COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
Moses reminds the Israelites of Yahweh's providence during the wilderness experience. Deuteronomy is the renewal of the Mosaic covenant during the reign of Josiah in the seventh century. The Sinai covenant is applied to a new age. The book consists of Moses' farewell address to people who are about to enter Canaan. They are warned of coming temptation, the possibility of forgetting their God, and are urged to remain faithful to the covenant. Today's lection is taken from Moses' second address. The people are reminded of Yahweh's leadership during the forty years of wandering, his protection from snakes and scorpions, and his supplying food and drink. As a result, they are to remember God's goodness, to be humble, and to prove their loyalt…