Ver. 10. In the feast of tabernacles— This was the most proper season that could be chosen for the purpose; when, having gathered in all the fruits of the earth, they had abundant leisure to attend to the reading of the law; and being at the end of every seventh year, when men's minds were free from cares by the release of their debts, the law was likely to make greater impression upon them. Though the males only were obliged to appear at the place of public worship at the annual feast of the tabernacle; yet it seems probable, from the 12th verse, that all Israel, men, women, and children, were to appear at this great septennial festival: accordingly, we are told, that Joshua read all the words of the law before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers. Joshua 8:34-35. From that time to the reign of Jehosaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:7 which is computed to be five hundred and thirty years, we find no mention of a public reading of the law; nor from that time to the eighteenth year of king Josiah, 2 Chronicles 34:30 which was a space of two hundred and eighty-two years; nor from that time till after the Babylonish captivity. Nehemiah 8:2.
REFLECTIONS.—1. Moses, to perpetuate the memory of these laws, commits them to writing. The blessing of having these records thus preserved is unspeakable; the law and gospel both, through mercy, are not committed to uncertain tradition, but recorded safely in the book of God, that our faith may not stand on the word of man, but on the power of God. 2. The care and custody of it is committed to the priests and elders, that themselves might be careful to conform to its precepts, and that the copies taken from it might be perfectly corresponding to the original. Ministers must speak as the oracles of God, and magistrates act according to the rule of God's word; then God's blessing and success will attend their labours. 3. A public reading of the whole, once in seven years, is appointed; every sabbath a portion was to be read, and, no doubt, in their families daily the good men failed not to occupy themselves in God's word: but that none may plead ignorance, and also by the solemnity to awaken deeper attention, at the feast of tabernacles, in the year of release, the whole was to be read through. The whole congregation of Israel then assembled; as it imported them all to attend, that the rising generation might learn their duty, and be quickened in the way of obedience. Note; (1.) When we are most happy in the gospel-liberty preached by Jesus Christ, we shall delight to hear and obey him in every call of duty. (2.) The word of God, being our only rule, should be read and known of all; how cruel the attempt, and how contrary to the divine will, to keep it locked up from the people in an unknown tongue, and to establish ignorance by law! (3.) Nothing should engage us more solicitously, than the early instruction of our children in the knowledge of the holy Scriptures, which alone can make them wise unto salvation.