2 Samuel 7:23

KJV

And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, [from] the nations and their gods?

KJV (with Strong's)

And what one {H259} nation {H1471} in the earth {H776} is like thy people {H5971}, even like Israel {H3478}, whom God {H430} went {H1980} to redeem {H6299} for a people {H5971} to himself, and to make {H7760} him a name {H8034}, and to do {H6213} for you great things {H1420} and terrible {H3372}, for thy land {H776}, before {H6440} thy people {H5971}, which thou redeemedst {H6299} to thee from Egypt {H4714}, from the nations {H1471} and their gods {H430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Who can be compared with your people, with Isra'el? What other nation on earth did God set out to redeem and make into a people for himself? You made yourself a reputation by doing for your land things that even for you are great and terrifying, for the sake of your people whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt and from other nations and from their gods.

Berean Standard Bible

And who is like Your people Israel—the one nation on earth whom God went out to redeem as a people for Himself and to make a name for Himself? You performed great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before Your people, whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt.

American Standard Version

And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem unto himself for a people, and to make him a name, and to do great things for you, and terrible things for thy land, before thy people, whom thou redeemedst to thee out of Egypt, from the nations and their gods?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 7:23, King David's profound prayer of thanksgiving extols the unparalleled uniqueness of Israel among all nations, a distinctiveness rooted solely in God's sovereign choice and mighty redemptive acts. David marvels at the Lord's initiative in delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage, establishing them as His own treasured possession, and performing awe-inspiring deeds to make His name renowned throughout the earth, thereby distinguishing His people from all other nations and their false gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of David's heartfelt and worshipful prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in [2 Samuel 7:18-29](/2_samuel/7-18 "2 Samuel 7:18-29 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). This prayer immediately follows the Lord's magnificent and unconditional covenant promise to David, often referred to as the Davidic Covenant, detailed in [2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - The Davidic Covenant"). God, through the prophet Nathan, promises David an enduring dynasty, a secure kingdom, and an eternal throne, far exceeding David's initial desire to build a house for God. David's response is one of profound humility, awe, and worship, recognizing God's unparalleled greatness and faithfulness. Verse 23 specifically highlights the historical foundation of God's unique relationship with Israel, grounding the future promises in past divine fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was common for nations to boast of their patron deities and the great deeds these gods supposedly performed for them. However, Israel's claim was fundamentally unique: their God was not merely one among many, but the one true God who actively and powerfully intervened in human history. The central event defining Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh was the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Deliverance at the Red Sea"). This act of divine redemption from slavery, meticulously described in books like [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus"), established Israel as a distinct people, chosen by God not because of their size or might, but out of His steadfast love and faithfulness, as profoundly emphasized in [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel Chosen by God"). David's prayer reflects this deep understanding of Israel's unique status, contrasting Yahweh's real, historical interventions with the impotence of the "gods" of the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several foundational themes central to Israel's theological understanding and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Election and Uniqueness**, asserting that no other nation has been chosen and redeemed by God in such a personal and powerful way, setting Israel apart as His peculiar treasure. Secondly, **Divine Redemption** is paramount, with the Exodus serving as the ultimate demonstration of God's saving power and His desire to claim a people for Himself, as seen in [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise to Redeem Israel"). Thirdly, the theme of **God's Renown and Glory** is prominent; God's mighty acts were not just for Israel's benefit but "to make him a name," demonstrating His supremacy over all other deities and nations, a concept powerfully echoed in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Name Proclaimed"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Covenant Faithfulness**, as David reflects on God's consistent fulfillment of His promises, from the initial call of Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham") to the establishment of Israel in the promised land, culminating in the new covenant promise to David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeem (Hebrew, _pâdâh'_):** This verb (H6299) signifies "to sever," "to ransom," "to deliver," or "to buy back." It carries the connotation of liberation from bondage through a payment or, in this divine context, an act of overwhelming power. In the context of the Exodus, it refers to God's mighty act of delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt, not merely setting them free, but acquiring them as His own possession. This act established a unique, exclusive relationship between God and Israel, making them "a people to himself."
