Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 4

Verses 1-49

On the ground of this survey Moser exhorted the people to be obedient, His appeal was based on the greatness of their God and the perfection of His law. Their whole existence as a nation centered around a spiritual ideal. Therefore, he re-emphasized the importance of their attempting to make no likeness to God.

Looking on into the future, he uttered words which in the light of subsequent history are seen to have been prophetic. He actually foretold the story of the corruption of the people in the land and their ultimate exclusion from it. Nevertheless, he also declared that when they would turn to Him again with a full heart, He would still have mercy on them and restore them.

Finally, he urged them to make comparison of the facts of their national existence with all other history. Their God had spoken to them. Their God had acted for them. Therefore Moses urged them to how that He was God and to keep His commandments.

The end of the chapter briefly records, first, the appointment of three cities of refuge, and then constitutes the beginning of an introduction to the second discourse. This beginning carefully marks the place, time, and subject.