Or has any god tried to take as his own a nation out of another nation--by trials, signs, wonders, and war, by a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors--as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, before your eyes? Or has any god triedThis phrase challenges the uniqueness of the God of Israel. The Hebrew word for "god" here is "elohim," which can refer to gods in general or the one true God, depending on context. The rhetorical question emphasizes the unparalleled nature of Yahweh's actions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gods were often seen as territorial and limited in power. The God of Israel, however, is depicted as sovereign over all nations, demonstrating His supremacy. to take as his own a nation out of another nation
The phrase underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The Hebrew word for "take" is "laqach," which implies a deliberate and powerful action. This is not merely a political maneuver but a divine intervention. Historically, the Exodus is a foundational event for Israel, marking their identity as God's chosen people. It signifies a divine claim and covenant relationship, setting Israel apart from other nations. by trials, signs, and wonders
These terms refer to the miraculous events that accompanied the Exodus. "Trials" (Hebrew "massot") can imply tests or challenges, highlighting the endurance and faith required of the Israelites. "Signs" (Hebrew "othot") and "wonders" (Hebrew "mophethim") refer to the miraculous acts that demonstrated God's power, such as the plagues. These acts served as both judgment against Egypt and assurance of God's presence with Israel. by war
This phrase acknowledges the military aspect of Israel's deliverance. The Hebrew word "milchamah" indicates conflict or battle. While God fought for Israel, it also involved human participation, as seen in battles like those against the Amalekites. This highlights the cooperation between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in achieving God's purposes. by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm
These expressions are anthropomorphic, attributing human characteristics to God to convey His power and intervention. The "mighty hand" (Hebrew "yad chazakah") and "outstretched arm" (Hebrew "zeroa netuyah") symbolize strength and active involvement. In the ancient world, such imagery would resonate with the idea of a king or warrior exerting control and protection. and by great terrors
The "great terrors" (Hebrew "moraim gedolim") refer to the awe-inspiring and fear-inducing acts of God during the Exodus. These acts were not only punitive against Egypt but also served to instill reverence and faith in the Israelites. The historical context of these events would have left a lasting impression on both Israel and surrounding nations, reinforcing the fear of the Lord. as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt
This phrase personalizes the historical event, reminding the Israelites of their direct experience of God's deliverance. "LORD" (Hebrew "YHWH") is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel. The deliverance from Egypt is a central theme in Israel's history, serving as a continual reminder of God's faithfulness and power. before your very eyes
The phrase emphasizes the eyewitness nature of the events. The Hebrew "le'enecha" suggests a direct and undeniable experience. This personal witness serves to strengthen the faith of the Israelites and their descendants, as they are called to remember and recount God's mighty acts. It underscores the importance of testimony and remembrance in the life of faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The one true God who delivered Israel from Egypt, demonstrating His power and sovereignty. 2. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, delivered from slavery in Egypt to become His people. 3. EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved, from which God delivered them through miraculous events. 4. MosesThe leader chosen by God to guide the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 5. ExodusThe event of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, marked by miraculous signs and wonders. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerThe deliverance of Israel from Egypt showcases God's unmatched power and authority over all nations and gods. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe Exodus event is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Uniqueness of God's Relationship with IsraelNo other god has acted in history as Yahweh did for Israel, highlighting the unique covenant relationship between God and His people. The Call to Remember and ObeyIsrael is called to remember these mighty acts and respond with obedience and faithfulness to God's commandments. Trust in God's DeliveranceBelievers today can trust in God's power to deliver them from spiritual bondage, just as He delivered Israel from physical slavery. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of God's deliverance in Deuteronomy 4:34 enhance our understanding of His character and power? 2. In what ways does the Exodus event serve as a foundation for Israel's identity and relationship with God? 3. How can we apply the lessons of God's faithfulness and deliverance in our personal lives today? 4. What parallels can we draw between Israel's deliverance from Egypt and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ? 5. How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance encourage us to trust Him in our current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 7-12These chapters detail the plagues and wonders God performed in Egypt, demonstrating His power and fulfilling His promise to deliver Israel. Psalm 136This psalm recounts God's enduring love and mighty acts, including the deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing His faithfulness. Isaiah 63:12This verse highlights God's mighty hand and outstretched arm, connecting to His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Acts 7:36Stephen's speech references the wonders and signs in Egypt, affirming the historical and theological significance of the Exodus. 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 Arm, Awesome, Deeds, Egypt, Midst, Mighty, Miraculous, Nation, Outstretched, Signs, Testings, Trials, Tried, War, WondersDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 4:34 1416 miracles, nature of
1449 signs, purposes
5955 strength, divine Deuteronomy 4:32-34 1305 God, activity of Deuteronomy 4:32-35 4945 history 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 4:34 NIVDeuteronomy 4:34 NLTDeuteronomy 4:34 ESVDeuteronomy 4:34 NASBDeuteronomy 4:34 KJV
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