Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Deuteronomy 32:46
And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
46. Set your heart ] So Exo 9:21, and with another vb Deu 7:23. On heart = mind see Deu 6:6, Deu 11:18, Deu 29:4.
I testify against you ] See on Deu 8:19.
that ye may command them to your children ] So Heb. and not as in R.V. The idiom is also found in Deu 4:10. On D’s care for the young see Deu 6:7.
to observe to do ] For this formula see on Deu 4:6.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Deu 32:46-47
Command your children to observe to do all the words of this law.
The advantage of a right education
I. The advantages, and indeed necessity, of right education. Other creatures arrive, without their own care, at the small perfection of which they are capable, and there stop; but the whole of mans existence, it appears, is a state of discipline and progression. Youth is his preparation for maturer years; this whole life for another to come. Nature gives the abilities to improve; but the actual improvement we are to have the pleasure and the reward of giving ourselves and one another. Some minds, indeed, as some soils, may be fruitful without cultivation; others barren with it; but the general necessity is the same in both cases; and in both, the richest, and most capable of producing good fruit, will be overrun, if neglected, with the rankest and worst weeds, Regular cultivation of the understanding, then, is what good education begins with. The earliest branch of this, acquaintance with useful languages, unlocks the treasures of ancient learning, and makes the improvements of every age and climate our own. Then the politer parts of literature most agreeably open the faculties, and form the taste of young persons; adorn our discourse, and endear our company, in riper years; give a grace to wisdom and virtue; relieve the fatigue of our busy hours, and elegantly fill up the leisure of our vacant ones. At the same time, the art of just reasoning opportunely comes in, to curb the licence of imagination, and directs its force; to fix the foundations of science; ascertain the degrees of probability, and unveil specious error. With this guide we proceed surely. Knowledge of nature opens the universe to our view; enables us to judge worthily of the constitution of things; secures us from the weakness of vulgar superstitions; and contributes, in many ways, to the health and security, the convenience and pleasure of human life. If from hence we go on to survey mankind: a contemplation of their different states in different ages, and especially of their ancient regulations and laws, the public wisdom of brave and great nations will furnish variety of useful reflections to the mind; often teaching us to improve our own conditions, often to be happy in it. But if education stop here, it hath only given abilities and powers, the direction of which to right or wrong purposes is greatly uncertain still. He that knows not the proper use of his own being; what is man, and whereto serveth he; what is his good, and what is his evil (Sir 18:8), may easily employ his other knowledge so as to be much the worse for it. This inquiry, then, is the important one. And when should the science of life be taught, but in the beginning of life, before evil habits are added to original depravity; whilst the natural regard to truth and right, the only inward restraint of incautious youth, remains comparatively uncorrupt, and the seeds of sin lie yet somewhat loose on the surface of the mind; much harder to be cleared away when once they have taken root, and twisted themselves strongly about the heart. This, therefore, is the favourable opportunity, in which authority and reason must exert at once their joint force. For discipline without instruction is mere tyranny; and instruction without discipline, little better than useless talk. But the most serious part of education is wanting still: the part which leads us, by the esteem of moral excellence, to honour and love that Being in whom the perfection of it dwells; and extends our inward sense of duty, suggested first by the low and short-lived relations between us and our fellow creatures, to the highest possible and eternal object of it, the Creator and Ruler of this universe.
II. All persons concerned should endeavour, with united care, in their stations, that these advantages may be effectually obtained. To you who are parents, nature itself hath given a tender concern for your childrens welfare as your own; and reminds you justly, that as you have brought them into the dangers of life, your business it is to provide that they get well through them. You may be negligent of your sons instruction; but it is on you, as well as himself, that his ignorance and contemptibleness will bring both reproach and inconvenience. You may be regardless of his morals; but you may be the person who will at last the most severely feel his want of them. You may be indifferent about his religion; but remember, dutifulness to you is one great precept of religion; and all the rest promote such habits, as you may bitterly repent, when it is too late, your omission to cultivate in him; and live and die miserable on his account, whom timely care would have made your joy and honour. (Archbishop Secker.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 46. Set your hearts unto all the words] Another proof that all these awful denunciations of Divine wrath, though delivered in an absolute form, were only declaratory of what God would do IF they rebelled against him.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And he said unto them,…. By way of exhortation:
set your hearts to all the words which I testify among you this day; it was not enough to hear them, but they were to lay them up in their hearts, and retain them in their memories; and not only so, but reflect on them in their minds, and closely apply to the consideration of them, and get the true knowledge and sense of them, and put it in practice:
which ye shall command your children to observe, to do all the words of this law; which shows that the exhortation does not respect the song only, but the whole law delivered in this book; which they were not only to attend to themselves, but to transmit to their children, and enjoin them the observance of, that so religion might be perpetuated in their posterity.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(46) Set your hearts unto all the words.Rashi compares Eze. 40:4 : Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shew thee.
