291 These are the words of the agreement which Moses was ordered by the Lord to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, in addition to the agreement which he made with them in Horeb. 2 And Moses said in the hearing of all Israel, You have seen all the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh and to all his servants and all his land; 3 The great tests which your eyes saw, and the signs and wonders: 4 But even to this day the Lord has not given you a mind open to knowledge, or seeing eyes or hearing ears. 5 For forty years I have been your guide through the waste land: your clothing has not become old on your backs, or your shoes on your feet. 6 You have had no bread, or wine, or strong drink: so that you might see that I am the Lord your God. 7 When you came to this place, Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, came out to make war against us and we overcame them: 8 And we took their land and gave it to the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, for their heritage. 9 So keep the words of this agreement and do them, so that it may be well for you in everything you do.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:1-9
Commentary on Deuteronomy 29:1-9
(Read Deuteronomy 29:1-9)
Both former mercies, and fresh mercies, should be thought on by us as motives to obedience. The hearing ear, and seeing eye, and the understanding heart, are the gift of God. All that have them, have them from him. God gives not only food and raiment, but wealth and large possessions, to many to whom he does not give grace. Many enjoy the gifts, who have not hearts to perceive the Giver, nor the true design and use of the gifts. We are bound, in gratitude and interest, as well as in duty and faithfulness, to keep the words of the covenant.