Verses 1-22

Practical Exhortations (continued)

1-5. The renewal of the broken covenant: see Exodus 34.

6-9. These vv are evidently a parenthesis.

The death of Aaron took place thirty-eight years after the departure from Sinai, but previous to the delivery of this discourse: see on Numbers 20:22-29; The notice of Aaron's death seems to be inserted here to show that the sin of Aaron and the people did not bring the priesthood to a close. The covenant was renewed, and Aaron was spared for nearly forty years to minister as the high priest; and on his death the priesthood was continued in his family. In Numbers 33:30-33 the same places are mentioned as being visited in a different order. In all probability the children of Israel visited these places twice.

8. At that time] Not at the time of Aaron's death, but during the sojourn at Sinai: see Exodus 32:26. The Levites here include the family of Aaron who were specially set apart to the priesthood: see on Numbers 3.

11. In spite of the perversity and rebellion of the people they are permitted by God's grace to continue their journey and possess the land of promise. This verse marks the freeness and fulness of the divine forgiveness. God's covenant of peace is not removed.

12. Notwithstanding all that the people have done God does not demand of them any-thing more than their plain duty, in view of their past experience of His goodness: cp. Micah 6:8.

13. The path of duty is also that of safety and welfare.

14, 15. Although God is Lord of heaven and earth, He has singled out this small nation (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) for His special favour.

16. See on Leviticus 19:23.

17, 18. Great as God is, He cares for the lowly: see Psalms 138:6. 'Be ye therefore merciful even as your Father is merciful.'

20. This was our Lord's third answer to the tempter: see Matthew 4:10 and on Matthew 6:16.

22. This is another ground of gratitude and obedience.