Deuteronomy 9:7

KJV

¶ Remember, [and] forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142}, and forget {H7911} not, how thou provokedst the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} to wrath {H7107} in the wilderness {H4057}: from {H4480} the day {H3117} that thou didst depart out {H3318} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, until ye came {H935} unto this place {H4725}, ye have been rebellious {H4784} against {H5973} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember, don't forget, how you made ADONAI your God angry in the desert. From the day you left the land of Egypt till you arrived at this place, you have been rebelling against ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember this, and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have been rebelling against the LORD.

American Standard Version

Remember, forget thou not, how thou provokedst Jehovah thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou wentest forth out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Moses, addressing the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, issues a stern command to remember their past. This verse serves as a potent reminder that their impending success in conquering Canaan is not a reward for their own righteousness, but rather a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His just judgment against the wickedness of the dispossessed nations. He emphatically recounts Israel's consistent and pervasive history of rebellion and provocation against the LORD, stretching from the very moment of their miraculous deliverance from Egypt throughout their entire wilderness journey, culminating in their arrival at their current location. This stark recollection aims to cultivate humility and prevent future pride, setting the stage for a detailed enumeration of their specific acts of disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 9:7 is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before they cross into the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 9:1-6) emphasize that Israel's impending victory over the powerful Canaanite nations will be solely by God's might, not by their own righteousness or inherent goodness. Moses explicitly states that the disinheritance of these nations is due to their own wickedness, not Israel's merit. Verse 7 then pivots sharply, introducing a lengthy and unflinching historical review of Israel's persistent rebellion, which continues through the rest of the chapter (Deuteronomy 9:8-29). This serves as a powerful counter-argument to any burgeoning sense of entitlement or self-righteousness among the people, setting the tone for a series of specific historical examples of their disobedience, such as the infamous incident of the [golden calf](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident") at Mount Horeb.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Moses' address is the plains of Moab, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, with the Promised Land in sight. This generation of Israelites had grown up in the wilderness, having witnessed the consequences of their parents' disobedience, particularly the divine judgment that prevented the previous generation from entering Canaan (Numbers 14). They were on the cusp of a monumental transition from nomadic wilderness life to settled agricultural existence in a land flowing with milk and honey. Culturally, they were a people forged by divine deliverance from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12-14) and shaped by the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19-24), yet consistently challenged by the temptations of idolatry and distrust in God's provision. Moses' speech here is a final, urgent call to remember their unique history as God's chosen people, a history marked by both divine faithfulness and human failure, before they faced new challenges in a land filled with pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 9:7 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The opening imperative, "Remember, and forget not," highlights the critical importance of historical memory for spiritual formation, serving as a constant guard against pride and a catalyst for humility, a theme echoed throughout the book as Moses repeatedly calls Israel to [remember the LORD their God](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - Remember the LORD your God"). The verse starkly portrays Israel's "persistent rebellion" against the LORD, characterizing their entire wilderness journey from Egypt to Moab as a period of continuous defiance. This rebellion was not passive but actively "provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath," underscoring the seriousness of their sin and God's righteous response to ingratitude and unbelief, as seen in numerous instances like the [rebellion at Kadesh-barnea](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea"). Yet, even amidst this recounting of human failure, the verse implicitly points to the overarching theme of God's enduring patience and [covenant faithfulness](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness"), as He continued to lead and sustain His wayward people despite their provocations, bringing them to the very threshold of the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zakhar'_):** This imperative verb, often paired with its negative counterpart "forget not" (לֹא תִשְׁכַּח, _lo tishkach_), is a foundational command in Deuteronomy. It signifies not merely intellectual recall but an active, intentional engagement with past events, particularly God's mighty acts and Israel's responses. To "remember" for Israel meant to internalize the lessons of their history, to live in light of God's covenant, and to avoid repeating the sins of the past. It implies a moral and spiritual obligation to keep God's deeds and their own failures at the forefront of their collective consciousness.
* **Provokedst (Hebrew, _ka'as'_):** This word conveys a strong sense of vexation, indignation, or righteous anger. It describes actions that cause deep displeasure and grief, not just mild annoyance. When applied to God, it signifies that Israel's actions—their ingratitude, unbelief, and disobedience—were a direct affront to His character and His covenant, eliciting a just and profound divine response. It highlights the serious nature of their sin as an active offense against the Holy God.
* **Rebellious (Hebrew, _marah'_):** This term signifies being contentious, disobedient, or defying authority. It describes a deliberate and persistent opposition to God's will and commands. The phrase "ye have been rebellious" indicates a pervasive and characteristic attitude, not merely isolated incidents. It speaks to a deep-seated inclination within the people to resist divine guidance and to challenge God's rightful authority over them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember, and forget not":** This emphatic double imperative serves as a powerful rhetorical device, underscoring the absolute necessity of recalling Israel's past. It's a command not just to mentally recollect but to actively internalize and live by the lessons of their history, ensuring that the memory of their failures and God's patience remains vivid and impactful, shaping their present and future conduct.
* **"how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness":** This clause immediately identifies the core issue: Israel's consistent and active provocation of God's righteous anger. The "wilderness" period, intended as a time of learning dependence and obedience, became instead a crucible revealing their deep-seated unbelief and ingratitude. Their actions were not passive failures but deliberate affronts that vexed and grieved the LORD, demonstrating the severe consequences of covenant infidelity.
* **"from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place":** This temporal phrase encompasses the entirety of their journey from slavery to the brink of the Promised Land. It emphasizes the unbroken continuity of their rebellious behavior, indicating that their sin was not an occasional lapse but a pervasive characteristic of the nation throughout their formative years. It underscores the extraordinary patience and long-suffering of God who, despite their constant provocations, faithfully led them to their destination.
* **"ye have been rebellious against the LORD":** This concluding statement serves as the overarching indictment, summarizing their entire wilderness experience. It declares that rebellion was the defining feature of their relationship with God during this period. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes that their defiance was against their covenant God, the one who had redeemed them and sustained them, making their rebellion all the more grievous.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The opening phrase, "**Remember, and forget not,**" utilizes **emphatic imperative** and **repetition** (or **hendiadys**) to stress the absolute necessity of recalling Israel's past. This double command serves to heighten the rhetorical impact, ensuring the audience grasps the critical importance of historical memory. The sweeping statement, "from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD," employs a form of **hyperbole** or **generalization**. While there were certainly moments of obedience and faithfulness, Moses uses this broad stroke to emphasize the *dominant character* of their wilderness journey as one marked by pervasive rebellion, leaving no room for self-congratulation. This **historical recounting** is not merely factual narration but is presented as a **rhetorical argument** designed to humble the people and underscore God's unmerited grace in bringing them to the Promised Land despite their unworthiness. The vivid language of "provokedst... to wrath" also functions as **anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (anger) to God to convey the intensity of His righteous displeasure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:7 serves as a stark theological anchor, firmly establishing the pervasive nature of human sin and the unmerited grace of God. It dismantles any notion of human merit as the basis for divine blessing, instead highlighting Israel's inherent propensity towards rebellion from the very outset of their covenant relationship. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous character, which is provoked by disobedience and ingratitude. Yet, paradoxically, it also implicitly magnifies His incredible patience and steadfast love (חֶסֶד, _hesed_). Despite continuous provocation and rebellion, God did not abandon His covenant people but faithfully brought them to the edge of the Promised Land, demonstrating that His promises are fulfilled not because of human worthiness, but because of His own immutable character and covenant commitment. This passage thus lays the groundwork for understanding the depth of human depravity and the even greater depth of divine mercy, setting a crucial precedent for the need for redemption.

