"He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye."
Context:The book of Deuteronomy contains Moses’ final addresses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32), he recounts the faithfulness of God towards His people and warns them about the consequences of turning away from Him.
"He found him in a desert land":This verse refers to God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. They were enslaved in a land of bondage and oppression, but God heard their cry and rescued them through miraculous signs and wonders, leading them out of Egypt and into the wilderness.
"In the waste howling wilderness":The wilderness was a barren and desolate place, characterised by harsh conditions and lack of provisions. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years due to their disobedience, yet God sustained them throughout this time, providing food (manna) and water (from the rock).
"He led him about, he instructed him":God guided and directed the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Additionally, God gave them the Law through Moses, providing them with instructions and commandments on how to live as His chosen people.
"He kept him as the apple of his eye":This phrase depicts the tender care and love that God has for His people. The "apple of the eye" refers to the pupil, which is a sensitive and vital part of the eye. God’s protection and watchful gaze over His people are compared to how we instinctively protect and value our own eyes.
Lessons from Deuteronomy 32:10:
- God seeks and finds us even in the most desolate situations. Just as He found the Israelites in the wilderness, God is always present, ready to rescue us from our spiritual wilderness or any challenging circumstances we may face.
- God instructs and teaches us. Through the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, God provides us with guidance, wisdom, and knowledge. We can seek His instruction and learn from His ways.
- God’s love and care for His people are unparalleled. The phrase "apple of His eye" reflects God’s intimate and protective relationship with His children. We are precious and cherished in His sight, and He watches over us with great affection.
- Even in the wilderness experiences of life, God sustains and provides. Just as God provided for the physical needs of the Israelites in the desert, He meets our needs and sustains us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We can trust Him to supply what we require.
- We should remain faithful to God’s guidance. The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion. We should heed God’s instructions, follow His lead, and remain faithful to Him, knowing that His ways are always right and beneficial for us.
Remember to read and study the surrounding verses and consult other translations or commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.
