Deuteronomy 8:10 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ver. 10. When thou hast eaten, &c. thou shalt bless the Lord— The Jews upon these words ground one of their positive precepts, that every one should bless God at his meals; a precept, not more commendable than reasonable: for what can be more reasonable than thankfully to acknowledge God, the giver of all good? And what time more proper to acknowledge him, than when his bounty has satisfied our hunger, and quenched our thirst? Upon this laudable and ancient custom, which was not peculiar to the Jews, but prevailed among almost all the nations of the earth, we refer the reader to Parker's excellent seventh Occasional Annotation on the place; where, as well as in Godwin and Lewis's Antiquities, an exact detail of the custom will be found. We conclude with observing, that the Turks and Chinese are punctual in their prayers at meals. What a disgrace must it be for Christians to yield to these infidels! to sit down at their table, and partake of God's blessings, without ever gratefully acknowledging his goodness, who giveth them all things richly to enjoy!