The Pulpit Commentary — Deuteronomy — Section 470

HOMILETICS. Vers. 1-13.-.A new generation receiving the heritage of the past. The closin:; scene of Moses' life is drawing nigh. The time is at hand when he and Israel must part, and the leadership must be undertaken by another. As far as can be done, two things have to be ensured-viz. the conservation of Israel's Law, and the conduct of the people to their goal. " God buries his ministers, but he carries on his work." Hence Moses first addresses all the people; then he turns to Joshua, confirming him as the future leader (vers. 7, 8); and finally to the priests, who are to be henceforth the custodians and guardians of the holy Law. Having thus handed over the leadership of an army, and the conservation of a faith, Moses has little else to do but to go up and die. Hence our theme -A new generation entrusted with the heritage of the past. Taking up this as a Christian preacher may be supposed to do, we find that seven consecutive lines of thought are suggested. I. 'l'here has been given, prior to our time, a "precious faith," which has been handed down to tho present day (vers. 12, 13). II. Those who have been the leaders and warriors in God's Israel in past days have commended this faith to us, with all the earnestness created by their deep and strong convictions, which, in the hard school of experience and trial, were formed, fostered, and verified (vers. 3, 4). . III. The:, work thus entrusted to tho men of the present is analogous to that which was required of the ancient people of God: (1) to clear the ground of alien faiths i (2) lo occupy the ground so cleared; and (3) to maintain thereon pure worahip, brotherly fellowship, and holy life. IV. In the fulfilment of this work we shall enjoy the Divine presence (ver. 6). V. God's providence will also go beforo us to clear the ,my (ver. 8). VI. Consequently, it behoves us to go forward, to "be strong and fear not~ (ver. 6); for- VII. Where the responsibilities of the men of the past leave off, our responsibility begins. Vere. 9-13.-Importance of knowing tlte Word of God. In resigning his cotnmis• sion into other hands, Moses had a doublo duty to discharge. There bad been, in fact, a twofold responsibility resting on him more or less till the cl~so of bis life, which after his death would bo divided. He was not only the leader of the people, but a.lso DEUTERONOMY, 2I 482 THE BOOK OF DEU'l'EHONOMY. [oa. XXXI, 1-30,