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xi.

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Num. xi.
Deut. i.
Num. xii.

2. 5.

Num. xii.

xxxii.

Twelve Spies sent

xiii.

2. 7. 6.

Their return

xiii. 26.

The people rebel

xiv.

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I. THE Jews call this fifth book of Moses. ^ (ALEH HaDEBARIM), that is, "These are the words," because the xxxiii. 34. original commences with these words: by some rabbins it is called (M/SNEH TORAH), or the repetition of the law, while others term it po nnon (SEPHER TUKHнUTH), or the Book of Reproofs, on account of the numerous reproofs of the Israelites by Moses. The Greeks and Latins respectively

in the Bible de Vence, tom. iii. pp. 365-405, there is an elaborate Geo- call it AETTEPONOMION, Deuteronomium (whence our graphical Dissertation sur les xlii. Stations des Israelites.

English title Deuteronomy is derived), that is to say, the

xxxiii. 16.

VII. Few passages in the Pentateuch have more exercised the ingenuity of biblical critics, than the Book of the Wars of the Lord mentioned in Num. xxi. 14. Aben-Ezra, Hottinger, and others, are of opinion that it refers to this book of the Pentateuch, because in it are related various battles of the xxxiii. 17. Israelites with the Amorites: Hezelius, and after him Michaelis, think it was an Amoritish writing, containing trixxxiii. 18. umphal songs in honour of the victories obtained by Sihon king of the Amorites, from which Moses cited the words that immediately follow. Fonseca and some others refer it to the book of Judges. Le Clerc understands it of the wars of the Israelites, who fought under the direction of Jehovah, and, instead of book, he translates it, with most of the Jewish doctors, narration; and proposes to render the verse thus "Wherefore, in the narration of the wars of the Lord, there is (or shall be) mention of what he did in the Red Sea, and in the brooks of Arnon."-Lastly, Dr. Lightfoot considers this book to have been some book of remembrances and direcxxxiii. 19. tions written by Moses for Joshua's private instruction, for Xxxiii. 21. the prosecution of the wars after his decease. (See Exod. xxxiii. 22. ||xvii. 14—16.) This opinion appears to us the most simple, xxxiii. 23. and is, in all probability, the true one.

xxxiii. 20.

xxxiii. 24.

xxxiii. 25.

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second law repos Nouos), because it contains a second statement of the laws which Moses had formerly promulgated to the Israelites. From a comparison of Deut. i. 5. with xxxiv. 1. it appears to have been written by Moses on the plains of Moab, a short time before his death; and this circumstance will account for that affectionate earnestness with which he addresses the Israelites. The period of time comprised in this book is five lunar weeks, or, according to some chronologers, about two months, viz. from the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year after the exodus of Israel from Egypt, to the eleventh day of the twelfth month of the same year, A. M. 2553, B. c. 1451. From the account of Moses's death recorded in the thirty-fourth chapter of this book, and the insertion of some explanatory words in other parts of Deuteronomy, it has been insinuated that Moses could not have been its author: but the following remark will clearly prove this notion to be unfounded. The words of Moses (as we have already had occasion to remark) evidently conclude with the thirty-third chapter: the thirty-fourth was added to complete the history, the first eight verses probably immediately after his death by his successor Joshua, the last four by some later writer, probably Samuel or Ezra, or some prophet that succeeded Samuel. Another and equally satisfactory solution of this difficulty is the following; viz. that what now forms the last chapter of Deuteronomy, was formerly the first of Joshua, but was removed thence, and joined to Deuteronomy by way of supplement. This opinion will not appear improbable, when it is considered that sections and other divisions, as well as points and pauses, were invented long since these books were written: for, in those early ages several books were connected together, and followed each other on the same roll. The beginning of one book might, therefore, be easily transferred to the end of another, and in process of time be considered as its real conclusion, as in the case of Deuteronomy; especially as the supplemental chapter contains an account of the last transactions and death of the great author of the Pentateuch.

