Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

DEUTERONOMY - CHAPTER TEN

Verses 1-5:

In this chapter, Moses does not preserve the chronological order, but rather gives the highlights of the events.

"At that time," the time of Moses’ return into Mount Sinai, for the period of intercession, Exodus 34:1-3, q.v.

In the Exodus account, nothing is said of the "ark" or chest at the time of the second giving of the Law. This Ark was to be the repository for the two tablets of the Law, along with a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, see Exodus 37:1-9; Exodus 16:32-34; Hebrews 9:4. As the Ark and the two tablets of stone containing the Law were so closely related, Moses mentions them together.

Verses 6, 7:

Beeroth of the children of Jaakan, or the "Wells of the sons of Jakan," the same as Bene-jakan, Numbers 33:31. These were likely the Horite tribe "Akan," Genesis 36:27.

Mosera, plural Moseroth, Numbers 33:30. This was the place where Aaron died, thus it was in the vicinity of Mount Hor, Numbers 20:22-29.

Gudgodah, the same as Haor-hagidgad, Numbers 33:32, the "Cave of Gidgad," an area in which were many caves.

Jotbath, or Jotbathah, Numbers 33:33, a region of many streams.

Nothing further is known of any of these places today, but they were landmarks of Israel’s wilderness journey.

Verses 8-11:

"At that time," the second giving of the Law (Exodus 34:1-9), not at the time of Aaron’s death. Levi’s appointment for the Temple service came at the time Aaron and his sons were appointed to the priesthood, Numbers 3:4.

The duty of bearing the Ark belonged to the Kohathites, Numbers 4:4. But on certain special occasions the priests carried it, Joshua 3:6; Joshua 6:6; Joshua 8:33.

Only the priests were authorized to stand and minister before Jehovah in the offering of sacrifices, Deuteronomy 17:12; Deuteronomy 21:5.

"To bless his name," to pronounce a benediction upon the people in the Name of Jehovah, the special duty of the priests, Numbers 6:22-27.

Compare verse 9 with Numbers 18:20-24.

Verses 10, 11: Moses’ summary of his stay on Mount Sinai the second time, Exodus 34:1-28.

Verses 12-22:

Jehovah Elohim had shown great love, patience, and goodness toward Israel. In return He required that they:

(1) Fear Jehovah: reverence, respect, no terror or fright.

(2) Walk in His ways: lifestyle which God prescribes, Genesis 18:19; Psalms 25:1-5; Psalms 47:1-2.

(3) Love God: Exodus 20:6. This is not a love of emotion, but a love of the will, in which one chooses to regard highly its object.

(4) To serve Jehovah: a willing service, with the mind, will, emotions, and the inner spirit. Such service is the response to love, John 14:15.

(5) To keep the commandments: to learn, observe, and put into practice what God has commanded. It is for man’s own good that he do this. God never commands man to do something that is either impossible for him, or harmful to him, see 1 John 5:1-3.

Verse 14 affirms the sovereignty and ownership of God over all creation, whether in Heaven or on the earth, see Exodus 9:29; Psalms 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26-28.

Verse 15: the reason for God’s choice of Israel as His people.

Verse 16: circumcision was the sign of Israel’s separation to God and their purification. In this text, Moses admonishes Israel to discern the reality of which circumcision is a symbol: the purification and consecration of the heart, the innermost being, to Jehovah God.

Verse 17: this verse affirms the supremacy of Jehovah Elohim over all spirit beings who lay claim to man’s allegiance and worship.

Verse 18: Jehovah’s gracious provision for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger or foreigner.

Verse 19: Israel’s admonition to extend hospitality to the stranger or foreigner, in remembrance of their own sojourn in Egypt.

Verse 20, 21: Jehovah is worthy of all allegiance, praise, honor.

Verse 22: No marvel was greater than Israel itself. Seventy souls had gone from Canaan to Egypt (see Genesis 46:26-27), ’and an innumerable multitude left to go to the Land God had promised. The only way this could have been possible was the grace of Jehovah God.