The Pulpit Commentary — Deuteronomy — Section 184

preceding generation, but th_e covena~t being national, and l~ying _obligations on all, involved thorn as well as their parents m the consequences of d1soberhence. If they stood still in covenant relation, it was of God's mercy which bad restored them. For a time that covenant was actually broken. Nor, if that argument was necessary, had they failed in their own perMous to renew the deed of apostacy (ver. 22). Every believer feels that his standing before God is likewise of pure grace. Were sins imputed to him to his condemnation, he could not b'tand a single hour. 2. It provoked God to hot di.,plcasure (vers. 19, 20). As all daring and presumptuous sin does. 3. But for Moses' intercession, it would have involved them in destruction (vers. 14, 19, 20). 'l'his was no rnero drama acted between God and Moses, but a. most real wrath, averted by the real and earnest intercession of a godly man. Had Moses not interceded, the people would have been destroyed. Not that we are to conceive God as swayed by human imssions, or as requiring to be soothed down by human entreaty. But sin does awaken his displeasure. '!'here. burns in his nature a holy wrath against it, which, when he decrees to consume his adversaries, is not to be laid aside save on such ground as we have here. It is the existence of wratb in God which gives reality to propitiation aud meaning to his mercy. Learn: (1) How evil sin is in the sight of God. (2) How fearful in its results to the transgressor. (3) How mighty intercession is in procuring pardon.-J. 0. Vers. 24-29.-Moses' intercession. I. IN THE SPIRIT OF IT: 1. How absolutely disinterested (ver. 14) ! He sets aside, without even taking notice of it, the most glorious offer ever made to mortal man-" I will make of thee a nation," etc. 2. How ,intensely earnest (ver. 18) ! Moses feared greatly. He had a most overwhelming sense of the reality of the wrath he sought to avert. But his heart was agonizing to save his nation, and he seemed to clasp the feet of God in the spirit of one who would not, could not leave, till he obtained what he sought. A lesson in prayer. 3. How perseveringly prolonged (ver. 25) ! He prayed by his silence as well as by his speech. The whole scene is a striking illustration of the intercession of the Saviour. II. IN THE MATTER OF IT. It is not much, as M. Henry remarks, that he can say for them. He appeals, however, to three principles in the Divine character which really govern the Divine action. 1. 'l'o God's regard for his own work (ver. 26). The finishing of work he had begun (Phil. i. 6). 2. To God's regard for his own servants (ver. 27). The love he bears to the fathers (eh. iv. 31; x. 15). 3. To God's regard for his own honour (ver. 28). He cannot bear to think of God's action being misconstrued~f God's honour being compromised. Points in God's heart on which all intercession may lay hold.-J. 0. Vers. l-6.-Aga-inst self-righteous conceit. Sanguine expectation of success in war is a. potential force of immeasurable value. If the expectation be ill-founded, it is worse than none. It will not stand as substitute for other equipment, but it serves as a final edge upon the well-tempered blade. Like the figure "nought," which increases the sign of value only when added to other figures, so sanguine anticipation of triumph is only forceful when based on solid qualities. I. OBSERVE ·rHE FORMIDABLE CONTEST. God has never encouraged his servants te> underrate difficulties. Jesus Christ did not overoolour the ad rnntages of bis service. l. The Amorites were superior in stature. This might, in itself, become an instrument of strength ; it might prove a source of weakness. The larger the machinery, the greater motive power is demanded. 2. The .dmorites excelled in martial courage. "'l'hey were mightier." The land had become divided into petty kingdoms, and it is evident that deadly wars between the tribes were frequent. Such practice had ~eveloped warlike skill. 3. They fought behind well-built ramparts. Their cities were lortressed, while th<l Hebrews, unskilled in war, had to fight in tbe open field. Defenders of bastioned homes have great advantage over foreign assailants. 4. Tf,e Amorites possessed a wide reputntion. 'l'his would serve to brace to the highest pitch the courage of the inhabitants, while it would serve to dismay the besieging army. Evc1-y visible and material advantage was on the side of tbe Canaanites. . ll. LEARN TllE SECRET OF ISRAEL'S TRIUlllPll. 1. God's alliance 01t,tmatches all martial 174 THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. (OH. IX, 1-20,