Deuteronomy 4:7

7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?

Deuteronomy 4:7 in Other Translations

KJV
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?
ESV
7 For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?
NLT
7 For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him?
MSG
7 Yes. What other great nation has gods that are intimate with them the way God, our God, is with us, always ready to listen to us?
CSB
7 For what great nation is there that has a god near to it as the Lord our God is [to us] whenever we call to Him?

Deuteronomy 4:7 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 7 For what nation is there so great
Not so much for their number, for they were the fewest of all people; nor for the largeness of their territories, for the land they were going to possess was but a small country; nor for their wealth and riches, and warlike exploits, though they were not contemptible in either; but for their happy constitution in church and state, being directed and governed in both by laws which came immediately from God himself; for their knowledge of divine things, and for spiritual blessings and privileges they were favoured with, of which a special instance is given:

who hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God is, in all things
that we call upon him for?
God was nigh unto them in respect of relation, being their covenant God and Father, and they his sons and daughters, to whom the adoption belonged; and with respect to place and presence, his tabernacle being in the midst of them, the seat of his Shechinah, or divine Majesty, being in the most holy place, between the cherubim over the mercy seat; and he going before them in the pillar of cloud by day, and in the pillar of fire by night, and who might be applied unto at all times for whatsoever they stood in need of; and who was always near unto them, to give them advice and counsel, help and assistance; to hear their prayers, and communicate unto them things temporal and spiritual they stood in need of: and so the Lord is nigh to all that call upon him in faith, with fervency, and in sincerity and truth; and herein the glory and greatness of a people, as of Israel, lies, in being nearly related to God, a people near unto him, both as to union and communion; and in having a communication of good things from him. God is both a God at hand and afar off, ( Jeremiah 23:23 ) ( Psalms 145:18 ) .

Deuteronomy 4:7 In-Context

5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.
6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?
8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Cross References 2

  • 1. ver 32-34; 2 Samuel 7:23
  • 2. S Numbers 23:21; S Psalms 46:1; Isaiah 55:6; Acts 17:27
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