Devarim 8 (Deuteronomy 8)
Devarim 8, Moshe emphasizes the importance of keeping Yehovah in the forefront of our minds. Moshe reminds the Children of Yisrael that it was Yehovah that led them through the wilderness 40 years. It was not to simply waste away the First Generation, it was to prove and humble the people. It was preparation for entering the Kingdom. Yehovah was going to bring them into a land that would produce an overabundance of produce. It had metals buried in the land for them and water flowing. He tells them that Yehovah does not chasten out of spite, but as a parent would discipline a child. He reminds them that as they multiply not to forget where their wealth came from, Yehovah. If they forget this, they would soon perish from the land.
Yehovah is used 13 times in Devarim 8.
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Do All He Has Told Us
Do All He Has Told Us
Devarim 8:1
1 All the commandments which I command you this day shall you observe to do, that you may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which Yehovah swore to your fathers.
Within this Scripture, there is the command to observe all we are told. There are no exceptions. We are not to pick and choose what we will do. It was stated earlier in Devarim 4:2.
2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yehovah your God which I command you.
Yehovah has established boundaries for us to operate within. There is plenty of room for us to accomplish all the good He has before us. We should never even consider anything else. It is no different for the Beriyt Chadasha. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 4:6.
6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that you might learn in us not to think above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Paul tells us not to think above what is written. We should take care that our thoughts and doctrine does not add nor take away.
Unfortunately, as it may be, many have not only taken away the boundaries; some even claim it is a sin to follow Torah. One should be very careful before they take a stand outside the boundaries of Torah. When one does that, they are forfeiting all the benefits associated with keeping Torah. They are in effect claiming to have a better plan than Yehovah.
Now we do not only observe Torah because of the benefits; we should observe Torah because of Yochanan 15:14.
14 You are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.
If we are to be a friend of God, we should do whatsoever He tells us. Yeshua tells us in Matthew 5:19.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
We are not a friend of God nor do we honor Him by doing least. We should strive to be great and bring honor to His name. We should teach others the same. We should desire to observe all He has told us.
Humble and Prove
Humble and Prove
Devarim 8:2
2 And you shall remember all the way which Yehovah your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, to prove you, to know what in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments, or not (lo).
The Second Generation spent 40 years in the wilderness with their parents. Their parents wasted away in those 40 years. The question is, if the Second Generation were not part of the rebellion of the First Generation, why did they spend 40 years in the Wilderness? It is as if the Second Generation suffered 40 years for the sin of the First Generation. We are even told in Devarim 24:16.
16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers. Every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
As it turns out, Devarim 24:16 is not applicable in this case. The son is not paying for the sin of the father. No one in the Second Generation was ever killed because of the rebellion of the First Generation. What was occurring in the Second Generation is the very thing many of us are going through in this lifetime.
The forty years were a time of testing and proving. It was a time for the Second Generation to prove that they were worthy to enter into the Promised Land. However, it was not to prove to God; it was to prove and mature the people. Although never stated, it is clear that not all of the Second Generation did enter the land. This can be determined by comparing the count in Bemidbar 1 and Bemidbar 26. They are essentially the same. A greater portion of the Second Generation more than likely died in the 39 years between the two counts.
Yehovah knew the hearts of the people, He was not proving to Himself. He was proving to the individual and those around them. It is similar to what Yochanan states in 1 Yochanan 2:19.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
When the Second Generation of the Children of Yisrael would look back at all who died, they would realize that some of the Second Generation were different. Those in the Second Generation that died in the wilderness were more like their parents than those who eventually entered the Kingdom. Yehovah in His mercy know that there were those in the Second Generation that would be a hinderance to entering into and possessing the land. Those that did enter into the Kingdom saw the proof of this in the years following.
In addition, Yehovah used the 39 years to humble those that would enter the land. Those in the First Generation failed to enter in because of an important fact. They were never going to make it on their own. Sometimes we need to be humbled to realize just how weak we are.
In this lifetime, similar to the Second Generation, we are being tested, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
24 Know not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. 25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air. 27 But I keep under my body, and bring into subjection. Lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
We are all in a race, not a physical race. We are in a time of testing to see who will rule and reign with Messiah in the future. However, very few are actually competing; many are not even on the pathway of the race. Many have disqualified themselves by living a life for themselves. But it does not matter anyways. Our competition is not others. Our competition is ourselves. We have to overcome our own carnal nature and achieve the required level of righteousness and humility, if we are to win the race we are in.
