Deuteronomy 3:24

KJV

O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God [is there] in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?

KJV (with Strong's)

O Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, thou hast begun {H2490} to shew {H7200} thy servant {H5650} thy greatness {H1433}, and thy mighty {H2389} hand {H3027}: for what God {H410} is there in heaven {H8064} or in earth {H776}, that can do {H6213} according to thy works {H4639}, and according to thy might {H1369}?

Complete Jewish Bible

'Adonai ELOHIM, you have begun to reveal your greatness to your servant, and your strong hand - for what other god is there in heaven or on earth that can do the works and mighty deeds that you do?

Berean Standard Bible

“O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your greatness and power to Your servant. For what god in heaven or on earth can perform such works and mighty acts as Yours?

American Standard Version

O Lord Jehovah, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy strong hand: for what god is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy mighty acts?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 3:24 captures Moses' profound prayer, an awe-filled declaration of God's unparalleled power and unique majesty, uttered as Israel stood poised to enter the Promised Land. Despite the personal sorrow of being forbidden entry himself, Moses' focus remains steadfastly on the Lord GOD, acknowledging His incomparable works and mighty hand as supreme above all other powers in heaven or on earth, setting the stage for the nation's future reliance on divine strength and serving as a timeless affirmation of divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful prayer is situated within Moses' final discourses to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they cross the Jordan River into Canaan. Specifically, it follows Moses' recounting of the decisive victories over Sihon and Og and the allocation of their conquered lands to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 3:1-17](/deuteronomy/3-17 "Deuteronomy 3:1-17 - Conquests of Sihon and Og"). Immediately preceding this verse, Moses has been denied entry into the Promised Land by God due to his disobedience at Meribah, a divine decree first given in [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Sin at Meribah") and reiterated in [Deuteronomy 3:26](/deuteronomy/3-26 "Deuteronomy 3:26 - Moses Forbidden Entry"). This personal setback makes Moses' unreserved praise of God's greatness all the more striking, demonstrating his unwavering devotion and theological clarity even in the face of deep personal disappointment. The prayer serves as a pivotal moment, shifting from past conquests and future instructions to a profound statement of divine sovereignty, laying a theological foundation for the challenges ahead.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are on the cusp of a monumental transition, moving from forty years of wilderness wandering to the formidable task of settling in the Promised Land. This new generation has witnessed God's miraculous provision, protection, and judgment throughout their journey, from the plagues in Egypt and the dramatic parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")) to the recent defeat of powerful kings on the east side of the Jordan. In the polytheistic ancient Near East, where each nation worshipped its own pantheon of gods, Moses' declaration of Yahweh's absolute incomparability directly challenges the prevailing worldview. It asserts that the God of Israel is not merely one god among many, but the unique, supreme, and actively intervening deity whose power transcends all earthly and heavenly powers, a foundational truth essential for the conquest and establishment of Israel as a distinct nation under Yahweh's exclusive rule.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 3:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes deeply embedded in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Central is the theme of **God's Uniqueness and Incomparability**, affirming that Yahweh stands alone as the only true God, capable of works and might that no other deity or power can emulate. This sets the stage for the book's emphatic emphasis on monotheism and the exclusive worship of God, famously articulated in the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema")). Another key theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Active Intervention**, as Moses acknowledges that God "has begun to shew" His greatness, referring to the continuous, demonstrable acts of power throughout the Exodus and wilderness journey, such as the deliverance from Egypt by a [mighty hand and an outstretched arm](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand"). Finally, the verse underscores **Moses' Exemplary Faith and Humility**, even in the face of profound personal adversity. Despite being denied entry into the land, his prayer is not a lament but an outpouring of worship, demonstrating a profound understanding of God's character and an unwavering focus on God's glory above his own desires, serving as a powerful model for the new generation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This powerful compound title emphasizes both God's absolute sovereignty and His covenant faithfulness. `ʼĂdônây` (H136) signifies "my Lord" or "Master," acknowledging God's supreme authority and ownership over all creation. `Yᵉhôvih` (H3069), often rendered "LORD" in all caps in English translations, is a variant of the ineffable personal name of God, YHWH, revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14-15 - I AM WHO I AM")), signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant relationship with Israel. The combination underscores that the self-existent, covenant-keeping God is also the absolute Master of all.
* **Greatness (Hebrew, _gôdel'_):** The Hebrew word `gôdel` (H1433) denotes magnitude, majesty, and renown. When applied to God, it speaks of His immense, incomparable nature, His vast power, and His exalted status above all creation. Moses is not merely saying God is "big," but that His very being and attributes are of an infinite, awe-inspiring scale, beyond human comprehension or comparison. This "greatness" is demonstrated through His mighty acts.
* **Mighty Hand (Hebrew, _yâd châzâq'_):** This is a recurring and potent idiom in the Old Testament, particularly in the Pentateuch, referring to God's forceful, decisive, and often miraculous intervention. `yâd` (H3027) means "hand," and `châzâq` (H2389) means "strong" or "mighty." It is consistently used to describe God's powerful acts of deliverance, such as bringing Israel out of Egypt ([Exodus 13:3](/exodus/13-3 "Exodus 13:3 - God's Mighty Hand in the Exodus")) and defeating enemies. This phrase signifies His irresistible power, active involvement in human history, and the tangible manifestation of His divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand:"** Moses opens with a direct address to God, using the reverent and authoritative compound title "Lord GOD," a profound acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and covenant faithfulness. The phrase "thou hast begun to shew" (Hebrew: הַחִלֹּתָ לְהַרְאוֹת, _hachillota l'har'ot_) indicates that God's revelation of His power and majesty is an ongoing, unfolding process, not a one-time event. Moses, as God's privileged "servant," has been a direct witness to this continuous demonstration of divine "greatness" (His supreme majesty and infinite nature) and "mighty hand" (His active, powerful intervention in history, particularly in the Exodus and wilderness victories). This clause acknowledges God's initiative, faithfulness, and the continuous nature of His self-revelation through His deeds.
* **"for what God [is there] in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?"** This is a powerful rhetorical question that serves as the core theological assertion of the verse. Moses challenges the very notion of any rival deity or power. By specifying "in heaven or in earth," he covers the entire cosmos, leaving no realm where another god could possibly compare to Yahweh. The question implies an emphatic "none!" There is no other god, no other power, no other being that possesses the ability to perform "thy works" (God's unique, miraculous, and creative acts, such as the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the defeat of kings) or to wield "thy might" (His inherent, unparalleled strength and power that undergirds all His actions). This declaration underscores God's absolute uniqueness, His omnipotence, and His incomparability, setting Him apart from all pagan deities and human limitations.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 3:24 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact and underscore Moses' profound reverence for God. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "for what God [is there] in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic assertion: there is no such god. It powerfully underscores God's absolute uniqueness and incomparability, inviting the listener to agree with the undeniable truth. Closely related is **Hyperbole**, as Moses' sweeping statement that no god "in heaven or in earth" can compare, while literally true from a monotheistic perspective, uses expansive language to convey the infinite qualitative difference between Yahweh and all other perceived powers. Furthermore, the phrase "mighty hand" is a classic example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human bodily part (hand) to God to describe His powerful actions. This vivid imagery makes God's abstract power tangible and relatable, emphasizing His active engagement in the world. Finally, the structure of the verse, moving from an initial declaration of God's revealed power to a universal challenge, exhibits a profound sense of **Adoration** and **Praise**, transforming a personal prayer into a timeless theological statement of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 3:24 serves as a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and incomparability, a truth woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. It anticipates and reinforces the monotheistic core of Israel's faith, distinguishing Yahweh from all other gods and emphasizing His unique ability to act powerfully in history. This profound statement of God's unparalleled might is not merely theoretical; it is rooted in Moses' personal experience of God's continuous, demonstrable works of creation, deliverance, and judgment. It reminds believers across all ages that the God they serve is without peer, His power limitless, and His purposes irresistible. This truth provides comfort in times of weakness, confidence in the face of adversity, and a perpetual call to exclusive worship and trust in Him alone, for there is no one like Him.

