Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 6. A testimony in Jocob ] This may signify the various ordinances, rites, and ceremonies prescribed by the law; and the word law may mean the moral law, or system of religious instruction, teaching them their duty to God, to their neighbour, and to themselves. These were commanded to the fathers-the patriarchs and primitive Hebrews, that they should make them known to their children, who should make them known to the generation that was to come, whose children should also be instructed that they might declare them to their children; to the end that their hope might be in God, that they might not forget his works, and might keep his commandments: that they might not be as their fathers, but have their heart right and their spirit steadfast with God, ver. 6-8. Five generations appear to be mentioned above: 1. Fathers; 2. Their children; 3. The generation to come; 4. And their children; 5. And their children. They were never to lose sight of their history throughout all their generations. Some think the testimony here may mean the tabernacle.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their children, that the church may abide for ever. Also, that the providences of God, both in mercy and in judgment might encourage them to conform to the will of God. The works of God much strengthen our resolution to keep his commandments. Hypocrisy is the high road to apostacy; those that do not set their hearts right will not be stedfast with God. Many parents, by negligence an wickedness, become murderers of their children. But young persons though they are bound to submit in all things lawful, must not obe sinful orders, or copy sinful examples.
Original Hebrew למען4616 ידעו3045 דור1755 אחרון314 בנים1121 יולדו3205 יקמו6965 ויספרו5608 לבניהם׃1121
