Deuteronomy 1:9-18 And I spoke to you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:… I. THE GLORIOUS BEING ADDRESSED. "The Lord God of your fathers." 1. In His essential character as Lord God. (1) In creation. (2) In providence. (3) In redemption. 2. In His relative character. "Lord God of your fathers."(1) Literally in its application to Israel. The Lord God, who called Abraham, blessed Isaac, and named Jacob; who delivered His people from the proud yoke of Pharaoh; guided, guarded, and supplied them in the wilderness; gave them the rich land of promise. Surely Israel might well sing, "There is no God like unto the God of Jeshurun." Then let us apply it — (2) To many of our fathers after the flesh. Many of our fathers served and trusted in the living God. How they spake of God, "Behold I die, but serve God, and He will be with you." Is not their memory still sweet? 3. The subject has a general application to our spiritual predecessors. Those early Christian fathers who had to witness before the pagan world, and who passed through horrid persecutions, and yet were supported and made successful in spreading the Gospel through the world. II. THE COMPREHENSIVE PETITION PRESENTED. "Make you," etc. In the petition are two parts, multiplication of numbers and the Divine blessing. III. THE GROUND OF ENCOURAGEMENT ADDUCED. "As He hath promised." Now, God did promise Abraham. Observe some of the traits of these promises. They are — 1. Absolute in their nature. He has not said He will multiply the Church if — (1) Her friends are active and willing. No. But He will make His people willing in the day of His power. (2) If the governments of the world and the great of the earth are favourable; but it is written, They shall bring the gold of Sheba," etc. 2. They are numerous. Scattered over the whole extent of revelation. 3. They have been principally made to Christ. 4. Partially fulfilled.APPLICATION. 1. The divinity of our religion. 2. The benevolence of our religion. 3. The final triumphs of our religion. 4. The bearing of our subject on the religious instruction of the rising generation. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:WEB: I spoke to you at that time, saying, "I am not able to bear you myself alone: |
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