8:1 All of the commandments A reference to all the body of commandments delineated throughout the book of Deuteronomy.

Yahweh swore to your ancestors The promises of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1–3) are once again linked to obedience to the laws of Yahweh (compare Exod 34). This familiar theme has already appeared in the Pentateuch (e.g., Lev 26; Deut 4:26–28, 40; 5:30–33; 6:16–19; 7:12).

Leviticus 26 and the New Testament

8:3 with manna Yahweh provided for Israel’s needs in the wilderness with manna (see Exod 16:15 and note; 16:31–35). Some have argued that manna was a naturally occurring food. Even if this was the case, its provision for nearly 40 years was supernatural (see Deut 8:4).

by all that goes out of the mouth of Yahweh humankind shall live Israel’s hunger and want in the desert functioned as a testing of their faith and as a lesson. Yahweh gave the Israelites manna to reinforce the knowledge that He would provide (see v. 16). The prohibition against hoarding had the same purpose. Violators of this prohibition lacked faith in God (see Exod 16:20, 27).

8:4 Your clothing did not wear out Israel’s prosperity had a divine cause. Under any normal circumstances, clothing would wear out over nearly 40 years of use (the length of time the Israelites were in the wilderness).

your feet did not swell during these forty years Feet would swell in desert terrain if one lacked sandals. Like their clothing, the sandals of the Israelites lasted throughout the years of wandering.

8:5 as a man disciplines his son Rather than being purely punitive, the wilderness wandering was a learning experience for Israel (see Exod 16:4; 20:20; Deut 8:16; 13:3). The father-son analogy places discipline in the context of love (compare Prov 3:11–12).

8:9 from its mountains you can mine copper Iron and copper can be found within Canaan and the Transjordan.

8:11 Take care for yourself so that you not forget See note on Deut 8:1–20. Disobedience is equivalent to forgetting what God has done for them.

8:14 from the house of slavery See Exod 12–14.

8:15 dangerous snakes A reference back to Num 21:6, where the Israelites encountered poisonous snakes that bit and killed many. Deliverance from this affliction came from Moses’ construction of a bronze snake and the people’s adherence to God’s command that they look upon it.

water for you from flint rock As in Deut 8:3–5, Yahweh’s supernatural provision is once again highlighted. Yahweh not only delivered Israel from trials and afflictions, He also provided for their basic needs. See Exod 17:6; Num 20:11; Psa 78:15.

8:18 covenant that he swore See Gen 12:1–3; 15:1–6, 18; 28:13; 35:12; 48:21.

8:19 you go after other gods See Deut 6:4; 7:1–5.

you will surely perish Obedience is once again linked to life and secure possession of this land of abundance. See 4:26–28, 40; 5:30–33; 6:16–19.