Which ye shall command.Rather, that ye may command your children to observe to do all the words of this law. Obviously the knowledge of the law would depend very much on personal instruction for some time to come.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
A Summary Of Moses’ Final Activity ( Deu 32:46-47 ).
A summary is now given of what was in fact Moses’ final activity before his death. The song being completed Moses, together with Joshua (Hoshea is Joshua with the Yah element removed), having proclaimed the words of the song to the people, followed it up with an exhortation to keep the whole Instruction that he had given to them.
Analysis using the words of Moses:
a ‘And he said to them, Set your heart to all the words which I testify to you this day (Deu 32:46 a).
b Which you shall command your children to observe to do, even all the words of this law (Deu 32:46 b).
b For it is no vain thing for you, because it is your life (Deu 32:47 a).
a And through this thing you will prolong your days in the land, to which you go over the Jordan to possess it (Deu 32:47 b).
Note in ‘a’ that they are to set their hearts to the words he has spoken that day, for in the parallel it is through those words that they will prolong their days in the land which they are going over Jordan to possess (Moses thoughts are fixed firmly on this triumph which he will never see. All his thoughts are for his people). In ‘b’ they are to command their children to observe them, for they are no vain thing for them, they are life itself,
Deu 32:46-47
‘ And he said to them, Set your (of ye) heart to all the words which I testify to you this day, which you (ye) shall command your children to observe to do, even all the words of this law. For it is no vain thing for you, because it is your life, and through this thing you (ye) will prolong your days in the land, to which you (ye) go over the Jordan to possess it.’
In his final moments with them he calls on them to set their hearts on all the words which he has testified to them ‘this yom’. This probably means ‘at this time’ rather than literally ‘this very day’ (‘yom’ is a time word which can refer to a period of time rather than always signifying ‘a day’). While it is possible that all this from Deu 5:1 onwards, including his speech, his secret meeting with Yahweh, and the writing of the song, had all taken place in one day, a very crowded day, especially for an old man, it is improbable. The point is rather that it was all part of his final time connected with preparing for his departure.
He stresses that they must teach these words to their children with the command that they obey them, for it is through observing these words that both they and their children will have true life, and a life that is prolonged in the land which they will shortly be crossing Jordan to possess. Compare for these words Deu 30:19-20. His final thought is that they face up to the issues of life.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Ver. 46. And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words Having concluded his prophetical ode, Moses addresses himself anew to the Israelites in a pathetic exhortation, to weigh and remember well the contents of that divine speech, and to improve it by carefully and sincerely observing the laws which he had given them, and training up their children in a habit of the same obedience; assuring them, that this was not a vain thing for them; ver. 47 that they would not employ their diligence in an unprofitable matter; for this reason, because, it would be their life; i.e. the way to make them a wise and happy people. Much higher is the life whereof our Saviour speaks, when he says, this is life eternal; to know thee, the only true God, &c. Joh 17:3.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 238
A MINISTERS DYING CHARGE TO HIS PEOPLE
Deu 32:46-47. Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this Law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life.
THIS song was composed in order to be a witness for God against the children of Israel to the remotest ages [Note: Deu 31:19.]. It contains a summary of Gods dealings with them, and of the provocations whereby they constrained him at last to visit them with his heavy displeasure. At the same time, it gives an intimation of his mercies, which he has yet in reserve for them, when they and the Gentiles shall be incorporated into one Church, and become one fold under one Shepherd [Note: ver. 43.]. Having recited this song in the ears of all the Elders of Israel, he entreats them to treasure it up in their hearts, and to impress it on the minds of the rising generation, that so it may answer the end for which it was composed.
