Your fathers went down to Egypt, seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky. Your fathers went down to EgyptThis phrase refers to the patriarchs of Israel, specifically Jacob and his sons, who migrated to Egypt during a time of famine. The Hebrew root for "fathers" is "אָבוֹת" (avot), which signifies not only biological ancestors but also spiritual forebears. This migration is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the beginning of their transformation from a family into a nation. Historically, this event is recorded in Genesis 46, where Jacob and his family move to Egypt under Joseph's protection. This journey to Egypt set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent deliverance, which is central to their identity as God's chosen people. seventy in all
The number "seventy" is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or a large, rounded group. In Genesis 46:27, the number of Jacob's family members who went to Egypt is listed as seventy, including Joseph and his sons who were already there. This number underscores the small beginnings of the nation of Israel, emphasizing God's power in multiplying them into a great nation. The Hebrew word for "seventy" is "שִׁבְעִים" (shiv'im), which can also imply a sense of divine order and purpose. and now the LORD your God
This phrase highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The use of "LORD" in all caps represents the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the personal name of God revealed to Moses. It signifies God's eternal, unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The phrase "your God" emphasizes the personal and communal relationship Israel has with God, who is not a distant deity but one who is actively involved in their history and destiny. has made you as numerous
The transformation from a small family to a populous nation is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:5, where God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. The Hebrew root for "numerous" is "רָבָה" (ravah), which conveys the idea of abundance and multiplication. This growth is not merely a natural phenomenon but a divine act, demonstrating God's blessing and faithfulness. as the stars in the sky
This simile is a direct reference to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:5 and 22:17, where God assured Abraham that his descendants would be as countless as the stars. The imagery of stars in the sky conveys not only vastness but also a sense of divine order and beauty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, stars were often associated with divine beings or heavenly hosts, further emphasizing the special status of Israel as God's chosen people. The fulfillment of this promise is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to bring His plans to fruition despite human limitations. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Fathers (Patriarchs)Refers to the patriarchs of Israel, particularly Jacob and his sons, who went down to Egypt during a time of famine. 2. EgyptThe land where the Israelites lived for several generations, initially as guests and later as slaves, before their exodus under Moses' leadership. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who promised to make Abraham's descendants numerous and fulfilled this promise. 4. The IsraelitesThe descendants of the patriarchs, who grew from a small family group into a large nation during their time in Egypt. 5. The Stars in the SkyA metaphorical expression used to describe the vast number of Israelites, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesGod is faithful to fulfill His promises, as seen in the growth of the Israelites from seventy individuals to a multitude. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises in their own lives. The Importance of Remembering God's WorksJust as the Israelites were reminded of their humble beginnings and God's blessings, Christians are called to remember and recount God's faithfulness in their personal and communal history. The Power of God's ProvidenceThe transformation from a small family to a great nation illustrates God's providential care and sovereignty over history, encouraging believers to rely on His guidance and provision. The Role of Faith in God's PlanThe fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham required faith and patience. Believers are encouraged to maintain faith in God's timing and plan, even when immediate results are not visible. Community Growth and Spiritual MultiplicationThe physical multiplication of the Israelites serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth and multiplication within the church, urging believers to invest in discipleship and evangelism. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the growth of the Israelites from seventy individuals to a multitude demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey? 2. In what ways can we, like the Israelites, remember and celebrate God's past works in our lives and communities? 3. How does the account of the Israelites' multiplication in Egypt challenge us to trust in God's providence and timing, especially in difficult circumstances? 4. What parallels can we draw between the physical growth of the Israelites and the spiritual growth of the church today? 5. How can we actively participate in the spiritual multiplication of our faith community, inspired by the example of the Israelites' growth? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15:5God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars, establishing the foundation for the fulfillment seen in Deuteronomy 10:22. Exodus 1:7Describes the multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to make them a great nation. Hebrews 11:12Reflects on the faith of Abraham and the fulfillment of God's promise, connecting the Old Testament account to New Testament teachings on faith. People Aaron, Eleazar, Jaakanites, Jakan, Levi, MosesPlaces Beeroth Bene-jaakan, Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Jotbathah, Moserah, SinaiTopics Egypt, Fathers, Heaven, Heavens, Multitude, Numerous, Persons, Seventy, Sky, Souls, Stars, Ten, ThreescoreDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 10:22 1655 hundreds and thousands
4281 stars Library Election and Holiness
Now, this morning it may be that some of you will not approve of what I have to say. You will remember, however, that I do not seek your approbation, that it will be sufficient for me if I have cleared my conscience concerning a grand truth and have preached the gospel faithfully. I am not accountable to you, nor you to me. You are accountable to God, if you reject a truth; I am accountable to Him if I preach an error. I am not afraid to stand before His bar with regard to the great doctrines which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860Book iii. The Ascent: from the River Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration.
{hebrew} In every passage of Scripture where thou findest the Majesty of God, thou also findest close by His Condescension (Humility). So it is written down in the Law [Deut. x. 17, followed by verse 18], repeated in the Prophets [Is. lvii. 15], and reiterated in the Hagiographa [Ps. lxviii. 4, followed by verse 5].' - Megill 31 a. …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
We shall now, in conclusion, give a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet. After an introduction in vi. 1, 2, where the mountains serve only to give greater solemnity to the scene (in the fundamental passages Deut. xxxii. 1, and in Is. 1, 2, "heaven and earth" are mentioned for the same purposes, inasmuch as they are the most venerable parts of creation; "contend with the mountains" by taking them in and applying to [Pg 522] them as hearers), the prophet reminds the people of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Parable of the Importunate Widow.
^C Luke XVIII. 1-8. ^c 1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man [an utterly abandoned character]: 3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of [rather, Do justice to me as to] mine adversary. [In Scripture language widowhood is symbolic of defenselessness (Ex. xxii. 22-24; Deut. x. 18; xxvii. 19; Mal. iii. 5; Mark xii. 40), …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 10:22 NIVDeuteronomy 10:22 NLTDeuteronomy 10:22 ESVDeuteronomy 10:22 NASBDeuteronomy 10:22 KJV
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