Deuteronomy 8:2

Translations

Modern

Remember 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.

Traditional

And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Literal

And you shall remember the whole way that YHWH your God led you this forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

Latin

Et recordaberis cuncti itineris, per quod adduxit te Dominus Deus tuus quadraginta annis per desertum, ut affligeret te, atque tentaret, et nota fierent quæ in tuo animo versabantur, utrum custodires mandata illius, an non.

Original

Hebrew

English

Remember 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.

Notes

Deuteronomy 8:2

to know what was in your heart: God already knew the deepest thoughts of the Israelites (Psalms 51:6; 139:1, 4, 23). He did not need to learn new information. Instead, he wanted their true character to be shown by their actions.
in order to know … whether or not: The Old Testament often describes God in human ways. This is called anthropomorphism (speaking about God as if he has human qualities) and anthropopathism (speaking about God as if he has human emotions). These ways of speaking help people understand God better.
However, God is not limited like humans. He is not limited in knowledge, power, or greatness. In this verse, God is described as if he needed to learn the future. But other passages teach that God knows everything. God knows the past, present, and future (Psalm 139:1–18; Hebrews 4:13).

Deuteronomy 8:1–20

After Israel settled in the land, they might begin to think that their success came from their own strength and skill. This is a common human tendency.

Moses warned them not to become proud or congratulate themselves. They must remember that God alone gives prosperity and success. All that they achieve comes from him.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Remember Him

Related verses

James 1:3
…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Exodus 16:4
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.
Deuteronomy 8:16
He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.
1 Peter 1:7
…so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Deuteronomy 2:7
Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you these forty years, and you have lacked nothing.
1 Peter 5:5–6
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Exodus 15:25
And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,
Malachi 3:2–3
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap.
John 2:25
He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.
James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
2 Chronicles 32:31
And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart.
Deuteronomy 29:5
For forty years I led you in the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out.

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Design of Afflictions Made Beneficial in Trying Our Faith and Obedience Blessing: Temporal, from God Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Continued Forty Years: To Prove and Humble Them Obedience: Enjoined Remembering Temptation: A Test The Providence of God is Exercised in Leading Saints

Deuteronomy 8:2

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