From the counsel here given to all Israel, I will take occasion to shew,
I.
The regard which we should manifest towards the Gospel of Christ
The testimony of Moses, though comprised in this song, did, in fact, comprehend all the words of Gods Law. In like manner, that which I have testified amongst you, whilst, in fact, it comprehends the entire Gospel, may be comprised in these few words: This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life; and this life is in his Son: he that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life [Note: 1Jn 5:11-12.]. St. Paul, in still fewer words, sums it up in this significant expression, Christ crucified [Note: 1Co 2:2.].
Now the regard which this demands, is,
1.
That you receive it cordially yourselves
[It is not sufficient that you hear it, or approve of it, or form your sentiments in accordance with it: you must set your hearts unto it: you must feel towards it as you would towards a boat that was pressing towards you, whilst clinging to a plank in the midst of the ocean. You may form some conception of the eagerness with which you would welcome its arrival, and embrace the salvation which it offered you: and those very emotions should you realize, when a Saviour is set before you to deliver you from the guilt you have contracted, and the condemnation you have merited at the hands of your offended God in this way must you set your hearts unto ALL the words which God has testified by my mouth: you must embrace the doctrines, as declaring what you are to believe; and with equal avidity are you to lay hold upon the precepts which God requires you to obey. Neither the one, nor the other, are to be viewed as hard sayings, which you would gladly modify to your own corrupt taste: but both of them are to be viewed as moulds, into which your whole soul is to be poured: so that in every thing you may be conformed to the mind and will of God ]
2.
That you commend it earnestly to others
[You are not to be content to go to heaven alone: you must endeavour to draw all you can along with you. Has God imparted to you knowledge? you must labour to communicate it. Has he given you influence? you must exert it to the utmost of your power. Has he invested you with authority? you must employ it for God. Are you as magistrates? you are not to bear the sword in vain, but to use it for him, whose representatives and vicegerents you are [Note: Rom 13:1-4.]. Are you parents? you must, like Abraham, command your children, and your household to keep the way of the Lord [Note: Gen 18:19 with the text.]. Advice is not sufficient. If that prevail, it is well: you have gained your end by gentle means; which should always be resorted to in the first instance: but, if advice will not effect your purpose, you must exert authority, yes, even though your children have arrived at mans estate. Eli did reprove his sons, saying, Nay, my sons, this is no good report that I hear of you; you make the Lords people to transgress. But when he saw that they persevered in their iniquities, he should have turned them out of their priestly office: and because he neglected thus to exercise his authority, God visited him and his posterity with the heaviest judgments, even to many generations [Note: 1Sa 2:33-36.]. To every parent, then, I say, The blood of your children will be required at your hands: and, though you cannot impart unto them any saving grace, you must keep a firm hand in restraining them from every thing that will be injurious to their souls; and must labour in every possible way to bring them to Christ, that they may be saved from wrath through him.]
And let me mark,
II.
The reasonableness of our duty in relation to this matter
The service of God altogether is a reasonable service [Note: Rom 12:1.]; and more especially that duty commended to us in our text.
1.
The testimony itself is highly worthy of our regard
[What is it that we testify? It is, that God has redeemed us by the blood of his dear Son, and will cast out none who come to him in his Sons name And is this a vain thing? is it doubtful, so that we may question it? or unimportant, that we may trifle with it? Let the Apostle Paul determine this: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners [Note: 1Ti 1:15.]. Yes, indeed; it is no cunningly-devised feeble, but the very truth of God, to which the whole Scriptures bear witness: and it is the very wisdom of God, yea, and the power of God [Note: 1Co 1:24.], so that, in comparison of it, there is nothing, either in heaven or earth, that gives any just conception of the Deity. In this mystery all the perfections of the Godhead unite, and harmonize, and are glorified.]
2.
