John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand , etc.] As a man ties anything to his hand for a token, that he may remember somewhat he is desirous of; though the Jews understand this literally, of binding a scroll of parchment, with this section and others written in it, upon their left hand, as the Targum of Jonathan here interprets the hand: and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes ; and which the same Targum interprets of the Tephilim, or phylacteries, which the Jews wear upon their foreheads, and on their arms, and so Jarchi; of which (see Gill on “ Matthew 23:5”).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 6-16 - Here are means for maintaining and keeping up religion in our heart and houses. 1. Meditation. God's words must be laid up in our hearts that our thoughts may be daily employed about them. 2. The religiou education of children. Often repeat these things to them. Be carefu and exact in teaching thy children. Teach these truths to all who ar any way under thy care. 3. Pious discourse. Thou shalt talk of thes things with due reverence and seriousness, for the benefit not only of thy children, but of thy servants, thy friends and companions. Take all occasions to discourse with those about thee, not of matters of doubtful disputation, but of the plain truths and laws of God, and the things that belong to our peace. 4. Frequent reading of the word. God appointed them to write sentences of the law upon their walls, and i scrolls of parchment to be worn about their wrists. This seems to have been binding in the letter of it to the Jews, as it is to us in the intent of it; which is, that we should by all means make the word of God familiar to us; that we may have it ready to use upon all occasions, to restrain us from sin, and direct us in duty. We mus never be ashamed to own our religion, nor to own ourselves under it check and government. Here is a caution not to forget God in a day of prosperity and plenty. When they came easily by the gift, they would be apt to grow secure, and unmindful of the Giver. Therefore be careful when thou liest safe and soft, lest thou forget the Lord. When the world smiles, we are apt to make court to it, and expect our happines in it, and so we forget Him who is our only portion and rest. There is need of great care and caution at such a time. Then beware; being warned of your danger, stand upon your guard. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God; neither by despairing of his power and goodness, while we keep in the way of our duty; nor by presuming upon it, when we tur aside out of that way.
Original Hebrew וקשׁרתם7194 לאות226 על5921 ידך3027 והיו1961 לטטפת2903 בין996 עיניך׃5869
