Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Deuteronomy Ch.18 / 34 Ch.s
DE:18
* A provision respecting Levites. (1-8) The abominations of the
Canaanites to be avoided. (9-14) Christ the great Prophet.
(15-22)
#1-8 Care is taken that the priests entangle not themselves with
the affairs of this life, nor enrich themselves with the wealth
of this world; they have better things to mind. Care is likewise
taken that they want not the comforts and conveniences of this
life. The people must provide for them. He that has the benefit
of solemn religious assemblies, ought to give help for the
comfortable support of those that minister in such assemblies.
#9-14 Was it possible that a people so blessed with Divine
institutions, should ever be in any danger of making those their
teachers whom God had made their captives? They were in danger;
therefore, after many like cautions, they are charged not to do
after the abominations of the nations of Canaan. All reckoning
of lucky or unlucky days, all charms for diseases, all amulets
or spells to prevent evil, fortune-telling, &c. are here
forbidden. These are so wicked as to be a chief cause of the
rooting out of the Canaanites. It is amazing to think that there
should be any pretenders of this kind in such a land, and day of
light, as we live in. They are mere impostors who blind and
cheat their followers.
#15-22 It is here promised concerning Christ, that there should
come a Prophet, great above all the prophets; by whom God would
make known himself and his will to the children of men, more
fully and clearly than he had ever done before. He is the Light
of the world, #Joh 8:12|. He is the World by whom God speaks to
us, #Joh 1:1; Heb 1:2|. In his birth he should be one of their
nation. In his resurrection he should be raised up at Jerusalem,
and from thence his doctrine should go forth to all the world.
Thus God, having raised up his Son Christ Jesus, sent him to
bless us. He should be like unto Moses, only above him. This
prophet is come, even JESUS; and is "He that should come," and
we are to look for no other. The view of God which he gives,
will not terrify or overwhelm, but encourages us. He speaks with
fatherly affection and Divine authority united. Whoever refuses
to listen to Jesus Christ, shall find it is at his peril; the
same that is the Prophet is to be his Judge, #Joh 12:48|. Woe
then to those who refuse to hearken to His voice, to accept His
salvation, or yield obedience to His sway! But happy they who
trust in Him, and obey Him. He will lead them in the paths of
safety and peace, until He brings them to the land of perfect
light, purity, and happiness. Here is a caution against false
prophets. It highly concerns us to have a right touchstone
wherewith to try the word we hear, that we may know what that
word is which the Lord has not spoken. Whatever is against the
plain sense of the written word, or which gives countenance or
encouragement to sin, we may be sure is not that which the Lord
has spoken.