A Lesson For Israel Benefits Christians

When Jehovah provided the manna, he had more in mind than simply satisfying the physical needs of some three million Israelites. He wanted 'to humble them and put them for to the test' so as to refine and discipline them for their own benefit. (Deuteronomy 8A:16; Isaiah 48:17 ) If they responded that refining and discipline, Jehovah would delight in 'doing them good in their afterdays' by granting them peace, prosperity and happiness in the Promised Land.

One vital thing that they needed to learn was that "not by bread alone does man live by every of Jehovah's mouth does man live." (Deuteronomy 8:3) Had God not commanded the manna, the people would have starved-a fact they readily admitted. (Exodus 16:3, 4) Appreciative Israelites were daily reminded of their total dependence on Jehovah and were therefore humbled. Once in the Promised Land with its material abundance, they would be less likely to forget Jehovah and their dependence on him.

Like the Israelites, Christians must remain conscious of their dependence on God for life's necessities-physical and spiritual. (Matthew 5:3; 6:31-33) In answer to one of the Devil's temptations, Jesus Christ quoted the words of Moses as found at Deuteronomy 8Z:3, saying: "It is not written, 'Man must live not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth.' " (Matthew 4:4) Yes, true worshipers of God are nourished by reading Jehovah's expressions found in his Word. Additionally, their faith is strengthened when they experience the beneficial effects of these expressions in their lives as they walk with God and put his Kingdom interests in first place.

Next time: Conclusion of the above subject

Watchtower, 1999