* [Psalm 78:8](/psalms/78-8 "Psalm 78:8 - A Stubborn and Rebellious Generation")
* [Nehemiah 9:16-17](/nehemiah/9-16 "Nehemiah 9:16-17 - Israel's Stubbornness and God's Forgiveness")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:7 transcends its historical context to offer profound and enduring truths for contemporary believers. Just as Israel was prone to forget God's miraculous deliverance and their own unworthiness, we too are susceptible to spiritual amnesia, quickly attributing our blessings to our own efforts or assuming a posture of self-righteousness. This verse serves as a powerful call to radical humility, compelling us to acknowledge our own persistent tendencies towards rebellion, ingratitude, and self-reliance, even in the face of God's abundant grace. It reminds us that our standing before God is never based on our merit but always on His unmerited favor and faithfulness. True spiritual growth begins with a sober assessment of our own sinfulness and a profound appreciation for God's long-suffering patience. This remembrance should not lead to despair, but to a deeper trust in God's redemptive power and a renewed commitment to walk in grateful obedience, recognizing that every step of our spiritual journey is sustained by His undeserved love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to forget God's past faithfulness and attribute success to my own efforts or merit?**
* **How does remembering my own propensity for sin and rebellion deepen my appreciation for God's grace and patience?**
* **What specific "wilderness" experiences in my life have revealed my own tendency to "provoke God to wrath" or "be rebellious," and what lessons have I learned from them?**

