Deuteronomy 8:2
Verse
Context
Remember the LORD Your God
1You must carefully follow every commandment I am giving you today, so that you may live and multiply, and enter and possess the land that the LORD swore to give your fathers.2Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness--The recapitulation of all their checkered experience during that long period was designed to awaken lively impressions of the goodness of God. First, Moses showed them the object of their protracted wanderings and varied hardships. These were trials of their obedience as well as chastisements for sin. Indeed, the discovery of their infidelity, inconstancy, and their rebellions and perverseness which this varied discipline brought to light, was of eminently practical use to the Israelites themselves, as it has been to the church in all subsequent ages. Next, he enlarged on the goodness of God to them, while reduced to the last extremities of despair, in the miraculous provision which, without anxiety or labor, was made for their daily support (see on Exo 16:4). Possessing no nutritious properties inherent in it, this contributed to their sustenance, as indeed all food does (Mat 4:4) solely through the ordinance and blessing of God. This remark is applicable to the means of spiritual as well as natural life.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness,.... For this was now the fortieth year of their coming out of Egypt into the wilderness, into which they quickly came after their departure from thence, and had been in one wilderness or another ever since, in which God went before them in a pillar of cloud and fire, and directed their way; and now they are called upon to remember all the occurrences in the way, what favours and mercies had been bestowed upon them, what provisions had been made for them, what enemies they had been delivered from or overcome, as well as what afflictions and chastisements had attended them: and so the people of God should call to mind how they were brought to see their wilderness state and condition by nature; how they were brought out of it, and stopped in their career of sin, and turned from their evil ways, and led to Christ; what gracious promises have been made to them; what light has been afforded them; what communion they have had with God; what pleasure in his ordinances; what food they have been fed with; what temptations have befallen them, and how delivered out of them; and what afflictions have been laid upon them, and how supported under them, and freed from them: to humble thee; under the mighty hand of God, to bring down the pride of their hearts and hide it from them; to lay them low in their own eyes, and clothe them with humility, that the Lord alone might be exalted: and to prove thee; whether they would be obedient to his laws, or how they would behave towards him both in prosperity and adversity, and to try their graces, their faith and patience, fear and love: to know what was in thine heart; that is, to make it known to themselves and others; for God knew all that was in it, the wickedness of it, the unbelief, rebellion, and frowardness of it, and needed not any ways and means to get into the knowledge of it; see Ch2 32:31, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments or no; which they had in such a solemn manner promised to do; Deu 5:27.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:2 to prove your character (literally to know what is in your heart): God already knew the Israelites’ innermost thoughts (Pss 51:6; 139:1, 4, 23); he wanted their character to come out in their actions. • to find out whether: The Old Testament often describes God in human terms, even in ways that appear to limit God. Anthropomorphism (assigning human characteristics to God) and anthropopathism (assigning human feelings or emotions to God) are ways of representing God on a human level so the human mind can better grasp his ways, but God is not limited in his knowledge, power, or transcendence. Here, God is figuratively described as having only a human knowledge of the future, but other passages make it clear that God knows everything—past, present, and future (Ps 139:1-18; Heb 4:13).
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember the LORD Your God
1You must carefully follow every commandment I am giving you today, so that you may live and multiply, and enter and possess the land that the LORD swore to give your fathers.2Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christian Revolution
By Alan Redpath3.6K50:06RevolutionEXO 20:2DEU 8:2MAT 4:4MAT 5:17MAT 6:33JHN 10:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of the message of the living Christ in today's world. He highlights the current state of revolt and unrest in various countries and emphasizes that the message of Jesus is the only answer to the problems of humanity. The preacher expresses gratitude for knowing the Lord Jesus and urges others to awaken their conscience to the truth. He also discusses the moral vacuum that exists in society, where the word of God and the Ten Commandments have been eliminated. The preacher concludes by emphasizing that the gospel is not an easy escape from reality, but rather God's plan to fulfill His law in the lives of believers.
Remember!
