Exploring Deuteronomy: An Expositional Commentary (Exploring the Bible Commentar | EB)
Overview
Deuteronomy can seem rather formidable at first sight, but it is actually one of the most important books in the Old Testament. It consists almost entirely of words spoken by Moses to the people of Israel as they camp in the plains of Moab next to the river Jordan with the Promised Land awaiting them on the opposite bank. These are God’s people, whom he has taken into covenant with himself. Moses urges them to go forward by faith into the land that God has set before them. He tells them God’s laws and commandments for their new life in the land, weaving his instructions around the principles enshrined in the Ten Commandments. In this commentary, Paul Brown demonstrates the sometimes surprising relevance of the regulations of Deuteronomy for the churches and the lives of Christian people today. But such relevance is only to be expected, for God is always the same and his Word, rightly understood, is profitable to lead us to his grace and to guide us in our living.
Top Highlights
“When things go well, even under the blessing of God, watch out! As C. H. Spurgeon is reputed to have said, ‘Adversity has slain its thousands, but prosperity its tens of thousands.’” (Pages 69–70)
“Deuteronomy is arguably the key book in the Old Testament. It sets out the covenant relationship between the Lord and Israel.1 This relationship is based on the love of the Lord who chose Israel to be his own treasured possession. At the heart of the response that Israel is to make is love for the Lord its God, a love which is to express itself in keeping his commandments and holding fast to him. In so doing Israel will be a witness to the nations of the greatness and goodness of the Lord, showing that his commands are wise and right.” (Page 11)
“The third commandment is not primarily about speech; in fact, it is probably not about speech at all, except by implication. It is about God’s reputation, God’s name. Israel is not to behave in such a way as to tarnish that reputation; rather the nation is to act in ways that enhance it.” (Page 54)
“The point is that God had brought them back to the border of the land of Canaan. This was a place of opportunity, of promise and of decision. There are occasions in life like that, turning points that need to be faced with faith and wisdom. Perhaps even more important is to remember that every day we are faced with decisions that, though small in themselves, actually mould character and shape our lives.” (Page 14)
“It is essential to keep love for God central when we think about the laws and instructions in this book, indeed in Israel’s religion as a whole. Keeping the Ten Commandments and obedience to all the other laws and instructions were intended to flow from loving God. Without love, outward obedience was nothing.” (Page 68)
Paul Brown reliably steers the reader through the often-alien landscape of Deuteronomy with clarity and level-headedness. His application to the Christian life, in the Reformed tradition of exegesis, is judicious, never fanciful, and pastorally helpful. There is material here to aid both private study and Bible teaching.
—Dr. David Green, Lecturer in Hebrew, London Theological Seminary
- Title: Exploring Deuteronomy: An Expositional Commentary
- Author: Paul E. Brown
- Publisher: Day One Publications
- Publication Date: 2008
- Pages: 256