Deuteronomy 8:15

Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Who led {H3212} thee through that great {H1419} and terrible {H3372} wilderness {H4057}, wherein were fiery {H8314} serpents {H5175}, and scorpions {H6137}, and drought {H6774}, where there was no water {H4325}; who brought thee forth {H3318} water {H4325} out of the rock {H6697} of flint {H2496};

who led you through the vast and fearsome desert, with its poisonous snakes, scorpions and waterless, thirsty ground; who brought water out of flint rock for you;

He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint.

who led thee through the great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents and scorpions, and thirsty ground where was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 8:15 is a powerful verse that encapsulates God's miraculous provision and protective care for the Israelites during their arduous forty-year journey through the wilderness. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers they faced and the divine faithfulness that sustained them.

Context

This verse is part of Moses's farewell discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before they entered the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy chapter 8, Moses reviews the past, reminding them of God's dealings with their fathers in the wilderness. The purpose of this recollection was not merely historical, but pedagogical: to teach them humility, test their obedience, and show them that they lived "by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord" (as mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:3). Moses vividly contrasts the harshness of their past environment with the goodness of the land they were about to inherit, emphasizing that God's leading was always for their ultimate good, even through trials.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Protection: The verse highlights the extreme perils of the wilderness – "fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water." These were not abstract threats but real dangers that could have annihilated the nation. God's leading through such a "great and terrible wilderness" underscores His constant watchfulness and miraculous preservation of His people. The mention of "fiery serpents" specifically recalls the deadly plague recorded in Numbers 21:6, from which God also provided a way of salvation.
  • Miraculous Provision: The climax of the verse points to one of God's most iconic acts of provision: "who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint." This was not a one-time event, but occurred at least twice (see Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11). It signifies God's ability to supply essential needs from seemingly impossible sources, demonstrating His power over creation and His deep care for His people's physical well-being.
  • Remembering God's Faithfulness: The repeated phrase "Who led thee... who brought thee forth" serves as a powerful call to remembrance. Moses urges the Israelites never to forget the Lord's mighty acts on their behalf, lest they become complacent or attribute their future blessings to their own strength or wisdom. This act of remembering past deliverance is crucial for fostering continued trust and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "great and terrible wilderness" emphasizes both the vastness and the fearsome nature of the desert. The Hebrew word for "terrible" (yare') can convey something that inspires awe or dread, fitting for a landscape fraught with dangers. The "fiery serpents" (Hebrew: sārāph nāḥāš) likely refers to venomous snakes whose bites caused intense burning pain, or perhaps to their bright, fiery appearance. The "rock of flint" (Hebrew: tsûr ḥallāmîsh) highlights the hardness and unyielding nature of the stone, making the miraculous gushing forth of water even more profound and undeniable.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 8:15 offers profound encouragement for believers today. We, too, navigate our own "wilderness" experiences – periods of life marked by difficulty, uncertainty, spiritual dryness, or unexpected challenges. This verse reminds us that:

  • God is with us in the midst of our trials, even in the most daunting circumstances.
  • He has the power to provide for our needs in miraculous ways, even when resources seem non-existent.
  • Remembering God's past faithfulness in our lives and in the history of His people strengthens our faith for present and future challenges. Just as He led Israel, He promises to lead us, providing protection and sustenance along the way.
This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and dependence on God, acknowledging that all good things come from Him, especially during times of adversity.

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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

  • Numbers 21:6

    And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

  • Numbers 20:11

    And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].

  • Jeremiah 2:6

    Neither said they, Where [is] the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?

  • Deuteronomy 1:19

    ¶ And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea.

  • Psalms 114:8

    Which turned the rock [into] a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.

  • Isaiah 63:12

    That led [them] by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

  • Isaiah 63:14

    As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.