John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 33:26

John Calvin Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:26

1509–1564
Protestant
John Calvin
John Calvin

John Calvin Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:26

1509–1564
Protestant
SCRIPTURE

"There is none like unto God, O Jeshurun, Who rideth upon the heavens for thy help, And in his excellency on the skies." — Deuteronomy 33:26 (ASV)

There is none like unto the God. Moses proceeds from the parts to the whole, and now comes to speak of the whole body, which consisted of the twelve families. All that he says tends to the same end, namely, that the people of Israel were happy in being taken by God under this faithful guardianship: for nothing is more to be desired with regard to our best interests than that our welfare should be entrusted to the hand of God.

But, since this inestimable blessing of being protected by God's care is often valued lightly, Moses exclaims in admiration that there is none to be compared to the God of Israel. We know that all nations had their tutelary gods or patrons and foolishly gloried in their respective idols, although they often found from experience that whatever confidence they placed in them was vain and frivolous. Moses, therefore, separates the God of Israel from this imaginary multitude of false gods, like whom, he says, none can be found anywhere.

He also extols His power, because He rides gloriously on the heavens and clouds, which is tantamount to all high things being subject to His dominion. But, since reflecting on His infinite power would be of little profit unless it is connected to us, Moses expressly reminds us that God is not strong for Himself, but so that He may help His people.