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** In biblical thought, a "name" (H8034) is far more than a mere label; it embodies character, reputation, authority, and presence. When God acts "to make him a name," it means He acts to reveal His true character, power, and glory to the world. His redemptive acts for Israel were not just for Israel's sake but also to demonstrate His incomparable nature to all nations and their gods, establishing His supreme sovereignty and renown.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This adjective (H3372) describes something that inspires awe, dread, or reverence due to its immense power, majesty, or holiness. It does not imply evil or malevolence, but rather deeds that are so extraordinary and overwhelming that they evoke profound wonder and fear of the Lord. God's "great things and terrible" refer to His miraculous interventions, such as the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the conquest of Canaan, which displayed His divine might and authority unequivocally.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel":** This rhetorical question underscores Israel's singular status. David marvels at the unparalleled nature of Israel, not due to their own merit or strength, but solely because of God's unique relationship with them. It highlights their distinct identity as God's chosen people among all the peoples of the earth, setting them apart from every other nation.
* **"whom God went to redeem for a people to himself":** This clause points to the foundational act of the Exodus. God actively and intentionally "went" (an anthropomorphism emphasizing divine initiative and purposeful action) to deliver Israel from slavery. The ultimate purpose was not merely freedom, but to acquire them as His exclusive possession, His "peculiar treasure" among all peoples, as declared in [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession"). This act of redemption established the covenant relationship and the very identity of Israel.
* **"and to make him a name":** God's redemptive acts served a dual purpose: to save Israel and to glorify Himself. By demonstrating His power and faithfulness through Israel's deliverance and establishment, God established His reputation and revealed His unique, incomparable character to the world. His "name" became synonymous with unparalleled power, justice, and redemptive love, distinguishing Him from all false deities.
* **"and to do for you great things and terrible":** This refers to the series of miraculous and awe-inspiring deeds God performed for Israel, starting with the devastating plagues in Egypt, the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the provision in the wilderness, and the subsequent conquest of the Promised Land. These were not ordinary events but divine interventions that unequivocally demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over nature, nations, and false gods, inspiring both wonder and reverential fear.
* **"for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, [from] the nations and their gods?":** This final phrase specifies the context and scope of God's redemptive work. It was for the sake of the land promised to Israel, performed openly "before thy people" (Israel) and "before the nations and their gods." This public display served as a powerful testimony to Yahweh's supremacy, contrasting His active, potent power with the inert, impotent idols worshipped by surrounding peoples. It was a cosmic declaration of His unrivaled sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:23 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel...?" This question is not meant to be answered but to emphasize the absolute uniqueness and unparalleled status of Israel, a status derived entirely from God's singular redemptive work. The phrase "great things and terrible" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, combining two extremes to describe the comprehensive, overwhelming, and awe-inspiring nature of God's mighty acts, inspiring both profound wonder and reverential fear. There is also a powerful implicit **Contrast** drawn between the living, acting God of Israel and the inert, powerless "gods" of the nations, highlighting Yahweh's absolute supremacy. Furthermore, the repetition of the concept of redemption ("redeem for a people to himself," "redeemedst to thee from Egypt") creates **Emphasis** on this foundational act of God's grace and power, reinforcing its centrality to Israel's identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:23 profoundly articulates the foundational truth of God's sovereign election and redemptive power, establishing Israel as a unique people set apart for His purposes. This verse highlights that Israel's identity and existence are not self-derived but are a direct result of God's gracious initiative to redeem them for Himself. This act of redemption was not merely an historical event but a profound theological statement, demonstrating God's unparalleled power over all other "gods" and nations, and establishing His "name" (reputation and character) throughout the earth. It underscores the covenantal relationship where God commits to His people, and they, in turn, are called to live as His distinct possession, reflecting His glory to the world. This pattern of divine election and redemption, where God chooses and acts powerfully to claim a people, foreshadows God's ultimate plan of salvation for all humanity.

