Deu 32:1, Psa 50:4, Eze 6:3, Mic 6:1-2 | JFB | STEP | 1. Give ear, O ye heavens; ... hear, O earth-- The magnificence of the exordium, the grandeur of the theme, the frequent and sudden transitions, the elevated strain of the sentiments and language, entitle this song to be ranked amongst the noblest specimens of poetry to be found in the Scriptures.

‏ Deuteronomy 32:1

CHAPTER 32 De 32:1-43. Moses' Song, Which Sets Forth the Perfections of God.

1. Give ear, O ye heavens; ... hear, O earth--The magnificence of the exordium, the grandeur of the theme, the frequent and sudden transitions, the elevated strain of the sentiments and language, entitle this song to be ranked amongst the noblest specimens of poetry to be found in the Scriptures.

‏ Psalms 50:4

PSALM 50

Psa 50:1-23. In the grandeur and solemnity of a divine judgment, God is introduced as instructing men in the nature of true worship, exposing hypocrisy, warning the wicked, and encouraging the pious.

1-4. The description of this majestic appearance of God resembles that of His giving the law (compare Ex 19:16; 20:18; De 32:1).

‏ Ezekiel 6:3

3. rivers--literally, the "channels" of torrents. Rivers were often the scene and objects of idolatrous worship.

‏ Micah 6:1-2

CHAPTER 6 Mi 6:1-16. Appeal before All Creation to the Israelites to Testify, if They Can, if Jehovah Ever Did Aught but Acts of Kindness to Them from the Earliest Period: God Requires of Them Not So Much Sacrifices, as Real Piety and Justice: Their Impieties and Coming Punishment.

1. contend thou--Israel is called by Jehovah to plead with Him in controversy. Mi 5:11-13 suggested the transition from those happy times described in the fourth and fifth chapters, to the prophet's own degenerate times and people.

before the mountains--in their presence; personified as if witnesses (compare Mi 1:2; De 32:1; Is 1:2). Not as the Margin, "with"; as God's controversy is with Israel, not with them.

2. Lord's controversy--How great is Jehovah's condescension, who, though the supreme Lord of all, yet wishes to prove to worms of the earth the equity of His dealings (Is 5:3; 43:26).