Intentional FaithThe God Who Stands Above All
The Bible in a Year
“The Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.” — Deuteronomy 10:17
As we continue our journey through Scripture, we arrive at a verse that recalibrates our entire understanding of who God is. Deuteronomy 10 is part of Moses’ final sermons to Israel. The wilderness years are nearly behind them. The Promised Land lies ahead. Before they step into blessing, Moses lifts their eyes upward. He wants them to know not merely the commandments of God, but the character of God. Right theology fuels right living.
First, we encounter the preeminence of God. He is “God of gods, and Lord of lords.” In a world filled with competing allegiances, visible idols, and subtle modern substitutes for worship, this declaration stands unshaken. The Hebrew construction intensifies the point: He is supreme over every so-called power. There is no rival throne. There is no shared sovereignty. When Scripture calls Him “Lord of lords,” it affirms absolute authority. Paul echoes this truth in 1 Timothy 6:15, describing God as “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Our faith rests not in a regional deity or a cultural construct, but in the sovereign Lord of all existence.
As I reflect on this, I ask myself what truly governs my decisions. If He is preeminent, then my career, reputation, fears, and ambitions must submit to His rule. A. W. Tozer once wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” If my view of God is small, my obedience will be hesitant. But when I see Him as supreme, trust grows naturally.
Second, the verse highlights the prominence of God. He is called “a great God.” Our culture uses the word “great” casually—great deals, great meals, great performances. Yet Scripture reserves true greatness for God alone. The Hebrew word gadol speaks of magnitude and majesty. Psalm 145:3 declares, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.” His greatness is not hype; it is intrinsic. He does not become great because we acknowledge Him; He is great whether we recognize it or not.
When I meditate on God’s greatness, anxiety begins to shrink. My challenges may feel overwhelming, but they are not greater than God. His greatness is not abstract; it is active. He governs history, sustains creation, and shepherds His people with unwavering wisdom.
Third, Moses reminds Israel of the power of God. He is “mighty, and a terrible.” The Hebrew word translated “terrible” here is yare’, which conveys awe-inspiring majesty rather than something morally bad. It speaks of reverent fear. God’s power is not chaotic or cruel; it is awesome and righteous. He spoke the universe into being (Genesis 1). He parted the Red Sea. He fed Israel in the wilderness. Yet how often do my prayers shrink His power? I sometimes approach Him as though He were limited, as though my situation might exceed His strength.
When we grasp God’s might, worship deepens. Prayer becomes bold rather than timid. Faith becomes anchored rather than fragile. As Charles Spurgeon observed, “There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of divine sovereignty.” His power assures us that nothing escapes His oversight.
Finally, we see the propriety of God. He “regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.” In other words, He is impartial and incorruptible. The Hebrew phrase lo yissa panim means He does not show favoritism. He cannot be bribed or manipulated. Human systems often bend under influence or advantage, but God’s justice remains perfectly balanced. Acts 10:34 affirms this continuity in the New Testament: “God is no respecter of persons.”
This truth comforts me deeply. God does not treat me unjustly. His dealings are never arbitrary. Even when I do not understand His ways, I can trust His character. His judgments are pure. His mercy is consistent with His holiness. There is no shadow of corruption in Him.
As we move through this year-long journey in the Bible, this verse anchors our theology. God is preeminent over every authority, prominent in unmatched greatness, powerful beyond comprehension, and proper in flawless justice. If we align our creed with this portrait of God, our lives will gradually reflect greater reverence, trust, and obedience.
Today, let Deuteronomy 10:17 reshape your understanding of God. Allow His supremacy to quiet your fears. Let His greatness humble your pride. Trust His power in your weakness. Rest in His justice when circumstances feel unfair. For further reflection on the character of God, you may find this article helpful: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/attributes-of-god
As we continue The Bible in a Year, remember that knowing Scripture is not merely accumulating information—it is encountering the living God who stands above all.
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