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?")
* [Psalm 86:8](/psalm/86-8 "There is none like You among the gods, O Lord")
* [Isaiah 40:25](/isaiah/40-25 "To whom then will you liken Me, that I would be his equal?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' prayer in Deuteronomy 3:24 offers a profound model for our own spiritual lives. Despite the crushing disappointment of being denied entry into the Promised Land—a lifelong dream and the culmination of his arduous leadership—Moses' gaze remains fixed on God's greatness, not his own sorrow. This teaches us the transformative power of worship that transcends personal circumstances. When we face setbacks, unfulfilled desires, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse calls us to lift our eyes from our limited perspective and fix them on the incomparable God. It reminds us that no problem is too great, no obstacle too formidable, and no power too strong for the God who has "begun to shew" His greatness throughout history and continues to do so in our lives. Our worship should not be contingent on our comfort or success, but rooted in the unchanging reality of God's supreme power and majesty, fostering a deep trust that enables us to navigate life's disappointments with steadfast faith and unwavering hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' response to personal disappointment in this verse challenge your own reactions to unfulfilled expectations or setbacks?**
* **In what specific ways have you personally witnessed God "shew His greatness and mighty hand" in your life or in the world around you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and worship for God's incomparable power in your daily life, especially when facing difficulties?**

### FAQ
**What does Moses mean by "thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness"?**

Answer: When Moses says, "thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand," he is acknowledging that God has already initiated and continuously demonstrated His immense majesty and active power throughout Israel's history. This isn't a future request but a recognition of past and ongoing divine revelation. From the miraculous deliverance from Egypt with a [mighty hand and an outstretched arm](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand in the Exodus"), through the provision of manna and water in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail") and [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock")), to the recent decisive victories over King Sihon and King Og ([Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11 - Defeat of Sihon and Og")), Moses has been a direct, privileged witness to God's unparalleled power and faithfulness. He is essentially declaring, "Lord, you have already started to reveal to me, your servant, just how incredibly great and powerful you are through all these mighty deeds, and you continue to do so." This sets the stage for his rhetorical question about God's absolute incomparability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 3:24, with its resounding declaration of God's incomparable greatness and mighty hand, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the visible image of the invisible God, through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ is Supreme")). The mighty hand of God, which delivered Israel from physical bondage, is revealed in Christ's power to deliver humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. His miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, and raising the dead ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm"); [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus"))—are direct manifestations of the divine might Moses extolled. Ultimately, the greatest demonstration of God's incomparable greatness and mighty hand is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, an act of power that transcends all earthly and heavenly limitations ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power")). Through Christ, the unique, powerful God of Israel has not only "begun to shew" His greatness, but has fully unveiled it, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe, proving that truly, "what God [is there] in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?"—a question answered definitively in the crucified and risen Lord, who is God with us.

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

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

Psalms 71:19

Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high, who hast done great things: O God, who [is] like unto thee!

Deuteronomy 11:2

And know ye this day: for [I speak] not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,

Jeremiah 32:18

Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,

Jeremiah 32:21

And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror;

Psalms 86:8

¶ Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.

2 Samuel 7:22

Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.