TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 8:10–20. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Moses, having mentioned the great plenty they would find in the land of Canaan, finds it necessary to caution them against the abuse of that plenty, which was a sin they would be the more prone to new that they came into the vineyard of the Lord, immediately out of a barren desert.
I.He directs them to the duty of a prosperous condition, Deu 8:10.
They are allowed to eat even to fulness, not to surfeiting no excess; but let them always remember their benefactor, the founder of their feast, and never fail to give thanks after meat: Then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God.
1.They must take heed of eating or drinking so much as to indispose themselves for this duty of blessing God, rather aiming to serve God therein with so much the more cheerfulness and enlargement.
2.They must not have any fellowship with those that, when they had eaten and were full, blessed false gods, as the Israelites themselves had done in their worship of the golden calf, Exo 32:6.
3.Whatever they had the comfort of God must have the glory of. As our Saviour has taught us to bless before we eat (Mat 14:19, Mat 14:20), so we are here taught to bless after meat. That is our Hosannah - God bless; this is our Hallelujah - Blessed be God. In every thing we must give thanks. From this law the religious Jews took up a laudable usage of blessing God, not only at their solemn meals, but upon other occasions; if they drank a cup of wine they lifted up their hands and said, Blessed be he that created the fruit of the vine to make glad the heart. If they did but smell at a flower, they said, Blessed be he that made this flower sweet.
4.When they gave thanks for the fruits of the land they must give thanks for the fruits of the land itself, which was given them by promise From all our comfortable enjoyments we must take occasion to thank God for our comfortable settlements; and I know not but we of this nation have as much reason as they had to give thanks for a good land.
II.He arms them against the temptations of a prosperous condition, and charges them to stand upon their guard against them:
"When thou art settled in goodly houses of thy own building," Deu 8:12 (for though God gave them houses which they builded not, Deu 6:10, these would not serve them, they must have larger and finer), - "and when thou hast grown rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold (Deu 8:13), as Abraham (Gen 13:2), - when all thou hast is multiplied," 1. "Then take heed of pride. Beware lest then thy heart be lifted up," Deu 8:14. When the estate rises, the mind is apt to rise with it, in self-conceit, self-complacency, and self-confidence. Let us therefore strive to keep the spirit low in a high condition; humility is both the ease and the ornament of prosperity. Take heed of saying, so much as in thy heart, that proud word, My power, even the might of my hand, hath gotten me this wealth, Deu 8:17. Note, We must never take the praise of our prosperity to ourselves, nor attribute it to our ingenuity or industry; for bread is not always to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, Ecc 9:11. It is spiritual idolatry thus to sacrifice to our own net, Hab 1:16. 2. "Then take heed of forgetting God." This follows upon the lifting up on the heart; for it is through the pride of the countenance that the wicked seek not after God, Psa 10:4. Those that admire themselves despise God. (1.) "Forget not thy duty to God." Deu 8:11. We forget God if we keep not his commandments; we forget his authority over us, and our obligations to him and expectations from him, if we are not obedient to his laws. When men grow rich they are tempted to think religion a needless thing. They are happy without it, think it a thing below them and too hard upon them. Their dignity forbids them to stoop, and their liberty forbids them to serve. But we are basely ungrateful if the better God is to us the worse we are to him. (2.) "Forget not God's former dealings with thee. Thy deliverance out of Egypt, Deu 8:14. The provision he made for thee in the wilderness, that great and terrible wilderness." They must never forget the impressions which the horror of that wilderness made upon them; see Jer 2:6, where it is called the very shadow of death. There God preserved them from being destroyed by the fiery serpents and scorpions, though sometimes he made use of them for their correction: there he kept them from perishing for want of water, following them with water out of a rock of flint (Deu 8:15), out of which (says bishop Patrick) one would rather have expected fire than water. There he fed them with manna, of which before (Deu 8:3), taking care to keep them alive, that he might do them good at their latter end, Deu 8:16. Note, God reserves the best till the last for his Israel. However he may seem to deal hardly with them by the way, he will not fail to do them good at their latter end. (3.) "Forget not God's hand in thy present prosperity, Deu 8:18. Remember it is he that giveth thee wealth; for he giveth thee power to get wealth." See here how God's giving and our getting are reconciled, and apply it to spiritual wealth. It is our duty to get wisdom, and above all our gettings to get understanding; and yet it is God's grace that gives wisdom, and when we have got it we must not say, It was the might of our hand that got it, but must own it was God that gave us power to get it, and therefore to him we must give the praise and consecrate the use of it. The blessing of the Lord on the hand of the diligent makes rich both for this world and for the other. He giveth thee power to get wealth, not so much to gratify thee, and make thee easy, as that he may establish his covenant. All God's gifts are in pursuance of his promises.
III.He repeats the fair warning he had often given them of the fatal consequences of their apostasy from God, Deu 8:19, Deu 8:20. Observe,
1.How he describes the sin; it is forgetting God, and then worshipping other gods. What wickedness will not those fall into that keep thoughts of God out of their minds? And, when once the affections are displaced from God, they will soon be misplaced upon lying vanities.
