Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While calling God "God of gods and Lord of lords" emphasizes His supreme authority, the real punch comes with "the great, the mighty, and the awesome God." This isn't just a list of attributes; it's a declaration that His greatness, might, and awe-inspiring nature are unparalleled, far surpassing any lesser power one might encounter or even imagine.
Moses is reminding Israel of their unique, gratuitous election by God, who chose their fathers above all other nations, even passing over heaven and earth to favor them. This profound condescension is the basis for God's demand that they now circumcise their hearts, meaning they must put away stubbornness and truly love and serve Him with all their being. Immediately following this call to a circumcised heart and obedience, Moses underscores why they must obey, declaring that their God is the supreme, sovereign power over all beings and rulers, who judges with perfect impartiality.
Ever feel like the world is run by powerful people who play favorites? This verse declares something radical about the One truly in charge.
Moses reminds Israel that their God, Yahweh, isn't just a god, but the ultimate authority. He's called 'God of gods and Lord of lords.'
Cosmic Scale
This isn't just about earthly kings. The phrase points to a hierarchy where even divine beings (like angels or other perceived deities) and earthly rulers are subject to Him. He stands above all.
Ultimate Power
He is 'great, mighty, and awesome.' This isn't just a description of power, but of His terrifying majesty that demands reverence. His might means He can act independently of any other power, and His awesomeness inspires profound awe.
A Foundation for Trust
Understanding this supreme authority is crucial. It means that when we approach God, we're approaching the One with absolute power, the One who truly governs all.
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Are you worried that you're too small, or that others have an unfair advantage with God? This verse offers incredible reassurance.
The verse emphasizes a critical aspect of God's character: He 'is not partial and takes no bribe.' This is a direct contrast to how human systems often operate.
No Undue Influence
'Not partial' means God doesn't show favoritism based on who you are – whether you're an Israelite or a Gentile, rich or poor, powerful or weak. His judgment and dealings aren't swayed by outward appearance or status.
Incorruptible Standard
'Takes no bribe' reinforces this. Human judges can be bought or influenced, but God's decisions are pure. His justice is absolute and cannot be manipulated. He doesn't need to be persuaded or appeased with gifts or flattery.
A Call to Integrity
This attribute of God should shape how we live. If our God is impartial and incorruptible, we are called to reflect that in our own interactions, striving for fairness and integrity in all we do.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, revealing His personal, covenant-keeping nature. It signifies His eternal existence, faithfulness to His promises, and the intimate relationship He establishes with His people.
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
An title emphasizing God’s supremacy over all spiritual and temporal powers. It asserts that there is no other deity or authority that compares to Him; He is the ultimate, unrivaled Sovereign of the universe.
Adonim · Hebrew Noun
An title highlighting that God is the supreme Ruler, possessor of all authority, and the One to whom all other rulers are subordinate. It underscores His absolute lordship and the requirement of universal submission to His will.
nasa' panim · Hebrew Phrase
Refers to God’s absolute fairness and impartiality in judgment. He does not show favor to the rich, the powerful, or the elite based on status, but judges everyone according to truth and righteousness without the possibility of being influenced by bribes or personal gain.
This passage echoes the divine title used in Deuteronomy, declaring 'The LORD, the God of gods, the LORD, the God of gods! To you it is known, and to Israel it shall be known...' reinforcing God's supreme authority over all beings.
Psalm 136:1-3This psalm calls for thanksgiving to 'the God of gods' and 'Lord of lords,' highlighting His steadfast love and supreme power, aligning with the description of God's unmatched greatness in Deuteronomy.
Isaiah 9:6The prophecy of the coming child includes the title 'Mighty God,' which is directly paralleled in Deuteronomy's description of the LORD as 'the mighty God,' pointing to the divine nature and power of the Messiah.
Romans 2:11Paul reiterates the principle of impartiality found in Deuteronomy, stating 'for God shows no partiality,' emphasizing that God's judgment and favor are not based on human status but on righteousness.
1 Timothy 6:15-16This passage describes God as the 'sovereign King,' who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, underscoring His supreme and unique status as 'God of gods' and 'Lord of lords' from Deuteronomy.
calvinDeuteronomy 10:14-17: "Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is."
- Behold the heaven. He again enforces upon them the grace, on account of which we have seen that the people were under obligation to God; because this was the most effectual observation for moving them to submit themselves to their deliverer, to whom they were reminded that they owed altogether themselves and all that they had. First, then, he admonishes them…
clarkeDeuteronomy 10:17: "For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:"
God of gods, and Lord of lords - That is, He is the source whence all being and power proceed; every agent is finite but himself; and he can counteract, suspend, or destroy all the actions of all creatures whensoever he pleases. If he determine to save, none can destroy; if he purpose to destroy, none can save. How absolutely necess…
While calling God "God of gods and Lord of lords" emphasizes His supreme authority, the real punch comes with "the great, the mighty, and the awesome God." This isn't just a list of attributes; it's a declaration that His greatness, might, and awe-inspiring nature are unparalleled, far surpassing any lesser power one might encounter or even imagine.
Moses is reminding Israel of their unique, gratuitous election by God, who chose their fathers above all other nations, even passing over heaven and earth to favor them. This profound condescension is the basis for God's demand that they now circumcise their hearts, meaning they must put away stubbornness and truly love and serve Him with all their being. Immediately following this call to a circumcised heart and obedience, Moses underscores why they must obey, declaring that their God is the supreme, sovereign power over all beings and rulers, who judges with perfect impartiality.
Moses is reminding Israel of their unique, gratuitous election by God, who chose their fathers above all other nations, even passing over heaven and earth to favor them. This profound condescension is the basis for God's demand that they now circumcise their hearts, meaning they must put away stubbornness and truly love and serve Him with all their being. Immediately following this call to a circumcised heart and obedience, Moses underscores why they must obey, declaring that their God is the supreme, sovereign power over all beings and rulers, who judges with perfect impartiality.
"For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe." — While calling God "God of gods and Lord of lords" emphasizes His supreme authority, the real punch comes with "the great, the mighty, and the awesome God." This isn't just a list of attributes; it's…
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