Today it is the same for us as them. It is a question whether we will keep His commandments. It would be incredible to think that anyone would rule and reign with Messiah that did not observe His commandments. One cannot teach others if they do not know the rules of life. He warned us of this simple fact in Matityahu 5:19.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Many may disregard this. It is a test for us, who are we going to believe the clear word of Yeshua or someone who came along later with some explanation that took away from the word. You will not lose salvation based on Matityahu 5:19, but you will not rule and reign. This is the time of testing, tomorrow will be too late.
Every Word
Every Word
Devarim 8:3
3 And He humbled you, and allowed (raev) you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that He might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every that proceeds out of the mouth of Yehovah does man live.
During the 40 years in the wilderness, the Children of Yisrael were fed Manna. Manna is the Hebrew word מָן man (H4478). It is in the Bible 14 times and is always translated manna. It is from the Hebrew word מָה mah (H4100).
מָה mah (H4100) is in the Bible 923 times. It is translated a variety words. It refers to the interrogative what? (Including how? why? when?); but also, exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various adverbial or conjunctive senses.
מָן man (H4478) means literally, a whatness, so to speak, i.e., manna. It is so called from the question about it. From this, one can understand that manna was nothing special. However, whatever it was; it contained the necessary nutrients to keep the Children of Yisrael strong, Tehilla 78:24-25.
24 And had rained down manna (man) upon them to eat, and had given them of the grain (dagan) of heaven. 25 Man did eat mighty (abbiyr) bread (lechem). He sent them provisions (tzeydah) to the full.
Whatever manna was it was not exciting. This was done to see what the people would focus on. The food they ate physically or the food of the Spirit they should have eaten. In the case of the First Generation, they focused more on the food of the body rather than the spiritual food of life.
For us, it will always be a question. When faced with Hebrews 13:8.
8 Yeshua Messiah the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
We have got to ask ourselves, is He the same from the beginning of Scriptures or the same as the traditions of the fathers we were taught? This can be answered with Hebrews 13:9.
9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Today many are carried away with strange and diverse doctrines that fill their bellies and not their Spirit. Today we are going through a test. It can be summed up with Shemos 23:2.
2 You shall not follow a multitude to evil; neither shall you speak in a cause to decline after many to pervert justice.
It will always be a question, do we follow truth or are we following the path of least resistance? It only seems to be the path of least resistance, because it is the seen path of life. Our spiritual eyes and ears need to be opened to His ways. We need to learn to see the unseen path back to Him.
Devarim 8:4
4 Your raiment waxed not old upon you, neither did your foot swell, these forty years.
If we focus on the word rather than everything else, our basic needs will always be met and then some. As is was true for those in the wilderness, it is true for us Matityahu 6:33.
33 But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
Although He will provide for us if we seek the Kingdom of God, we have a tendency to worry about all these basic things. If we worry too much we will not have time to seek the Kingdom. It is always a choice. Do we trust Him at His word or do we fret about the very things He says He will take care of for us.
If we fret, we will never mature and reign with Him. He does not want us to worry, because He wants us to do His work. If we would do that, He will take care of everything else.
Bring us to Righteousness
Bring us to Righteousness
Devarim 8:5
5 You shall also consider in your heart, that, as a man chastens his son, Yehovah your God chastens you.
This is an important concept that we need to absorb. Normally our parents do not chasten or discipline us for sheer pleasure. They do it with a purpose in mind. They discipline us to bring us back on the correct path. This is very true of Yehovah too.
There is a similar statement to Devarim 8:5 in the Beriyt Chadasha, Hebrews 12:7.
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not?
If you are under this false impression that God does not chasten or discipline us because of salvation, you need to think again. Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 11:30-32.
30 For this cause many weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
A variety of things can happen to us if we do not walk as He would have us walk. The least of which is a shortened lifespan on this earth. The unfortunate result of this is, sometimes chastisement shows up in our children. This is why we are warned again and again, Devarim 4:40.
40 You shall keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong days upon the earth (adamah), which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you, for ever.
If we do not keep the statutes and commandment, it will not go well for us or our children.
It is not so much that we understand that there is chastisement, it is more important that we understand why and its purpose. God does not chastise us simply because we violate the statutes and commandment, there is more to it than that. It is attempting to drive us to achieve a particular behavior. For everything that God does, there is a purpose, Qohelet 3:1.
