and no prophet who performed all the mighty acts of power and awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. and in all the mighty powerThe phrase "mighty power" in Hebrew is "kol ha-yad ha-chazakah," which literally translates to "all the strong hand." This expression is often used in the Old Testament to describe the miraculous acts of God, particularly those that demonstrate His sovereignty and strength. In the context of Moses, it refers to the divine power that was evident in the miracles and signs performed during the Exodus, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the plagues in Egypt. These acts were not just displays of physical might but were manifestations of God's authority and covenantal faithfulness to Israel. The "mighty power" underscores the idea that Moses was a conduit of God's will, emphasizing the divine origin of his leadership and the supernatural nature of his mission. and great terror
The Hebrew term for "great terror" is "u-mora ha-gadol," which can be understood as "great awe" or "fear." This phrase captures the reverence and fear that the miraculous acts inspired among the Israelites and their enemies. The "great terror" was not merely about fear of physical harm but a profound recognition of God's holiness and power. It reflects the biblical theme that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). In the narrative of Moses, this "great terror" served to affirm his role as God's chosen leader and to instill a sense of divine reverence among the people of Israel. It also acted as a deterrent to those who would oppose God's plans, demonstrating that His purposes would prevail. Moses performed
The Hebrew verb "asah" is used here, meaning "to do" or "to make." This word emphasizes the active role of Moses in executing God's commands. While the power and terror were divine, Moses was the human agent through whom these acts were realized. This highlights the partnership between God and His chosen leaders, where human obedience and divine power work in tandem to accomplish God's purposes. Moses' performance of these acts was a testament to his faithfulness and his unique relationship with God, as he was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Israelites and demonstrating God's power to them. in the sight of all Israel
The phrase "in the sight of all Israel" underscores the public nature of Moses' actions. The miracles and signs were not done in secret but were witnessed by the entire nation. This public demonstration served multiple purposes: it validated Moses' leadership, reinforced the covenant between God and Israel, and provided a collective experience that would be remembered and recounted through generations. The visibility of these acts ensured that the people of Israel could not deny the reality of God's intervention and the authenticity of Moses' prophetic role. It also established a shared history and identity for the Israelites, rooted in the mighty acts of God witnessed by the entire community. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this verse, Moses is the prophet and leader of Israel who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He is known for his close relationship with God and his role in delivering the Law. 2. IsraelThe nation of Israel, consisting of the descendants of the twelve tribes of Jacob, who were led by Moses from slavery in Egypt to the brink of the Promised Land. 3. The Mighty Power and Great TerrorRefers to the miraculous signs and wonders performed by Moses, including the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and other acts that demonstrated God's power and authority. 4. The Wilderness JourneyThe 40-year period during which the Israelites wandered in the desert, during which Moses led them and God provided for them. 5. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites were on the verge of entering at the time of Moses' death. Teaching Points The Role of a LeaderMoses exemplifies the qualities of a godly leader—obedience, faithfulness, and humility. Leaders today can learn from his example to rely on God's strength rather than their own. God's Power and SovereigntyThe "mighty power and great terror" remind us of God's ultimate authority over creation. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's power in their own lives. The Importance of ObedienceMoses' life illustrates the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Christians are called to follow God's commands faithfully. Legacy of FaithMoses left a legacy of faith and leadership that impacted generations. Believers are encouraged to consider the legacy they are leaving for others. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite the challenges faced, God remained faithful to His promise to bring Israel to the Promised Land. This assures believers of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' leadership style in the wilderness reflect the qualities of a godly leader, and how can we apply these qualities in our own leadership roles today? 2. In what ways do the "mighty power and great terror" performed by Moses demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our faith during difficult times? 3. Reflect on a time when obedience to God led to a positive outcome in your life. How does Moses' example encourage you to continue in obedience? 4. Consider the legacy Moses left for the Israelites. What kind of spiritual legacy are you building for those around you? 5. How does God's faithfulness to His promises in the account of Moses and Israel encourage you in your personal walk with God? What promises are you holding onto today? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 7-12Details the plagues of Egypt, which are examples of the "mighty power and great terror" performed by Moses. Exodus 14Describes the parting of the Red Sea, another demonstration of God's power through Moses. Numbers 20Discusses Moses striking the rock to bring forth water, showing both his leadership and the consequences of disobedience. Hebrews 3:1-6Compares Moses to Jesus, highlighting Moses' faithfulness as a servant in God's house. Acts 7:35-36Stephen's speech recounts Moses' role in leading Israel and performing wonders and signs. People Dan, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joshua, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Pharaoh, ZoarPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Gilead, Jericho, Moab, Mount Nebo, Negeb, Pisgah, Valley of Jericho, ZoarTopics Acts, Awesome, Deeds, Fear, Mighty, Performed, Power, Reference, Showed, Sight, Strong, Terrible, Terribleness, Terror, Worked, WroughtDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 34:12 5457 power, human Deuteronomy 34:10-12 1449 signs, purposes Library A Death in the Desert
'So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, ... but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.'--DEUT. xxxiv.5, 6. A fitting end to such a life! The great law-giver and leader had been all his days a lonely man; and now, surrounded by a new generation, and all the old familiar faces vanished, he is more solitary than ever. He had lived alone with God, and it was fitting that alone with …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Moses
(First Sunday after Trinity.) DEUT. xxxiv. 5, 6. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. Some might regret that the last three chapters of Deuteronomy are not read among our Sunday lessons. There was not, however, room for them; and I do not doubt that those who chose our lessons knew better than I what chapters …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII So Then we must Confess that the Dead Indeed do not Know what Is...
18. So then we must confess that the dead indeed do not know what is doing here, but while it is in doing here: afterwards, however, they hear it from those who from hence go to them at their death; not indeed every thing, but what things those are allowed to make known who are suffered also to remember these things; and which it is meet for those to hear, whom they inform of the same. It may be also, that from the Angels, who are present in the things which are doing here, the dead do hear somewhat, …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 34:12 NIVDeuteronomy 34:12 NLTDeuteronomy 34:12 ESVDeuteronomy 34:12 NASBDeuteronomy 34:12 KJV
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