Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryDeuteronomy 10

Deuteronomy 10:1 – God’s Great Kindness to Israel In this passage, Moses shows how God’s kindness to Israel is clear, even though they often failed. God gave them His law again after their rebellion, led them toward the Promised Land, set up a special group of priests to serve Him, and accepted Moses as their intercessor. These acts were not because of Israel’s goodness, but because of God’s mercy and faithfulness. Moses wants the people to see how much God has done for them and to be thankful and obedient in response.v. 1-2: God told Moses to make two new stone tablets like the first ones that were broken. God wrote the Ten Commandments on them again. This showed that God was willing to forgive and renew His covenant with Israel (Deuteronomy 10:1-2 ).

v. 3: Moses made an ark from shittim wood to keep the new tablets safe. This box was a sign that God’s law was precious and needed to be protected. Later, Bezaleel finished and decorated the ark (Deuteronomy 10:3; Exodus 37:1 ; Exodus 25:10 ).

v. 4: God wrote the same words as before, the Ten Commandments, on the new tablets. The second tablets were just as important as the first, showing God’s word never changes .

v. 5: Moses put the new tablets into the ark for safekeeping. He passed on God’s word faithfully to the people, and it remained with them as a sign of God’s presence and promise (Deuteronomy 10:5; 2 Timothy 1:13-14 ).

v. 6-7: God kept leading Israel toward the Promised Land, even though their hearts often wanted to go back to Egypt. He brought them to places with water and took care of them in the wilderness. When Aaron died, his son Eleazar became priest, so the priesthood continued without stopping (Deuteronomy 10:6-7; Numbers 20:3-4 ).

v. 8-9: God chose the tribe of Levi to serve Him, carry the ark, and bless the people. The Levites did not get land like the other tribes. Instead, the Lord

v. 10-11: God accepted Moses’ prayers for the people and told him to lead them onward. God listened to Moses’ intercession and made him their leader. This made Moses a picture, or type, of Jesus, who prays for us and leads us with all authority (Deuteronomy 10:10-11 ).

Deuteronomy 10:12 – Exhortation to Obedience In this passage, Moses appeals powerfully to Israel to obey God. He asks them what the Lord

v. 16: Israel must “circumcise the foreskin of their hearts,” meaning they should remove all sinful feelings and stubbornness that block their love and fear of God. They must be willing to obey and submit fully, not stubborn like before (Deuteronomy 10:16; Deuteronomy 9:24 ; Romans 2:29 ).To obey well, Moses encourages Israel to think about who God is. They should fear Him because He is great and glorious, the God of gods and Lord of lords, mighty, just, and impartial. He owns heaven and earth, yet chooses to have a special relationship with His people (Deuteronomy 10:14,17 ).They should love God because He is good to all people, showing special care for the helpless and needy. God is especially good to Israel, His chosen people, who are His praise and glory. He has done great things for them, growing them from seventy souls into a great nation as numerous as the stars (Deuteronomy 10:18,21-22 ).Even though God has blessed Israel so much, He expects their loving service and praise in return. But history shows that when they grew in number, they often turned away from God and became corrupt.

v. 19: Moses commands them to love the stranger. Since God provides for all people, made from one blood, they must care for strangers and do good to all as they have opportunity. The Israelites’ own experience as strangers in Egypt should make them especially kind and compassionate (Deuteronomy 10:18-19 ).

v. 20: They must also honor God by swearing only by His name, not by false gods or creatures. They must cling closely to God, trusting and delighting in Him, never turning away (Deuteronomy 10:20 ).