Deuteronomy 8:4. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
See how God not only cares for his people’s food, but for their raiment also. We may, therefore, well take heed to Paul’s injunction: "Having food and raiment let us be therewith content." Whether it was by a miracle that the Israelites’ raiment did not wear out, or whether it came to pass, in the order of providence, that they were able to get fresh clothing when it did wear out, does not signify at all; it made no difference to them how it was arranged, for it was equal kindness on the part of God who provided for them. "Neither did thy foot swell." We call the Arab, sometimes, "The pilgrim of the weary foot;" but the Israelites’ feet were not weary. They traversed a stony, wilderness, yet God kept them in such health and strength that their feet swelled not even after forty years of journeying. You and I often get worn out in forty hours; forty days are as long as we can hope to go; but God enabled his ancient people to go on for forty years, and still their feet swelled not. Dr. Watts sweetly sang,-
"Mere mortal power shall fade and die,
And youthful vigor cease;
But we that wait upon the Lord Shall feel our strength increase.
The saints shall mount on eagles’ wings,
And taste the promised bliss,
Till their unwearied feet arrive Where perfect pleasure is."
Deuteronomy 8:4. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
See how God not only cares for his people’s food, but for their raiment also. We may, therefore, well take heed to Paul’s injunction: "Having food and raiment let us be therewith content." Whether it was by a miracle that the Israelites’ raiment did not wear out, or whether it came to pass, in the order of providence, that they were able to get fresh clothing when it did wear out, does not signify at all; it made no difference to them how it was arranged, for it was equal kindness on the part of God who provided for them. "Neither did thy foot swell." We call the Arab, sometimes, "The pilgrim of the weary foot;" but the Israelites’ feet were not weary. They traversed a stony, wilderness, yet God kept them in such health and strength that their feet swelled not even after forty years of journeying. You and I often get worn out in forty hours; forty days are as long as we can hope to go; but God enabled his ancient people to go on for forty years, and still their feet swelled not. Dr. Watts sweetly sang,-
"Mere mortal power shall fade and die,
And youthful vigor cease;
But we that wait upon the Lord Shall feel our strength increase.
The saints shall mount on eagles’ wings,
And taste the promised bliss,
Till their unwearied feet arrive Where perfect pleasure is."