1 To every a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
As with chastisement, there is a purpose, Hebrews 12:11.
11 Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous. Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them which are exercised thereby.
The chastening is to drive us to righteousness. This is why Moshe tells us next.
Devarim 8:6
6 Therefore you shall keep the commandments of Yehovah your God, to walk in His ways, and to fear Him.
We can easily avoid chastisement by keeping His commandments, walking in His ways and fearing Him above all others. None of this is a mystery. It is all laid out in Scriptures numerous times. All we need to do is spend time in the Word. However, that may be the real problem.
Few of us were raised in a home where reading the Bible for understanding was taught. Many times, we are taught to read the Bible to understand the traditions of the fathers. That will never bring us back to His path of righteousness, that only results in more chastisement.
We need to put off traditions and the interpretations of others and open ourselves up to His light. This comes through Ephesians 1:17-19.
17 That the God of our Lord Yeshua Messiah, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (epignosis) of Him. 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (kratos),
We need His light to bring us back to the simplicity of the truth. From there, a whole new world will open up to us.
First and Foremost
First and Foremost
Devarim 8:7-9
7 For Yehovah your God brings you into a good land, a land of rivers (nachal) of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and mountains; 8 a land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; 9 a land wherein you shall eat bread without scarceness, you shall not lack any in it; a land whose stones iron, and out of whose mountains you may dig copper (nechoshet).
Copper (formerly brass) comes from the Hebrew word נְחשֶׁת nechoshet (H5178). It is in the Bible 141 times. נְחשֶׁת nechoshet (H5178) is translated brass 103 times, brasen 28 times, fetters 4 times, chain 3 times, copper 1 time, filthiness 1 time and steel 1 time. It is unclear what this metal is; however, brass did not come into use until 500 B.C. Bronze came into use around 3000 BC. The fact that it is found in the mountains, it is unlikely that נְחשֶׁת nechoshet (H5178) refers to bronze or brass. These are both copper alloys. It is more than likely that copper is being taken from the mountains. Therefore, נְחשֶׁת nechoshet (H5178) should be rendered copper.
This seems to be the only place that discusses the metal in the mountains.
When God was about to bring the Children of Yisrael in the land, there were a number of benefits. It was not just any land. It was a good land with plenty of natural resources. It was a fertile land that would produce an overabundance for the Children of Yisrael. They would never have to concern themselves with scarceness. The mountains would be filled with metals that could be formed into tools of various types. Yehovah was bringing them into a good.
Along with this there is a reminder.
Devarim 8:10
10 When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless Yehovah your Redeemer for the good land which he has given you.
While we are enjoying all the many blessings that Yehovah has bestowed upon us, we should not forget to bless Him. There are many things we should do, for instance Mishlei 3:9.
9 Honor Yehovah with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.
So many think this is about money. Which is partially true, but there is so much more than that. When we give our firstfruits, we are giving the best and the first of all things. We should not only do this with money, but with our time and attention.
We should never just fit time in with God. It should be our focus throughout the day. We should remember Him in all we do. This should be regardless of our circumstances. If we find ourselves always in a bind, there is probably a relationship between whether God gets our firstfruits or our leftovers.
In all we do, we should place Him first and foremost above all things.
Do Not Forget
Do Not Forget
Devarim 8:11
11 Beware that you forget not Yehovah your God, in not keeping His commandments, and His judgments, and His statutes, which I command you this day.
This is probably one of the most important things we need to keep in mind. We can never stop doing what got us to where we are today. Many work so that someday they can retire and relax. You may be able to do that in the world. However, in the Kingdom of God, one can never stop doing those things that brought them into the Kingdom. You may modify them as you grow in the newness of the Spirit. However, we can never stop observing His commandments, judgments and statutes. Honestly why would you want to?
If we can choose to quit observing the commandments, judgments and statutes, then we are merely doing them out of obligation. We should do them because we need to do them to survive. It should be similar to breathing. If we stop breathing, we will die. If we stop observing His ways, it should be as if a part of us is dying. We must never forget Him or what He has told us to do. We should see the commandments, statutes and judgments as the very air we breath. It must be an involuntary response to do them.
Devarim 8:12-14
12 Lest you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses, and dwelt; 13 and your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget Yehovah your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Mitzrayim, from the house of bondage;
No matter what may happen in life whether good or bad, we must never allow our hearts to be lifted up. There was a king who reigned longer than most kings, 2 Divre Hayyamim 26:3-4.