By Basilea Schlink1.1K04:35Radio ShowDEU 8:21CH 16:34PSA 23:1PSA 100:4PSA 136:1MAT 6:33PHP 4:19In this sermon, Basilea Schlink emphasizes the importance of remembering and thanking God for his provision and miracles in our lives. She shares personal experiences of how God has always stepped in and provided everything needed, even in the last minute. Schlink encourages setting aside specific times, such as birthdays or the end of the year, to remember and give thanks to God. She highlights that through remembering, our faith is strengthened and we experience more of God's help and miracles. The sermon also references God's command to the Israelites to remember his mighty deeds and set up memorials as a testimony to his love.
God Wants Brokenness (Clip)
By Ian Robson74807:10DEU 8:2PSA 51:17PRO 22:4MAT 23:121CO 1:27PHP 2:3HEB 12:11JAS 1:2JAS 4:101PE 5:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility in our spiritual journey, highlighting how God uses various circumstances and relationships to break and humble us. It stresses the need for brokenness rather than self-sufficiency, illustrating that God desires humble hearts that are willing to yield to His work. The speaker shares personal experiences of being humbled by God's leading and encourages the congregation to embrace humility, recognizing that God tests us to reveal what is truly in our hearts and to see if we will obey His commandments.
Knowing God's Ways - Part 6
By Walter Beuttler71640:40Knowing GodEXO 16:2NUM 14:2DEU 8:2DEU 8:15PSA 23:4MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ways and not losing faith in difficult times. The preacher mentions the perils of unbelief and rebellion against God's sovereignty. He also highlights the need for insight into God's ways to withstand criticism and confusion from others. The sermon encourages listeners to seek God's guidance and trust in His plan, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
God's Purpose and Plan
By Francois Carr63455:08EXO 3:8EXO 3:10DEU 6:23DEU 8:2JOS 1:8ISA 43:18ACT 17:302PE 3:9This sermon emphasizes the journey of Moses from Egypt to the promised land, highlighting the importance of living in God's perfect will and not getting stuck in the wilderness or Egypt. It challenges listeners to assess where they are living spiritually and to consider the spiritual location of their family members. The message encourages moving from a place of struggle and defeat to a place of rest, victory, and constant growth in Christlikeness.
Last Things Last
By A.W. Pink0Spiritual PrioritiesEschatologyDEU 8:2DEU 32:29MAT 6:331CO 11:3COL 3:21TI 2:112TI 2:15HEB 5:121PE 3:6REV 1:3A.W. Pink emphasizes the importance of prioritizing 'last things' in our lives, warning against the human tendency to procrastinate on matters of eternal significance, such as preparing for death and meeting God. He reflects on the need for a solemn review of the past year, urging believers to recognize God's guidance and grace while acknowledging their shortcomings. Pink critiques the modern church's focus on sensationalism and prophecy at the expense of foundational teachings, arguing that young converts should first develop their character in Christ before delving into eschatology. He warns that the inversion of divine order leads to spiritual incompetence and distracts believers from their true purpose. Ultimately, Pink calls for a return to the essentials of faith, urging that 'last things' should be addressed only after mastering the foundational truths of Scripture.
Deuteronomy 8:2
By Chuck Smith0God's GuidanceHumility and DependencyDEU 8:2DEU 8:7PRO 16:18MAT 4:4ROM 8:281CO 10:12PHP 4:19HEB 12:1JAS 4:61PE 5:5Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past guidance and provision as the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land. He highlights that God leads us through both difficult and prosperous times to teach us humility and dependency on Him. Smith encourages believers to reflect on their own lives, recognizing that trials reveal hidden areas of our hearts and that true sustenance comes from God alone. He warns against the dangers of pride and self-satisfaction, urging a forward look filled with hope while remaining vigilant in times of prosperity.
Some Deep Considerations Concerning the State of Israel
By Isaac Penington0GEN 22:2DEU 8:22CH 32:31PRO 17:3MAT 6:13LUK 4:131CO 10:13HEB 11:17JAS 1:21PE 4:12Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of being tested, highlighting that testing can be for good or evil depending on the intent of the tester and the response of the one being tested. The sermon explores the continuous testing of faith as seen in Hebrews 11:17 with Abraham's obedience to God's command regarding Isaac. It emphasizes that trials can have beneficial purposes, be divinely permitted, or lead to temptation, and can come from God, Satan, or our own actions. The sermon also distinguishes between being tempted and being tried, noting that God tests to bring out the best in us, while Satan tempts to bring out the worst.
