Scriptural text: Deuteronomy 8:1-11
Lesson Context:
The setting of the lesson is “on (the east) side (of the ) Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites” (Deuteronomy 4:46) in about 1406 BC. The recipients were the Israelites of a new generation who were about to enter the promised land. Moses would soon die on Mount Nebo, located in Moab, having been barred from entering the promised land because of the disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:7-12).
Remember (Deuteronomy 8:1-5):
The text shows us what God did with Israel (1) He sent them back to wander in the desert through forty years, sent them back from entering the land which He eventually intended to give them. We see only brief time before us as our day in which to work. God does not hasten, for eternity is before Him as His working day. (2) God exposed his people to much difficulty and hardship, but He did not suffer them to sink under their troubles. They were long kept from Canaan, but God did not suffer them to sink under their troubles. They were long kept from Canaan, but did not forsake His people.
What did God mean by dealing thus with Israel?
(1) He treated them in this way to humble them.
(2) He dealt with them thus to show them what material they were made of.
(3) He wished to show them further what He could do.
(4) His end in His dealings with Israel was instruction and correction, and all the spiritual advantages to be derived from it. Notice what God requires in respect of that instruction and correction. “Thou shalt remember.”
Anticipate (Deuteronomy 8:6-11).
A. If Israel would put their focus on every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord, then the Lord would take care of all their material things-and bring them into a materially abundant land.
(1) God is not against material things – except when they come between him and us. God wanted to materially bless a spiritually obedient Israel.
B. A warning against pride – “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments.” When everything is fine and our lives are filled with abundance, it is not hard to have our hearts lifted up. We can easily forget the Lord Himself and forget it was all His work on our behalf.
“My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth” This is rarely said with the lips; it is said instead in the heart. It is easier to say “God did it” or “it’s all the blessings of the Lord” than it is really to mean these words in the heart.
References: Enduring Word Commentary, Guiding Light Commentary
