“And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament, attributed to Moses. It contains his farewell address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses is reminding the Israelites of God’s faithfulness and warning them against forgetting Him when they experience prosperity and abundance.
Gratitude and Remembrance:The verse begins by acknowledging the multiplication of material blessings such as herds, flocks, silver, and gold. The emphasis here is on the increase in wealth and possessions. Moses is cautioning the Israelites not to forget the source of their blessings-God Himself. It’s a reminder to express gratitude to God for His provision and to remember that all they have comes from Him.
Beware of Forgetting:The verse serves as a warning against the dangers of forgetfulness. Moses goes on to say in Deuteronomy 8:14 (KJV), “Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” The concern is that when people experience abundance and prosperity, their hearts may become proud, and they might lose sight of God’s deliverance and guidance.
God’s Faithfulness:The underlying message is that God is the one who provides for His people. He brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and provided for their needs. It is essential to acknowledge that God is the source of all blessings and not to attribute prosperity solely to our own efforts.
Application:This verse has several lessons that we can apply to our lives today. Firstly, it teaches us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and not to take God’s blessings for granted. We should recognize that everything we have is a gift from Him. Secondly, it reminds us to guard against pride and self-sufficiency when we experience success or material abundance. Instead, we should remain humble and dependent on God. Lastly, the verse encourages us to remember God’s faithfulness in times of prosperity and difficulty. We should not forget how God has delivered us and provided for us throughout our lives.
In summary, Deuteronomy 8:13 reminds us to be grateful for God’s blessings, to avoid forgetting Him in times of prosperity, and to remember His faithfulness. It encourages us to maintain a humble and grateful heart, acknowledging that all we have is ultimately from God.
