Deuteronomy 10:14
Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.
Original Language Analysis
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
is the LORD'S
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
is the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
Behold the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
Behold the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
4 of 10
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
Behold the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
Behold the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
5 of 10
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
Behold the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
Behold the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
6 of 10
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Exodus 19:5Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:Psalms 115:16The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.Psalms 24:1The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.Nehemiah 9:6Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.Psalms 148:4Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.1 Kings 8:27But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?Psalms 50:12If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.2 Chronicles 6:18But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?Exodus 9:29And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
Historical Context
Moses delivered this second giving of the law on the plains of Moab (1406 BC) as Israel prepared to enter Canaan. This declaration of God's cosmic sovereignty preceded ethical commands, grounding obedience in God's character and Israel's election.
Questions for Reflection
- How should God's ownership of 'heaven and earth' shape your stewardship of resources and time?
- What does the contrast between God's universal sovereignty (v. 14) and particular election (v. 15) teach about grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S—The Hebrew shamayim (heaven) is repeated with the superlative construct shemei hashamayim (heaven of heavens), denoting the highest heaven, God's throne room (cf. 1 Kings 8:27). This emphasizes Yahweh's universal sovereignty over all creation. The earth also, with all that therein is establishes God's comprehensive ownership by right of creation (Psalm 24:1).
The theological movement from verse 14 to 15 is stunning: the God who owns all creation nevertheless chose Israel. This juxtaposition of divine transcendence and covenant intimacy grounds the call to circumcise the heart (v. 16). Paul echoes this in Ephesians 1:4—before the foundation of the world, the sovereign Creator chose us in Christ. The doctrine of election emerges from God's freedom as universal Owner.