Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy

THE FIFTH BOOK OF MOSES, CALLED DEUTERONOMY.

THIS fifth and last book of the Pentateuch is known among the Jews under the title of אלהאּהדברים ale-edbrim, with which it begins, and which we render, These be the words. Sometimes the rabbis call it the book of reprehensions, on account of the frequent reproaches which Moses throws out in it against the Israelites. But the more learned among them call it Thora, the Law, or Misna, containing the copy of the law: and it is for the same reason that the LXX have intitled it Deuteronomy; i.e. a repetition of the law; [δευτερος νομος, a second law,] a repetition, accompanied with explications and additions, enforced by the strongest and most pathetical motives to obedience, for the use of those Israelites, who, being born in the wilderness, were not present at the first delivery of the law.