Deuteronomy 22 Bible Commentary

Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise)

(Read all of Deuteronomy 22)
Complete     Concise

Chapter Contents

Of humanity towards brethren. (1-4) Various precepts. (5-12) Against impurity. (13-30)

Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:1-4

(Read Deuteronomy 22:1-4)

If we duly regard the golden rule of "doing to others as we would they should do unto us," many particular precepts might be omitted. We can have no property in any thing that we find. Religion teaches us to be neighbourly, and to be ready to do all good offices to all men. We know not how soon we may have occasion for help.

Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:5-12

(Read Deuteronomy 22:5-12)

God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little, is such, that being found among the things of God's law, they are to be accounted great things. If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have respect to his will and to his glory, and not to the vain fashions of the world. Even in putting on our garments, as in eating or in drinking, all must be done with a serious regard to preserve our own and others' purity in heart and actions. Our eye should be single, our heart simple, and our behaviour all of a piece.

Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:13-30

(Read Deuteronomy 22:13-30)

These and the like regulations might be needful then, and yet it is not necessary that we should curiously examine respecting them. The laws relate to the seventh commandment, laying a restraint upon fleshly lusts which war against the soul.