“But thou shalt remember the LORD 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 it is this day.”
My Notes
What Does Deuteronomy 8:18 Mean?
Moses addresses the core delusion of self-made prosperity: "it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth." Not the wealth itself — the power to get it. Even your ability to earn, create, and build is a gift. Your intelligence, health, opportunity, and drive — the raw materials of success — all come from God.
But the purpose clause is equally important: God gives this power "that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers." Wealth has a covenantal purpose. It's not given for personal accumulation but for the establishment of God's promises. Your prosperity is meant to serve a purpose larger than your lifestyle.
The reference to "thy fathers" connects present wealth to ancestral promise. What God swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is being fulfilled through Israel's economic success in the land. Their wealth isn't accidental; it's the material dimension of covenant faithfulness. This means prosperity carries responsibility — it's evidence of God's promise-keeping, and it should be stewarded accordingly.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Which aspect of your earning capacity do you most take for granted as 'yours'?
- 2.How does knowing that wealth serves covenant purposes change how you steward your resources?
- 3.What's the difference between enjoying prosperity and being deluded by it?
- 4.How do you practically 'remember the LORD your God' in how you handle money?
Devotional
"He giveth thee power to get wealth." Not just the wealth — the power. The ability. The capacity. Your sharp mind? Gift. Your strong body? Gift. The market that rewards your skill? Gift. The education that prepared you? Gift. Even the drive that pushes you to excel? Gift.
This verse doesn't condemn wealth; it reframes it. Wealth isn't sinful, but the delusion that you're self-made is. Moses isn't saying "don't be successful." He's saying "remember where the success comes from." And it comes from a God who has covenant purposes for everything he provides.
The purpose clause should realign your relationship with money. God gives you the power to get wealth not so you can get wealthy, but so his covenant can be established. Your prosperity is meant to serve something bigger than your personal comfort. It's evidence of God's faithfulness to promises made to your spiritual ancestors — and it carries the weight of being used for his purposes.
This isn't a guilt trip about having nice things. It's an orientation check. Do you see your earning capacity as yours or as given? Do you use your wealth primarily for self or for covenant purposes? The answers matter — not because God wants you poor, but because he wants you honest about the source.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God,.... Either the mercies they received from him, not…
Moses, having mentioned the great plenty they would find in the land of Canaan, finds it necessary to caution them…
Renewed emphasis on the writer's chief principle that Jehovah is the author of the people's blessings and that because…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture