Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 8

Verses 1-20

Practical Exhortations (continued)

The people are reminded of God’s goodness to them at the time of the exodus and during their sojourn in the wilderness. They are exhorted to humility and obedience, and warned against worshipping strange gods.

2, 3. The events of the wanderings were intended to teach Israel humility and dependenee on God alone: see on Deuteronomy 7:19.

3. Which thou knewest not] see Exodus 16:15. But by every word, etc.] If necessary God can sustain human life apart from the usual means. The Saviour had this trust in God and refused to create bread for himself: see Matthew 4:4.

4. God who gives the life provides also the raiment and the bodily health: see Matthew 6:25-34. Jewish commentators understood this description literally, but it is evidently poetical and rhetorical.

6-20. A warning against pride and self-sufficiency: see on Deuteronomy 4:25.

7-9. The gifts of God in the rich and beautiful land of Canaan are a motive to thankfulness and obedience, but may become a temptation to forgetfulness and pride: see on Deuteronomy 4:25.

9. Iron is found in various parts of Palestine, especially in the N. Basalt (see on Deuteronomy 3:11) is found E. of the Jordan. Copper, here called brass, is found in the Lebanon range and to the E. of the Dead Sea. We do not read of the Jews working mines in Canaan, but the writer of the book of Job was acquainted with mining operations, and gives a graphic description of the process in Deuteronomy 28, which should be read in RV.

16. At thy latter end] i.e. by bringing them into the land of promise if they stood the test.

18. Cp. 1 Chronicles 29:12-14.