Ob and In:
Repeated phrases:
1. A good land
(BKC) In contrast with the severity of the wilderness these verses describe the abundance of Israel’s new land. It was abundant in water (essential for crops as well as for sustaining animal and human life); in agricultural produce including grains (wheat … barley), fruits (grapes, figs, pomegranates), oil from olive trees, and honey; and in minerals. (Iron and copper have been discovered in the hills south of the Dead Sea.) The people then would lack nothing (cf. Ps. 23:1
2. Eat your fill...and then praise the LORD your God , do not forget the LORD your God
(BKC) Moses then spelled out the danger inherent in abundant prosperity. Whereas in the wilderness they had to depend on God for the necessities of life, their newfound prosperity might conceal their need for the same dependence. Moses prescribed a sure antidote for this danger: praise the LORD your God. In fact failure to praise Him for His blessings was a step toward forgetting God and then disobeying His commands.
Reflection: Some of these good things come naturally from the land, but some of these good things the Israelites need to work hard for them. Will I claim the credits for the good things God have given to me? Will I lose my dependence on God when ministry go well? What is my "newfound prosperity?" Praise God and do not forget Him by obeying His commands.
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