Old Testament verses on God’s power: “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
This beautiful verse from the Old Testament shows us the incredible power of our God.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
- The Old Testament shows God’s power through creation, miracles, and control over life and death.
- God’s names, such as El Shaddai (God Almighty), Adonai (The Lord), and Yahweh Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts/Armies), reveal His power and authority.
- When we feel weak, we can find strength and courage in God’s power.
- God’s power is coupled with His wisdom, love, and righteousness.
- God’s power gives us confidence, hope, and humility to face any challenge.
This post is about Old Testament verses on God’s power.
When the prophet Jeremiah spoke these words, he acknowledged that the Lord is the creator of all things and that His might knows no bounds.
It’s a truth that we can cling to in times of trouble.
When life gets tough, and we face problems that seem too big to handle, it’s normal to feel like we lack the strength to keep going.
But as people who believe in the Lord, we have a powerful source of comfort and courage – the power of God.
All through the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, we find many verses that remind us of just how mighty God is and how He can work through us, giving us the power to face anything that comes our way.
When we feel weak, we can look to scripture and know that the Lord God is always with us, ready to lead us with His divine power.
The same never-ending power that created the heavens and the earth is there for us through the Holy Spirit.
As we read these Old Testament verses about God’s power, let that truth sink in and fill us with a new sense of hope and confidence.
We don’t have to face anything alone because we’ve got the most powerful force right beside us every step of the way.
Old Testament Verses on God’s Power
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. -Genesis 1:1
Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, 'I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.
-Genesis 17:1
Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. -Exodus 9:16
Exodus 15:6
Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.
-Exodus 15:6
Deuteronomy 3:24
Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?
-Deuteronomy 3:24
Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.
-Deuteronomy 32:39
1 Samuel 2:6-7
The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
-1 Samuel 2:6-7
1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
-1 Chronicles 29:11
2 Chronicles 20:6
Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.
-2 Chronicles 20:6
Job 26:7-14
He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it. He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke. By his power he churned up the sea... By his breath the skies became fair... And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power? -Job 26:7-14
Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. -Psalm 18:2
Psalm 29:4
The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
-Psalm 29:4
Psalm 33:6
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
-Psalm 33:6
Psalm 66:7
He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations— let not the rebellious rise up against him.
-Psalm 66:7
Psalm 68:34
Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens.
-Psalm 68:34
Psalm 89:13
Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. -Psalm 89:13
Psalm 147:5
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. -Psalm 147:5
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. -Proverbs 18:10
Isaiah 40:26
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
-Isaiah 40:26
Isaiah 44:24
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself.
-Isaiah 44:24
Isaiah 51:15
For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name.
-Isaiah 51:15
Jeremiah 10:12
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
-Jeremiah 10:12
Jeremiah 27:5
With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please.
-Jeremiah 27:5
Jeremiah 32:17
Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. -Jeremiah 32:17
Daniel 4:35
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What have you done?
-Daniel 4:35
Nahum 1:3
The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
-Nahum 1:3
Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty. -Zechariah 4:6
God’s Power in the Old Testament
When we talk about God’s power in the Old Testament, we’re referring to His ability to control uncontrollable events, His mastery over nature, and His supreme authority over all things, visible and invisible.
In the creation account, we see God’s incredible might as He speaks the universe into existence.
Genesis 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
This simple yet profound statement reveals the Lord God’s divine power to bring forth something from nothing.
We witness God’s power through miracles, signs, and wonders.
He parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape their Egyptian pursuers (Exodus 14).
He shouted down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6) and enabled Samson to perform incredible feats of strength (Judges 14-16).
Nothing is too difficult for the Almighty.
What is God’s Power in the Old Testament?
Reading the Old Testament, we see God’s power is not just raw force or energy.
It is always coupled with His wisdom, love, and righteousness.
He uses His power to deliver His people, to execute justice, and to fulfill His promises.
Psalm 62:11, “God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you.”
The same God who created the universe, parted the seas, and raised the dead is on our side.