II. The SCOPE of the book of Deuteronomy is, to repeat to the Israelites, before Moses left them, the chief laws of God which had been given to them; that those who were not born at the time when they were originally delivered, or were incapable of understanding them, might be instructed in these laws, and excited to attend to them, and, consequently, be better prepared for the promised land upon which they were entering. With this view the sacred historian recapitulates the various mercies which God had bestowed upon them and their forefathers, from their departure out of Egypt; the victories which by divine assistance they had obtained over their enemies; their rebellion, ingratitude, and chastisements. The moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws are repeated with additions and explanations; and the people are urged to obedience in the most affectionate manner, from the consideration of the endearing promises made to them by God, which he would assuredly perform, if they did not frustrate his designs of mercy by their own wilful obstinacy. That no person might thereafter plead ignorance of the divine law, he commanded that it should be read to all the people at the end of every seventh year; and concluded his ministerial labours among the Israelites by a most admirable ode, which he commanded every one to learn, and by giving his prophetic benediction to the twelve tribes.

III. This book contains only one PROPHECY RELATIVE TO THE MESSIAH, viz. Deut. xviii. 15. 18, 19., which was fulfilled fifteen hundred years after it had been delivered, and is expressly applied to Jesus Christ in Acts iii. 22, 23. and vii. 37.; it also comprises several very remarkable predictions relative to the Israelites, some of which are fulfilled before our eyes. "These prophecies," it has been justly remarked, become more numerous and distinct towards the close of his life. His denunciations with respect to the future state of the Israelites; the sufferings, the dispersions, and the devastations to which they were to be subject; the prophetic blessings which he pronounced on the different tribes by name; the clear foresight which he had of the rapid victories of their invaders, and of the extreme miseries which they were to experience when besieged; his expréss predictions relating to the future condition of the Jews, which we see

1 Alexander's Hebrew and English Pentateuch, cite. by Dr. Clarke on Deut. xxxiv., who is of opinion that this chapter should constitute the first chapter of the book of Joshua.

On the accomplishment of this prediction, see Vol. I. ch. I. Sec. II. App. Bishop Newton's Sixth Dissertation, and Dr. Jortin's Remarks on Ecclesiastical History, vol. i. pp. 130-149. edit. 1768.

By Mr. Hewlett, Introd. to Deut. in vol. i. of his Commentary on the Bible, 4to edit.

accomplished in the present day:-all these circumstances, when united, bear ample testimony to the truth and authenticity of this sacred book, and present to our minds a memorable instance of the divine justice."

IV. The Jews divide this book into ten paraschioth or chapters: in our Bibles it consists of thirty-four chapters, the contents of which may be arranged under the four following heads :PART I. A Repetition of the History related in the preceding Books; comprising,

SECT. 1. A relation of the events that took place in the wilderness, from their leaving Mount Horeb until their arrival at Kadesh. (Deut. i.)

SECT. 2. Their journey from Kadesh till they came to the land of the Amorites, and the defeat of Sihon their king, and of Og king of Bashan, together with the division of their territories among the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh. (ii. iii.)

SECT. 3. An exhortation to obey the divine law, and to avoid idolatry, founded on their past experience of the goodness of God. (iv.)

PART II. A Repetition of the Moral, Ceremonial, and Judicial Law; containing,

SECT. 1. A Repetition of the Moral Law or Ten Commandments (v. 1-22.) and its effect upon the people of Israel (v. 22-33.) ;-an exposition of the first commandment, with an exhortation to love God with all their hearts (vi.); -an exposition of the second commandment against idolatry, prohibiting any intercourse with the idolatrous nations, and enjoining the extirpation of the Canaanites and every vestige of their idolatry (vii.);-strong motives to obedience, arising from a review of their past mercies, and from the consideration that Jehovah was about to conduct them into the promised land, not on account of their own righteousness, but of his great mercy. (viii. ix. x. xi.) SECT. 2. A Repetition of the Ceremonial Law (xii-xvi.); -a command to abolish all idolatry, and regulations for the worship of God (xii.);-laws against false prophets, and idolatrous cities (xiii.);-prohibition against disfiguring themselves in mourning (xiv. 1, 2.) ;-a recapitulation of the law concerning clean and unclean animals (xiv. 3—21.), -and the payment of tithes to the Levites (xiv. 22—29.); -regulations concerning the year of release (xv.);-concerning the stated annual feasts, the Passover, Pentecost, and Feast of Tabernacles (xvi. 1-17.) ;—the election of judges, and administration of justice (xvi. 18-20.) ;—a prohibition against planting groves or setting up idols near the altar of God. (xvi. 21, 22.)

