Days Past…Remember
Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses commanded the Israelites to remember the days of old, instructing them to consider the years of many generations. This directive was given to emphasize the importance of reflecting on the past, understanding the lessons learned, and recognizing God's faithfulness throughout history. In an earlier time period,the Israelites forgot their history of God's faithfulness and provision, turning instead to idolatry and sin. As a result, they were taken into slavery by foreign nations, facing the consequences of their disobedience. This period of bondage served as a sobering awareness of the importance of remembering their heritage and the covenant they had with God. This call by Moses to remember the days of old also served as a reminder to be aware of their present actions and be mindful of God's sovereignty over their lives. But some of you may be wondering, what does Deuteronomy 32:7 really mean? The answer is found in the three different parts of this verse.
The first part is the command is to “Remember the days of old”. Days of old is found in the Hebrew term “yemoth olam” with “yemoth” meaning day or days and “olam” meaning long duration or eternity. And the importance here is that it is not only referring to history, but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purpose and salvation and His promise to save humanity. We find this in Isaiah 46:9, “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” The word remember is found in the Hebrew term “zakhar” which means to “think or remember in light of the future”.
The second part is “ Consider the generations long past”. In the Hebrew language, the word "generations" is translated from the word "dor." This term often refers to a specific time period within a generation. When the Bible speaks of generations, it often alludes to a more specific sense of connection between ancestors, current individuals, and future descendants, highlighting the importance of legacy, heritage, and the passing down of faith and traditions from one generation to the next . In other words, while “days of old” refers to God’s entire history of salvation, “generations” refers to God’s specific administration of redemption within each generation and more importantly, our individual lives.
And last the command by Moses “ Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” Here we see two Hebrew terms “av” meaning “father” and “zaqen” meaning “elder or aged person”. So the fathers and elders in this verse were the leaders of faith during this time such as Moses and Abraham. They modeled the keeping of God’s commands and never strayed outside the boundaries of God’s Word and God’s Law. We see this in Job 12:12 “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” These leaders understood that the Word of God was not just knowledge, but was wisdom which was deeply rooted in their lives. We see this in Jeremiah 6:16 “Listening to the wisdom of elders can illuminate the good path, providing a roadmap based on lessons learned and principles upheld over years of living.” Listening to the wisdom of an older person whom we trust, can illuminate the good path, providing a roadmap based on lessons learned and principles upheld over years of living. The experience and insights shared by those who have walked the path before us can offer clarity and perspective in navigating life's complexities. Honoring the wisdom of our elders not only enriches our own lives but also upholds a tradition of respect and connection across generations.
Prayerful Thought:
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. Proverbs 2:9
And Remember…….
“ We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience!”
“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee