Deuteronomy 4:32

KJV

For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and [ask] from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been [any such thing] as this great thing [is], or hath been heard like it?

KJV (with Strong's)

For ask {H7592} now of the days {H3117} that are past {H7223}, which were {H1961} before {H6440} thee, since the day {H3117} that God {H430} created {H1254} man {H120} upon the earth {H776}, and ask from the one side {H7097} of heaven {H8064} unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great {H1419} thing {H1697} is, or hath been heard {H8085} like it?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Indeed, inquire about the past, before you were born: since the day God created human beings on the earth, from one end of heaven to the other, has there ever been anything as wonderful as this? Has anyone heard anything like it?

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and from the one end of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:32 presents a profound and sweeping rhetorical challenge from Moses to the Israelites, urging them to reflect on the unparalleled nature of God's actions throughout human history and their uniquely privileged relationship with Him. Moses compels them to search the annals of time, from creation to their present day, and to survey the entire expanse of the heavens, to determine if any other people have ever witnessed or heard of such a "great thing"—specifically, the direct, audible revelation of God at Mount Sinai and His mighty deeds on their behalf. This verse serves as a foundational argument for Israel's singular identity, their exclusive covenant with Yahweh, and their solemn obligation to unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:32 is strategically placed within Moses' first major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab. This generation, poised to enter the Promised Land, did not personally witness the Exodus or the initial covenant at Sinai. Chapters 1-4 function as a historical prologue, recounting God's faithfulness and Israel's past failures, particularly emphasizing the awe-inspiring events at Horeb (Mount Sinai). Moses passionately urges the people to remember God's mighty acts and to remain obedient to the covenant. This verse immediately follows Moses' exhortation in [Deuteronomy 4:30-31](/deuteronomy/4-30-31 "Deuteronomy 4:30-31 - God's Compassion and Covenant") to seek the Lord in their distress, promising that God is merciful and will not abandon His covenant people. The rhetorical question of verse 32 sets the stage for the specific commands and warnings against idolatry that follow in [Deuteronomy 4:33-40](/deuteronomy/4-33-40 "Deuteronomy 4:33-40 - God's Uniqueness and Israel's Responsibility"), emphasizing the unparalleled nature of their God and His direct revelation as the irrefutable basis for their exclusive worship and covenant fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is crucial: approximately 40 years after the Exodus, the Israelites stand on the threshold of Canaan. The generation that experienced the wonders of Sinai and the wilderness wanderings has largely passed away, and Moses is addressing their descendants. His speech aims to impress upon them the gravity and uniqueness of their heritage. In the ancient Near East, polytheism was the norm, with each nation worshipping its own pantheon of gods, often associated with natural forces, national power, or specific localities. The radical concept of a single, sovereign God (Yahweh) who spoke directly to an entire nation, delivered them from a global superpower, and gave them a comprehensive, just law was utterly foreign and unprecedented. Moses' challenge in this verse is not merely theological but also polemical, directly confronting the prevailing worldview by underscoring the radical distinctiveness of Yahweh and His relationship with Israel compared to any other people or deity.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty**, asserting that the God of Israel is incomparable, having demonstrated power and direct communication unlike any other deity known to humanity. This foundational truth undergirds the call for exclusive worship and absolute loyalty found throughout the entire book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Israel's Privileged Relationship** with God. Moses asserts that Israel's experience was unprecedented; they were not merely a nation among nations, but a people uniquely chosen and dealt with directly by the Almighty, as seen in the momentous events of [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant at Sinai"). This special relationship carried with it both incredible blessings and significant responsibilities. Finally, the verse underscores the **Uniqueness of Divine Revelation**. The "great thing" refers primarily to the revelation at Mount Sinai, where God Himself spoke the Ten Commandments to the entire nation from the midst of fire, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 4:33](/deuteronomy/4-33 "Deuteronomy 4:33 - Did Any People Ever Hear the Voice of God?"). This direct, audible communication, unlike any other historical event, established the covenant and provided Israel with a divine law that was just and perfect, distinguishing them from all other peoples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ask (שָׁאַל, _sha'al'_):** (H7592) This Hebrew verb implies a deep inquiry, an investigation, or a seeking of information. It is not a casual question but an earnest challenge to recall, to search history, and to truly consider. Moses is compelling the Israelites to engage their memories and understanding of their own history and the history of humanity, recognizing the profound implications of what they have experienced. The term suggests a demand for an answer, a call for an earnest and diligent search.
