‏ Deuteronomy 5

* The covenant in Horeb. (1-5) The ten commandments repeated.

(6-22) The request of the people that the law might be delivered

through Moses. (23-33)

1-5 Moses demands attention. When we hear the word of God we

must learn it; and what we have learned we must put in practice,

for that is the end of hearing and learning; not to fill our

heads with notions, or our mouths with talk, but to direct our

affections and conduct. 6-22 There is some variation here from #Ex 20| as between the

Lord's prayer in #Mt 6| and #Lu 11|. It is more necessary that

we tie ourselves to the things, than to the words unalterably.

The original reason for hallowing the sabbath, taken from God's

resting from the work of creation on the seventh day, is not

here mentioned. Though this ever remains in force, it is not the

only reason. Here it is taken from Israel's deliverance out of

Egypt; for that was typical of our redemption by Jesus Christ,

in remembrance of which the Christian sabbath was to be

observed. In the resurrection of Christ we were brought into the

glorious liberty of the children of God, with a mighty hand, and

an outstretched arm. How sweet is it to a soul truly distressed

under the terrors of a broken law, to hear the mild and

soul-reviving language of the gospel! 23-33 Moses refers to the consternation caused by the terror

with which the law was given. God's appearances have always been

terrible to man, ever since the fall; but Christ, having taken

away sin, invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace. They

were in a good mind, under the strong convictions of the word

they heard. Many have their consciences startled by the law who

have them not purified; fair promises are extorted from them,

but no good principles are fixed and rooted in them. God

commended what they said. He desires the welfare and salvation

of poor sinners. He has given abundant proof that he does so; he

gives us time and space to repent. He has sent his Son to redeem

us, promised his Spirit to those who pray for him, and has

declared that he has no pleasure in the ruin of sinners. It

would be well with many, if there were always such a heart in

them, as there seems to be sometimes; when they are under

conviction of sin, or the rebukes of providence, or when they

come to look death in the face. The only way to be happy, is to

be holy. Say to the righteous, It shall be well with them. Let

believers make it more and more their study and delight, to do

as the Lord God hath commanded.