Deuteronomy 10:17 - Supreme, just, fearsome Divine ruler

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Hebrew Text

כִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם הוּא אֱלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים וַאֲדֹנֵי הָאֲדֹנִים הָאֵל הַגָּדֹל הַגִּבֹּר וְהַנּוֹרָא אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יִשָּׂא פָנִים וְלֹא יִקַּח שֹׁחַד׃

English Translation

For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, who favours no person, and takes no bribe:

Transliteration

Ki Adonai Eloheikhem hu Elohei ha'elohim va'adonei ha'adonim, ha'El hagadol hagibor vehanora, asher lo yisa panim velo yikach shochad.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֚י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם ה֚וּא אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים וַאֲדֹנֵ֖י הָאֲדֹנִ֑ים הָאֵ֨ל הַגָּדֹ֤ל הַגִּבֹּר֙ וְהַנּוֹרָ֔א אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹא־יִשָּׂ֣א פָנִ֔ים וְלֹ֥א יִקַּ֖ח שֹֽׁחַד׃

Parasha Commentary

The Supremacy of Hashem

The verse (Devarim 10:17) declares the absolute sovereignty of Hashem over all powers, both heavenly and earthly. Rashi explains that "God of gods" (אֱלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים) refers to Hashem's dominion over celestial beings (such as angels or heavenly forces), while "Lord of lords" (אֲדֹנֵי הָאֲדֹנִים) denotes His supremacy over earthly rulers. This establishes that no power, whether spiritual or physical, exists independently of Hashem's will.

The Divine Attributes

Great (הַגָּדֹל): The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1:4) interprets this as referring to Hashem's infinite wisdom and creative power, as seen in the vastness and complexity of the universe.
Mighty (הַגִּבֹּר): The Sifrei explains this as Hashem's ability to restrain His anger and show patience, despite His unlimited power to punish wrongdoing.
Terrible (וְהַנּוֹרָא): Ibn Ezra notes that this inspires awe in all creation, as even the mightiest beings tremble before His majesty.

Divine Impartiality

The phrase "who favours no person" (לֹא־יִשָּׂא פָנִים) is expounded upon in the Talmud (Chullin 49a), which teaches that Hashem judges based solely on truth and righteousness, without regard for status or wealth. The Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 8) adds that this principle ensures justice for all, as even the most powerful cannot influence Divine judgment through prestige or connections.

Rejection of Bribery

The conclusion of the verse ("and takes no bribe" - וְלֹא יִקַּח שֹׁחַד) is emphasized by the Ramban, who explains that unlike human judges who may be swayed, Hashem cannot be influenced by any form of "spiritual bribery," such as excessive sacrifices or prayers from those who otherwise disregard His commandments. True Divine judgment is based solely on merit and repentance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 33b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of God's greatness and the proper way to praise Him, emphasizing His supreme authority and justice.

📖 Megillah 25a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the attributes of God and the reverence due to Him, particularly in liturgical settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'God of gods and Lord of lords' mean in Deuteronomy 10:17?
A: This phrase emphasizes Hashem's absolute sovereignty over all powers in the universe. Rashi explains that even if other nations worship what they consider 'gods' or rulers act as 'lords,' Hashem is supreme over them all. The Talmud (Berachot 6a) teaches that this verse affirms Hashem's unique oneness and ultimate authority.

Q: Why does the Torah describe Hashem as 'great, mighty, and awesome'?
A: These three attributes highlight different aspects of Hashem's relationship with the world. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:4) explains: 'Great' refers to Hashem's perfect wisdom in creation, 'Mighty' describes His unlimited power, and 'Awesome' signifies how He inspires reverence. We echo these descriptions in the first blessing of the Amidah prayer.

Q: What does it mean that Hashem 'does not show favoritism or take bribes'?
A: This teaches that Hashem judges all people with perfect fairness. As the Sifrei (Devarim 10:17) explains, unlike human judges who might be influenced by status or gifts, Hashem evaluates each person purely based on their merits and deeds. The Talmud (Shevuot 31a) derives from this that judges must emulate this divine quality of impartial justice.

Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 10:17 in our daily lives?
A: This verse teaches us three important lessons: 1) To recognize Hashem's supreme authority in all aspects of life (Malbim), 2) To stand in awe of His greatness through prayer and mitzvot, and 3) To emulate His attribute of impartial justice in our dealings with others. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:1) connects this verse to proper fear and love of Hashem.

Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish thought?
A: This verse is fundamental because it establishes key principles of Jewish belief: Hashem's absolute unity, His supreme power, and His perfect justice. The Ramban notes that this declaration appears when Moshe recounts the giving of the second tablets, showing these truths are essential to our covenant with Hashem. It's also quoted in the Passover Haggadah to emphasize divine providence.