Deuteronomy 8: 7-18

Deuteronomy 8: 7-18

Deuteronomy 8: 7-18
Scope, Selection and Content of Pericope
Deuteronomy 8, an independent exhortation within the second speech of Moses (4:44–28:68), has the motif of remembrance/forgetting (verses 2, 11, 14, 18, 19) as a call to obedience (verses 1,2, 6, 11, 19).
Beginning the pericope with 8:7 is unsatisfactory because it presupposes the preceding context (“For…”). At least 8:1 should be retained to clarify the antecedent.   The proper ending for the pericope is 8:20, completing the thought sequence begun in 11. Without 19-20 the reason for the demand of remembrance is not stated. A reasonable choice of pericope, then, is 8:1, 7-20.
Sources/Traditions/Form
Chapter 8 is part of the core source of Deuteronomy, representing a complex of traditions from the seventh and eighth centuries, incorporated by the Deuteronomistic historian(s) during the sixth century.   Theological emphases of this source include insistence on Yahweh as Israel’s only God, rejection of idolatry, the offer of reward for obedience, and the claim that Yahweh’s acts in history are personally relevant to each Israelite.   These themes expand the central theological concept of Deuteronomy, the meaning of the covenant relationship.
The form is a speech or sermon by Moses.   The listeners are the Israelites prior to entering the land. This form calls for each Israelite to appropriate the Exodus, wilderness time, and conquest as personal events.
Summary of Content
Preceding context
You must observe the whole Torah that I (Moses) give you so that you will stay alive and possess the land.
You must remember the time in the wilderness, where Yahweh kept you humble and tested your obedience. Yahweh fed you manna so you would know that you are totally dependent on Yahweh. Yahweh disciplined you like Yahweh’s children. Because of this experience, you must obey Yahweh’s commandments.
Pericope
  You must observe the whole Torah that I (Moses) give you so that you will stay alive and possess the...