Particular Instances of God's Kindness
Henry, Matthew Deuteronomy 32:7-8 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask your father, and he will show you; your elders… 1. Some were ancient; and for proof of them he appeals to the records. The authentic histories of ancient times are of singular use, especially the history of the Church in its infancy. 2. Others were more modern; and for proof of them he appeals to their fathers and elders that were now alive and with them. Parents must diligently teach their children not only the Word of God, His laws (Deuteronomy 6:7), and the meaning of His ordinances (Exodus 12:26), but His works also, and the methods of His providence (Psalm 87:3, 4, 6, 7). And children should desire the knowledge of those things which will be of use to engage them to their duty, and to direct them in it. 3. Three things are here enlarged upon as instances of God's kindness to His people, and strong obligations upon them never to forsake Him. (1) The early designation of the land of Canaan for their inheritance; for herein it was a type and figure of an heavenly inheritance, that it was of old ordained and prepared in the Divine counsels. (a) The wisdom of God has appointed the bounds of man's habitation, and determined both the place and time of our living in the world (Acts 17:26). (b) Infinite wisdom has a vast reach, and designs beforehand what is brought to pass long after (Acts 15:18). (c) The great God, in governing the world and ordering the affairs of states and kingdoms, has a special regard to His Church and people, and consults their good in all (2 Chronicles 16:9; Isaiah 45:4). (2) The forming of them into a people, that they might be fit to enter upon this inheritance, like an heir of age, at the time appointed. Herein also Canaan was a figure of the heavenly inheritance; for as it was from eternity proposed and designed for all God's spiritual Israel, so they are in time (and it is a work of time) fitted and made meet for it (Colossians 1:12). (3) The settling of them in a good land. (a) Glorious victories over their enemies. (b) Plenty of good things. ( Matthew Henry, D. D..) Parallel Verses KJV: Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. WEB: Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.