Deuteronomy 32:7

¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

Remember {H2142} the days {H3117} of old {H5769}, consider {H995} the years {H8141} of many {H1755} generations {H1755}: ask {H7592} thy father {H1}, and he will shew {H5046} thee; thy elders {H2205}, and they will tell {H559} thee.

"Remember how the old days were; think of the years through all the ages. Ask your father -he will tell you; your leaders too -they will inform you.

Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you.

Remember the days of old, Consider the years of many generations: Ask thy father, and he will show thee; Thine elders, and they will tell thee.

Commentary

Context of Deuteronomy 32:7

Deuteronomy 32:7 is found within the "Song of Moses," a profound and prophetic poem delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death and their entrance into the Promised Land. This extensive song, beginning in Deuteronomy 32:1, serves as a final testament, recounting God's faithfulness to Israel and warning them against future apostasy. Moses calls upon the heavens and earth to bear witness to his words, emphasizing the gravity of the covenant. In this particular verse, Moses urges the people to reflect on their past, highlighting the importance of historical memory and the transmission of divine truth through generations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Importance of Historical Memory: The command to "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations" is a foundational call for the Israelites to deeply reflect on their history. This isn't merely about recalling facts, but about understanding God's consistent character, His miraculous acts of deliverance (like the Exodus), His provision, and His judgments throughout their journey. This historical perspective was crucial for their identity and their relationship with the Lord.
  • Intergenerational Transmission of Truth: The verse explicitly outlines the method for this remembrance: "ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee." This highlights the vital role of oral tradition and the responsibility of older generations to pass on spiritual and historical knowledge to the younger. It underscores the value placed on the wisdom and experience of parents and elders as custodians of their heritage and faith. This principle echoes the broader biblical emphasis on teaching children God's ways, as seen in Joel 1:3.
  • Wisdom from Experience: Elders, having witnessed and lived through more of God's dealings with Israel, possessed invaluable firsthand accounts and insights. Their testimonies served as living proof of God's covenant faithfulness and the consequences of obedience or disobedience, providing a rich source of wisdom for the younger generations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "remember" (zakhar) often implies more than a simple mental recall; it suggests an active, purposeful engagement with the past that shapes present actions and future decisions. Similarly, "consider" (bin) denotes a deep understanding, discernment, and reflection, not just a superficial glance. The phrases "days of old" and "years of many generations" collectively refer to the entire span of Israel's history up to that point, including the patriarchal narratives, the bondage in Egypt, the Exodus, and their wilderness wanderings.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 32:7 offers enduring principles for believers today:

  • Value and Learn from History: Just as Israel was to remember God's past works, we are called to reflect on God's faithfulness throughout biblical history and in our own lives. Understanding how God has acted in the past builds our trust and faith for the present and future.
  • Seek and Honor the Wisdom of Elders: There is immense value in seeking guidance and insight from older individuals within our families, churches, and communities. Their life experiences, spiritual maturity, and lessons learned can offer invaluable perspective and help us navigate challenges. This resonates with the biblical instruction to honor the grey hair as a crown of glory, if found in the way of righteousness.
  • Actively Transmit Faith and Heritage: We have a responsibility to pass on the truths of God's Word and the accounts of His mighty works to the next generation. This involves intentional teaching, storytelling, and living out our faith authentically, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues and flourishes.

This verse powerfully reminds us that understanding our spiritual heritage and learning from the experiences of those who came before us is essential for a vibrant and enduring faith.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 78:3 (10 votes)

    Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

  • Psalms 78:4 (10 votes)

    We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

  • Job 8:8 (9 votes)

    ¶ For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:

  • Job 8:10 (9 votes)

    Shall not they teach thee, [and] tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?

  • Psalms 44:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

  • Isaiah 46:9 (7 votes)

    Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

  • Psalms 77:5 (7 votes)

    I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.