Ver. 37. Because he loved thy fathers— The Jews have, with great arrogance, piqued themselves on being the favourites of the Deity, on account of their separation; and infidels have made use of their boast, to argue against the justice of their separation, representing it as inconsistent with the attributes of the Deity: for, indeed, to pretend that the Israelites were chosen as favourites, is both unjust and absurd. Their separation was not made peculiarly for their own sakes, but for the sake of mankind in general, though one people became the honoured instrument, in reward of their forefathers' virtues. And this is the language of those very Scriptures, which, as they pretend, furnish the objection. Where God, by the prophet Ezekiel, promises to restore the Israelites, after a short dispersion through the countries, to their own land, he declares this to be the end of their separation, Ezekiel 36:22-23. What God himself says of the people, St. Paul says of the law, Galatians 3:19. It was added, says the apostle, to what? to the patriarchal religion of the Unity: to what end? because of transgressions; i.e. the transgressions of polytheism and idolatry, into which the rest of mankind were already absorbed, and the Jews at that time hastening apace; and from which there was no other means of restraining them, than by this addition: an addition which kept them separate from all others, and preserved the doctrine of the Unity, till the coming of the promised seed. Div. Leg. b. 5: sect. 1: p. 4.
In his sight— Or, By his presence.
REFLECTIONS.—The review of God's providences towards Israel is here earnestly applied, as an argument for their fidelity and obedience, with the most solemn charge to enforce it upon their consciences.
Moses begins with commanding deep and serious attention to so awful a subject. The word of God can never be heard with sufficient reverence and godly fear. It is the character of the man to whom God will look, that he trembleth at his word. 1. Moses charges them with careful preservation of the sacred trust committed to them. They must hear God's word, that they may keep it, obey the precepts, observe the ordinances, and judge according to the laws prescribed: and herein they cannot be too solicitously careful, when compassed with temptations, a deceitful heart within, and an ensnaring world without, against which all their watchfulness, diligence, and prayer would be but enough. Note; This charge is equally applicable to ourselves: we owe a like scrupulous attention to God's word, and need the same diligence to keep our hearts, and to walk before God in his holy ways. 2. A particular caution is given them against idolatry. They must make no representation of God in any form, by image or picture. They saw no likeness of any thing in Horeb; nor can any similitude be conceived of him who is a spirit, and will have those who worship him, to worship him in spirit and in truth. The nations around them worshipped the hosts of heaven; but they must abhor the thought of giving that honour to the creature, which was due only to the Creator: the sun, moon, and stars, might tempt their eye; and examples of others be apt to ensnare them; but how absurd, as well as impious, were it to worship that which was made to serve us? They are the works of God; and, whatever glory they possess, the praise is due to him alone. What a mercy to be delivered from blind idolatry! While we pity those who worship the visible luminaries of heaven, may every view of them lead up our hearts in adoration to him who formed them! 3. They are not only to take heed to themselves, but to teach their children. Parents have an awful trust reposed in them, to instruct their children in the knowledge of God's ways, and to lead them by precept and example to walk therein. 4. He repeats his warning, not to forget the covenant of the Lord; assured, that if they bore in mind the riches of the promises therein made, and the faithfulness of God engaged for their fulfilment, then nothing would ever be able to shake their constancy and fidelity. Note; A constant remembrance of God's covenant is the most quickening means to our diligent obedience.
Moses supports this charge with the most forcible arguments, for, to be godly in Christ Jesus, is the most reasonable service imaginable. 1. He urges the benefit of their obedience, and the danger of rebellion. They would be unspeakable gainers by the one, and as great losers by the other. Note; Interest, as well as duty, is on the side of religion. 2. He mentions their relation to God, as their own and their fathers' God, with the obligations thence resulting to serve and obey him. Note; If God be our God, it is highly reasonable that we should approve ourselves his faithful people. 3. He pleads the wisdom of such fidelity: it is most agreeable to reason, as well as most conducive to their own happiness; and could not but procure them the respect and admiration of the nations around them. Religion is the truest wisdom, and even those who reject it themselves, stand in awe of it, and reverence it in others. 4. He enforces their duty, by the privileges they enjoyed. [1.] As being near to God, and having his ears open to hear and grant every request. Note; (1.) God's Israel are a praying people; a prayerless soul is truly heathenish. (2.) None wait upon him in faith, who go without an answer of peace. [2.] As being possessed of a code of laws so excellent and equitable in themselves, so conducive to promote personal and national security and felicity. [3.] As having heard God himself speaking to them from the midst of the fire; a singular favour, of which no other nation could boast. We now no more hear this audible voice, but we have his gentler and sweeter call in the written word; and this voice, whosoever is of the truth receives with delight, and obeys in simplicity. [4.] As having experienced such singular mercies in their deliverance from Egypt, and in all the wonders they had seen in the wilderness, and having still greater mercies in prospect. Nothing is so powerful to engage the heart, as a deep and grateful sense of God's goodness to us. [5.] Moses urges the glorious character of God. (1.) He is a jealous God, and a consuming fire; his eye keen to discern, and his arm strong to punish every disobedience. We need be jealous over ourselves therefore, lest we provoke that wrath, which, if it be kindled against us, will burn to the nethermost hell. (2.) He is a merciful God; and since he will not forsake us, we ought never to leave or forsake him. (3.) He is the only true God; besides him, there is no other. In heaven he makes the bright displays of his radiant glory; and earth is the footstool of his throne, and not beneath his care and government. To him, therefore, are we bound to submit, and him only to serve. [6.] The fatal consequences of apostacy from God, are strongly pressed upon them. They should be utterly destroyed, scattered among the nations, and given up to the vilest service of idols. Note; The sin by which we have provoked God, he may in just judgment give us up to as our punishment. [7.] Yet there is a reserve of mercy promised, whenever they sought God, humbled under his chastisements. Wherever they may be, in whatever corner of the earth dispersed, if they cry unto God in their misery, he will hear them, for the sake of the covenant he made with their fathers, and recover them. When our state is ever so bad, it is still a mercy that it is not utterly desperate. Note; (1.) The chief end of afflictions is to bring us to God. (2.) Whenever we seek God in simplicity, however we have before provoked him, he will not utterly forsake us. (3.) His covenant in Christ affords us ground to be assured that he will never cast out those who come to him in this Son of his Love.