Self-Knowledge Deuteronomy 8
By John Nelson Darby0Communion with GodSelf-KnowledgeDEU 8:2John Nelson Darby emphasizes the necessity of self-knowledge and communion with God, illustrating how God leads His people through trials to reveal their hearts and draw them closer to Him. He reflects on the importance of being in tune with God's heart, as true rest and satisfaction can only be found in Him, not in the world. Darby encourages believers to allow God to search their hearts and to recognize their dependence on Him, highlighting that self-judgment leads to joy in God. He reminds us that through God's love and discipline, we can achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves and a more profound relationship with Him. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart fully surrendered to God, fostering peace and fellowship with Him.
From the Wilderness to the Land
By T. Austin-Sparks0Faith and Trust in GodSpiritual GrowthDEU 1:2DEU 8:2JOB 22:24MRK 10:45JHN 15:16PHP 3:12HEB 3:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the journey from the wilderness to the promised land, illustrating the spiritual distance between Christians and Christ. He explains that the forty years in the wilderness were necessary for the Israelites to learn the profound difference between their nature and the nature of Christ, which is a lifelong lesson of brokenness and surrender. Sparks highlights that true spiritual progress requires a transformation of mindset and a deep reliance on God, rather than on our own efforts. He calls for believers to recognize their need for spiritual stature and maturity, as God prepares them for future challenges. Ultimately, the sermon encourages a deeper understanding of faith and the necessity of Christ's work in our lives.
Tried by Fire
By A.W. Pink0Divine TestingSpiritual GrowthDEU 8:2JOB 23:10PSA 138:8PRO 17:3JHN 14:6ROM 14:12PHP 1:6JAS 1:121PE 1:61PE 4:12A.W. Pink's sermon 'Tried by Fire' explores Job's journey through suffering and his ultimate faith in God's omniscience and purpose. Job initially expresses bitterness over his trials but quickly corrects himself, finding comfort in the knowledge that God knows his path and will refine him through testing. Pink emphasizes that divine testing is a necessary part of the Christian experience, leading to spiritual growth and eventual glory. He reassures believers that, despite their struggles, they will emerge from trials as refined gold, reflecting God's image. The sermon encourages Christians to trust in God's plan and to view their afflictions as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.
The Believer's Review of His Christian State
By Thomas Reade0DEU 8:21SA 16:7PSA 23:5PSA 51:10MAT 12:36ROM 7:241CO 10:31GAL 5:6JAS 2:26Thomas Reade preaches on the believer's review of their Christian state, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on one's faith journey, acknowledging both blessings and trials as opportunities for growth and dependence on God. The sermon delves into the experiences of true believers who long for holiness, struggle with indwelling sin, and find solace in Christ's grace and power. It highlights the need for self-examination, genuine faith, and love for Christ as the foundation of Christian actions and conversations, urging believers to seek continual growth in faith, love, and obedience.
Count Your Blessings
By Mary Wilder Tileston0DEU 8:2PSA 107:1PHP 4:61TH 5:18JAS 1:17Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of remembering the way in which the Lord has led us, emphasizing the need for gratitude and thankfulness for the blessings that remain despite the challenges faced. She highlights the significance of counting our mercies rather than our trials, rejoicing in God's gifts, and maintaining a bright and happy soul that finds reasons for thankfulness and gladness in everything, even in times of sickness, bereavement, and death.
Forward
By Robert Ellis0DEU 8:2PSA 77:10PSA 85:6ECC 3:1ISA 43:18JOL 2:25MAL 3:61CO 11:24HEB 13:8REV 21:5Robert Ellis delivers a sermon reflecting on the decline of Christianity in the country, noting dwindling church attendance and a shift towards secular activities. Despite the bleak outlook, Ellis finds hope in the signs of a coming spiritual renewal, likening it to the arrival of spring after winter. Drawing parallels to past revivals, he emphasizes the cyclical nature of religious seasons and the importance of remembering God's past wonders to uplift the spirits of believers facing challenges.
