Indeed, ask now from one end of the heavens to the other about the days that long preceded you, from the day that God created man on earth: Has anything as great as this ever happened or been reported? Indeed, ask nowThe phrase "Indeed, ask now" serves as an imperative, urging the Israelites to actively seek understanding and reflection. The Hebrew root for "ask" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which implies a deep inquiry or request for knowledge. This call to inquiry is not merely rhetorical but a divine invitation to explore the history and acts of God. It emphasizes the importance of remembering and learning from the past, a theme prevalent throughout Deuteronomy. about the former days
"About the former days" refers to the historical events that have shaped the identity and faith of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "former" is "רִאשׁוֹן" (ri'shon), meaning first or preceding. This phrase encourages the audience to consider the foundational events of their faith, such as the creation, the patriarchs, and the Exodus. It underscores the continuity of God's work throughout history and the importance of historical consciousness in understanding God's ongoing relationship with His people. long before your time
This phrase highlights the vastness of history and the enduring nature of God's actions. It reminds the Israelites that God's deeds transcend their immediate experience and are part of a larger, divine narrative. The emphasis on "long before" serves to humble the audience, reminding them of their place within God's eternal plan and the wisdom that comes from acknowledging the past. from the day God created man on the earth
This phrase anchors the discussion in the creation narrative, pointing back to Genesis. The Hebrew word for "created" is "בָּרָא" (bara), which is used exclusively for divine creation, signifying God's unique power and authority. By referencing the creation of man, the verse connects the Israelites' account to the very beginning of humanity, emphasizing that their history is part of God's grand design for all of creation. ask from one end of the heavens to the other
This expression uses hyperbolic language to convey the vastness of the inquiry. The "heavens" symbolize the entirety of creation, suggesting that the scope of God's actions is universal. The phrase encourages a comprehensive search for understanding, implying that the evidence of God's greatness is evident throughout the entire cosmos. It reflects the biblical theme of God's omnipresence and omnipotence. Has anything as great as this ever happened
This rhetorical question highlights the unparalleled nature of God's actions in history. The Hebrew word for "great" is "גָּדוֹל" (gadol), which denotes magnitude and significance. The verse challenges the audience to recognize the uniqueness of God's interventions, particularly in the context of the covenant and the deliverance of Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the extraordinary nature of His relationship with His people. or has anything like it ever been heard?
The concluding phrase reinforces the uniqueness of God's deeds by appealing to the collective memory and testimony of humanity. The act of "hearing" in Hebrew, "שָׁמַע" (shama), often implies obedience and understanding. This question not only highlights the singularity of God's actions but also calls the audience to listen, remember, and respond to the divine narrative. It serves as an invitation to witness and testify to God's unparalleled works throughout history. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe speaker of this passage, Moses is addressing the Israelites, reminding them of God's unique acts in their history. 2. IsraelitesThe audience of Moses' speech, they are being reminded of their unique relationship with God and His mighty works on their behalf. 3. Creation of ManRefers to the beginning of humanity, highlighting God's sovereignty and creative power. 4. Heavens and EarthSymbolizes the vastness of God's creation, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of God's deeds. 5. Historical EventsThe passage invites reflection on the historical acts of God, particularly the Exodus and the giving of the Law. Teaching Points The Uniqueness of God's ActsReflect on the unparalleled nature of God's deeds in history, particularly in the creation and redemption of His people. The Importance of RememberingRegularly recall and meditate on God's past faithfulness to strengthen your faith and trust in His future promises. God's Sovereignty and PowerAcknowledge God's supreme authority over creation and history, which should lead to worship and reverence. The Call to InquiryEngage in seeking and understanding God's works and His Word, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. Living in Awe of GodCultivate a sense of awe and wonder at God's mighty acts, allowing it to transform your daily life and perspective. Bible Study Questions 1. How does reflecting on God's creation and historical acts impact your understanding of His character? 2. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of remembering God's past faithfulness into your daily routine? 