Moshe lectures his people to obey Hashem’s commandments, because
they are for their benefit: All the commandment that I command
you today shall you observe to do, so that you may live and
multiply, and come and possess the land that Hashem swore to
your forefathers (Devarim 8:1) Of course, Hashem has
demonstrated through His Providence that He takes care of the
people of Israel: You will recall all the way/road on which
Hashem, your G-d, has led you these forty years in the
wilderness…(8:2). But Hashem’s purpose was not only to provide
material sustenance; He wanted to teach them to rely on Him. His
aim was to take former slaves – people, entirely dependent on
their human masters and transform them into ennobled servants of
Hashem. At times, Hashem’s method of education may have seemed
harsh: …in order to afflict you, to test you, to know what is in
your heart, whether you will keep His commandments or not. And
He deprived you, and starved you, then He fed you the manna,
which neither you nor your ancestors k