John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man , etc.] That is, the people of the house of Israel, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan; if the friends, relations, and neighbours of such a man, though they know what he is about to do, or has done, yet they shut their eyes wilfully, or look another way; or, however, wink and connive at his wickedness, and will not discover him, and bear witness against him; or if a court of judicature, before whom he comes, does not take the evidence of his crime, nor condemn for it, or are negligent in punishing him as the law directs, a gift having blinded their eyes, or they careless and remiss in their duty: when he giveth his seed unto Molech ; a crime so heinous and abominable: and kill him not ; do not bring witness against him, so as that he may be put to death, or do not upon the evidence given condemn him to death, or do not take care to have sentence executed, by stoning him to death.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Are we shocked at the unnatural cruelty of the ancient idolaters i sacrificing their children? We may justly be so. But are there not very many parents, who, by bad teaching and wicked examples, and by the mysteries of iniquity which they show their children, devote them to the service of Satan, and forward their everlasting ruin, in a manne even more to be lamented? What an account must such parents render to God, and what a meeting will they have with their children at the da of judgment! On the other hand, let children remember that he wh cursed father or mother was surely put to death. This law Chris confirmed. Laws which were made before are repeated, and penaltie annexed to them. If men will not avoid evil practices, because the la has made these practices sin, and it is right that we go on tha principle, surely they should avoid them when the law has made the death, from a principle of self-preservation. In the midst of thes laws comes in a general charge, Sanctify yourselves, and be ye holy. It is the Lord that sanctifies, and his work will be done, though it be difficult. Yet his grace is so far from doing away our endeavours, tha it strongly encourages them. Work out your salvation, for it is God that worketh in you.
Original Hebrew ואם518 העלם5956 יעלימו5956 עם5971 הארץ776 את853 עיניהם5869 מן4480 האישׁ376 ההוא1931 בתתו5414 מזרעו2233 למלך4432 לבלתי1115 המית4191 אתו׃853