2.How he denounces wrath and ruin against them for it: "If you do so, you shall surely perish, and the power and might of your hands, which you are so proud of, cannot help you. Nay, you shall perish as the nations that are driven out before you. God will make no more account of you, notwithstanding his covenant with you and your relation to him, than he does of them, if you will not be obedient and faithful to him." Those that follow others in sin will certainly follow them to destruction. If we do as sinners do, we must expect to fare as sinners fare.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Therefore, take heed, oh wealthy person; for you also carry flesh like the poor. ... For it is written: When you have driven out the nations and have taken possession of their land, do not say: My own power and the strength of my own hand have won this possession for me (Deut. VIII, 17). Thus is the one who ascribes his wealth to himself deemed deserving. And in this manner, he does not recognize his own error, but instead drags sin along with a long rope. For if one believes that the acquisition of money is either due to chance events or dishonest cunning, then there is no place for arrogance in those who have either no praise and empty labor, or for immodest desire ignorant of setting a limit to pleasure.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 8:17 delivers a profound and timeless warning to the Israelites, standing on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, against the insidious temptation of pride and self-sufficiency that often accompanies prosperity. Moses cautions them that once they are settled and enjoying the abundance of the land, they must not succumb to the deceptive thought that their own strength, wisdom, or effort was the sole source of their wealth and success, thereby forgetting the Lord their God who grants all blessings. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that true abundance is a divine gift, not merely a human achievement.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 8:17 is strategically placed within Moses' final, comprehensive addresses to the new generation of Israelites, delivered just before they cross the Jordan River to inherit Canaan. Chapter 8 serves as both a retrospective on their forty-year wilderness journey and a forward-looking exhortation for life in the Promised Land. Moses meticulously recounts the hardships and divine provisions of the wilderness, such as God's humbling them, feeding them manna, and providing clothes that did not wear out, as detailed in Deuteronomy 8:2-4. He explicitly states that these experiences were designed to teach them that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:3). The warning in verse 17 directly precedes the crucial reminder in Deuteronomy 8:18 that it is the Lord who gives the power to get wealth, underscoring the stark contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. This section of Deuteronomy, particularly Deuteronomy 8, emphasizes remembering God's past faithfulness as a safeguard against future spiritual amnesia in times of prosperity.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites were on the verge of a monumental transition from a nomadic, wilderness existence, characterized by direct and miraculous divine provision, to a settled, agricultural life in a fertile land. Canaan was renowned for its natural resources, including abundant water, fertile soil, and mineral wealth. This new environment presented significant spiritual temptations. Unlike the wilderness where God's hand was unmistakably visible in daily manna and water, the prosperity of Canaan could easily be attributed to natural processes, human labor, or even the fertility gods of the surrounding Canaanite cultures. Moses' warning anticipates this paradigm shift, preparing the people for the spiritual dangers of a settled, prosperous life where the immediate need for divine intervention might seem less apparent. The cultural backdrop includes the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of wealth as a sign of divine favor, but also the ever-present danger of attributing that favor to one's own prowess or to other deities, thus falling into idolatry.
Key Themes
This verse is a pivotal expression of several core Deuteronomic themes. Firstly, it highlights the danger of pride and self-sufficiency, particularly in the face of material blessing. The thought "My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth" encapsulates a spirit of human autonomy that directly challenges God's sovereignty as the ultimate provider. Secondly, it addresses the pervasive human tendency towards spiritual amnesia or forgetting God's past mercies and ongoing role once comfort and abundance are achieved. The wilderness experience, though difficult, was a constant reminder of God's presence; prosperity threatened to obscure this vital truth. Thirdly, the verse implicitly defines the true source of wealth and blessing, setting up the explicit declaration in Deuteronomy 8:18 that it is God who grants the ability to acquire wealth. Finally, the phrase "say in thine heart" underscores the deceitfulness of the human heart, revealing that this proud attitude can be an internal, unspoken conviction, a foundational disposition that subtly undermines one's relationship with God. This theme resonates powerfully with later biblical wisdom literature that frequently warns against the dangers of a proud heart, such as in Proverbs 16:18.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word refers not merely to the emotional center but to the totality of the inner person—the mind, will, and affections. When one "says in thine heart," it denotes a deep-seated conviction, an internal monologue, or a settled disposition that may not be outwardly expressed but profoundly shapes one's perspective and actions. It highlights the insidious nature of pride, which often begins internally before manifesting in behavior.
This term signifies inherent strength, ability, or vigor. In this context, it refers to one's personal capacity, energy, or skill. The Israelites might be tempted to attribute their success to their physical strength, intellectual prowess, or strategic abilities in cultivating the land or engaging in commerce, overlooking the divine source of these very capacities.
This is a versatile word with a broad semantic range, often translated as strength, ability, army, or substance/wealth. Here, it specifically refers to material prosperity, possessions, and abundance derived from the land. The use of chayil in this context underscores the tangible results of what the Israelites might mistakenly perceive as solely their own efforts, rather than a blessing from God.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou say in thine heart"
This opening clause immediately points to the internal, often unspoken, nature of the sin being warned against. It's not necessarily an open boast, but a private conviction or attitude that resides deep within one's being. This highlights the subtlety and danger of spiritual pride, which can take root and fester without immediate external manifestation, corrupting one's inner disposition towards God.
