Wesley Corpus

Chapter X God's mercy, in renewing the two tables, ver. 1 - 5. In leading Israel forward, and chusing the tribe of Levi for his own, ver. 6 - 9. In accepting the intercession as Moses, ver. 10 - 11. An exhortation to fear, love, and serve God, ver. 12 - 22. I will write on the tables - Tho' the tables were broken, because they broke his commandment, they were now renewed, in proof that his wrath was turned away. And thus God's writing his law in our inward parts, is the surest proof of our reconciliation to him. This following history comes in manifestly by way of parenthesis, as may appear from Deu 10:10, where he returns to his former discourse; and it seems to be here inserted as an evidence of God's gracious answer to Moses's prayers, and of his reconciliation to the people, notwithstanding their late and great provocation. For, saith he, after this they proceeded by God's guidance in their journeys, and though Aaron died in one of them, yet God made up that breach, and Eleazar came in his place, and ministered as priest, one branch of which office was to intercede for the people. At that time - About that time, that is, when I was come down from the mount, as was said, Deu 10:5. To stand before the Lord - A phrase used concerning the prophets, 1Kings 17:1 18:15, this being the posture of ministers. Hence the angels are said to stand, 2Chr 18:18 Luke 1:19. To bless - The people, by performance of those holy ministrations for the people, and giving those instructions to them, to which God's blessing was promised; and this they did in God's name, that is, by command, and commission from him. The Lord is his inheritance - That is, the Lord's portion, namely, tithes and offerings, which belong to God, are given by him to the Levites for their subsistence, from generation to generation. Take thy journey before the people - 'Twas fit that he who had saved them from ruin by his intercession, should have the conduct and command of them. And herein he was a type of Christ, who, as he ever lives to make intercession for us, so has all power in heaven and in earth. What doth he require - By way of duty and gratitude for such amazing mercies.