What Makes Yahweh So Great, Anyway?

Throughout the history of Judah, God has shown himself to be great. There is no denying it. Who else could create an entire universe with one word? Who else could cause the springs and the water tables to erupt out of the earth, covering it with water? Who else could cause ten plagues and stop them with a thought? Who else could split and entire sea so that his people could walk across to the other side, without even getting one toe wet? Who else could cause the walls of a great city to break apart and fall to the ground? Who else could use a small stone from a riverbed to knock down a giant? During all this, God was carrying one group of people through everything. He made Adam and Eve. He kept them even when they disobeyed him and ate the fruit that he specifically told them not to. He kept Noah and his family safe through a 40 day, 40 night deluge and then kept them fed while the water sat still upon the earth. He kept his people from being harmed by the plagues that he sent on Egypt. He destroyed Jericho. He killed Goliath. But he used somewhat small and insignificant people to do this, not because he needed to, but because he wanted his people to see his glory. Moses was a murderer and a shepherd with a temper and a stutter. Joshua was a simple warrior. David was a shepherd who became a king. All because they were obedient to what God had said.

The whole reason God has done these things is because of his great love for his people. That's what makes him so great. Sure, his power is amazing, but the other gods of the pagan nations surrounding Judah have power too. So what is it that makes Yahweh so mush greater than Baal, or Nisroch? It is is unfailing love. It is out of his love that comes his mercy, his compassion, his fair judgment. He is not a god that has to be appeased; he is not a god that can be manipulated. All he desires is simple obedience.