And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?

2 SAMUEL 7:23KJV
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2 Samuel 7:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 7:23 mean?

2 Samuel 7:23 describes how unique Israel is among all the nations, because God Himself chose to redeem them, make them His own people, and perform great and awe-inspiring acts for them, especially when He rescued them from Egypt and the other nations with their gods. The verse highlights Israel’s special relationship with God, who set them apart through powerful deeds.

In this verse, King David is speaking to God in prayer, reflecting on the promises God has just made to him and his descendants. David is amazed at how God chose Israel out of all the nations on earth, rescued them from slavery in Egypt, and made them His own people, showing both His power and His care for them.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 7:23

  • "Nation" (גּוֹי, goy): This word means a people group or nation. Here, it emphasizes how Israel stands out from all other nations on earth, not just as a political entity but as a people with a unique relationship to God.
  • "Redeem" (פָּדָה, padah): This word means to rescue or buy back, often used for freeing someone from slavery or danger. In this verse, it points to God’s act of freeing Israel from Egypt, showing both His power and His commitment to them.
  • "Name" (שֵׁם, shem): This word means reputation or renown. The verse says God made a "name" for Himself through His mighty acts, meaning He became known and honored because of what He did for Israel.
  • "Terrible" (יָרֵא, yare): This word is often translated as “awesome” or “fear-inspiring.” It refers to acts that cause awe or reverence, not just fear. God’s deeds for Israel were so great that they inspired deep respect and wonder.

Why 2 Samuel 7:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s identity is rooted in God’s direct action—He chose, redeemed, and set them apart, not because of their own greatness but because of His purpose and power.
  • The verse connects the story of David to the larger story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, showing that God’s faithfulness to Israel in the past is the foundation for His promises to David’s family.
  • By mentioning the nations and their gods, the verse highlights the contrast between the living God of Israel and the powerless gods of other peoples, emphasizing why Israel’s story is unique in the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“things” Hebrew H1420 · used in 11 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:21 For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
  • Esther 10:2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?

“redeem” Hebrew H6299 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
  • Deuteronomy 24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
  • Psalms 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.