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Numbers 9:20
Andso it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.

Numbers 14:9,14,42
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for theyare bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORDis with us: fear them not…

Numbers 16:3
And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them,Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregationare holy, every one of them, and the LORDis among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?

a mighty God

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your Godis God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Deuteronomy 25:8
Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: andif he standto it, and say, I like not to take her;

1 Samuel 4:8
Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? theseare the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.

for the LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the personal and covenantal name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and commitment to His people. This relationship is foundational to Israel's identity and mission, as seen throughout the Pentateuch and reiterated in the New Testament (Hebrews 8:10).

who is among you
God's presence among the Israelites is a central theme in the Old Testament, symbolized by the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This presence assures the Israelites of divine guidance and protection. The concept of God dwelling among His people is fulfilled in the New Testament with the incarnation of Jesus Christ (John 1:14) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16).

is a great and awesome God
This description of God underscores His power and majesty, which are unmatched by any earthly force. The terms "great" and "awesome" are often used in the Psalms to describe God's mighty acts and His sovereignty over creation (Psalm 66:3,Psalm 145:6). This acknowledgment of God's greatness serves to inspire confidence and reverence among the Israelites, encouraging them to rely on His strength rather than their own.

- Moses is addressing Israel as they prepare to face nations larger and stronger than themselves (cf.Deuteronomy 7:1-2).

- Fear is a natural response, yet God commands courage. He has issued this call before—“Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9) and “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).

- The command is not a pep talk rooted in self-confidence; it rests on God’s proven record: He defeated Egypt’s army (Exodus 14:30-31) and sustained Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-4).

- For believers today, the same principle stands: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

- “LORD” (YHWH) recalls the covenant name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15). This is the God who promised the land to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and has bound Himself to His people by oath (Hebrews 6:13-18).

- “Your God” stresses relationship. He is not a distant deity; He has chosen Israel “to be His people, His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

- When intimidation looms, anchoring identity in the Lord keeps panic at bay. David applied the same truth when facing Goliath: “The battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47).

- God’s nearness is literal and visible in Israel’s story:

• Pillar of cloud and fire guiding their journey (Exodus 13:21-22).

• The tabernacle set in the camp’s center, symbolizing His dwelling among them (Exodus 25:8).

• Victory linked to His presence—when Israel presumed to fight without Him, they were defeated (Numbers 14:42-45).

- The promise carries forward: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; echoed inHebrews 13:5). In Christ, God is “Immanuel—God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and His Spirit now indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 3:16).

- “Great” speaks of unmatched power; “awesome” evokes reverent awe. He split the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), flattened Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6:20), and still rules over nations (Psalm 47:2-3).

- Israel’s confidence rests on God’s character, not circumstances. Jeremiah testifies, “Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth… Nothing is too difficult for You” (Jeremiah 32:17).

- Worship flows naturally from recognizing His greatness: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Deuteronomy 7:21 reassures God’s people in the face of overwhelming opposition. We refuse terror because the covenant-keeping LORD is ours; He is present with us, and His greatness dwarfs every threat. Confidence, obedience, and worship are the only fitting responses to such a great and awesome God.

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