* [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand in the Exodus")
* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God's Redemption and Calling of Israel")
* [Psalm 135:4](/psalm/135-4 "Psalm 135:4 - The Lord Has Chosen Jacob for Himself")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's awe-filled reflection in 2 Samuel 7:23 invites believers today to consider the profound reality of God's redemptive work in their own lives. Just as God acted mightily and uniquely for ancient Israel, He continues to demonstrate His unparalleled power and faithfulness in the lives of His people. We are called to recognize that our identity as believers is not self-made or earned, but is a gift of God's sovereign grace, who has "redeemed" us from the dominion of sin and darkness and brought us into His marvelous light. This understanding should cultivate a spirit of deep gratitude, profound humility, and unwavering trust, prompting us to live lives that reflect the "great and terrible" (awe-inspiring) deeds He has performed for us. Our purpose, like Israel's, is to live in such a way that God's "name" is made known and glorified through us, distinguishing us from the world and its fleeting gods, and drawing others to His incomparable majesty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I recognize God's "great and terrible" (awe-inspiring) deeds in my own life and in the broader history of salvation?**
* **How does the understanding that God "redeemed" me for Himself shape my identity, purpose, and priorities as a follower of Christ?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to live as a "people to himself," distinct from the values, pursuits, and gods of the surrounding culture?**
* **How can my daily life, words, and actions contribute to "making God a name" (glorifying Him and revealing His character) in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What makes Israel unique among all nations, according to this verse?**

Answer: According to 2 Samuel 7:23, Israel's uniqueness stems entirely from God's direct, personal, and powerful intervention in their history. Unlike any other nation whose identity might be tied to human power, geographical location, or the whims of their deities, Israel was uniquely chosen and "redeemed" by God himself from slavery in Egypt. This act of redemption was not just a liberation but an act of divine ownership, making them "a people to himself." Furthermore, God performed "great things and terrible" (awe-inspiring deeds) for them, specifically to make His "name" (reputation and character) known and supreme above all other nations and their false gods. This divine initiative, unique covenant relationship, and public display of power set Israel apart as a people unlike any other.

**What does "terrible" mean in the phrase "great things and terrible"? Does it imply something negative?**

Answer: In the context of 2 Samuel 7:23, the Hebrew word translated "terrible" (נורא, _nora'_) does not carry a negative connotation of evil, malevolence, or fright in the sense of danger. Instead, it signifies something that inspires profound awe, reverence, or dread due to its immense power, majesty, or overwhelming nature. It refers to God's mighty acts that cause amazement, wonder, and profound respect, such as the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the conquest of Canaan. These were deeds so extraordinary and divinely powerful that they evoked a sense of "holy terror" or profound reverence for God's incomparable might, distinguishing Him from all other deities and demonstrating His absolute sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:23, while celebrating God's unique redemption of Israel from Egyptian bondage, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and infinitely more profound redemption accomplished in Jesus Christ. Just as God "went to redeem" Israel for Himself from physical slavery, so too did God, in Christ, come to redeem a people for Himself from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. The "great things and terrible" that God performed for Israel find their ultimate and most awe-inspiring fulfillment in the life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus. His crucifixion and resurrection are the supreme "terrible" (awe-inspiring) acts of God, demonstrating His power over sin, Satan, and death, far surpassing the Exodus in their eternal scope and impact. Through Christ's perfect sacrifice, believers are redeemed not by the blood of lambs, but by the precious blood of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making them a new "people for himself" ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). This ultimate act of redemption was also "to make him a name," for God has highly exalted Jesus and bestowed on Him [the name that is above every name](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - The Exaltation of Christ"), through whom all creation will ultimately acknowledge God's supreme glory. The uniqueness of Israel, rooted in God's redemptive act, finds its fullest and most glorious expression in the Church, the body of Christ, redeemed by an even greater power and for an eternal inheritance, reflecting the glory of the [Son, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Supremacy of Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 9:26

I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Deuteronomy 10:21

He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

Deuteronomy 33:29

Happy [art] thou, O Israel: who [is] like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who [is] the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

Psalms 147:20

He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.

Deuteronomy 15:15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Psalms 111:9

He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name.

Nehemiah 1:10

Now these [are] thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.