For what nation is great enoughThis phrase highlights the uniqueness of Israel among the nations. In the ancient Near East, nations were often defined by their gods, and the greatness of a nation was frequently attributed to the power and presence of its deity. Israel's greatness is not in its military might or wealth but in its relationship with the LORD.
to have a god as near to them
The nearness of God to Israel is a central theme in the Old Testament. Unlike the distant and capricious gods of other nations, the LORD is intimately involved with His people. This nearness is demonstrated through the covenant relationship established at Sinai, where God gave the Law and dwelt among them in the Tabernacle.
as the LORD our God is to us
The personal nature of God is emphasized here. The use of "our God" signifies a personal and covenantal relationship. This is a God who has chosen Israel, delivered them from Egypt, and given them His laws. The LORD's presence is not just a theological concept but a lived reality for the Israelites.
whenever we call on Him?
This phrase underscores the accessibility of God to His people. In contrast to the gods of other nations, who were often seen as unpredictable and unapproachable, the LORD invites His people to call upon Him. This is a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as inPsalm 145:18, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him." It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of prayer and God's readiness to hear His people, as seen inPhilippians 4:6 andJames 4:8.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is delivering this message to the people. He is reminding them of the unique relationship they have with God.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being reminded of their covenant relationship with Him and the laws they are to follow.
3.
Mount Horeb (Sinai)The place where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, symbolizing God's closeness and covenant with Israel.
4.
The LORD (Yahweh)The personal name of God, emphasizing His covenantal relationship with Israel and His nearness to them.
5.
Promised LandThe land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites are preparing to enter.
Teaching Points
God's NearnessThe verse emphasizes the unparalleled closeness of God to His people. Unlike other nations, Israel has a God who is intimately involved in their lives and responsive to their prayers.
Covenant RelationshipThe relationship between God and Israel is based on a covenant, which includes promises and responsibilities. This covenant is a model for our relationship with God through Christ.
Prayer and CommunicationThe verse highlights the importance of prayer as a means of communication with God. Believers are encouraged to call on God, knowing He is near and attentive.
Identity and PurposeUnderstanding our identity as God's people should inspire us to live according to His purposes, reflecting His character and values in our lives.
Witness to the NationsIsrael's unique relationship with God was meant to be a testimony to other nations. Similarly, Christians are called to be a light to the world, demonstrating God's love and truth.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 4:7?
2.How does Deuteronomy 4:7 emphasize God's nearness to those who call on Him?
3.What does Deuteronomy 4:7 teach about the privilege of prayer for believers?
4.How can we apply Deuteronomy 4:7 to our daily prayer life?
5.Compare Deuteronomy 4:7 with Psalm 145:18 on God's closeness to His people.
6.How does Deuteronomy 4:7 encourage reliance on God in challenging times?
7.How does Deuteronomy 4:7 demonstrate God's closeness to Israel compared to other nations' gods?
8.What historical context supports the claim of God's nearness in Deuteronomy 4:7?
9.How does Deuteronomy 4:7 influence the understanding of God's relationship with His people?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4?
11.Who loved us first?
12.Psalm 63:2 speaks of seeing God’s power in the sanctuary—how could David witness this if he was exiled from the sanctuary?
13.Is the Lord near?
14.(Psalm 145:18) How can one verify that God is “near to all who call on him” given the countless unanswered prayers or spiritual doubts?What Does Deuteronomy 4:7 Mean
For what nation is greatMoses invites Israel to pause and consider their uniqueness. Their greatness does not stem from military strength or cultural sophistication but from being chosen by God (Exodus 19:5-6: “...you will be My treasured possession...a holy nation”).
• God Himself defined their identity, setting them apart from every surrounding people (Deuteronomy 7:6-8).
• Their laws, worship, and destiny flowed from that relationship, marking them as “great” in a way no empire could imitate.
Enough to have a godAncient nations boasted of many deities, yet those idols were powerless (Psalm 96:5: “For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens”).
• Israel alone could claim the living Creator as their God (Jeremiah 10:10-11).
• Their greatness is measured not by their worthiness but by the worth of the One who attached His name to them (Isaiah 43:1).
As near to themNearness is covenant closeness, not mere proximity. The Lord was not a distant figure on a mountaintop but present in the camp, the tabernacle, everyday life (Leviticus 26:12: “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people”).
• His cloud and fire guided them (Numbers 9:15-23).
• His words were spoken “from the midst of the fire” (Deuteronomy 4:33), underscoring intimacy yet holiness.
As the LORD our God is to usNote the personal pronouns: “the LORD our God.” Relationship is mutual; He owns them and they own Him.
• The covenant at Horeb (Sinai) confirmed this bond (Deuteronomy 5:2-3).
• David later echoed the same assurance (Psalm 23:1: “The LORD is my shepherd”).
This phrase anchors identity: who we are is inseparable from who He is.
Whenever we call on HimAvailability rounds out the promise. God is not only near; He responds.
•Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.”
•Jeremiah 29:12-13: “Then you will call upon Me...and I will listen to you.”
• Even after exile, the principle held (2 Chronicles 7:14); in Christ it extends to all who believe (Romans 10:12-13).
Our part is simple: call. His part is sure: He answers.
summaryDeuteronomy 4:7 highlights Israel’s unparalleled privilege: the living God chose them, drew near, and promised continual access through prayer. No other nation or deity can rival that closeness. The verse calls God’s people—then and now—to cherish, rely on, and proclaim the astounding truth that the Creator is eagerly present whenever we call on Him.
Verses 7, 8. - Translate,
For what great nation is there that hath gods that draft near to it,
as Jehovah our God whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there that hath righteous statutes and ordinances like this whole Law which I am giving before you this day? (comp.
Deuteronomy 33:29;
Psalm 34:17-20;
Psalm 145:18;
1 Samuel 14:36;
1 Kings 18:26-29, 37;
James 4:8). "True right has its roots in God; and with the obscuration of the knowledge of God, law and right, with their divinely established foundations, are also shaken and obscured (cf.
Romans 1:26-32)" (Keil).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּ֚י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionwhatמִי־(mî-)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixnationג֣וֹי(ḡō·w)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471:A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts[is so] greatגָּד֔וֹל(gā·ḏō·wl)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentas to haveאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thata godאֱלֹהִ֖ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative[as] nearקְרֹבִ֣ים(qə·rō·ḇîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7138:Nearto themאֵלָ֑יו(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toas the LORDכַּיהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-k | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelour Godאֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ(’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeis to us wheneverבְּכָּל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywe callקָרְאֵ֖נוּ(qā·rə·’ê·nū)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common plural
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readon Him?אֵלָֽיו׃(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:7 For what great nation is there that (Deut. De Du) 
