Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 5

Verse 1

Moses called. Here begins his second address. See note on Deuteronomy 1:1 .

statutes and judgments. See note on Deuteronomy 4:1 .

this day. See note on Deuteronomy 4:26 .

keep, and do = observe to do.

Verse 2

The LORD our God. Jehovah, our 'Elohim.

made. Hebrew cut, because covenants were made by cutting the sacrifice in twain and passing between the parts. See Genesis 15:10 . Jeremiah 34:18 , Jeremiah 34:19 . Hebrews 9:16 , Hebrews 9:17 . Galatians 1:3 , Galatians 1:20 , the latter referring to the one of the two necessary parties to a covenant.

Verse 3

our fathers = our fathers only.

Verse 4

talked. Compare Exodus 19:19 , Exodus 19:20 .

Verse 5

I stood. Compare Exodus 20:19 .

saying. Compare Exodus 20:1-17 .

Verse 6

bondage = Hebrew servants, put for servitude.

Verse 8

graven image. Hebrew. pesel , a sculpture. First occurrence is Exodus 20:1 See note on Deuteronomy 4:16 .

likeness = form.

Verse 10

mercy = kindness.

Verse 12

as = according as.

Verse 13

labour. This word is emphasized by the Hebrew accent zarha, to show that the fourth Commandment is twofold, and that the one day's rest cannot be enjoyed without the preceding six days of labour.

Verse 15

And remember. A parenthetical break in Moses' recital, in view of their shortly having servants of their own.

through = by.

Verse 21

or. Figure of speech Paradiastole. App-6 .

his ox. Some codices, with Septuagint and Syriac, read "or his ox".

Verse 22

spake. See note on Deuteronomy 2:1 .

wrote. See note on Exodus 17:14 ; and App-47 .

in = on.

Verse 24

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

Verse 25

why. ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6

Verse 26

who . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

the living God. Both plurals. First occurrence of this title, always in contrast with idols, latent or expressed. Compare Acts 14:15 . 1 Thessalonians 1:9 , &c,

Verse 28

said. See note on Deuteronomy 2:9 .

Verse 29

O that, &c. Figure of speech ( Eeonismos . App-6 .

always = every day, or all the days.

Verse 31

commandments. Hebrew, plural "all the commandment", i.e. this whole Law. statutes, and the judgments. See note on Deuteronomy 4:1 .