* **Great thing (דָּבָר גָּדוֹל, _davar gadol'_):** (H1697, H1419) This phrase refers to the sum total of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel, culminating in the direct, audible revelation at Mount Sinai. The word "thing" (דָּבָר, _davar_) from H1697, can mean a word, a matter, or an event. Here, combined with "great" (גָּדוֹל, _gadol_) from H1419, which means "great in any sense," it captures the sense of a momentous, unparalleled occurrence. It encompasses the miraculous Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision in the wilderness, and especially the giving of the Law from the midst of fire and cloud, where God spoke directly to the entire nation.
* **From the one side of heaven unto the other (מִקְצֵה הַשָּׁמַיִם וְעַד קְצֵה הַשָּׁמָיִם, _mi-ketzeh ha-shamayim ve'ad ketzeh ha-shamayim'_):** (H7097, H8064) This idiomatic expression signifies the entire breadth of the world, from horizon to horizon, or from one end of the cosmos to the other. It is composed of `qâtseh` (H7097), meaning "extremity" or "end," and `shâmayim` (H8064), meaning "heaven" or "sky." This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of Moses' challenge, implying that nowhere else in the world, nor at any other time in human history, has such an event occurred or been heard of. It underscores the absolute uniqueness and unprecedented nature of God's dealings with Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth,"**: Moses urges the current generation to look back through all of human history, from the very beginning of creation (referencing God's act of creating man, H1254 'bârâʼ' and H120 'ʼâdâm' upon the earth, H776 'ʼerets'), to find any comparable event. This establishes an incredibly broad historical scope for the inquiry, emphasizing that Israel's experience is not just unique in their contemporary world but throughout all recorded and unrecorded time (H3117 'yôwm', H7223 'riʼshôwn', H6440 'pânîym'). The reference to "God created man upon the earth" grounds the inquiry in the foundational act of divine sovereignty, highlighting God's ultimate authority over all humanity and history.
* **"and [ask] from the one side of heaven unto the other,"**: This expands the scope geographically, challenging the Israelites to consider the entire world, from one end to the other (H7097 'qâtseh', H8064 'shâmayim'). It implies a comprehensive search across all cultures, nations, and civilizations known or unknown, reinforcing the idea that no such parallel event could be found anywhere. The combined temporal and spatial challenge underscores the absolute singularity of God's acts.
* **"whether there hath been [any such thing] as this great thing [is], or hath been heard like it?"**: This is the core rhetorical question. Moses is not genuinely seeking information but is guiding the people to an inevitable conclusion: there is no parallel to what they have experienced (H1961 'hâyâh' for "hath been"). The "great thing" (H1419 'gâdôwl', H1697 'dâbâr') refers to the entire unparalleled series of events: God speaking directly to a nation from fire, delivering them from slavery, sustaining them in the wilderness, and giving them His perfect law. The dual phrasing "been" (seen/experienced) and "heard" (H8085 'shâmaʻ', reported/attested) covers all forms of knowledge and testimony, leaving no room for exception and underscoring the undeniable reality of their unique history.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:32 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, which dominates the verse. Moses poses a question not to elicit information, but to provoke deep thought and lead the audience to an undeniable conclusion: the events Israel witnessed are utterly unique. This device is highly persuasive, as it engages the listener directly and forces them to confront the truth of God's incomparable actions. Closely related is **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, particularly evident in the phrases "since the day that God created man upon the earth" and "from the one side of heaven unto the other." These sweeping statements are not meant to be taken literally as a call for an exhaustive global and historical research project, but rather to emphasize the absolute, unparalleled nature of God's dealings with Israel. They serve to magnify the wonder and singularity of what God has done. Finally, there is a strong **Appeal to History and Memory**. Moses consistently urges the Israelites to remember God's past faithfulness and mighty deeds. This verse is a prime example, calling them to recall and reflect on their unique historical experience as a people chosen and directly addressed by the Almighty, thereby grounding their present and future obedience in their shared, miraculous past.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:32 stands as a profound declaration of God's incomparable nature and the singular privilege of Israel's covenant relationship. It asserts that the God of Israel is utterly unique, not merely one god among many, but the sovereign Lord of all creation and history, who intervenes directly and personally in the affairs of humanity in ways no other deity has. This uniqueness forms the bedrock of monotheism and the call for exclusive worship. The "great thing" Israel experienced—the miraculous Exodus, the direct Sinai revelation, the wilderness provision—was an unprecedented demonstration of divine power, love, and commitment. This extraordinary history serves as the perpetual foundation for Israel's identity and their obligation to live in faithful obedience to the God who chose them, solidifying the theological truth that Yahweh is without peer.