On our regard to it our eternal happiness depends
[It is our life, whether theoretically considered, or practically applied. Our blessed Lord says, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me [Note: Joh 14:6.]. There is no way of reconciliation with God but through the sacrifice of Christ. No man can make atonement for his own sins: and every soul that would be saved, must submit to the righteousness of God, even to that mode of justification which God has proposed in his Gospel [Note: Rom 10:3.]. It was this that distinguished Abel from Cain: Cain brought an offering of the ground; but Abel, looking forward to the Saviour, brought a living sacrifice from his flock [Note: Gen 4:3-5.]. And this is what we also must do. We must look to Christ, and believe in Christ, and lay our sins on him, as the Jewish offerer did on his sacrifice. If we do this, we shall be saved: for all who believe in Christ shall be justified from all things [Note: Act 13:39.]: but, if we do it not, there remaineth for us no other sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation [Note: Heb 10:26-27.].]
I will now conclude, with drawing your attention to,
1.
The circumstances under which this counsel was given
[On the self-same day that his counsel was given, was Moses to go up to Mount Abarim and die [Note: ver. 4050.]. This, then, was the dying testimony of Moses. And I, if I were now on my dying-bed, would give to you precisely the same counsel, and entreat you all to set your hearts to what I have this day testified amongst you. Lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, my beloved Brethren, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And to every individual I would say, Teach them unto your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up: and thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thine house, and upon thy gates [Note: Deu 11:18-20.]. Use all possible means of bringing these things to your remembrance [Note: Heb 2:1.]: but rest not satisfied, till they have wrought a thorough work upon your souls, and you are cast into them as info a mould that shall assimilate you altogether unto Gods perfect image [Note: Rom 6:17 the Greek.].]
2.
The circumstances which must infallibly ere long result from them
[Of this counsel both you and your adviser must shortly give account at the judgment-seat of Christ. In Gods book of remembrance, every word is already recorded, together with the manner in which it has been both delivered and received. Fain would I, my Brethren, be free from your blood, in that awful day. I would, too, that you also might, every one of you, deliver your own souls [Note: Eze 33:2-9.]. But it is indeed most painful to your minister to reflect, that perhaps at this very moment, whilst labouring to save your souls, he is sinking many of them into yet deeper perdition: for we may be sure, that, if he who despised Moses Law died without mercy, there is a yet sorer punishment awaiting those who despise the Gospel [Note: Heb 10:28-29.]. I appeal to yourselves, How shall ye escape, if ye neglect so great salvation [Note: Heb 2:3.]? Now, then, let me prevail upon you to go unto your God, and to entreat of Him to write these things upon your hearts by his Holy Spirit: for I declare unto you, that they are your life: yes, I call heaven and earth to record against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both ye and your seed may live [Note: Deu 30:19.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Deu 32:46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
Ver. 46. Set your hearts. ] And pray God to fix your quicksilver, to put his holy finger upon the hole that is in the bottom of your memories.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Set your hearts. Moses’ ninth address. See note on Deu 1:6.
the words. Not merely the Word of God as a whole, but the “words” of which it is made up. Compare Jer 15:16. Joh 17:8, Joh 17:14, Joh 17:17.
this day. See note on Deu 4:26.
to do. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Syriac, read “and to do”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Deu 6:6, Deu 6:7, Deu 11:18, 1Ch 22:19, Pro 3:1-4, Eze 40:4, Luk 9:44, Heb 2:1
Reciprocal: Gen 18:19 – command Exo 7:23 – neither Deu 1:5 – to declare 2Ch 11:16 – set Psa 81:8 – Hear Pro 3:21 – keep Pro 27:23 – look well Ecc 7:2 – living Isa 44:19 – considereth in his heart Jer 31:21 – set thine Eze 44:5 – mark well Luk 8:18 – heed Act 7:38 – lively Act 13:16 – give 1Th 5:21 – hold
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Deu 32:46-47. Set your hearts unto all the words, &c. Having concluded his prophetic song or hymn, he addressed himself afresh to them in a pathetical exhortation, to weigh and remember well the contents of it, and seriously to improve it, in a hearty and careful observance of the laws he had given them, and by training up their children in the same obedience. It is not a vain thing It is not an unprofitable or contemptible work I advise you to do, but well worthy of your most serious care. It is your life Temporal, spiritual, and eternal; the way to, and means of, happiness here and hereafter.