3. How does acknowledging God's sovereignty influence your response to current challenges or uncertainties? 4. What steps can you take to deepen your inquiry into God's Word and His works? 5. How can living in awe of God's mighty acts transform your interactions with others and your approach to life's circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1The creation account, which underscores God's power and authority as the Creator, setting the stage for His unique relationship with humanity. Exodus 19-20The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, a pivotal event in Israel's history that demonstrates God's covenant relationship with His people. Psalm 77:11-14A call to remember the works of the Lord, similar to Moses' exhortation to recall God's mighty deeds. Isaiah 45:18Affirms God as the Creator, reinforcing the uniqueness of His acts and His sovereignty over creation. Acts 17:24-27Paul's speech at the Areopagus, which echoes the theme of God's creation and His desire for a relationship with humanity. People Amorites, Baalpeor, Bezer, Gadites, Israelites, Manasseh, Manassites, Moses, Og, Reubenites, SihonPlaces Arabah, Aroer, Bashan, Beth-baal-peor, Bezer, Egypt, Gilead, Golan, Hermon, Heshbon, Horeb, Jordan River, Mount Sion, Peor, Pisgah, Ramoth, Sea of the Arabah, Valley of the ArnonTopics Anything, Created, Former, Heaven, Heavens, Indeed, Inquire, Past, Prepared, Searching, Sky, Story, Talked, WhetherDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 4:32-34 1305 God, activity of Deuteronomy 4:32-35 4945 history
5029 knowledge, of God Library February the Sixteenth Crowding Out God
"Lest thou forget." --DEUTERONOMY iv. 5-13. That is surely the worst affront we can put upon anybody. We may oppose a man and hinder him in his work, or we may directly injure him, or we may ignore him, and treat him as nothing. Or we may forget him! Opposition, injury, contempt, neglect, forgetfulness! Surely this is a descending scale, and the last is the worst. And yet we can forget the Lord God. We can forget all His benefits. We can easily put Him out of mind. We can live as though He were …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearDeuteronomy
(Third Sunday after Easter.) Deut. iv. 39, 40. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shall keep therefore his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever. Learned men have argued much of late as to who wrote …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West - their Union in the Great Hope of the Coming Deliverer.
It was not only in the capital of the Empire that the Jews enjoyed the rights of Roman citizenship. Many in Asia Minor could boast of the same privilege. [327] The Seleucidic rulers of Syria had previously bestowed kindred privileges on the Jews in many places. Thus, they possessed in some cities twofold rights: the status of Roman and the privileges of Asiatic, citizenship. Those who enjoyed the former were entitled to a civil government of their own, under archons of their choosing, quite independent …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Of the Cities of Refuge.
Hebron, the most eminent among them, excites us to remember the rest. "The Rabbins deliver this; Moses separated three cities of refuge beyond Jordan, [Deut 4:41-43;] and, against them, Joshua separated three cities in the land of Canaan, [Josh 20:7,8]. And these were placed by one another, just as two ranks of vines are in a vineyard: Hebron in Judea against Bezer in the wilderness: Shechem in mount Ephraim against Ramoth in Gilead: Kedesh in mount Napthali against Golan in Basan. And these three …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart to Yearn after Union with Christ in the Sacrament
The Voice of the Disciple Who shall grant unto me, O Lord, that I may find Thee alone, and open all my heart unto Thee, and enjoy Thee as much as my soul desireth; and that no man may henceforth look upon me, nor any creature move me or have respect unto me, but Thou alone speak unto me and I unto Thee, even as beloved is wont to speak unto beloved, and friend to feast with friend? For this do I pray, this do I long for, that I may be wholly united unto Thee, and may withdraw my heart from all created …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Epistle cxxvii. From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory .
From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory [89] . To the holy lord, and father in Christ, the Roman [pope], most fair ornament of the Church, a certain most august flower, as it were, of the whole of withering Europe, distinguished speculator, as enjoying a divine contemplation of purity (?) [90] . I, Bargoma [91] , poor dove in Christ, send greeting. Grace to thee and peace from God the Father [and] our [Lord] Jesus Christ. I am pleased to think, O holy pope, that it will seem to thee nothing extravagant …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments "They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul Links Deuteronomy 4:32 NIVDeuteronomy 4:32 NLTDeuteronomy 4:32 ESVDeuteronomy 4:32 NASBDeuteronomy 4:32 KJV
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