* [Isaiah 40:18](/isaiah/40-18 "Isaiah 40:18 - To Whom Then Will You Liken God?")
* [Psalm 86:8](/psalms/86-8 "Psalm 86:8 - Among the Gods There Is None Like You, O Lord")
* [Exodus 19:4-6](/exodus/19-4-6 "Exodus 19:4-6 - God's Covenant with Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:32 serves as a timeless call to remember and appreciate the extraordinary nature of our God and His personal, powerful involvement in human history. Just as Moses urged the Israelites to recall God's mighty acts, so too are we called to remember His past faithfulness, both in the grand narrative of salvation history and in our individual lives. This verse challenges us to pause and consider the unparalleled revelation of God we have received, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the inspired, living Word of God. Such reflection should cultivate a deep sense of awe, gratitude, and humility for God's unique character, His sovereign power, and His condescending love towards humanity. It moves us beyond a casual acknowledgment of God to a profound worship that inspires devoted obedience and trust. Recognizing that there is no God like Him, who has spoken and acted so powerfully on our behalf, should compel us to live lives that honor His name, trusting in His unmatched wisdom and power to guide us through every circumstance, knowing that His past faithfulness is a guarantee of His future provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great things" has God done in your life or in the history of the church that demonstrate His unique power and faithfulness?**
* **How does reflecting on God's incomparable nature deepen your worship and trust in Him, especially when facing uncertainty or fear?**
* **In what ways does the unique revelation of God in Scripture and in Christ shape your understanding of truth, morality, and ultimate reality, distinguishing it from other worldviews?**
* **How can intentionally remembering God's past acts of deliverance and provision strengthen your faith and provide courage in present challenges and future uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**What is the "great thing" referred to in Deuteronomy 4:32?**

Answer: The "great thing" (Hebrew: _davar gadol_) refers to the unparalleled series of divine interventions and revelations experienced by Israel. This primarily encompasses the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision in the wilderness, and, most significantly, the direct, audible revelation of God's voice from the midst of fire at Mount Sinai (Horeb), where He spoke the Ten Commandments to the entire nation. Moses emphasizes that no other people in all of history, anywhere on earth, had ever witnessed or heard of such a direct and powerful encounter with the Almighty, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 4:33-36](/deuteronomy/4-33-36 "Deuteronomy 4:33-36 - God's Uniqueness and Israel's Calling"). This "great thing" establishes the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel.

**Why does Moses challenge the Israelites to "ask now of the days that are past"?**

Answer: Moses' challenge is a powerful rhetorical device designed to impress upon the Israelites the absolute uniqueness and undeniable truth of their experience with God. He is not genuinely asking them to conduct a historical inquiry, but rather to reflect on the undeniable fact that their God had acted in ways utterly unprecedented in human history. By urging them to "ask" and consider all of time and space, he highlights the exceptional nature of God's choice of Israel and His direct communication with them, thereby reinforcing the foundational reasons for their exclusive loyalty and obedience to the covenant. This rhetorical strategy aims to solidify their faith and commitment, reminding them that their God is truly incomparable, as stressed in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:32, with its emphasis on God's unparalleled revelation and mighty acts, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. If Israel's experience at Sinai, where God spoke from fire, was unique, the incarnation of God in human flesh is infinitely more so. The "great thing" of God speaking from a mountain is surpassed by God Himself becoming man and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the ultimate and final "Word" of God, the perfect revelation of the Father, far exceeding any prior communication, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son"); [Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). His life, miracles, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection constitute the greatest "things" ever seen or heard, establishing a new covenant grounded not in written law but in His shed blood, securing eternal redemption ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"); [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The unique relationship Israel had with God foreshadows the even deeper, more intimate relationship believers now have with God through Christ, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling us to cry "Abba, Father!" ([Romans 8:15-16](/romans/8-15-16 "Romans 8:15-16 - Spirit of Adoption")). Indeed, the "great thing" of Deuteronomy 4:32 points forward to the "greater works" that Jesus promised His followers would do because He was going to the Father, empowered by the Spirit ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")). The unparalleled acts of God in the Old Testament find their climactic and saving reality in 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

Job 8:8

¶ For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:

Deuteronomy 32:7

¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

Psalms 44:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Matthew 24:31

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Joel 1:2

Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?

Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Mark 13:27

And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.