What does Deuteronomy 32:7 mean?

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. Deuteronomy 32:7

Explanation

Deuteronomy 32:7 encourages Israel to reflect on its history and heritage to gain wisdom and understanding. The verse implores the listener to consider the collective experiences of past generations—by consulting with elders and listening to the stories and teachings passed down—to learn from their ancestors’ successes and failures. This verse encourages a connection to tradition and emphasizes the value of communal memory and the importance of historical consciousness.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Song of Moses, delivered at the end of Moses’ life, providing a poetic summary of Israel’s relationship with God. The historical context of Deuteronomy is set just before the Israelites’ entrance into the Promised Land, and the book serves as a reiteration and reaffirmation of the Law given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This particular verse speaks to a recurring theme in the Hebrew Bible: the importance of remembering the past to shape the present and future.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the verse suggests that human history is under God’s providential guidance. Remembering the past is not just about honoring one’s ancestors but also about recognizing God’s hand in the journey of the people. Christian theology might view this as an invitation to reflect on God’s redemptive work throughout history, while Jewish thought often sees it as linking current generations to the covenantal promises given to the patriarchs.

Practical Applications

Applying the teachings of this verse in daily life can involve various practices. Individuals might seek to:

• Respect and listen to the wisdom of elders.
• Engage in studying historical texts and family histories to better understand the context of their beliefs and values.
• Use past experiences to guide decision-making and moral choices.
• Reflect on personal and communal milestones and how they have shaped beliefs and actions.

Cross-References

• Psalm 77:11-12: “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.”
• Psalm 78:3-4: “Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”
• Proverbs 22:28: “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”

Language Study

The key words in this verse are:

• “Days of old” (Hebrew: שְׁנוֹת עוֹלָם, shenot olam): Refers to ancient times or long past years.
• “Consider” (Hebrew: בִּינָה, binah): To perceive, understand, or discern.
• “Generations” (Hebrew: דּוֹר וָדוֹר, dor vador): Successive generations, indicating continuity.
• “Father” and “elders” (Hebrew: אָב, av and זְקֵנִים, zekenim): Used to represent those who hold historical knowledge and wisdom.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to the biblical exhortation to learn from the past, many other ancient cultures placed value on generational wisdom. For instance, in Confucianism, respect for one’s ancestors and elders is a core value. Among Native American traditions, oral storytelling from elders serves as a method of teaching and preserving history.

Scientific Perspectives

In the context of scientific understandings, this verse can be related to the value of historical knowledge in many fields. For example, archaeology and anthropology rely on the study of past civilizations to understand cultural development, while evolutionary biology examines the history of species to comprehend current forms.

Commentaries

Commentators often emphasize this verse’s plea for an intentional remembrance of the past. Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights the need to consult the aged for wisdom. Keil and Delitzsch focus on the importance of history as God’s pedagogy. The Pulpit Commentary brings out the aspect of learning from both divine and human actions throughout history.