Deuteronomy 8:16

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

Who fed {H398} thee in the wilderness {H4057} with manna {H4478}, which thy fathers {H1} knew {H3045} not, that he might humble {H6031} thee, and that he might prove {H5254} thee, to do thee good {H3190} at thy latter end {H319};

who fed you in the desert with man, unknown to your ancestors; all the while humbling and testing you in order to do you good in the end -

He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.

who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not; that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end:

Commentary

Deuteronomy 8:16 is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites, delivered as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. In this chapter, Moses powerfully reminds the new generation of God's faithfulness and the lessons learned during their forty years in the wilderness.

Context

This verse is nestled within a broader warning against forgetting God once they prosper in the land of Canaan. Moses recounts how God led them through the desolate wilderness, not out of neglect, but with specific, redemptive purposes. The entire journey was a divine school, teaching them dependence on God and preparing them for their inheritance. This particular verse focuses on the miraculous provision of manna as a prime example of God's unique and purposeful care.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The feeding with manna highlights God's supernatural and consistent care for His people. It was a food "which thy fathers knew not," emphasizing its unique origin and God's direct involvement in sustaining them daily (see Exodus 16:35 for the manna narrative). This demonstrated that "man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live," as stated earlier in Deuteronomy 8:3.
  • Purpose of Humiliation and Testing: God's intention behind the wilderness trials was not to harm but to refine.
    • "that he might humble thee": This refers to bringing them to a state of dependence, recognizing their own inability to provide for themselves and relying solely on God. It was a lesson in humility, essential for a people prone to pride and self-sufficiency.
    • "and that he might prove thee": This means to test or try them, revealing what was in their hearts—their obedience, faith, and trust in God's commands and promises (as also mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:2).
  • God's Ultimate Good: The phrase "to do thee good at thy latter end" reveals God's overarching benevolent purpose. Even the humbling and testing were designed for their ultimate benefit, preparing them for a flourishing life in the Promised Land and a deeper, more resilient relationship with Him. This speaks to God's long-term perspective and His desire for the well-being and blessing of His people (a theme echoed in Jeremiah 29:11).

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "humble" is 'anah (עָנָה), which carries the sense of afflicting, humbling oneself, or being lowly. It implies a process of discipline that leads to spiritual growth and dependence.
  • The word for "prove" is nasah (נָסָה), meaning to test, try, or prove. God's tests are not to discover something unknown to Him, but to reveal our hearts to ourselves and to strengthen our faith.
  • "Latter end" translates the Hebrew 'acharit (אַחֲרִית), referring to the end, outcome, or future. It emphasizes that God's plan extends beyond immediate circumstances to a desired, beneficial conclusion.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 8:16 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's provision is not always what we expect, but it is always sufficient and purposeful. When we face periods of difficulty, scarcity, or testing, we can remember that these experiences, too, are often tools in God's hands to humble us, prove our faith, and ultimately work for our greater good and spiritual maturity. Trusting God's ultimate good in our lives, even through hardship, is a central message of this verse.

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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

  • Deuteronomy 8:3 (7 votes)

    And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

  • James 1:12 (6 votes)

    Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

  • Exodus 16:15 (6 votes)

    And when the children of Israel saw [it], they said one to another, It [is] manna: for they wist not what it [was]. And Moses said unto them, This [is] the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.

  • Hebrews 12:10 (4 votes)

    For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

  • Hebrews 12:11 (4 votes)

    Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

  • 1 Peter 1:7 (4 votes)

    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

  • Jeremiah 24:5 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for [their] good.