“And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm.”
Historical Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which contains the laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. The book of Deuteronomy is set during the time of the Israelites’ wanderings in the wilderness, just before they enter the Promised Land.
The Setting of Deuteronomy 11:In this chapter, Moses is addressing the Israelites and reminding them of God’s covenant, His commandments, and the importance of obedience as they prepare to enter the land flowing with milk and honey. He urges them to love and serve the Lord with all their heart and soul.
Understanding Deuteronomy 11:2:In this verse, Moses emphasizes the significance of the present generation knowing and remembering the works of the Lord. He differentiates between the current generation and their children who had not experienced the firsthand account of the Lord’s deliverance and judgment. The children referred to here are those who were born during the wilderness journey, who did not witness the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the other miraculous events that their parents had witnessed.
Lessons and Applications:
- Remembrance of God’s Works:Moses wants the present generation to remember and reflect upon the chastisement or discipline of the Lord, along with His greatness, mighty hand, and stretched out arm. This implies the importance of recalling God’s faithfulness, provision, and miraculous interventions in our lives. It is crucial to remember God’s acts of deliverance, guidance, and discipline throughout history and personal experiences.
- Passing Down the Faith:Moses highlights the responsibility of the present generation to teach their children about God’s works and character. Each generation has the responsibility to pass on the knowledge of God and the lessons learned to the next. Parents, in particular, have a vital role in nurturing their children’s spiritual growth and ensuring that they know about the Lord’s faithfulness.
- Obedience and Faithfulness:The verse implies that knowing and remembering God’s works should lead to obedience and wholehearted service to Him. The Israelites were called to obey God’s commandments as a response to His faithfulness and the wonders He had performed on their behalf. Similarly, we are also called to live a life of obedience, gratitude, and devotion to God.
- Connection to the Gospel:Deuteronomy 11:2 reminds us of God’s deliverance and discipline in the lives of His people. In the New Testament, we see the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites were called to remember God’s works, we are called to remember Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. It is through faith in Christ that we experience forgiveness, deliverance from sin, and the promise of eternal life.
Remembering and reflecting on God’s works and character deepens our faith, strengthens our relationship with Him, and enables us to pass on the message of salvation to future generations.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 11:2 reminds us of the importance of knowing and remembering God’s works, passing down the faith to the next generation, living in obedience, and reflecting on our personal spiritual journey. It encourages us to appreciate God’s faithfulness and be faithful to Him in return.