When we go through trials that seem too big to overcome or feel weak and helpless, we can draw strength and courage from the truth that our God is all-powerful.
What is the Hebrew Word for God’s Power?
The Hebrew word often used to describe God’s power is “gevurah,” which can also be translated as “might,” “strength,” or “force.
This word appears in verses like 1 Chronicles 29:11, which declares, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.”
What is the Greek Word for God’s Power?
Interestingly, the Greek word for power, “dunamis,” is also used in the New Testament to describe God’s power.
This is the same word from which we get the English words “dynamite” and “dynamic.”
It conveys the idea of God’s explosive, transformative power at work within us and in the world around us.
The concept of power in the Bible verses goes beyond strength; it encompasses authority, sovereignty, and divine will.
We see a God who created the heavens and the earth and actively governs and sustains them with His righteous hand.
This divine power assures us of His ongoing presence and activity, offering us comfort, joy, and peace even today.
In the following sections, we’ll look at specific examples from the Old Testament that show the magnitude and impact of God’s power.
These lessons apply to biblical times as well as to current situations.
Examples of God’s Power in the Old Testament
The Old Testament has amazing stories showing us how powerful God is.
These stories aren’t just cool to read (okay, maybe they are 😊) – they’re meant to help us understand who God is and what He can do in our lives.
Let’s look at some of the most incredible examples of God’s power in action.
1. Creation of the World (Genesis 1:1, Jeremiah 32:17)
First, as mentioned above, we have the world’s creation.
In Genesis 1:1, we read, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Just think about that for a second – God made everything we see around us, from the tiniest atom to the biggest galaxy, just by speaking it into existence.
That’s some serious power!
In Jeremiah 32:17, we are reminded that nothing is too hard for God: “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
2. Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31)
Next, we see God’s power on display in the story of the Exodus.
When Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army.
But the Lord didn’t let that stop Him!
Exodus 14:21-31 tells us how the Lord parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk through on dry ground, and then brought the waters crashing down on the Egyptians.
Talk about a show of power!
3. Defeat of Pharaoh and the Egyptians (Exodus 7-12)
But that’s not all – God also used His power to defeat Pharaoh and the Egyptians through ten plagues (Exodus 7-12).
He turned the Nile River into blood, sent swarms of frogs and locusts, and even caused complete darkness over the land.
Through these incredible displays of power, God showed that He was greater than all the gods of Egypt and that He was the one true God.
4. Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25)
Another amazing example of God’s power is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25).
These cities were so wicked that God decided to destroy them completely.
He rained down, burning sulfur from the sky and wiping out everything and everyone in the cities.
Knowing that God’s power can be used for judgment and deliverance is sobering.
5. The Sun and Moon Standing Still (Joshua 10:12-13)
But God’s power isn’t just about destruction – it’s also about doing the impossible.
In Joshua 10:12-13, we read about how God made the sun and moon stand still in the sky so that Joshua and the Israelites could finish defeating their enemies.
Now, this is cool and scary at the same time. Can you imagine?
6. Elijah Calling Down Fire from Heaven (1 Kings 18:36-39)
In 1 Kings 18:36-39, we see Elijah pray for God to send fire to prove He is the true God, and in response, God sent supernatural fire from heaven that completely consumed the sacrifice and altar, leading the people to acknowledge that the LORD is the true God.
As Ephesians 3:20 says, God is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.
With God, all things are possible!
How Does God’s Power Manifest in the Old Testament?
The Old and New Testaments vividly showcase God’s power in real, tangible ways. However, we shall focus on the Old Testament.
From mighty miracles, natural disasters, and military victories to the profound words of prophets, each instance is a testament to His might and authority over the universe.
Let’s see how they reveal the incredible power of God.
1. Through Miracles:
Let’s talk about miracles. The Bible is full of stories where where the power of God is on full display through amazing miracles.
One powerful example is when God gave Moses the ability to perform miracles in Exodus 4 to prove to the Israelites that God had appeared to him and would deliver them from Egypt.
God equipped Moses with three miraculous signs: turning his staff into a snake and back again, making his hand leprous and restoring it, and turning water from the Nile into blood.
