What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 11:2? Know this day “Know today…” (Deuteronomy 11:2) is Moses’ gentle but urgent call to pay attention in the present moment. Israel must not drift into forgetfulness once they settle in the land. • Deuteronomy 4:9 echoes the same exhortation—“Only be on guard and diligently watch yourselves… so that you do not forget.” • Remembering is active: it shapes decisions, worship, and obedience here and now (Deuteronomy 8:2). that it is not your children Moses singles out the current adult generation. Their children will grow up in the Promised Land, but the parents were eye-witnesses to the Exodus. • Deuteronomy 1:39 reminds them that the little ones had no part in earlier choices. • Joshua 4:6 shows why stone memorials were set up—so later children could ask, “What do these stones mean to you?” Responsibility for testimony lies first with those who actually saw God work. who have known and seen The verbs underline personal experience, not hearsay. • Exodus 20:18 notes that the people “saw the thunder and flashes of lightning.” • Deuteronomy 5:24 records their own words: “We have seen today that God speaks with man…” First-hand knowledge carries weight; second-hand stories need the parents’ faithful telling. the discipline of the LORD your God “Discipline” includes God’s correcting judgments and His training care (Deuteronomy 8:5 compares it to a father’s discipline). • Proverbs 3:11-12 calls such discipline evidence of love, a theme repeated in Hebrews 12:5-11. Israel’s hardships—plagues on Egypt, hunger in the desert, victories in battle—were God’s tutoring sessions, shaping a holy nation. His greatness They had watched the Lord tower over Egypt’s gods (Deuteronomy 3:24; Psalm 145:3). His greatness is not abstract theology; it was visible in plagues, pillar of cloud and fire, Sinai’s smoke. Awe at such greatness fuels wholehearted devotion (Deuteronomy 10:12-17). His mighty hand The phrase pictures decisive, sovereign power. • Exodus 13:9 links the Passover to “the LORD’s mighty hand.” • Deuteronomy 7:19 urges them to recall “the great trials… the mighty hand and outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out.” That same hand will secure their future victories. and His outstretched arm An outstretched arm conveys both reach and resolve. • Exodus 6:6 promises deliverance “with an outstretched arm.” • Deuteronomy 26:8 celebrates that promise fulfilled. • Jeremiah 32:21 looks back centuries later, still marveling at the same arm. Israel’s rescuer is no distant deity; He leans in, intervenes, and carries His people. summary Deuteronomy 11:2 presses the Exodus generation to take ownership of their living memory of God’s works. They, not their children, stood at Sinai, tasted manna, walked between Red Sea walls, and felt both the sting and comfort of divine discipline. Because they personally “knew and saw” the Lord’s greatness, mighty hand, and outstretched arm, they must now live and teach from that experience, ensuring the next generation inherits not just the land but a vibrant, first-hand faith. |
    |