John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 23:4

"because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt, and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee." — Deuteronomy 23:4 (ASV)

And because he hired.³⁰⁶ Although there was a common reason why both nations should not be admitted, yet the number of the verb seems to be changed intentionally, because Balac king of Moab hired Balaam; yet, since they conspired together, the same crime is justly imputed to the Ammonites.

In this, indeed, their detestable impiety especially revealed itself: by hiring a mercenary man to launch the thunders of his curse against the people, they sought to overwhelm God by magical incantations.

They did not err through ignorance, since they obstinately persevered in their madness until Balaam was confounded from heaven.

And for this reason, it is expressly stated that he was not hearkend unto, but that rather his curses and prayers were turned into a blessing.

Therefore, it appears how terrible is the vengeance that awaits all who with deliberate malice oppose God’s grace and the welfare of the Church.

Thus, nowadays, no stone is left unturned by the defenders of the Papacy, by which they may disturb the course of heavenly doctrine, indeed, by which they may altogether silence the Gospel if they could.

Since another reason for this rejection is clearly indicated, it is foolish for some to attribute this sentence upon them to their origin, as if the Ammonites and Moabites were excluded from the Church because they originated from an incestuous connection.

³⁰⁶ A. V. “They hired.” hired.” Malvenda in Poole’s Syn. “in Poole’s Syn. “Hebrews et conduxit, nempe Moabita.” Ainsworth’s translation is, “because that they met you, etc., — and .” Ainsworth’s translation is, “because that they met you, etc., — and he hired, etc."etc."