Deuteronomy 10:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 10:21
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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 10 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, wisdom, love. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 10:21
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.
Analysis
He is thy praise—The Hebrew construction makes God Himself the substance and object of Israel's worship. Not merely the One who receives praise, Yahweh is the content—His character, deeds, and glory are what Israel boasts in. This anticipates Paul's 'He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord' (1 Corinthians 1:31, quoting Jeremiah 9:23-24). God's excellence is Israel's sole ground of confidence.
That hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen—Moses appeals to eyewitness testimony of God's mighty acts: the plagues, Red Sea crossing, Sinai theophany, wilderness provision. Nora'ot (terrible things) refers to awe-inspiring demonstrations of divine power. This verse links worship to remembrance—rehearsing God's redemptive history fuels praise. For Christians, Christ's cross and resurrection are the 'great and terrible things' that become our testimony and the substance of our praise (1 Peter 2:9).
Historical Context
Moses spoke to the generation born in the wilderness who witnessed the water from the rock, manna, quail, and God's judgments. Their parents saw the exodus; they saw God's faithfulness during 40 years of wandering. This living memory was to fuel perpetual worship.
Reflection
- What specific 'great and terrible things' has God done in your life that should fuel daily worship?
- How does making God Himself (not His blessings) your 'praise' guard against consumer Christianity?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Psalms 22:3, Jeremiah 17:14
- References God: Exodus 15:2, 2 Samuel 7:23, Revelation 21:23