Deuteronomy 6:16

16 "Do not put the Lord your God to the test, as you did at Massah. ¹

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 Do not worship other gods, any of the gods of the peoples around you.

15 If you do worship other gods, the Lord's anger will come against you like fire and will destroy you completely, because the Lord your God, who is present with you, tolerates no rivals.

16 "Do not put the Lord your God to the test, as you did at Massah.

17 Be sure that you obey all the laws that he has given you.

18 Do what the Lord says is right and good, and all will go well with you. You will be able to take possession of the fertile land that the Lord promised your ancestors,

Cross References

• 1. 6.16 aMatthew 4.7;Luke 4.12; bExodus 17.1-7.