The Distance of Difference
By T. Austin-Sparks0Dying To SelfSpiritual TransformationDEU 1:2DEU 8:2JOB 22:24JHN 15:161CO 1:17GAL 2:11PHP 3:12HEB 3:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significant spiritual journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea, illustrating how the eleven-day journey turned into forty years due to the 'distance of difference' between God and His people. He explains that this distance is not merely geographical but reflects the profound gap between the spirituality of Christ and the fleshly nature of humanity. The sermon highlights the necessity of dying to self and the importance of understanding that true Christianity requires a transformation of the mind and spirit, rather than just a transfer of our natural abilities to serve God. Sparks urges believers to recognize that spiritual progress is contingent upon yielding to God's work in our lives, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with Christ. He concludes by calling for a heart that is open to the Spirit's transformative work, bridging the gap between ourselves and Christ.
The Faithfulness of God Seen in His Ways With Balaam
By John Nelson Darby0Trust in God's GraceGod's FaithfulnessNUM 23:19DEU 8:2ZEC 3:4John Nelson Darby emphasizes the faithfulness of God as seen in His dealings with Balaam and Israel, illustrating how the enemy seeks to hinder God's people from entering the promised land. Despite Israel's rebellion and shortcomings, God remains committed to His promises, demonstrating that His grace prevails over human failure. The sermon highlights the importance of faith in recognizing God's unwavering support and the futility of the enemy's attempts to curse what God has blessed. Darby reassures believers that God's judgment is based on their standing in Christ, not their failures, and encourages them to trust in God's mercy and grace.
The Believer's Path to Glory
By Thomas Reade0DEU 8:2PSA 23:4PSA 119:67JHN 10:27ACT 14:222CO 4:17PHP 1:6HEB 12:61PE 1:61PE 5:10Thomas Reade preaches about the believer's path to glory, emphasizing the necessity of going through trials to enter the kingdom of God. He reflects on the importance of being guided by God, who knows what is best for us and promises to work all things for our good. Reade highlights the need for humility, thankfulness, contentment, and dependence on God, as well as the significance of learning from past experiences and looking forward with faith and hope. He encourages believers to trust in God's chastisements, which aim to mold our hearts into submission and holiness, ultimately leading us on the path to glory through faith, love, and obedience.
Hope and Comfort Usually Follow Genuine Humiliation and Repentance
By Jonathan Edwards0EXO 14:14DEU 8:2JOB 33:16JOB 42:6PSA 30:5PSA 51:17PSA 97:11ISA 54:7ISA 61:7HOS 2:152CO 7:11Jonathan Edwards preaches about the process of finding hope and comfort after genuine humiliation and repentance. He explains how God brings His people into the wilderness of trouble and distress to humble them, leading to a deeper reliance on Christ for comfort. Edwards emphasizes the importance of slaying sin, acknowledging one's helplessness, and valuing the restoration of hope and comfort as a work of divine power and grace. He illustrates how trouble and humbling prepare the heart to acknowledge God's mercy and to avoid self-reliance, ensuring that hope and comfort are attributed to God's work and not human efforts.
Gather Up the Fragments, That Nothing Be Lost.
By Phoebe Palmer0DEU 8:2PSA 119:105ISA 41:10ISA 55:32CO 10:12Phoebe Palmer preaches about the journey of faith and the struggles of uncertainty and spiritual depression along the way. She reflects on the importance of seeking God's guidance through His word and not comparing one's spiritual journey to others'. Despite moments of doubt and temptation, she emphasizes the need to believe in God's promises and trust in His faithfulness, even when faced with challenges and unanswered questions.
Remember the Way
By J.R. Miller0God's GuidanceGratitudeDEU 8:2PSA 77:11J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of remembering the ways in which God has led us throughout the year, highlighting that memory enriches our lives and allows us to learn from our experiences. He encourages believers to reflect on God's guidance, acknowledging that while divine leading is a privilege, it requires our submission and willingness to follow. Miller points out that God's path may include both joy and trials, but ultimately, it is always good. He urges us to cultivate gratitude rather than complaint, recognizing the blessings and love that accompany us daily. As we close the year, we should remember to praise God for His faithfulness and mercy in our lives.
The Matter Cleared Up!
