דברים, פרק י״א, פסוק ה׳

Moses reminds the Israelites of the profound journey they experienced under God's guidance throughout their years of wandering. The memories of their time in the desert encompass a wide range of events, prompting a discussion about which specific moments are being highlighted as they look back on their survival.

One perspective focuses on the acts of kindness and the miracles that sustained the people. Some interpret this as a specific reminder of the manna falling from heaven [אבן עזרא, חזקוני]. Others take a broader view, seeing it as a reference to all the miraculous ways God ensured their survival. This includes not only the manna but also the well of water, the quail, and the protective clouds of glory that surrounded them [העמק דבר].

In contrast, another approach suggests that Moses is actually pointing to their hardships and the punishments they endured. This refers to severe events like the plague following the sin of the Golden Calf, the fire at Taberah, the attack of the fiery serpents, and the plague at Shittim. Rather than mere anger, these harsh moments are understood as God's moral discipline. Just as a father disciplines a child out of deep affection, God used these painful experiences for the ultimate good of the people, with the goal of teaching them to truly love Him [ביאור יש״ר].

A broader perspective merges these contrasting views. It suggests that the memory of the desert includes absolutely everything the Israelites went through. Both the moments of great joy and the times of deep pain are combined, representing the complete reality of living under God's direct leadership in the wilderness [רש ר הירש].