1105 – 1863 4 witnesses 5 excerpts
“ושמרתם AND YE SHALL BE ON THE WATCH [TO DO] — This refers to the study of the laws (Sifrei Devarim 58), ועשיתם — this must be explained according to what it implies: AND YE SHALL DO. כי היא חכמתכם ובינתכם וגו׳ FOR THIS IS YOUR WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING [IN THE EYES OF THE PEOPLES] — i.e. through this ye will be accounted wise and understanding men in the eyes of the peoples.”
“Keep therefore and do them,..... Observe them, take notice of what is expressed by them, and perform them, both as to matter and manner, as they require: for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations; that is, their wisdom and understanding would appear to other nations by their observance of the commands of God: which hear all these statutes; which they had a report, got knowledge of by some of the philosophers who travelled into those parts, and by the translation of the Bible into the Greek language: and say, surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people; that had such a body of laws, in which they were instructed, and according to which they were governed, and in which they walked; that were so agreeable to reason, truth, justice, and equity; insomuch that so far as they became known they were admired and copied after, both by Greeks and Romans; and hence it was that the oracle (f) declared, that only the Chaldeans and Hebrews were a wise people; the Hebrews came from Chaldea, as Abraham the father of them. (f) Apud Porphyr. in Euseb Evangel. Praepar. l. 9. c. 10. p. 413.”
“This is a proof of your wisdom, &c., if you observe these commands. Your conduct will excite the admiration of all. (Menochius) — Solomon often inculcates the same truths, Proverbs i. 7., and Ecclesiasticus i. 34. Even profane writers applauded the laws and fidelity of the Jews. See Josephus, Jewish Wars i. 5.; Strabo xvi. (Calmet)”
“This is true understanding. The nations which affect to ignore God and his ordinances are foolish.”
“V. expresses it affirmatively : " Nee set alia natio tarn grandis," Ac. The maniibetatkm of the Divine Presence in the camp was calculated to comfort and support them. The readiness of God to grant tba prayers of His people Inspired them with confidence. H. P. " In all things that we call wpon Him for.** I It may he understood of any decrees or laws. No nation at that early period had a code of laws, or of ceremonies Ibr worship.”
The in-app commentary runs from the Fathers to the early-modern record, then stops — that's where the public-domain sources end, not where the reading does. For the modern reading, follow the sources directly.