By James Smith0DEU 8:2JOB 5:17PSA 25:9PSA 147:6PRO 3:5PRO 22:4ISA 66:2HEB 12:11JAS 4:101PE 5:6James Smith preaches about the purpose of trials and tribulations in humbling believers, emphasizing the need to submit to God's will and depend on Him completely. He explains that God uses various challenges like poverty, sickness, opposition, and hidden corruptions to humble us, leading us to acknowledge our need for God's grace and mercy. The sermon highlights the importance of looking to God for everything, ascribing all glory to Him, and surrendering our will to His sovereignty. James Smith encourages believers to embrace humility, trust in God's provision, and accept His correction with a humble heart.
Son, Remember
By D.L. Moody0RemembranceConfession of SinsEXO 13:3DEU 8:2PSA 77:11ISA 46:9LUK 17:321CO 11:24PHP 3:13HEB 10:17JAS 4:17REV 3:3D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of remembrance in his sermon 'Son, Remember,' recounting his near-death experiences that brought his life memories rushing back. He reflects on how all forgotten things will eventually resurface, urging listeners to remember their sins and confess them before it's too late. Moody highlights biblical examples, such as Christ's warning to remember Lot's wife and God's reminders to the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt, stressing that forgetting God's goodness can lead to dire consequences. The sermon serves as a call to acknowledge and reflect on one's life and relationship with God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness--The recapitulation of all their checkered experience during that long period was designed to awaken lively impressions of the goodness of God. First, Moses showed them the object of their protracted wanderings and varied hardships. These were trials of their obedience as well as chastisements for sin. Indeed, the discovery of their infidelity, inconstancy, and their rebellions and perverseness which this varied discipline brought to light, was of eminently practical use to the Israelites themselves, as it has been to the church in all subsequent ages. Next, he enlarged on the goodness of God to them, while reduced to the last extremities of despair, in the miraculous provision which, without anxiety or labor, was made for their daily support (see on Exo 16:4). Possessing no nutritious properties inherent in it, this contributed to their sustenance, as indeed all food does (Mat 4:4) solely through the ordinance and blessing of God. This remark is applicable to the means of spiritual as well as natural life.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness,.... For this was now the fortieth year of their coming out of Egypt into the wilderness, into which they quickly came after their departure from thence, and had been in one wilderness or another ever since, in which God went before them in a pillar of cloud and fire, and directed their way; and now they are called upon to remember all the occurrences in the way, what favours and mercies had been bestowed upon them, what provisions had been made for them, what enemies they had been delivered from or overcome, as well as what afflictions and chastisements had attended them: and so the people of God should call to mind how they were brought to see their wilderness state and condition by nature; how they were brought out of it, and stopped in their career of sin, and turned from their evil ways, and led to Christ; what gracious promises have been made to them; what light has been afforded them; what communion they have had with God; what pleasure in his ordinances; what food they have been fed with; what temptations have befallen them, and how delivered out of them; and what afflictions have been laid upon them, and how supported under them, and freed from them: to humble thee; under the mighty hand of God, to bring down the pride of their hearts and hide it from them; to lay them low in their own eyes, and clothe them with humility, that the Lord alone might be exalted: and to prove thee; whether they would be obedient to his laws, or how they would behave towards him both in prosperity and adversity, and to try their graces, their faith and patience, fear and love: to know what was in thine heart; that is, to make it known to themselves and others; for God knew all that was in it, the wickedness of it, the unbelief, rebellion, and frowardness of it, and needed not any ways and means to get into the knowledge of it; see Ch2 32:31, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments or no; which they had in such a solemn manner promised to do; Deu 5:27.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:2 to prove your character (literally to know what is in your heart): God already knew the Israelites’ innermost thoughts (Pss 51:6; 139:1, 4, 23); he wanted their character to come out in their actions. • to find out whether: The Old Testament often describes God in human terms, even in ways that appear to limit God. Anthropomorphism (assigning human characteristics to God) and anthropopathism (assigning human feelings or emotions to God) are ways of representing God on a human level so the human mind can better grasp his ways, but God is not limited in his knowledge, power, or transcendence. Here, God is figuratively described as having only a human knowledge of the future, but other passages make it clear that God knows everything—past, present, and future (Ps 139:1-18; Heb 4:13).