Deuteronomy 3:24

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?

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}?

'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?

“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?

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

Deuteronomy 3:24 records a powerful prayer from Moses, delivered as the Israelites stood on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. This verse encapsulates Moses' profound awe and reverence for God's unparalleled power and majesty, even as he faces personal disappointment regarding his own entry into the land.

Context

This prayer occurs near the end of the book of Deuteronomy, as Moses recounts the journey and delivers his final instructions and exhortations to the new generation of Israelites. Moses has just been told by God that he will not be permitted to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12, Deuteronomy 3:27). Despite this personal setback, Moses' prayer remains focused on God's incredible power and faithfulness, demonstrating his deep understanding of God's character amidst the challenges of the wilderness journey.

Key Themes

  • God's Uniqueness and Incomparability: The central declaration of this verse is that there is no other "God in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might." This statement affirms the absolute uniqueness and supremacy of the Lord GOD. It sets Him apart from all pagan deities and human powers, emphasizing His singular ability to act with unparalleled strength and accomplish His purposes.
  • Divine Greatness and Mighty Hand: Moses acknowledges that God has "begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand." This refers to the numerous miraculous interventions throughout the wilderness journey, from the Exodus from Egypt to the victories over various enemies. It highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His immense power demonstrated through His deeds.
  • Moses' Humility and Awe: Despite his high position as a leader and prophet, Moses approaches God with profound humility and adoration. His prayer is not just a request but an overflowing expression of worship, recognizing God's sovereignty and unmatched power above all else.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "Lord GOD" in the KJV translates the Hebrew `Adonai Yahweh`. `Adonai` signifies "my Lord" or "Master," acknowledging God's sovereignty, while `Yahweh` (often rendered "LORD" in all caps in KJV) is the personal covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent and relational nature. The combination emphasizes both God's authority and His intimate connection with His people.
  • "Greatness" (Hebrew: `gadel`): This word speaks to God's immense majesty, magnitude, and renown.
  • "Mighty hand" (Hebrew: `yad chazaqah`): This is a powerful idiom frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's forceful and decisive intervention, particularly in acts of deliverance and judgment.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 3:24 serves as a timeless reminder of God's incomparable power and faithfulness. In our own lives, when we face challenges, disappointments, or overwhelming circumstances, this verse encourages us to look beyond our immediate situation and fix our gaze on the Lord GOD. Like Moses, we are called to acknowledge that no problem is too great for Him, and no power can stand against His will. It fosters a spirit of worship and trust, reminding us that the God who performed mighty works for Israel is the same God who continues to act on behalf of those who seek Him. His power is limitless, and His ability to deliver and sustain is unmatched, truly making Him incomparable among all gods and powers.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 15:11 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 11:2 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 7:22 (7 votes)

    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.