The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Still less was human life to be exposed to danger through neglect of proper precautions. The houses in Palestine, as in other parts of the East, had fiat roofs, and, as these were much frequented by the inhabitants for various purposes (cf.

Joshua 2:6; 2 Samuel 11:2; 2 Samuel 18:24; Nehemiah 8:16; Matthew 10:27; Acts 10:9), it was necessary that a battlement or balustrade should surround the roof, in order to prevent persons falling over.

Hence the direction here given.

More for Deuteronomy 22:8

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:1-30EXPOSITION REGULATIONS REGARDING CATTLE STRAYED OR THINGS LOST, THE APPAREL OF THE SEXES, THE TAKING OF BIRDS, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES. CONFUSIONS TO BE AVOIDED. FRINGES TO BE MADE ON VESTMENTS. PUNISHMENT OF WIF…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Deuteronomy 22:5-12God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, and his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. Yet the tendency of these laws, which seem little,…Matthew Henry commentaryVarious Prohibitions. (b. c. 1451.)VARIOUS PROHIBITIONS. (B. C. 1451.) Here are several laws in these verses which seem to stoop very low, and to take cognizance of things mean and minute. Men's laws commonly do not so: De minimis non curat lex—The law t…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:6-12The minutiae of conduct. The Law descends to very slight points of conduct. It keeps in view that character is made up of the result of our actions in the million trivial details of life. "Trifles," said Michael Angelo,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:8The perils of inadvertence. Thoughtlessness is the parent of much mischief. To reach a state of security and bliss, there must be life in our every part—in intellect, foresight, prudence. I. MAN IS EXPOSED TO MANY NATUR…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:8-12Linsey-woolseys. The different directions here given may be reduced to one idea, that of genuineness. The houses were to be substantial edifices, not endangering the lives of others by defective buildings or deficient b…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:8Risks to human life to be minimized. It is well known that "the roofs of the Israelitish houses were fiat, as they mostly are in the East;" the inhabitants often walked upon them. Hence it is easy to see that a danger m…Joseph S. Exell and contributors