The Church Fathers on this verse
THEOSIS
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Deuteronomy 8:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And thou shalt remember all the way through which the Lord thy God hath brought thee for forty years through the desert, to afflict thee and to prove thee, and that the things that were known in thy heart might be made known, whether thou wouldst keep his commandments or no.

Douay-Rheims

וְזָכַרְתָּ֣ אֶת־כָּל־הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֹלִֽיכֲךָ֜ יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ זֶ֛ה אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר לְמַ֨עַן עַנֹּֽתְךָ֜ לְנַסֹּֽתְךָ֗ לָדַ֜עַת אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֧ר בִּֽלְבָבְךָ֛ הֲתִשְׁמֹ֥ר מצותו מִצְוֺתָ֖יו אִם־לֹֽא׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

4 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

It is appropriate to affirm and remind ourselves that we should have courage in our quest for righteousness, viewing our efforts as acts of virtue, and trusting that God is our sole Savior, granting us the strength to prevail against those who oppose us, even if they are many. Furthermore, to ensure that our efforts are not in vain and that we endure struggles for the sake of virtue, we can take guidance from Moses, who reminds us in Deuteronomy, “And remember all the way in which the Lord thy God led thee through the wilderness for forty years, to humble thee, to try thee, and to know what is in thine heart, whether thou wilt keep His commandments or not.”

Cyprian of Carthage

3rd centuryChurch Father

Typically, the righteous have been defined by their endurance, and the apostles were instructed by the Lord’s command to refrain from complaining in times of trial, instead facing whatever challenges arise in this world with steadfastness and generosity. The Scriptures declare, "Sacrifice to God a broken spirit: a broken and humble heart God will not despise" (Psalm 50:19). Additionally, in Deuteronomy, the Holy Spirit speaks through Moses, stating, "The Lord your God ... The Lord your God will test you, to see if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 13:3). Abraham found favor with God by willingly offering his son, demonstrating his faith even when he faced the ultimate loss.

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Imagine if you were told to offer your child, while grappling with the fear of losing him due to the law of mortality. True reverence for God and faith should prepare you to face any challenge. Neither the loss of possessions, nor the ongoing anguish caused by serious illnesses, nor the heartbreaking parting from your spouse, children, or dying friends should deter you; rather, these trials ought to inspire you to acts of valor. Such difficulties should not undermine your faith but instead highlight your courage in struggle; all present adversities should be regarded lightly, with the hope of future blessings. Without conflict, there can be no triumph, and when victory is achieved, crowns are bestowed upon those who prevail. A leader is revealed in the tempest; a soldier's worth is proven in combat. There is little to celebrate in the absence of risk. Authenticity surfaces in the face of trials. A deeply rooted tree remains steadfast against the winds; a solid vessel withstands the pounding of waves. When grain is winnowed on the threshing floor, the robust kernels remain while the chaff is easily scattered by the lightest gust.

John Cassian

5th centuryChurch Father

Temptation, as previously mentioned, manifests in two forms: through joy and through distress. The motivations behind human temptation are threefold: primarily for testing, at times for correction, and frequently as a consequence of sin. For instance, we see that the righteous Abraham and numerous saints, including Job, faced countless hardships intended for their testing.

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Similarly, the people of Judah were tested during their time in the wilderness, as highlighted by Moses in Deuteronomy: “And that thou mayest remember all the way in which the Lord thy God leadeth thee, this fourscore years in the wilderness, that he may tempt thee, and embitter thee, and that thou mayest understand the things that are in thine heart, whether thou keep His commandments or not.” The Psalms also echo this sentiment: “I have tried you on the water of contention” (Psalm 80:8).

Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)

19th centuryChurch Father

Reflect on the journey that the Lord your God has guided you through (Deuteronomy 8:2), recalling the perils you have encountered, the challenges you have triumphed over, and the wonders you have experienced and been a part of. How will you utilize these memories of the past? I reveal to you the path of righteousness and redemption: remember the Lord, the source of all these blessings. "Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God."

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.