Dublin, OH
Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
8:1-20 Learning the Lessons of the Wilderness. This chapter makes clear that the wilderness period was not only a punishment but also a test. While contrasting the deprivation of the wilderness with the abundance of the land, this chapter implies that the land itself is also a test. If the wilderness lesson is learned, it can be applied in the new situation of the land.
8:2-3 Remember is a key word in this chapter (also v. 18), along with its antonym "forget": vv. 11, 14, 19. Remembrance is demonstrated in obedience (see 5:15 and note). testing you. The wilderness test was to reveal the state of Israel's heart. This does not imply that God did not know but rather that he desired for Israel's heart to produce evidence of obedience. Manna literally means "What is it?" (Ex. 16:15); it was not to their liking (Num. 11:6; 21:5). The testing was also to teach Israel that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Real life derives directly from God and trusting his word ("word" could also be translated "thing spoken of"; see also ESV footnote). This was the learning that Israel needed in its heart (Deut. 8:2) if it was to pass the test in the land (e.g., v. 17). This is the first of three verses from Deuteronomy quoted by Jesus in his temptation, affirming his confidence and determined faithfulness toward God (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4; see also Deut. 6:13, 16).
8:5 Again the emphasis is on Israel's heart. The wilderness test was punishment for the generation that perished, but a loving act of discipline for the current generation. disciplines. See Prov. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:5-11.
8:7 The purpose of passing the test of v. 3 is because (For) Israel is entering an especially abundant land (vv. 7-10). Though the antithesis of the good land, the wilderness is the testing ground for life in the land.
8:10 The culmination of this hymn-like praise of the land is complete satisfaction. For that, Israel is to bless the Lord, i.e., praise him.
8:11 Satisfaction carries a warning: Take care (see 4:9, 23), the command that 8:7-10 has been working toward. forget. See note on vv. 2-3. For a parallel of vv. 7-11, see 6:10-12.
8:14 The danger is a heart . . . lifted up, namely, pride (see note on 7:17-18). In the land of plenty, pride comes from forgetting the wilderness (8:14-16) and failing to apply its lessons in the good land.
8:15 water out of the flinty rock. See Ex. 17:6 and Num. 20:8, 11. Massah is where Israel tested God (Deut. 6:16). In reality, Israel was being tested by God.
8:17 say in your heart. See 7:17 and note on 7:17-18. This verse puts into words the pride alluded to in 8:14 and is the climax of vv. 12-17.
8:18 Instead of forgetfulness (vv. 11, 14), Israel is to remember. See v. 2 and note on vv. 2-3; 5:15 and note. it is he who gives you power. This is an explicit corrective to the proud words in 8:17. Israel's future wealth will be evidence of God's faithfulness to keep covenant. as it is this day. See 2:30 and note.
