Deuteronomy 29:5
And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.
Original Language Analysis
וָֽאוֹלֵ֥ךְ
H1980
וָֽאוֹלֵ֥ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
5 of 14
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בָלְתָ֖ה
are not waxen old
H1086
בָלְתָ֖ה
are not waxen old
Strong's:
H1086
Word #:
7 of 14
to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)
מֵֽעֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
H5921
מֵֽעֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְנַֽעַלְךָ֥
upon you and thy shoe
H5275
וְנַֽעַלְךָ֥
upon you and thy shoe
Strong's:
H5275
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בָלְתָ֖ה
are not waxen old
H1086
בָלְתָ֖ה
are not waxen old
Strong's:
H1086
Word #:
12 of 14
to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 8:4Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.Nehemiah 9:21Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.Deuteronomy 8:2And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.Deuteronomy 1:3And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;Matthew 10:10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Historical Context
Forty years of constant wear would naturally destroy clothing and sandals. That they remained intact was obvious miracle testifying to God's continual care.
This detail appears only in Deuteronomy, Moses' farewell address emphasizing God's faithfulness throughout the wilderness journey.
Questions for Reflection
- What does supernatural preservation of clothing teach about God's comprehensive care?
- How does personal divine guidance differ from impersonal providence?
- Why did God provide supernaturally rather than enabling normal agricultural provision?
- What does this teach about God's faithfulness in providing for needs?
- How should remembering past provision strengthen confidence in God's future care?
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Analysis & Commentary
And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. God's supernatural preservation during wilderness wandering demonstrated His continual care. Clothes and shoes that did not wear out despite forty years of use showed obvious divine provision transcending natural processes.
The phrase I have led you emphasizes personal divine guidance. God did not merely allow Israel to wander but actively led them through the wilderness journey. Every step occurred under divine providence and purpose.
The miracle of non-wearing clothes illustrated that God provides for basic needs in ways transcending normal means. While Israel expected natural provision (agriculture), God demonstrated supernatural provision (manna, durable clothing) to teach dependence on Him.
This pattern continues - God provides for His people's needs, sometimes naturally, sometimes supernaturally, always faithfully. The means vary but the Provider remains constant.