hear the sum of the whole matter. If they and theirs would love God, and serve him, they should
live and be happy. If they or theirs should turn from God, desert his service, and worship other
gods, that would certainly be their ruin. There never was, since the fall of man, more than one way
to heaven; which is marked out in both Testaments, though not with equal clearness. Moses meant
that same way of acceptance, which Paul more plainly described; and Paul's words mean the same
obedience, on which Moses more fully treated. In both Testaments the good and right way is brought
near, and plainly revealed to us.
Chapter 31
Chapter Outline
Moses encourages the people, and Joshua. (1–8)
The law to be read every seventh year. (9–13)
The Israelites' apostacy foretold, A song (14–22)
given to be witness against them.
The law delivered to the Levites. (22–30)Verses 1–8
Moses assures Israel of the constant presence of God with them. This is applied by the apostle
to all God's spiritual Israel, to encourage their faith and hope; unto us is this gospel preached, as
well as unto them; he will never fail thee, nor forsake thee, Heb 13:5. Moses commends Joshua to
them for a leader; one whose wisdom, and courage, and affection they had long known; one whom
God had appointed to be their leader; and therefore would own and bless. Joshua is well pleased
to be admonished by Moses to be strong and of good courage. Those shall speed well, who have
God with them; therefore they ought to be of good courage. Through God let us do valiantly, for
through him we shall do victoriously; if we resist the devil, he will flee from us.
Verses 9–13
Though we read the word in private, we must not think it needless to hear it read in public. This
solemn reading of the law must be done in the year of release. The year of release was typical of
gospel grace, which is called the acceptable year of the Lord; for our pardon and liberty by Christ,
engage us to keep his commandments. It must be read to all Israel, men, women, children, and to
the strangers. It is the will of God that all people should acquaint themselves with his word. It is a
rule to all, therefore should be read to all. Whoever has read of the pains taken by many persons
to get scraps of the Scriptures, when a whole copy could not be obtained, or safely possessed, will
see how thankful we should be for the thousands of copies amongst us. They will also understand
the very different situation in which the Israelites were placed for many ages. But the heart of man