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Deuteronomy 8:15

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 8:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “who led thee through the great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents and scorpions, and thirsty ground where was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

who led thee through the great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents and scorpions, and thirsty ground where was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
Deuteronomy 8:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12lest, when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14then thy heart be lifted up, and thou forget Jehovah thy God, who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage;
15who led thee through the great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents and scorpions, and thirsty ground where was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
16who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not; that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end:
17and [lest] thou say in thy heart, My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth.
18But thou shalt remember Jehovah thy God, for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as at this day.
← Deuteronomy 8:14Deuteronomy 8:16 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, etc.] The wilderness of Paran, which was great and large, reaching from Sinai to Kadesh, eleven days’ journey, and terrible to the sight, nothing being to be seen but dry rocks and barren mountains; (see <050119>Deuteronomy 1:19), and especially for what follows: wherein were fiery serpents and scorpions; fiery serpents, such as bit the Israelites, of which (see <042106>Numbers 21:6) and scorpions, a kind of serpents, venomous and mischievous, which have stings in their tails they are continually thrusting out and striking with, as Pliny says f92; and have their name from their great sting; for Aristotle f93 says, this alone of insects…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions--Large and venomous reptiles are found in great numbers there still, particularly in autumn. Travellers must use great caution in arranging their tents and beds at night; even during the day the legs not only of men, but of the animals they ride, are liable to be bitten. who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint--(See on Deu 9:21). Next: Deuteronomy Chapter 9”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Render: “Who brought thee through that great and terrible wilderness, the fiery serpent and the scorpion, and the dry land where are no waters.” On the fiery serpents see Numbers 21:6 note. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:15 water from the rock! See Exod 17:6; Num 20:2-13; see also Deut 1:37.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“led thee: Deu 1:19; Psa 136:16; Isa 63:12-14; Jer 2:6 fiery serpents: Num 21:6; Hos 13:5 who brought: Exo 17:5; Num 20:11; Psa 78:15, Psa 78:16, Psa 105:41, Psa 114:8; Isa 35:7; Co1 10:4 Deuteronomy 8:16”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification