Deuteronomy 6:16

16 You must not test the LORD your God as you did when you complained at Massah.

Deuteronomy 6:16 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 6:16

Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God
By striving with him or against him, by murmuring at or complaining of his providential dealings with them, or by requiring a sign of him, or miracles to be done by him; this is another passage used by Christ to repel the temptations of Satan, ( Matthew 4:7 ) ,

as tempted him in Massah;
a place so called from the Israelites tempting the Lord there, ( Exodus 17:7 ) , the Targum of Jonathan adds, with ten temptations; see ( Numbers 14:21 ) .

Deuteronomy 6:16 In-Context

14 “You must not worship any of the gods of neighboring nations,

15 for the LORD your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. His anger will flare up against you, and he will wipe you from the face of the earth.

16 You must not test the LORD your God as you did when you complained at Massah.

17 You must diligently obey the commands of the LORD your God—all the laws and decrees he has given you.

18 Do what is right and good in the LORD ’s sight, so all will go well with you. Then you will enter and occupy the good land that the LORD swore to give your ancestors.