I>made them to
|
|
serve with an offering, nor wearied them with incense,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+43:23,Mic+6:3">Isa. xliii. 23; Mic. vi. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
But he speaks especially of the moral law, and its precepts: "That is
|
|
very nigh thee, consonant to the law of nature, which would have been
|
|
found in every man's heart, and every man's mouth, if he would but have
|
|
attended to it. There is that in thee which <I>consents to the law that
|
|
it is good,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+7:16">Rom. vii. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thou hast therefore no reason to complain of any insuperable difficulty
|
|
in the observance of it."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. This is true of the gospel of Christ, to which the apostle applies
|
|
it, and makes it the language of the <I>righteousness which is of
|
|
faith,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+10:6-8">Rom. x. 6-8</A>.
|
|
|
|
And many think this is principally intended by Moses here; for he
|
|
<I>wrote of Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+5:46">John v. 46</A>.
|
|
|
|
This is God's commandment now under the gospel that we <I>believe in
|
|
the name of his Son Jesus Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:23">1 John iii. 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
If we ask, as the blind man did, <I>Lord, who is he?</I> or where is
|
|
he, that we may believe on him?
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+9:36">John ix. 36</A>),
|
|
|
|
this scripture gives an answer, We need not go up to heaven, to fetch
|
|
him thence, for he has come down thence in his incarnation; nor down to
|
|
the deep, to fetch him thence, for thence he has come up in his
|
|
resurrection. But the word is nigh us, and Christ in that word; so that
|
|
if we believe with the heart that the promises of the incarnation and
|
|
resurrection of the Messiah are fulfilled in our Lord Jesus, and
|
|
receive him accordingly, and confess him with our mouth, we have then
|
|
Christ with us, and we shall be saved. He is near, very near, that
|
|
justifies us. The law was plain and easy, but the gospel much more
|
|
so.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="De30_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="De30_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="De30_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="De30_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="De30_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="De30_20"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and
|
|
death and evil;
|
|
16 In that I command thee this day to love the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God, to
|
|
walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes
|
|
and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the
|
|
L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to
|
|
possess it.
|
|
17 But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear,
|
|
but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;
|
|
18 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish,
|
|
<I>and that</I> ye shall not prolong <I>your</I> days upon the land,
|
|
whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.
|
|
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
|
|
<I>that</I> I have set before you life and death, blessing and
|
|
cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may
|
|
live:
|
|
20 That thou mayest love the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> thy God, <I>and</I> that thou
|
|
mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for
|
|
he <I>is</I> thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest
|
|
dwell in the land which the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> sware unto thy fathers, to
|
|
Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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 disobedience.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. He states the case very fairly. He appeals to themselves concerning
|
|
it whether he had not laid the matter as plainly as they could wish
|
|
before them.
|
|
|
|
1. Every man covets to obtain life and good, and to escape death and
|
|
evil, desires happiness and dreads misery. "Well," says he, "I have
|
|
shown you the way to obtain all the happiness you can desire and to
|
|
avoid all misery. Be obedient, and all shall be well, and nothing
|
|
amiss." Our first parents ate the forbidden fruit, in hopes of getting
|
|
thereby the knowledge of good and evil; but it was a miserable
|
|
knowledge they got, of good by the loss of it, and of evil by the sense
|
|
of it; yet such is the compassion of God towards man that, instead of
|
|
giving him to his own delusion, he has favoured him by his word with
|
|
such a knowledge of good and evil as will make him for ever happy if it
|
|
be not his own fault.
|
|
|
|
2. Every man is moved and governed in his actions by hope and fear,
|
|
hope of good and fear of evil, real of apparent. "Now," says Moses, "I
|
|
have tried both ways; if you will be either drawn to obedience by the
|
|
certain prospect of advantage by it, or driven to obedience by the no
|
|
less certain prospect of ruin in case you be disobedient--if you will
|
|
be wrought upon either way, you will be kept close to God and your
|
|
duty; but, if you will not, you are utterly inexcusable." Let us, then,
|
|
hear the conclusion of the whole matter.
