And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Teach them – The Hebrew word is emphatic, and signifies enlightenment. The text gives four distinct points:
(a) the ordinances, or specific enactments,
(b) the laws, or general regulations,
(c) the way, the general course of duty,
(d) the works, each specific act.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 20. Thou shalt teach them ordinances] chukkim, all such precepts as relate to the ceremonies of religion and political economy. And laws, hattoroth, the instructions relative to the whole system of morality.
And shalt show them the way] eth hadderech, THAT very WAY, that only way, which God himself has revealed, and in which they should walk in order to please him, and get their souls everlastingly saved.
And the work that they must do.] For it was not sufficient that they should know their duty both to God and man, but they must DO it too; yaasun, they must do it diligently, fervently, effectually; for the paragogic nun deepens and extends the meaning of the verb.
What a very comprehensive form of a preacher’s duty does this verse exhibit!
1. He must instruct the people in the nature, use, and importance of the ordinances of religion.
2. He must lay before them the whole moral law, and their obligations to fulfill all its precepts.
3. He must point out to each his particular duty, and what is expected of him in his situation, connections, c. And,
4. He must set them all their work, and see that they do it.
On such a plan as this he will have full opportunity to show the people,
1. Their sin, ignorance, and folly
2. The pure and holy law which they have broken, and by which they are condemned;
3. The grace of God that bringeth salvation, by which they are to be justified and finally saved; and,
4. The necessity of showing their faith by their works; not only denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, but living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Thou alone shalt deliver and explain Gods law to them, which they may apply to their particular causes and occasions, and so end their differences among themselves without giving thee any trouble.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws,…. Both with respect to things civil and religious, which he should receive from God:
and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk; the path of faith and duty, the way of truth, holiness, and righteousness:
and the work that they must do; both with respect to God, and one another, the various duties and exercises of religion, everything relating to their moral, religious, and civil conduct.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
20. Teach them ordinances and laws Equivalent to making “them know the statutes and laws” in Exo 18:16. The word rendered teach (Hiphil of ) means to shed light upon . Moses was to exercise the twofold office of appearing in behalf of the people before God and of revealing God’s truth to the people . Thus he was an honoured mediator, being intercessor, advocate, lawgiver, and judge .
The way the work Two important and comprehensive phases of godliness, equivalent to life and action .
Exo 18:20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Ver. 20. And thou shalt teach them ordinances. ] This alone will be work enough for thee, if done as it ought to be.
And shalt show them the way wherein they must walk. ordinances and laws. Hebrew “the Ordinances and (or, even) the Laws”.
teach: Exo 18:16, Deu 4:1, Deu 4:5, Deu 5:1, Deu 6:1, Deu 6:2, Deu 7:11, Neh 9:13, Neh 9:14
the way: 1Sa 12:23, Psa 32:8, Psa 143:8, Isa 30:21, Jer 6:16, Jer 42:3, Mic 4:2, 1Th 4:1
work: Deu 1:18, Eze 3:17, Mat 28:20, Mar 13:34, 2Th 3:6-12
Reciprocal: Gen 24:48 – led me Exo 18:15 – to inquire Deu 8:6 – walk Mat 23:3 – whatsoever
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge