Deuteronomy 4:7
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 14
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
ג֣וֹי
For what nation
H1471
ג֣וֹי
For what nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
3 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
גָּד֔וֹל
is there so great
H1419
גָּד֔וֹל
is there so great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
4 of 14
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 14
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
כַּֽיהוָ֣ה
unto them as the LORD
H3068
כַּֽיהוָ֣ה
unto them as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 14
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
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 145:18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.Psalms 34:18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.Psalms 73:28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.2 Samuel 7:23And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?Isaiah 55:6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.Psalms 148:14He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.Isaiah 43:4Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.Deuteronomy 5:26For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?
Historical Context
Israel's tabernacle system (Exodus 25-40) provided unprecedented divine proximity. God's Shekinah glory dwelt in the Holy of Holies above the Ark of the Covenant. Unlike pagan temples housing lifeless idols, Israel's sanctuary hosted the living God who spoke through prophets and priests. This immediate access contrasted sharply with pagan religions requiring elaborate rituals, magic incantations, or temple prostitution to gain deity attention.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's nearness to Israel demonstrate the covenant privilege of intimate relationship with the Creator?
- In what ways does Christ's incarnation and the Spirit's indwelling fulfill this promise of divine proximity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's proximity—'who hath God so nigh unto them'—distinguishes Israel from all nations. The Hebrew 'qarob' (near) indicates covenant intimacy, not merely spatial closeness. Pagan deities were distant, capricious, and unapproachable; Yahweh dwells among His people, responding to prayer. This anticipates the Reformed emphasis on covenant relationship through Christ's mediation. The phrase 'in all things that we call upon him for' reveals God's comprehensive providence and prayer-hearing nature. This nearness finds ultimate fulfillment in Immanuel (Matthew 1:23) and the Spirit's indwelling (John 14:17).