SECT. 3. A Repetition and Exposition of the Judicial Law (xvii.—xxvi.) ;—a command to put idolaters to death, regulations for determining difficult controversies, and concerning the election and qualifications of a king (xvii.) ;—the maintenance of the priests and Levites (xviii. 1—8.) ;— cautions against following the abominations of the Gentile nations, especially divination (xviii. 9-14.) ;—a prediction relative to the great prophet that should arise (xviii. 1519.); criteria for distinguishing false prophets from true ones (xviii. 20-22.) ;-laws relative to the cities of refuge (xix. 1—10.), the treatment of murderers (xix. 11—13.), and the evidence of witnesses (xix. 15-21.) ;-laws concerning war and the treatment of the Canaanites (xx.) ;—the expiation of uncertain murder, marriage with captives, rights of the first-born, punishment of a disobedient son, &c. (xxi.) ;-regulations concerning things lost or strayed, the distinguishing of the sexes by their apparel, punishment of adultery, &c. (xxii.) ;—who may or may not enter into the congregation-prohibition against all uncleanness regulations concerning usury, vows, and trespasses (xxiii.); -of divorces, the privileges of newly married men, pledges, manstealing, wages, the execution of justice, and gleanings (xxiv.); concerning lawsuits and punishments, weights and measures, &c. (xxv.) ;-ceremonies to be observed in offering first-fruits (xxvi. 1—15.);—the covenant between God and the Israelites. (xxvi. 16—19.)

PART III. The Confirmation of the Law; for which purpose the law was to be written on stones, and set up on Mount Ebal, (xxvii.);—prophetic promises to the obedient, and curses against the disobedient (xxviii.);—an exhortation to obedience from a review of their past mercies, and to dedicate On the prophecies contained in this chapter, see Bishop Newton, vol. i diss. vii.

themselves and their posterity to God (xxix.) ;-promises of pardon to the repentant (xxx. 1-14.) ;-good and evil set before them. (xxx. 15—20.)

PART IV. The Personal History of Moses, until his Death; containing,

SECT. 1. His appointment of Joshua to be his successor (xxxi. 1-8.); and his delivery of a copy of the law to the priests, to be deposited in the ark, and publicly read every seventh year (xxxi. 9—14.);—a solemn charge given to Joshua, &c. (xxxi. 15-27.)

SECT. 2. The people convened to hear the prophetical and historical ode of Moses (xxxi. 28-30.), which occupies nearly the whole of chapter xxxii.

SECT. 3. His prophetic blessing of the twelve tribes, and their peculiar felicity and privilege in having Jehovah for their God and protector. (xxxiii.)

SECT. 4. The death and burial of Moses. (xxxiv.)

THE SECOND CLASS.

The Ceremonial Law may be fitly reduced to the following
Heads; viz.

Of the holy place,

Of the matter and structure of the
tabernacle,

of the instruments of the same; viz.
The laver of brass,
The altar of burnt-offering,
The altar of incense, .
The candlestick of pure gold,

The table of show-bread,

of the priests and their vestments for
glory and beauty,
Of the priest's office in general,
Of the choosing of the Levites,.
of their office in teaching,

Of their office in blessing,

of the manner of the burnt offerings,

-of the peace-offerings, of the sacrifices according to their several kinds; viz.

