◄ Deuteronomy 8:5 ►
So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
Study Bible
So know in your heart
The phrase "know in your heart" emphasizes an intimate and profound understanding that goes beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment. In Hebrew, the word for "heart" is "לֵב" (lev), which often signifies the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This suggests that the knowledge God desires is not superficial but deeply rooted in the believer's entire being. Historically, the heart was seen as the seat of thought and emotion, indicating that this knowledge should influence both feelings and decisions.

that just as a man disciplines his son
The analogy of a father disciplining his son is rich with cultural and historical significance. In ancient Israelite society, discipline was an essential aspect of child-rearing, intended to guide and correct rather than punish. The Hebrew word for "disciplines" is "יָסַר" (yasar), which can mean to instruct, correct, or chastise. This reflects a loving, corrective action aimed at growth and maturity. The father-son relationship is a recurring biblical theme, illustrating God's covenantal love and commitment to His people, akin to a father's dedication to his child's well-being.

so the LORD your God disciplines you
This phrase underscores the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His people. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) highlights God's eternal, unchanging nature and His role as the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The discipline from God is not arbitrary but purposeful, intended to refine and sanctify His people. Historically, Israel's experiences in the wilderness were seen as a period of divine discipline, teaching reliance on God and adherence to His commandments. This divine discipline is an expression of God's love, aiming to draw His people closer to Him and align them with His will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's message to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the law and guidance from Moses.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who disciplines His people.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites wandered for 40 years, a period of testing and discipline.

5. Promised Land
The destination of the Israelites, representing God's promise and blessing.
Teaching Points
Understanding Divine Discipline
Recognize that God's discipline is an expression of His love and commitment to our growth and holiness.

The Purpose of Discipline
God's discipline aims to refine us, develop our character, and align us with His will, much like a father guiding his child.

Responding to Discipline
Embrace discipline with humility and a teachable spirit, understanding that it is for our ultimate good and spiritual maturity.

Heart Knowledge
Internalize the truth of God's discipline, allowing it to transform your heart and mind, leading to deeper trust and obedience.

Parental Reflection
Reflect on how earthly parenting mirrors divine discipline, and consider how you can apply these principles in your own family life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's discipline as an act of love change your perspective on challenges you face?

2. In what ways can you see God's discipline at work in your life today, and how can you respond positively?

3. How does the concept of divine discipline in Deuteronomy 8:5 connect with the teachings in Hebrews 12:5-11?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced discipline from God. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your relationship with Him?

5. How can you apply the principles of God's discipline in your own role as a parent or mentor to others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 12:5-11
This passage elaborates on the theme of God's discipline, comparing it to a father's discipline of his children, emphasizing that it is for our good and leads to righteousness.

Proverbs 3:11-12
These verses echo the sentiment of Deuteronomy 8:5, highlighting that the Lord disciplines those He loves, just as a father disciplines the son he delights in.

Psalm 94:12
This verse speaks to the blessing of being disciplined by the Lord, as it leads to learning His law.

Revelation 3:19
Jesus speaks to the church, saying that those He loves, He rebukes and disciplines, urging them to be zealous and repent.

Job 5:17
Job's friend speaks of the blessedness of being corrected by God, encouraging acceptance of divine discipline.
Sermons
God the ChastenerJ. Orr Deuteronomy 8:5
The Lessons of the WildernessR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 8:1-6
The Moral Uses of MemoryD. Davies Deuteronomy 8:1-6
The Uses of AdversityJ. Orr Deuteronomy 8:2-6
Bread for the HungrySpurgeon, Charles HaddonDeuteronomy 8:3-6
Chastisement a Proof of LoveH. W. Beecher.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
Design of God's ChastisementsH. Smith.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
Divine CorrectionSketches of Four Hundred SermonsDeuteronomy 8:3-6
Feeding on the WordDeuteronomy 8:3-6
God the Best RulerJ. Caryl.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
God's ChasteningMrs. Umpleby.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
Incitements to the Divine ServiceWm. Frank Scott.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
Living by Bread AloneAthanase Coquerel.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
On the Purposes of God in Chastening ManJ. Venn, M. A.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
Spiritual AssimilationR. Davison.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
Spiritual FoodDeuteronomy 8:3-6
The Afflictions of God's PeopleT. Lessey.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
The Food of ManT. T. Shore, M. A.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
The Pilgrims' Grateful RecollectionsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonDeuteronomy 8:3-6
The Staff of LifeR. D. Hitchcock, D. D.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
The True Life of ManC. Voysey, M. A.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
True LifeA. P. Peabody.Deuteronomy 8:3-6
People
Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Chasteneth, Chastens, Chastiseth, Chastising, Consider, Disciplines, Disciplining, Hast, Heart, Mind, Thus, Trained
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 8:5

     1040   God, fatherhood
     1349   covenant, at Sinai
     5484   punishment, by God
     5685   fathers, responsibilities
     5738   sons
     7115   children of God
     8136   knowing God, effects
     8232   discipline, family

Deuteronomy 8:1-5

     8231   discipline, divine

Deuteronomy 8:2-5

     5473   proof, through testing
     8027   faith, testing of

Library
God's Training
DEUTERONOMY viii. 2-5. 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. 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 …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The Lesson of Memory
'Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these lofty 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.'--DEUT. viii.2. The strand of our lives usually slips away smoothly enough, but days such as this, the last Sunday in a year, are like the knots on a sailor's log, which, as they pass through his fingers, tell him how fast it is being paid out from the reel, and how far it has …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

National Wealth
(Fifth Sunday after Easter.) Deut. viii. 11-18. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Emmanuel's Land
P. G. Deut. viii. 7-10 The land! the glory of all lands, Beyond the Jordan's wave; Beyond the weary desert sands-- The land beyond the grave! Now safe witin that glorious land, We prove His faithful Word; 'Midst Canaan's golden fields we stand, The ransomed of the Lord. Amidst the burning desert drought We learnt His watchful love; Streams from the flinty rocks He brought, Sent bread from Heaven above. Our God in weariness and need, His love was measured there By hunger which His hand would feed, …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Temptation of Christ
Matthew 4:1-11 -- "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Meditations Before Dinner and Supper.
Meditate that hunger is like the sickness called a wolf; which, if thou dost not feed, will devour thee, and eat thee up; and that meat and drink are but as physic, or means which God hath ordained, to relieve and cure this natural infirmity and necessity of man. Use, therefore, to eat and to drink, rather to sustain and refresh the weakness of nature, than to satisfy the sensuality and delights of the flesh. Eat, therefore, to live, but live not to eat. There is no service so base, as for a man …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Third Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 9, 24-27; 10, 1-5. 24 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. 25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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