Deuteronomy 8 Commentary

Moses commands Israel to carefully observe the whole commandment of God in order to live and multiply, and go in and possess the Promised Land.

Moses calls Israel to reflect on and carry lessons learned from the discipline and training they received in the wilderness experience in order to walk in God’s ways and to fear Him.

Moses urges Israel to bless and thank God when they live a life of material abundance in the Promised Land. He exhorts them to choose an attitude of gratitude.

Moses exhorts Israel not to forget that their wealth in Canaan is God’s provision for them, just as the manna of the wilderness has been. He exhorts them to remain grateful, and not fall in to being proud.

God’s objective in disciplining and training Israel was for their good. God was seeking their best interest. Now Moses warns Israel against the danger of not listening to the voice of their Suzerain (Ruler) God, the one from whom all blessings flow. Doing so would inevitably bring divine judgment on Israel, just as the original inhabitants of Canaan.