Deuteronomy 8:2-5

This is more like something I’d typically write down in my journal. Closer to random thoughts then a firm grasp of the topics. I’m definitely still learning about much of this; however, it’s exciting to find the correlations between OT and NT teachings. This is the type of stuff I get very excited about as the Holy Spirit uses other scriptures I’ve read and studied to bring new light (for me) to “old” scriptures. The only problem is that this can really blow up, as the entire Bible is weaved very tightly together.

Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

NT references:

The below NT verses directly teach on the above OT verses. Matthew 4:1-11 & John 4:1-42 directly refer to suffering temptation and the true bread of life, meaning of course Jesus. Jesus actually quotes part of verse 3 to Satan during His temptation.

Hebrews 12:1-12 Verse 5 (in Deuteronomy) above speaks to God’s motivation for discipline as well as the reason a man should discipline his son.

Hebrews 5:1-10 (Christ’s obedience bought salvation) Hebrews 5:8 speaks to the importance of obedience and its relationship to suffering.

Romans 5:1-11 (encouragement through trials) Why must we suffer through trials? The short answer: because we are sinners. The longer answer takes a lifetime to answer. However, these verses in Romans provide us a great deal of clarity.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (Why must we suffer?) One particular use for suffering, as it relates to glorifying Jesus. It can be a powerful ministry tool as the one suffering matures.

Matthew 6:25-34 (Do not worry) We ought not worry about our clothes nor what we eat. These verses in Deuteronomy speak of a subtle miracle done by God as an act of love to His children. Though they complained and rebelled, He still loved on them and supplied for all their needs, even though they never acknowledged this, except through Moses.

I want to delve deeper into Deuteronomy chapters 8 & 9. I read them a few days ago and they’ve stuck with me, for some reason. I believe there is a wealth of knowledge and explanation in these verses and as I’ve pointed out, the NT references, or stays precisely in line, with the OT.