What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 10:17? For the LORD your God • Moses begins by reminding Israel that the One speaking to them is “the LORD your God,” a personal, covenant title. This is not a distant deity but the very God who brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 20:2) and bound Himself to them by oath (Deuteronomy 6:4). • The phrase anchors every command that follows: obedience flows from relationship, not mere rule-keeping (Jeremiah 31:33). • Because He is their God, His words carry absolute authority and tender care all at once. God of gods and Lord of lords • The declaration magnifies His supremacy over every spiritual or earthly authority. As Psalm 136:2-3 repeats, “Give thanks to the God of gods… the Lord of lords.” • It answers any temptation to fear rival powers: no idol, ruler, or demonic force can rival Him (1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Revelation 17:14). • The title also anticipates Christ, “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15), uniting Father and Son in sovereign rule. The great, mighty, and awesome God • “Great” points to His infinite scope—He fills heaven and earth (Jeremiah 32:17). • “Mighty” speaks of His unmatched power to act, whether parting seas (Exodus 14:21-22) or conquering nations (Nehemiah 9:32). • “Awesome” (literally inspiring fear and wonder) reminds Israel that intimacy never cancels reverence (Psalm 89:7). • Together, the trio of adjectives builds a picture of limitless capacity and majesty, urging trust and worship. Showing no partiality • Unlike human judges who favor status or appearance, God “does not show favoritism” (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). • In Israel’s community this meant equal justice for native and foreigner (Deuteronomy 10:18-19), warning leaders against bias (James 2:1). • For believers today it assures us that race, wealth, or background neither enhance nor diminish our standing before Him (Job 34:19). Accepting no bribe • Ancient courts were notorious for corruption, yet “The Rock—His work is perfect… all His ways are just” (Deuteronomy 32:4). • No gift can sway His verdict; holiness cannot be bought (1 Peter 1:17). • This protects the weak: if the Judge is incorruptible, the oppressed have real hope (Psalm 82:3-4; 1 Samuel 12:3). • It also confronts us: superficial offerings or rituals cannot replace wholehearted obedience (Isaiah 1:11-17). summary Deuteronomy 10:17 gathers five mighty truths into one sentence: the God who claims us is unrivaled in authority, immeasurable in greatness, worthy of reverent awe, perfectly fair, and utterly incorruptible. Knowing Him this way fuels gratitude, deepens trust, and shapes a community that mirrors His justice and compassion. |
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