Deuteronomy 29:3
The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles:
Original Language Analysis
הַמַּסּוֹת֙
temptations
H4531
הַמַּסּוֹת֙
temptations
Strong's:
H4531
Word #:
1 of 9
a testing, of men (judicial) or of god (querulous)
הַגְּדֹלִ֖ים
The great
H1419
הַגְּדֹלִ֖ים
The great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
2 of 9
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רָא֖וּ
have seen
H7200
רָא֖וּ
have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֵינֶ֑יךָ
which thine eyes
H5869
עֵינֶ֑יךָ
which thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הָֽאֹתֹ֧ת
the signs
H226
הָֽאֹתֹ֧ת
the signs
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
6 of 9
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
Historical Context
The ten plagues progressively demonstrated God's power over Egyptian deities and nature - the Nile (water to blood), frogs, livestock, darkness, etc. Each plague targeted an aspect of Egyptian religion or life.
The final plague - death of firstborn - was the ultimate demonstration leading to Israel's release and Egypt's devastation.
Questions for Reflection
- How did the plagues function as both judgment and demonstration?
- What made these miracles obviously supernatural rather than merely natural events?
- Why does personal eyewitness create stronger conviction than reports?
- How does Jesus' blessing on those who believe without seeing apply to believers today?
- What role do signs and miracles play in establishing faith versus maintaining faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles. The great temptations (or trials/testings) refer to the plagues - called temptations because they tested both Egypt (forcing recognition of God's power) and Israel (testing their faith and trust). These divine acts functioned as both judgment and demonstration.
The signs and great miracles describe the supernatural character of God's acts. These were not natural phenomena but obvious divine interventions that defied natural explanation. The plagues' timing, intensity, and selectivity (affecting Egyptians but not Israelites) demonstrated intentional divine action.
Repeating thine eyes have seen personalizes the appeal. Moses addresses people who personally witnessed these events, not merely those who heard reports. Direct observation creates stronger conviction than second-hand testimony.
Jesus later says blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed (John 20:29), indicating that faith based on testimony and Scripture is as valid as faith from direct observation.