### FAQ
**Why does Moses emphasize Israel's sin and rebellion so heavily in this chapter?**

Answer: Moses' intense focus on Israel's sin in Deuteronomy 9, particularly in verse 7, serves a crucial pastoral and theological purpose. He is preparing a new generation to enter the Promised Land, a land they will conquer by God's power, not their own. By recounting their history of persistent rebellion, Moses aims to dismantle any potential for pride or self-righteousness among the people. He wants them to understand unequivocally that their success is due solely to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His just judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations, not because of Israel's inherent goodness. This emphasis on their unworthiness is designed to cultivate humility, foster a deep dependence on God, and prevent future apostasy, reminding them that they are a people saved by grace, not by works, a theme echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love for Israel").

**Does "provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath" imply that God is easily angered or vindictive?**

Answer: The phrase "provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath" (Hebrew: _ka'as_) does not suggest that God is capricious or vindictive. Instead, it highlights His righteous indignation against sin and covenant infidelity. God's wrath in the Old Testament is not an uncontrolled outburst of emotion but a just and holy response to deliberate rebellion, ingratitude, and the violation of His divine standards. Israel's actions were a direct affront to His character and His covenant, which He had graciously established with them after their deliverance from [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus"). This wrath is a manifestation of His holiness and justice, demonstrating that He takes sin seriously and will not tolerate unfaithfulness indefinitely. However, as the broader narrative of the wilderness journey shows, even in His wrath, God demonstrates incredible patience and a desire for His people's repentance and restoration, as seen in His repeated acts of forgiveness and provision despite their provocations.

**Is Moses saying that Israel was rebellious every single day from Egypt to Moab?**

Answer: While the phrase "from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD" is a sweeping statement, it functions as a rhetorical generalization rather than a literal, moment-by-moment indictment. Moses uses this broad declaration to emphasize the *dominant character* and *pervasive tendency* of Israel's wilderness journey. It highlights that rebellion was a recurring and defining feature of their corporate life, not merely an isolated incident. The overall narrative of the Pentateuch confirms that while there were moments of obedience and faith, the overarching pattern was one of grumbling, distrust, and defiance against God's leadership and provision, culminating in significant acts of rebellion like the [golden calf incident](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident") or the refusal to enter Canaan at [Kadesh-barnea](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Kadesh-Barnea Rebellion"). Moses' intent is to underscore their unworthiness and magnify God's persistent faithfulness despite their consistent failings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:7, with its stark portrayal of Israel's persistent rebellion and provocation of God's wrath, serves as a profound Old Testament shadow pointing directly to the necessity and glory of Jesus Christ. Israel's repeated failures in the wilderness, despite God's miraculous provision and covenant faithfulness, underscore the universal human condition of sinfulness and inability to perfectly obey God's law ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). This constant rebellion demonstrated the need for a perfect mediator and a new covenant. Jesus, the true Israel and the ultimate obedient Son, perfectly fulfilled the Law where Israel failed, enduring temptation in His own "wilderness" experience without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). He absorbed the very wrath of God that human rebellion justly provoked, becoming the propitiation for our sins on the cross ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-9 - God Demonstrates His Love") and [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - He is the Propitiation for Our Sins")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ provides the righteousness that we lack and offers the forgiveness for the rebellion that characterizes humanity. In Him, believers are no longer defined by their past disobedience but are made new creations, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to walk in obedience and truly "remember" God's grace, fulfilling the spirit of Moses' command in a way that Israel, in its own strength, never could ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") and [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 21:5

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

Exodus 16:2

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

Exodus 14:11

And they said unto Moses, Because [there were] no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

Numbers 25:2

And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.

Numbers 11:4

¶ And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

1 Corinthians 15:9

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.