These miracles demonstrated God’s power over creation, disease, and nature, authenticating Moses as God’s chosen messenger.
When Moses and Aaron performed these signs before the elders of Israel, the people believed and worshipped God.
2. Through Natural Disasters:
God’s power doesn’t just show up in the good times but also during natural disasters.
In the Old Testament, we see God using things like floods, famines, and plagues to get people’s attention and bring them back to Him.
Now, this doesn’t mean that every natural disaster is a punishment from God.
But it does remind us that God is still in control, even in this world’s chaos and destruction.
He can use even the toughest circumstances to draw people closer to Himself.
3. Through Military Victories:
Another way God’s power manifests in the Old Testament is through military victories.
We see God repeatedly giving His people victory over their enemies, even when the odds seem impossible.
Whether Gideon defeated the Midianites with just 300 men or David took down Goliath with a sling and a stone, when we fight our battles with God on our side, we can’t lose.
It’s not about our strength or skill—it’s about trusting in God’s power to fight for us.
4. Through Prophetic Words:
Finally, we see God’s power at work through the words of His prophets.
When prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke, it wasn’t just their words but the word of His power echoing through them.
God raises men and women to speak His truth and call people back to Him.
Their prophecies about the future and declarations of God’s will were beautiful demonstrations of God’s power at work within us.
They revealed future events and offered correction, guidance, and hope.
As Ephesians 1:19-20 says,
"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms."
The Names of God Revealing His Power
In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself to His people through various names and titles.
These names aren’t just random labels; they reveal something unique about God’s character and power.
Understanding the meaning behind these names can help us better appreciate God and how He works in our lives.
Let’s take a closer look at three of these powerful names:
- El Shaddai (God Almighty)—Genesis 17:1: God introduces Himself as El Shaddai, which means “God Almighty.” This name is used in Genesis 17:1, where God appears to Abraham, saying, “I am El Shaddai; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.” The name El Shaddai emphasizes God’s power and might. He is the supreme ruler over all things. What a mighty God we serve.
- Adonai (The Lord) – Psalm 8:1: Adonai, often translated as “The Lord,” reflects God’s authority over all creation. When you read, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name on all the earth,” the name Adonai speaks to God’s authority and sovereignty. He is the Lord of all creation, the one who sits enthroned above the heavens.
- Yahweh Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts/Armies) – 1 Samuel 17:45: Yahweh Sabaoth, which means “The Lord of Hosts” or “The Lord of Armies.” This name appears in 1 Samuel 17:45, where David confronts Goliath and declares, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”
Remember these mighty names of God. Call on them in prayer and trust in the power they represent.
When we call on El Shaddai, we can trust that God’s power is enough to meet our needs.
When we surrender to Adonai, we can find peace knowing that our lives are in His hands.
And when we remember that Yahweh Sabaoth is fighting for us, we can face any battle with courage and confidence.
As Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
God’s Power Over Life and Death
One of the most inspiring aspects of God’s power is His authority over life and death.
The Bible contains verses showing that the Lord God holds the keys to life and death and that His power in this realm is absolute.
Here are two verses that highlight this incredible truth:
Deuteronomy 32:39
Deuteronomy 32:39, God declares,
"See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand."
God is the true God, and His power over life and death is unmatched. He alone has the authority to give life and to take it away, and no one can challenge His decisions.
1 Samuel 2:6
1 Samuel 2:6 says,
"The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up."
This verse comes from the prayer of Hannah, who had experienced the pain of infertility and the joy of God’s miraculous intervention in her life.
Her words tell us that God’s power extends to the grave and can bring life out of death.
For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, this truth can bring great comfort.
Death is not the end, and our God can bring resurrection and new life, even in the darkest times.
Our hope is not in this life alone but in God’s eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.
So let’s not live in fear of death, but rather in the confidence that comes from knowing the God who holds the keys to life and death.
Romans 8:38-39,
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In the face of such love and power, we can face anything with courage and hope.
