“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), written by Moses as a recounting of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of their experiences in the wilderness and the lessons God intended for them to learn.
Humbled and Suffered to Hunger:Moses starts by reminding the Israelites how God humbled them and allowed them to experience hunger during their time in the wilderness. This refers to the period of 40 years when the Israelites were wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. God used these circumstances to teach them important lessons and reveal His character.
Fed with Manna:During their time in the wilderness, God provided the Israelites with manna, a supernatural food, to sustain them. Manna was a daily miracle, appearing each morning on the ground and providing nourishment for the entire community. By providing for their physical needs in this miraculous way, God demonstrated His faithfulness and care for His people.
The Purpose of Manna:Moses explains that the purpose of God’s provision of manna was not only to satisfy their physical hunger but also to teach them a spiritual lesson. The Israelites had to learn that human existence is not merely sustained by physical bread or food but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. This teaches them that their dependence should not solely be on material provisions but on the guidance and instruction that God provides through His Word.
Spiritual Nourishment:The verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual nourishment in the life of a believer. While physical food is necessary for our bodies, it is equally crucial to be fed spiritually by the Word of God. This concept reflects Jesus’ later statement in the New Testament: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The Bible, the Word of God, is vital for our spiritual sustenance and growth.
Lessons for Believers:The verse serves as a reminder to believers today that our physical needs are provided for by God, and He is faithful to sustain us. However, it also challenges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being. We should seek God’s Word, meditate on it, and allow it to guide and shape our lives. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that comes from walking in obedience to God’s instructions.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 8:3 reminds us of the Israelites’ experience in the wilderness and the lessons they learned through God’s provision of manna. It emphasizes the significance of relying on God’s Word for our spiritual nourishment and understanding that true life is not sustained by physical bread alone but by every word that proceeds from God.