3 Sixteen years son Uzziyyahu when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Yerushalayim. His mother’s name also Yekholya of Yerushalayim. 4 And he did upright (yashar) in the eyes of Yehovah, according to all that his father Amatzyahu did.
Early in Uzziyyahu life, he sought God and the counsel of others, 2 Divre Hayyamim 26:5.
5 And he sought Redeemer in the days of Zekharyahu, who had understanding in the visions of Redeemer. And as long as he sought Yehovah, Redeemer made him to prosper.
As long as Uzziyyahu pursued God, he prospered. Then one day something changed, 2 Divre Hayyamim 26:15-16.
15 And he made in Yerushalayim engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, until he was strong (chazaq). 16 But when he was strong (chezqah), his heart was lifted up to destruction. For he transgressed against Yehovah his Redeemer, and went into the Temple of Yehovah to burn incense upon the altar of incense.
As long as Uzziyyahu was humble and looked to Yehovah as his strength, he prospered. When Uzziyyahu forgot where his strength came from, things started to erode for him. He must have thought he was invincible, because he entered a part of the Temple he was not supposed to. The priest went to stop Uzziyyahu, but for Uzziyyahu it was too late, 2 Divre Hayyamim 26:19-21.
19 Then Uzziyyahu was wroth, and a censer in his hand to burn incense. And while he was wroth with the priests, the tzaraas even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of Yehovah, from beside the incense altar. 20 And Azaryahu the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he tzara in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yes, himself hasted also to go out, because Yehovah had smitten him. 21 And Uzziyyahu the king was a tzara to the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, a tzara; for he was cut off from the house of Yehovah. And Yotam his son over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.
We may not get tzara as Uzziyyahu did. But nevertheless, if we forget who brought us to where we are and our hearts start to be lifted up, there can be severe consequences. Least of which, we find ourselves on a road traveling away from the home we originally desired.
Devarim 8:15-16
15 Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint; 16 Who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers knew not, that He might humble you, and that He might prove you, to do you good at your latter end;
Note that the only other time serpents and scorpions are mentioned in the same verse is in Luke 10:19.
19 Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
So many of us look at life as short dashes. We are just trying to make it to the next watering hole. That is a mistake. Our lives are a long walk. It is filled with various challenges. Some are minor and others will bring us to the ground. At no point, does God expect us to go through these challenges alone. God and the body of believers are available to help. However, if we have spent too much time wandering from these, going our own way; we may find it difficult to flow with God and a body of believers and find the help as timely.
Power to Get Wealth
Power to Get Wealth
Devarim 8:17
17 And you say in your heart, My power and the might of hand has gotten me this wealth.
Make no mistake, outside of God no wealth or power is of much value, Qohelet 6:1-2.
1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it common among men (adam). 2 A man to whom Redeemer has given riches, wealth, and honor, so that he wants nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet Redeemer gives him not power (shalat) to eat thereof, but a stranger eats it. This vanity, and it an evil disease.
There are many wealthy today as there has always been. Their lives in many ways are no better than the average person’s. Wealth or influence does not necessarily bring a life of fulfillment and peace. Many who have wealth and power are never at rest. Mainly because they did not obtain it through Yehovah.
Devarim 8:18
18 But you shall remember Yehovah your God. For He that gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as this day.
If we always look to Yehovah as our source, we will be able to enjoy what He has granted us, Qohelet 5:18-20.
18 Behold which I have seen, good and comely to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he takes under the sun all the days of his life, which the Redeemer gives him. For it his portion. 19 Every man (adam) also to whom the Redeemer has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this the gift of Redeemer. 20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because the Redeemer answers in the joy of his heart.
The ability to enjoy life regardless of our wealth is better than all the wealth of the world. Even better is Philippians 4:11-13.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Messiah which strengthen me.
And 1 Timothy 6:6-8.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into world, certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
With God as our source, we can live a life better with little than those who do not have God and are wealthy. Walking with God give us the ability to be content at all times. It was His power that brought it in the past and it will be there in the future regardless of the world’s economy.
Devarim 8:19-20
19 And it shall be, if you do at all forget Yehovah your Redeemer, and walk after other redeemers, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which Yehovah destroys before your face, so shall you perish; because you would not be obedient to the voice of Yehovah your Redeemer.
When we neglect to keep in remembrance how we got to where we are, we will soon be worse off than those around us.
The answer to all our concerns is Matityahu 6:33.
33 But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
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