|
|
|
|
(1.) If they and theirs would love God and serve him, they should live
|
|
and be happy,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
If they would love God, and evidence the sincerity of their love by
|
|
keeping his commandments--if they would make conscience of keeping his
|
|
commandments, and do it from a principle of love--then God would do
|
|
them good, and they should be as happy as his love and blessing could
|
|
make them.
|
|
|
|
(2.) If they or theirs should at any time turn from God, desert his
|
|
service, and worship other gods this would certainly be their ruin,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:17,18"><I>v.</I> 17, 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe, It is not for every failure in the particulars of their duty
|
|
that ruin is threatened, but for apostasy and idolatry: though every
|
|
violation of the command deserved the curse, yet the nation would be
|
|
destroyed by that only which is the violation of the marriage covenant.
|
|
The purport of the New Testament is much the same; this, in like
|
|
manner, sets before us life and death, good and evil; <I>He that
|
|
believes shall be saved; he that believes not shall be damned,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+16:16">Mark xvi. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
And this faith includes love and obedience. <I>To those who by patient
|
|
continuance in well doing seek for glory, honour, and immortality,</I>
|
|
God will give <I>eternal life. But to those that are contentious, and
|
|
do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness</I> (and so, in effect,
|
|
worship other gods and serve them), will be rendered the indignation
|
|
and wrath of an immortal God, the consequence of which must needs be
|
|
the tribulation and anguish of an immortal soul,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+2:7-9">Rom. ii. 7-9</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Having thus stated the case, he fairly puts them to their choice,
|
|
with a direction to them to choose well. He appeals to heaven and earth
|
|
concerning his fair and faithful dealing with them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
They could not but own that whatever was the issue he had delivered his
|
|
soul; therefore, that they might deliver theirs, he bids them choose
|
|
life, that is, choose to do their duty, which would be their life.
|
|
Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Those shall have life that choose it: those that choose the favour
|
|
of God and communion with him for their felicity, and prosecute their
|
|
choice as they ought, shall have what they choose.
|
|
|
|
2. Those that come short of life and happiness must thank themselves;
|
|
they would have had it if they had chosen it when it was put to their
|
|
choice: but they die because they <I>will</I> die; that is, because
|
|
they do not like the life promised upon the terms proposed.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. In the
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+30:20">last verse</A>,
|
|
|
|
1. He shows them, in short, what their duty is, <I>to love God,</I> and
|
|
to love him as <I>the Lord,</I> a Being most amiable, and as <I>their
|
|
God,</I> a God in covenant with them; and, as an evidence of this love,
|
|
to <I>obey his voice</I> in every thing, and by a constancy in this
|
|
love and obedience to <I>cleave to him,</I> and never to forsake him in
|
|
affection or practice.
|
|
|
|
2. He shows them what reason there was for this duty, inconsideration,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Of their dependence upon God: <I>He is thy life, and the length of
|
|
thy days.</I> He gives life, preserves life, restores life, and
|
|
prolongs it by his power though it is a frail life, and by his patience
|
|
though it is a forfeited life: he sweetens life with his comforts, and
|
|
is the sovereign Lord of life; <I>in his hand our breath is.</I>
|
|
Therefore we are concerned to keep ourselves in his love; for it is
|
|
good having him our friend, and bad having him our enemy.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Of their obligation to him for the promise of Canaan made to their
|
|
fathers and ratified with an oath. And,
|
|
|
|
(3.) Of their expectations from him in performance of that promise:
|
|
"Love God, and serve him, that thou mayest dwell in that land of
|
|
promise which thou mayest be sure he can give, and uphold to thee who
|
|
is <I>thy life and the length of thy days.</I>" All these are arguments
|
|
to us to continue in love and obedience to the God of our mercies.</P>
|
|
|
|
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