Deuteronomy 10:21
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This verse offers a beautiful paradox: God isn't just the source of Israel's praise, but also the very reason they are worthy of praise themselves. He has made them glorious by doing these mighty, awe-inspiring deeds for them, setting them apart for Himself.
He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is reminding Israel of their covenant obligations after God's powerful intervention in the Exodus. Just after recounting God's requirements for them to fear, love, and serve Him, this verse emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of their honor and the reason for their praise. It serves as a powerful affirmation that their identity and worth are rooted in who God is and the mighty, awe-inspiring deeds He has done specifically for them.
Have you ever felt ashamed to admit you follow God? This verse flips that idea on its head. It suggests that knowing God isn't just a personal conviction, but a reason for public pride.
The phrase 'He is your praise' has a couple of layers.
Our Ultimate Compliment
First, it means God is the object of our praise. He is worthy of all adoration because of who He is and what He's done. But it also means God is the reason for our praise-worthiness, our renown.
Ground for Glory
Think about it: what truly makes a person honorable? Is it wealth, status, or achievements? This verse points to something far greater – our relationship with the Almighty God. He, by His mighty acts, has elevated Israel, making them distinct among nations. To be His is to be deeply honored, not something to hide, but something to declare.
The verse calls God's actions 'great and terrifying things.' What does that really mean for us today, and why does Moses remind Israel of these awesome, fear-inducing events?
Moses is reminding Israel of the incredible, almost unbelievable, events they've witnessed firsthand: the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, God's powerful provision in the wilderness, and the defeat of powerful kings like Sihon and Og.
Awe and Reverence
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These weren't just 'big' events; they were 'terrifying' – filled with awe and a holy fear. This was God demonstrating His supreme power over all other powers, making it clear who is truly in control. The 'terrifying' aspect isn't meant to paralyze us with fear, but to inspire a healthy reverence and awe for the One who holds such might.
Fuel for Faith
Why revisit these acts? Because remembrance is a vital spiritual discipline. Recalling God's past faithfulness and power is meant to:
Understand the original words
tehillah · Hebrew Noun
The object of worship, adoration, and exultation. In Scripture, God is the supreme object of praise because of His nature and His redemptive acts on behalf of His people.
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The sovereign Creator and Ruler of all, who enters into covenant relationship with His people. It signifies supreme authority, majesty, and the One to whom total allegiance is owed.
nora'ot · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Acts of divine intervention that evoke awe, reverence, and fear. In a biblical context, these often refer to miraculous deliverances or judgments that demonstrate God’s power over creation and human enemies.
This passage echoes the awe and wonder of Israel's experience, describing God as 'magnificent in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders.'
Psalm 106:7-8It recounts how God's 'terrible deeds' at the Red Sea led to His people being saved and His name being praised, directly linking mighty acts with God's glory.
Jeremiah 17:14This verse expresses a similar sentiment, calling God 'the hope of Israel' and the source of healing and praise, highlighting God's role as the object of His people's highest commendation.
Romans 11:33It speaks of the 'depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God,' suggesting that the incomprehensible and awe-inspiring nature of God's actions is a key reason for praise.
clarkeDeuteronomy 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."
He is thy praise - It is an eternal honor to any soul to be in the friendship of God. Why are people ashamed of being thought religious? Because they know nothing of religion. He who knows his Maker may glory in his God, for without him what has any soul but disgrace, pain, shame, and perdition? How strange is it that those who fear God should be ashamed…
pooleDeuteronomy 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."
Thy praise; either, 1. The object and matter of thy praise, as Exodus 15:2 , whom thou shouldst ever praise. Or rather, 2. The ground of thy praise, i.e. of thy praise-worthiness; he who makes thee honourable and glorious above those people whose God he is not.
This verse offers a beautiful paradox: God isn't just the source of Israel's praise, but also the very reason they are worthy of praise themselves. He has made them glorious by doing these mighty, awe-inspiring deeds for them, setting them apart for Himself.
Moses is reminding Israel of their covenant obligations after God's powerful intervention in the Exodus. Just after recounting God's requirements for them to fear, love, and serve Him, this verse emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of their honor and the reason for their praise. It serves as a powerful affirmation that their identity and worth are rooted in who God is and the mighty, awe-inspiring deeds He has done specifically for them.
Moses is reminding Israel of their covenant obligations after God's powerful intervention in the Exodus. Just after recounting God's requirements for them to fear, love, and serve Him, this verse emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of their honor and the reason for their praise. It serves as a powerful affirmation that their identity and worth are rooted in who God is and the mighty, awe-inspiring deeds He has done specifically for them.
"He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen." — This verse offers a beautiful paradox: God isn't just the source of Israel's praise, but also the very reason they are worthy of praise themselves. He has made them glorious by doing these mighty…
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Last reviewed October 2026
