Albert Barnes Commentary Deuteronomy 29
Albert Barnes Commentary
Deuteronomy 29
Albert Barnes Commentary
Deuteronomy 29
"These are the words of the covenant which Jehovah commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which he made with them in Horeb." — Deuteronomy 29:1 (ASV)
This and the following chapter contain the address of Moses to the people on the solemn renewal of the covenant. Consult the marginal references for proof of historical statements or explanation of obscure words.
"but Jehovah hath not given you a heart to know, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day." — Deuteronomy 29:4 (ASV)
Ability to understand the things of God is the gift of God (compare 1 Corinthians 2:13–14); yet man is not guiltless if he lacks that ability. The people did not have it because they had not felt their need of it, nor asked for it. Compare 2 Corinthians 3:14–15.
"Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do." — Deuteronomy 29:9 (ASV)
That ye may prosper - literally, "that ye may act wisely." The connection of the two ideas of wisdom in conduct and prosperity in circumstances is noteworthy.
"your little ones, your wives, and thy sojourner that is in the midst of thy camps, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water;" — Deuteronomy 29:11 (ASV)
The covenant was national, and therefore embraced all the elements which make up the nation. The “little ones” would of course be represented by their parents or guardians; the absent (Deuteronomy 29:15) by those present; nor were the servants and proselytes to be excluded . The text is justifiably cited in justification of the Church’s practice of admitting “little ones” into covenant with God by Baptism, and accepting promises made on their behalf by sponsors.
"but with him that standeth here with us this day before Jehovah our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day" — Deuteronomy 29:15 (ASV)
With him who is not here with us - that is, as the Jews explain, posterity, which throughout all generations was to be taken as bound by the act and deed of those present and living.
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