You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him. You were shown these thingsThis phrase refers to the miraculous signs and wonders that the Israelites witnessed, particularly during their exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. The Hebrew root for "shown" is "ra'ah," which means to see or perceive. This implies not just a physical sight but a deeper understanding and recognition of God's power and presence. Historically, these events were meant to solidify the Israelites' faith and trust in God, serving as undeniable evidence of His sovereignty and care for His chosen people. so that you would know
The purpose of these divine revelations was to impart knowledge. The Hebrew word for "know" is "yada," which signifies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual awareness. This knowledge is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing that their faith is based on real, lived experiences of God's intervention and guidance. that the LORD
The term "LORD" in all capitals is a translation of the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenantal faithfulness. It is a reminder to the Israelites of the personal relationship they have with the Creator, who is not a distant deity but an intimately involved God. is God
This declaration affirms the monotheistic belief central to Israel's faith. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "Elohim," a term that, while plural in form, is used singularly to denote the one true God. This highlights the uniqueness and supremacy of YHWH over all other so-called gods, reinforcing the first commandment given to Israel: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). besides Him
This phrase underscores the exclusivity of God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where polytheism was prevalent, this statement is a radical assertion of monotheism. It emphasizes that no other deity exists or can compare to YHWH, who alone is worthy of worship and allegiance. there is no other
The finality of this statement leaves no room for doubt or alternative. It is a clear and emphatic declaration of God's singularity and uniqueness. This truth is foundational to the faith and identity of Israel as God's chosen people, called to be a light to the nations by demonstrating the reality of the one true God through their worship and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and teachings to the people. He is the speaker in this passage, reminding the Israelites of God's unique identity and power. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from Egypt and are being prepared to enter the Promised Land. They are the recipients of this message, called to recognize and worship the one true God. 3. Mount SinaiThe place where God revealed Himself to the Israelites, giving them the Ten Commandments and demonstrating His power and holiness. 4. EgyptThe land from which the Israelites were delivered, symbolizing bondage and idolatry, contrasting with the freedom and truth found in worshiping the one true God. 5. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the place where the Israelites are to live out their covenant relationship with God. Teaching Points The Uniqueness of GodRecognize that the LORD is the only true God, distinct from all other so-called gods. This truth calls for exclusive worship and allegiance. Revelation and RelationshipUnderstand that God reveals Himself to us so that we might know Him personally. This knowledge is not just intellectual but relational, calling us to a deeper commitment. Rejecting IdolatryIn a world filled with distractions and false gods, we must actively reject idolatry in all its forms, whether material, ideological, or relational. Living in CovenantAs the Israelites were called to live in covenant with God, so are we called to live in a committed relationship with Him, reflecting His character and values in our lives. Witness to the WorldOur acknowledgment of the one true God should be evident in our lives, serving as a testimony to others of His reality and love. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the context of Deuteronomy 4:35 help us understand the importance of recognizing the LORD as the only God? 2. In what ways can we identify and remove modern-day idols from our lives to ensure that God remains our sole focus? 3. How does the revelation of God in the Old Testament connect with the revelation of God through Jesus Christ in the New Testament? 4. What practical steps can we take to deepen our relationship with God, ensuring that our knowledge of Him is both personal and transformative? 5. How can our understanding of God as the only true God influence our interactions and relationships with those who hold different beliefs? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:2-3This passage connects to the first commandment, emphasizing that the LORD is the only God and that the Israelites should have no other gods before Him. Isaiah 45:5-6Reinforces the message that there is no other God besides the LORD, highlighting His sovereignty and uniqueness. 1 Kings 8:60Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple echoes the truth that the LORD alone is God, and there is no other. John 17:3Jesus speaks of eternal life as knowing the only true God, connecting the Old Testament revelation of God with the New Testament understanding of eternal life through Christ. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6Paul affirms the monotheistic belief that there is one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist. 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 Beside, Besides, Hast, Mightest, Mightiest, None, Shewn, Showed, ShownDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 4:35 1150 God, truth of
1165 God, unique
1235 God, the LORD
5816 consciousness
8138 monotheism
8315 orthodoxy, in OT 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 4:35 NIVDeuteronomy 4:35 NLTDeuteronomy 4:35 ESVDeuteronomy 4:35 NASBDeuteronomy 4:35 KJV
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