Poetic Declarations of God’s Power
The Bible is filled with beautiful poetry (especially in Psalm, IMO 😊 ) that shouts how powerful and mighty our Lord is.
When we take the time to read and think about the words, we get a front-row seat to the most incredible show in the universe—the majesty and awesomeness of our Lord on full display.
It’s the kind of thing that leaves you with your jaw on the floor, going, “God, is Awesome!”
So, let’s look at three of these mind-blowing passages that showcase just how big and powerful our God truly is.
1 Chronicles 29:11
- 1 Chronicles 29:11 – “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.”
This verse is part of a prayer offered by David, who was known for his poetic skill.
In this passage, David acknowledges that everything in heaven and on earth belongs to God and that He alone is worthy of all glory and honor. I wholeheartedly agree!
What’s also striking about this verse is how it emphasizes God’s power’s totality.
There’s not a single thing in all of creation that God doesn’t have complete control over.
God is the boss of everything, whether the huge universe or the tiniest, most complex parts of life on earth.
He’s not just some ruler sitting on a distant throne—he’s the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the one who reigns supreme over everything.
And that’s why we can’t help but give Him all the praise and honor He deserves.
Psalm 62:11
- Psalm 62:11 – “God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.”
This verse comes from the heart of David, when he was going through some really tough times.
He had people coming at him from all sides, trying to tire him down.
But even amid all that chaos and stress, David found something to hold onto – the truth that all power belongs to God and God alone.
What’s interesting about this verse is the way it pairs God’s power with His unfailing love.
When we trust the Lord and lean on His strength, we can experience His love and compassion.
Whatever our struggles and challenges, know that our God is more powerful than anything we face.
Isaiah 40:26
- Isaiah 40:26 – “Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.
This verse comes from a part of the Bible discussing how powerful and wise God is—there’s no comparison.
What’s beautiful about this particular verse is that it’s saying, “Hey, take a second to look up at the sky and really think about how massive and incredible God’s creation is.”
Just the stars alone are enough to make your jaw drop when you consider the sheer power and might of the God who made them.
But here’s the lovely part – even though there are billions and billions of stars out there, God knows each one by name.
He’s the one holding them all in place with His incredible strength.
Our God is so much bigger than we can even wrap our minds around, and compared to Him, we’re just specks in the grand scheme of things.
What Lessons Can We Learn from Old Testament Verses on God’s Power
- We can be confident—like, really confident—because our God is exactly who He says He is—the Almighty, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. When we trust in Him, we can have peace, knowing He’s got everything under control.
- We can have hope. The same God who did all those incredible miracles back then still works today. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. He can do way more than we could ever imagine. When we put our hope in Him, we can face the future with excitement, knowing He will do amazing things in our lives.
- We can be humble. Because let’s face it, we’re not the ones running the show – God is. When we realize how big and powerful God is, it puts our own lives in perspective. We’re small, but an incredible God loves us. And that leads us to worship and give thanks for everything He’s done and will do.
Conclusion
This post was all about Old Testament verses on God’s power.
We’ve learned that our God is the supreme authority who can do the impossible.
God’s power isn’t just something we read about. It’s real, and it can change our lives right now.
When we trust Him, we can have confidence, hope, and humility no matter what we face.
Let these verses sink deep into your heart. Trust in the God whose power knows no limits.
And give Him the glory He deserves. Let this post change you from the inside out.
Live each day knowing that the all-powerful God is on your side and that there’s nothing too big for Him to handle.
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
-Isaiah 41:10
Frequently Asked Question
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How does God show his power in the Old Testament?
God shows his power in the Old Testament in various ways, including through creation, miracles, judgments, and prophecies. He created the universe in Genesis, parted the Red Sea in Exodus to free the Israelites, and performed numerous other signs and wonders to guide and protect His people.
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Which scripture talks about God’s power?
The scripture that speaks about God’s power is Jeremiah 32:17, which says, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
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What is Deuteronomy 31:6?
Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages faith and courage, stating, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
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What is Isaiah 55-11
Isaiah 55:11 reads, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”