Verses 1-20

Promises and Appeals

A promise of restoration, even after abandonment and rejection, is held out, on condition of repentance; and an appeal is made to the people to choos the way of obedience and life rather than that of disobedience and death.

6. Circumcision is the sign of the covenant. To circumcise the heart is to consecrate it to God: cp. on Leviticus 19:23.

11. Hidden] RV 'hard,' lit. 'wonderful.' God's law is not unintelligible or impracticable. It is a revealed thing (see Deuteronomy 29:29). All that is essential in revelation is plain; it is within the compass of human understanding and will. St. Paul applies these words to the law of righteousness by faith: see Romans 10:6.

15-20. An earnest appeal to the people to choose the way of obedience and life.

20. He is thy life] To love God is life: cp. Proverbs 8:35, Proverbs 8:36.