"My power and the might of [mine] hand"
This phrase is the core of the proud declaration. It asserts human agency as the primary, if not sole, cause of success. "My power" refers to inherent strength or capability (H3581, kôach), while "the might of my hand" (H6108, ʻôtsem and H3027, yâd) points to the tangible effort and labor exerted. Together, they form a comprehensive claim of self-sufficiency, attributing all achievement to personal attributes and actions, effectively excluding divine enablement.
"hath gotten me this wealth"
This final clause states the outcome of the perceived self-generated effort. The "wealth" (H2428, chayil) refers to the material prosperity, abundance, and possessions that the Israelites would acquire in the Promised Land. The verb "gotten" (H6213, ʻâsâh, literally "made" or "acquired") reinforces the idea of personal achievement and acquisition, completing the cycle of self-attribution and fostering a spirit of independence from God.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 8:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn warning. The most prominent is Apostrophe, where Moses directly addresses the nation of Israel ("And thou say in thine heart"), creating a personal and urgent tone that compels the listener to internalize the message and apply it individually. There is also a strong element of Foreshadowing, as Moses anticipates a future spiritual danger that will arise specifically from prosperity, setting the stage for later prophetic warnings against Israel's spiritual decline duencing wealth and comfort. The verse also utilizes Implied Contrast, by juxtaposing the self-reliant human claim with the divine reality presented in the subsequent verse (Deuteronomy 8:18), where God is explicitly declared the true source of wealth and the power to obtain it. Finally, the phrase "might of mine hand" is a form of Metonymy, where the "hand" represents the entirety of human effort, skill, and labor, serving as a concise and powerful symbol for self-generated achievement and agency.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 8:17 profoundly articulates a timeless theological truth: true prosperity and success are ultimately gifts from God, not solely the product of human effort or ingenuity. This verse stands as a foundational warning against the idolatry of self and the dangers of allowing material blessings to foster spiritual amnesia. It teaches that attributing success solely to oneself is not merely a lapse in humility but a fundamental denial of God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate provider. This prideful mindset can lead to a spiritual detachment where God is no longer seen as essential, paving the way for moral decay and a breakdown in covenant relationship. The emphasis is on remembering God's grace and acknowledging His hand in every aspect of life, cultivating a spirit of gratitude rather than self-congratulation, recognizing that all good things flow from His benevolent hand.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 8:17 serves as a perpetual mirror for humanity, reflecting our innate tendency to claim credit for blessings that originate from a higher source. In an age that often glorifies self-made success, personal achievement, and entrepreneurial prowess, this verse offers a crucial corrective. Whether in financial prosperity, career advancement, academic success, artistic talent, or even personal health, the temptation to attribute all to our own "power and the might of our hand" is ever-present. This mindset not only breeds arrogance and a false sense of security but also severs the vital link of dependence and gratitude towards God, leading to a spiritual barrenness even amidst material abundance. True wisdom, as taught here, lies in recognizing that the very ability to work, the opportunities presented, the health to pursue goals, and the resources available are all ultimately divine provisions. Cultivating a posture of humility and thankfulness, consciously acknowledging God's hand in every success, is essential for maintaining a vibrant faith and a right relationship with our Creator and Provider. This verse calls us to examine our hearts, ensuring that our internal narrative aligns with the truth of God's ultimate sovereignty and His generous provision.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Deuteronomy 8:17 discourage hard work or personal effort?
No, Deuteronomy 8:17 does not discourage hard work or personal effort. Instead, it warns against the attitude of pride and self-sufficiency that can arise when one attributes wealth solely to one's own efforts, forgetting God's ultimate role as the source of all blessing. The Bible consistently affirms the value of diligent labor, as seen in passages like Proverbs 6:6-11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10. The issue is not the effort itself, but the source of the ability to make that effort and the blessing that results from it. Deuteronomy 8:18 clarifies this by stating, "But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth." This means God provides the health, intelligence, opportunities, and resources necessary for our labor to be fruitful. Therefore, the verse calls for humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, not idleness.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 8:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament warns against the human tendency to claim self-sufficiency in acquiring earthly wealth, the New Testament, through Christ, reveals the true source of all blessings, both material and spiritual. Jesus consistently taught against the dangers of trusting in riches (Matthew 6:24; Luke 12:15), emphasizing that true life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. He Himself, though rich, became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9), demonstrating the ultimate humility and dependence on the Father that stands in stark contrast to the pride warned against in Deuteronomy. In Christ, we learn that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights (James 1:17), and that all things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16-17). Our spiritual wealth—salvation, righteousness, eternal life, and adoption as children of God—is not "gotten by our power and the might of our hand," but is a free gift of God's grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). Thus, Christ fulfills the warning by providing the perfect example of dependence and by being the very means through which all true and lasting blessings, both earthly and heavenly, flow from God the Father, leading us to give Him all glory and credit.