17. Things which are forbidden. The second situation is much like the first ( 14-16), but concerns “any of these things which are forbidden to be done.” These are things which, though not specifically mentioned, come under the displeasure of God.
God deals with principles rather than with details. The Ten Commandments deal with fundamental principles. The commandment “Thou shalt not steal” does not specify what it is that may not be taken. It is all-comprehensive. It does not say, “Thou shalt not steal great things”; it does not say, “Thou shalt not steal small things.” It merely says, “Thou shalt not steal.” Similarly, in the case before us God could have gone into detail. Had He done so, some might be tempted to think the things mentioned more serious than some that were omitted. So God includes all transgression in the statement “any of these things which are forbidden.” No one might plead ignorance. This may have seemed a “hard saying,” but it was just.