You were shown these thingsThis phrase refers to the miraculous signs and wonders that the Israelites witnessed, such as the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness. These events were meant to demonstrate God's power and faithfulness. In the broader biblical context, these acts serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the lives of His people. The Israelites were chosen to witness these events to solidify their faith and understanding of God's unique nature.
so that you would know
The purpose of these divine revelations was to instill a deep, personal knowledge of God in the hearts of the Israelites. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, involving a relationship with God. The Hebrew concept of "knowing" often implies an intimate, covenantal relationship, as seen inGenesis 4:1 where Adam "knew" Eve. This knowledge is foundational for the Israelites' identity and mission as God's chosen people.
that the LORD is God
This declaration emphasizes the monotheistic belief central to Israel's faith. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenant name of God, highlighting His eternal, self-existent nature. This statement distinguishes the God of Israel from the polytheistic deities of surrounding nations. It echoes the Shema inDeuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one," underscoring the uniqueness and supremacy of God.
there is no other besides Him
This phrase affirms the exclusivity of God, rejecting the existence or worship of other gods. It is a direct challenge to the idolatry prevalent in the ancient Near East. This exclusivity is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, such asIsaiah 45:5, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where He declares inJohn 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and teachings to the people. He is the speaker in this passage, reminding the Israelites of God's unique identity and power.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from Egypt and are being prepared to enter the Promised Land. They are the recipients of this message, called to recognize and worship the one true God.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where God revealed Himself to the Israelites, giving them the Ten Commandments and demonstrating His power and holiness.
4.
EgyptThe land from which the Israelites were delivered, symbolizing bondage and idolatry, contrasting with the freedom and truth found in worshiping the one true God.
5.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the place where the Israelites are to live out their covenant relationship with God.
Teaching Points
The Uniqueness of GodRecognize that the LORD is the only true God, distinct from all other so-called gods. This truth calls for exclusive worship and allegiance.
Revelation and RelationshipUnderstand that God reveals Himself to us so that we might know Him personally. This knowledge is not just intellectual but relational, calling us to a deeper commitment.
Rejecting IdolatryIn a world filled with distractions and false gods, we must actively reject idolatry in all its forms, whether material, ideological, or relational.
Living in CovenantAs the Israelites were called to live in covenant with God, so are we called to live in a committed relationship with Him, reflecting His character and values in our lives.
Witness to the WorldOur acknowledgment of the one true God should be evident in our lives, serving as a testimony to others of His reality and love.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 4:35?
2.How does Deuteronomy 4:35 affirm God's uniqueness and sovereignty in your life?
3.What practical steps can you take to acknowledge "the LORD is God" daily?
4.How does Deuteronomy 4:35 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3?
5.Why is recognizing "there is no other" crucial for a Christian's faith journey?
6.How can Deuteronomy 4:35 deepen your understanding of God's role in creation?
7.How does Deuteronomy 4:35 affirm the exclusivity of God in the Bible?
8.What historical context supports the message of Deuteronomy 4:35?
9.How does Deuteronomy 4:35 challenge polytheistic beliefs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4?
11.What is the number of gods?
12.What is the number of gods?
13.What is Paganism and its core beliefs?
14.In 2 Kings 1:9–12, how could fire literally descend from heaven, consuming two groups of fifty men, and why would God use such a violent method?What Does Deuteronomy 4:35 Mean
You were shown these thingsDeuteronomy 4:35 begins, “You were shown these things….” Moses is talking to Israel about the mighty works they personally witnessed—plagues in Egypt, the Red Sea parted, manna in the wilderness, water from the rock, victory over enemies.
• God doesn’t ask for blind faith; He provides tangible evidence (Exodus 14:31;Psalm 78:4–7).
• The miracles in Egypt and the wilderness served as living lessons etched into national memory (Deuteronomy 11:2-7).
• Today we still “see” through Scripture’s eyewitness testimony (John 20:30-31); the written record is as trustworthy as standing on the shore of the Red Sea.
so that you would knowThose demonstrations had a purpose: knowledge, not mere spectacle.
• Knowing is relational, not just intellectual (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
• God reveals Himself so people can respond with trust, obedience, and love (Psalm 34:8;John 17:3).
• The Lord’s works dispel doubt and anchor faith for generations (Joshua 4:6-7).
that the LORD is GodThe statement identifies Yahweh—and no other—as the true, living God.
• “LORD” (Yahweh) is the covenant name declared to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14-15).
• His deeds confirm His unique identity and unmatched authority (Psalm 83:18).
• Recognizing Him as God demands exclusive loyalty (Deuteronomy 6:4-5;Matthew 22:37).
there is no other besides HimThis climactic phrase nails down absolute monotheism.
• All other so-called gods are powerless idols (Isaiah 44:6-8;1 Corinthians 8:4-6).
• The exclusivity of the LORD shapes worship, ethics, and worldview: no divided allegiance, no syncretism (Exodus 20:3;2 Kings 17:35-39).
• Jesus echoes this truth, declaring, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), affirming that salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12).
summaryDeuteronomy 4:35 unfolds in four steps: God showed His mighty acts, so His people would truly know, that Yahweh alone is God, and that no rival exists. The eyewitness evidence calls for personal conviction and undivided devotion. The same Lord still reveals Himself through His Word, inviting us to stand in awe, trust His promises, and live with wholehearted allegiance to Him alone.
Verse 35. - All this Israel was made to see, in order that they might know that Jehovah is alone God, and beside him is no other. God (
הָךאלֺלהִים, the God), the one living and true God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Youאַתָּה֙(’at·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youwere shown [these things]הָרְאֵ֣תָ(hā·rə·’ê·ṯā)Verb - Hofal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seeso that you would knowלָדַ֔עַת(lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3045:To knowthatכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelis God;הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativethere is noאֵ֥ין(’ên)Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particleotherע֖וֹד(‘ō·wḏ)Adverb
Strong's 5750:Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, morebesides Him.מִלְבַדּֽוֹ׃(mil·ḇad·dōw)Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 905:Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:35 To you it was shown that you (Deut. De Du)