Deuteronomy 16

Deuteronomy 16:1

I brake them before your eyes - Not by an unbridled passion, but in zeal for God’s honour, and by the direction of God’s spirit, to signify to tine people, that the covenant between God and them contained in those tables was broken and they were now cast out of God’s favour, and could expect nothing from him but fiery indignation.

Deuteronomy 16:2

I fell down - In a way of humiliation and supplication, on your behalf.

Deuteronomy 16:5

Into the brook - That there might be no monument or remembrance of it left.

Deuteronomy 16:9

I fell down forty days - The same as were mentioned before, Deuteronomy 9:18, as appears by comparing this with Exodus, where this history is more fully related, and where this is said to be done twice only.

Deuteronomy 16:10

Through thy greatness - Through the greatness of thy power, which appeared most eminently in that work.

Deuteronomy 16:11

Thy servants - That is, the promise made and sworn to thy servants.

Deuteronomy 16:13

Thy people - Whom thou hast chosen to thyself out of all mankind, and publickly owned them for thine, and hast purchased and redeemed them from the Egyptians.

Deuteronomy 16:15

Thy people - Whom thou hast chosen to thyself out of all mankind, and publickly owned them for thine, and hast purchased and redeemed them from the Egyptians.

Deuteronomy 16:16

I will write on the tables - Tho’ the tables were broken, because they broke his commandment, they were now renewed, in proof that his wrath was turned away. And thus God’s writing his law in our inward parts, is the surest proof of our reconciliation to him.

Deuteronomy 16:20

This following history comes in manifestly by way of parenthesis, as may appear from Deuteronomy 10:10, where he returns to his former discourse; and it seems to be here inserted as an evidence of God’s gracious answer to Moses’s prayers, and of his reconciliation to the people, notwithstanding their late and great provocation. For, saith he, after this they proceeded by God’s guidance in their journeys, and though Aaron died in one of them, yet God made up that breach, and Eleazar came in his place, and ministered as priest, one branch of which office was to intercede for the people.

Deuteronomy 16:22

At that time - About that time, that is, when I was come down from the mount, as was said, Deuteronomy 10:5. To stand before the Lord - A phrase used concerning the prophets, 1 Kings 17:1 18:15, this being the posture of ministers. Hence the angels are said to stand, 2 Chronicles 18:18 Luke 1:19. To bless - The people, by performance of those holy ministrations for the people, and giving those instructions to them, to which God’s blessing was promised; and this they did in God’s name, that is, by command, and commission from him.