Of their office in offering, which func V." The book of Deuteronomy and the Epistle to the Hetion largely spreading itself is divided into these heads; viz. brews contain the best comment on the nature, design, and What the sacrifices ought to be, use of the law: the former may be considered as an evan-Of the continual fire, gelical commentary on the four preceding books, in which the spiritual reference and signification of the different parts of the law are given, and given in such a manner as none could give, who had not a clear discovery of the glory which was to be revealed. It may be safely asserted that very few parts of the Old Testament Scriptures can be read with greater profit by the genuine Christian than the book of Deuteronomy."

The prophetic ode of Moses is one of the noblest compositions in the sacred volume; it contains a justification on the part of God against the Israelites, and an explanation of the nature and design of the divine judgments. The exordium, Bishop Lowth remarks, is singularly magnificent: the plan and conduct of the poem is just and natural, and well accommodated to the subject, for it is almost in the order of an historical narration. It embraces a variety of subjects and sentiments; it displays the truth and justice of God; his paternal love, and his unfailing tenderness to his chosen people; and, on the other hand, their ungrateful and contumacious spirit. The ardour of the divine indignation, and the heavy denunciations of vengeance, are afterwards expressed in a remarkable personification, which is not to be paralleled from all the choicest treasures of the muses. The fervour of wrath is however tempered with the mildest beams of lenity and mercy, and ends at last in promises and consolation. The subject and style of this poem bear so exact a resemblance to the prophetic as well as to the lyric compositions of the Hebrews, that it unites all the force, energy, and boldness of the latter, with the exquisite variety and grandeur of the former.2 The following useful TABLE or HARMONY of the entire Jewish law, digested into proper heads, with references to the several parts of the Pentateuch where the respective laws occur, will assist the Bible student in investigating the tenor and design of the Mosaic Institutes, and also facilitate his references to every part of them. It is copied from Mr. Wilson's "Archæological Dictionary," article Law; where it is stated to be "taken from a manuscript in the Library of St. John Baptist's College" (Oxford), "given by Archbishop Laud," and probably either compiled by him or by his direction. It is divided into three classes, exhibiting the Moral, Ceremonial, and Political Law.

THE FIRST CLASS.

The Moral Law written on the Two Tables, containing the
Ten Commandments.

For sin committed through ignorance
For sin committed through ignorance

of the law,

of the fact,

through impiety, .

For sin committed wittingly, yet not
The special law of sacrifices for sin,.
of things belonging to the sacrifices,
of the lamps,
Of the show-bread,

of the sweet incense,

Of the use of ordinary oblations, where

of there were several kinds observed
by the priests;

of the consecration of the high-priests

and other priests,

Of the consecrations and office of the
Levites,
of the dwellings of the Levites,
Of the anointing the altar, and all the
of the continual daily sacrifices,
instruments of the tabernacle, .
of the continual sabbath-days' sacrifice,

Of the solemn sacrifice for feast-days,
which were diverse, and had pecu-
liar rites, distinguished into these; viz.
Of trumpets,
Of kalends or beginning of months,
of the three most solemn feasts in

general,

Of the feast of passover,
Of the feast of pentecost,

of the feast of tabernacles,
of the feast of blowing the trumpets,
Of the feast of expiation,
Of the first-fruits,
Of tithes,

of fruits growing and not eaten of,
of the first-born,

of the sabbatical year,
Of the year of jubilee,
of vows in general,

What persons ought not to make vows.
What things cannot be vowed,
Of redemption of vows,
Of the vows of the Nazarites,

Of the laws proper for the priests; viz.
of the high priest's mourning,
Of pollutions,

Of his marriage,

Of the mourning of the ordinary priests,
Of their marriage,

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Of sanctified meats,

Of the office of the Levites; viz.
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Of uncleanness in general,

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1 Dr. A. Clarke, Pref. to Deut. p. ii. in vol. i. of his Commentary.

Bishop Lowth's Lectures on Hebrew Poetry, Lect. 28. at the beginning,

vol. ii. pp. 256, 257. of Dr. Gregory's translation."

Of young birds not to be taken with

Of their paddle staves,

Of their garments and writing the law
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