“Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day.”
This verse is part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites as they were about to enter the promised land after their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. It serves as a reminder and a warning to the people, urging them to remember the Lord and to obey His commandments.
Historical Context:Before we delve into the verse itself, it’s helpful to understand the historical context. The book of Deuteronomy records Moses’ final instructions to the Israelites before they entered the land of Canaan. Moses reminded them of God’s faithfulness and recounted their journey in the wilderness. He stressed the importance of obeying God’s laws and warned against the dangers of forgetting Him and His commands.
Beware of Forgetting the Lord:The verse begins with the phrase, “Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God.” Here, Moses emphasizes the significance of remembering God and not letting Him slip from their minds. The Israelites had witnessed God’s miracles, provision, and guidance throughout their wilderness journey. However, there was a risk that once they settled in the promised land and enjoyed its abundance, they might forget the source of their blessings-the Lord.
Keeping His Commandments, Judgments, and Statutes:Moses further explains that not forgetting the Lord entails keeping His commandments, judgments, and statutes. These terms refer to God’s laws and regulations given to the Israelites through Moses. The commandments encompass the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), which form the foundation of moral and ethical behaviour. The judgments refer to the specific legal rulings and case laws that guided their societal conduct. The statutes encompass the broader regulations and principles given by God to shape their worship, daily life, and relationships.
Obedience and Relationship with God:The phrase “which I command thee this day” highlights the immediacy and importance of their obedience. God’s commandments were not to be taken lightly or disregarded. They were meant to be followed diligently, demonstrating the Israelites’ love for God and their commitment to their covenant relationship with Him.
Application for Believers Today:While Deuteronomy 8:11 was originally addressed to the Israelites, it carries broader spiritual implications for believers today. It reminds us to be mindful of not forgetting the Lord in the midst of our blessings, successes, or even trials. We should remember that all we have comes from God and maintain a posture of gratitude and obedience to His commands.
As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus Christ and keep His teachings (John 14:15). Our “commandments” include loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, as well as loving our neighbours as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). We should strive to live in obedience to God’s Word and seek to maintain a deep and intimate relationship with Him.
In summary, Deuteronomy 8:11 serves as a reminder to remember the Lord, obey His commandments, judgments, and statutes, and maintain a faithful relationship with Him. It encourages us to remain focused on God’s presence and guidance in our lives, regardless of our circumstances.
