Commentary on Deuternomy

1.1–3.29 : A review of Israel's journey

from Horeb (Sinai) to the plains of Moab. See 4.44–49 n. The LORD's graciousness, despite repeated rebellion, is stressed in order to instruct future generations.

1.1–5 :

The setting of Moses' final addresses.

2 :

Kadesh-barnea: Kadesh (Num. 20.1 ).

3 :

Eleventh month: see Gen. 7.24 n.

4 :

See Num. 21.21–35 .

5 :

This law: chs. 12–26 , which contain both a review of previous legislation and much that is new. See 5.22–31 n.

6–7 :

See Exod. 33.1–2 . Amorites: see Num. 21.13 n. Euphrates: see Gen. 15.18 n.

8 :

Forefathers: Gen. 12.1–3; 15.12–21; 26.1–5; 28.10–15 .

9–18 :

Elements of Num. 11.14–17 (in vv. 9–12 ) and Exod. 18.13–27 (in vv. 13–17 ) have been combined.

19 :

See Num. 10.11–13.26; 20.1 .

20–46 :

See Num. 13.1–14.45 . Here, rather than the LORD (Num. 13.1–2 ), it is the people who request spies (v. 22 ); this is indicative of their lack of faith.

28 :

Towering: built atop hills for defensive purposes.

30 :

See Exod. 14.13–14 .

33 :

See Exod. 13.21 n.

37 :

On your account: compare Num. 25.4 n. ; contrast Num. 20.12 n.

2.1–25 :

From Kadesh to the Amorite border (Num. 20.14–21.15 ).

1 :

Towards the Red Sea: see Num. 14.25 n.

4 :

Pass through: contrast Num. 20.14–21 .

7 :

Short of nothing: contrast Num. chs. 20 .

9 :

The Moabites and Ammonites (v. 19 ) were relatives of Israel (Gen. 19.30–38; 11.27 ).

14 :

Thirty-eight: this is a different tradition from v. 7 , which places this span of time at Kadesh (see Num. 13.26 n. ).

23 :

Caphtor: Crete (or possibly Asia Minor); the Philistine invasion is meant (Amos 9.7; Gen. 9.27 n. ).

2.26–3.11 :

Victory over the Amorites (Num. 21.21–35 ).

30 :

Made him stubborn: see Exod. 4.21 n.

34 :

No survivors: on “holy” war, see 20.1–20 .

3.11 :

Sarcophagus: such stone coffins were widely used in the area.

12–20 :

Distribution of the Amorite territory (Num. ch. 32 ).

21–28 :

Moses' successor (see 31.1–29 n. ).

26 :

Because of you: see 1.37 n.

27 :

See 34.1–4 .