Deuteronomy 28 10

Deuteronomy 28:10 kjv

And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

Deuteronomy 28:10 nkjv

Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you.

Deuteronomy 28:10 niv

Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you.

Deuteronomy 28:10 esv

And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you.

Deuteronomy 28:10 nlt

Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the LORD, and they will stand in awe of you.

Deuteronomy 28 verses

Deuteronomy 28 10 Meaning

Deuteronomy 28:10 proclaims that when Israel faithfully obeys the Lord, all the peoples and nations of the earth will perceive their unique status as a people distinctively identified by the name of the Lord. This divine ownership and presence upon Israel will cause the other nations to be struck with fear or awe, acknowledging the Lord's mighty power at work among His chosen people. It signifies the Lord's intent for Israel's obedience to lead to His global recognition and the display of His sovereignty.

Deuteronomy 28 10 Context

Deuteronomy 28 stands as the pinnacle of the covenant blessings and curses, often referred to as the "blessings and maledictions." Moses presents this chapter as Israel stands on the verge of entering the Promised Land. The first 14 verses detail the lavish blessings that would be bestowed upon the nation if they remained faithful and obedient to the Lord's commandments. These blessings cover every aspect of life, from physical health and agricultural abundance to military triumph and national reputation. Verse 10 specifically addresses Israel's standing among other nations, highlighting an external recognition of their special relationship with God. The following verses (15-68) outline severe curses for disobedience, emphasizing the absolute importance of covenant fidelity. Historically, the audience consisted of the second generation of Israelites redeemed from Egypt, receiving these exhortations just before their conquest of Canaan. This cultural context meant living among polytheistic nations who attributed their prosperity or defeat to their various gods, making YHWH's promised protection and renown through Israel a potent demonstration of His unique power and singularity.

Deuteronomy 28 10 Word analysis

• And all the peoples:

  • And: Hebrew "waw" (וְ), connecting this blessing to the preceding ones, indicating it's an outcome of obedience.
  • all: Hebrew "kol" (כֹּל), signifying universal recognition, not just some neighboring groups, but peoples broadly.
  • the peoples: Hebrew "ha-ammi" (הָעַמִּים), from "am" (עַם), referring to nations, tribes, or ethnic groups beyond Israel. This emphasizes an international impact.

• of the earth:

  • of the earth: Hebrew "ha-aretz" (הָאָרֶץ), meaning "the land" or "the earth." In this context, it broadly refers to all other inhabitants globally, not just those in the immediate vicinity of Canaan, pointing to the worldwide implications of Israel's standing.

• shall see:

  • shall see: Hebrew "yiru" (יִרְאוּ) from "ra'ah" (רָאָה), meaning to literally see, but also to perceive, understand, or acknowledge. This perception goes beyond mere observation to an apprehension of truth and reality.

• that you are called by the name of the Lord:

  • that you are called: Hebrew "ki niqra" (כִּי נִקְרָא), Passive voice, indicating an action done to Israel, not by them. This specific phrasing, "to be called by the name of," (niqra 'alekha) is a unique idiom signifying ownership, identification, or dedication. It means Yahweh claims Israel as His own peculiar treasure and that they carry His divine insignia.
  • by the name: Hebrew "shem" (שֵׁם), more than just an appellation; it represents character, authority, presence, and reputation. When one is called by God's name, it means His presence and character are uniquely associated with that person or nation.
  • of the Lord: Hebrew "YHWH" (יהוה), the covenant name of God, revealing His personal and redemptive character, not just "a god" but the one true God of Israel. It denotes the most sacred and powerful identifier of God.

• and they shall be afraid of you:

  • and they shall be afraid: Hebrew "v'yare'u" (וְיָרְאוּ) from "yare" (יָרֵא), meaning to fear, stand in awe, reverence, or dread. This fear isn't necessarily terror in a negative sense, but often respectful dread, awe-inspired respect, or profound recognition of a superior power, especially the power of the God who is with Israel.
  • of you: Hebrew "mimmekka" (מִמֶּךָּ), emphasizing that the fear is directed towards Israel, because of the Lord's visible presence and blessing upon them. This shows a profound impact on other nations stemming from God's identity upon Israel.

• Phrase analysis: "that you are called by the name of the Lord":

  • This phrase indicates a unique divine privilege. It reflects God's public claim over Israel, signifying a special relationship and divine endorsement. It's akin to bearing a king's royal seal, indicating direct representation and authority.
  • The nations would perceive that YHWH, the Supreme God, had His name, character, and authority resting upon Israel, marking them as His possession and agents.
  • This directly challenges pagan beliefs that national prosperity derived from worshipping local deities; instead, Israel's flourishing would directly attest to YHWH's unrivaled power and their unique relationship with Him.

Deuteronomy 28 10 Bonus section

The concept of "being called by God's name" carries profound theological weight throughout Scripture. It signifies more than just identification; it implies representation, protection, and a unique covenant bond. For example, cities or temples dedicated to God were often described as "called by His name," signifying His presence and ownership. This passage underscores God's original missionary intent for Israel—not just for their own well-being but also as a visible testament to His existence and power for all mankind. This fear was intended to serve as a catalyst for other nations to inquire about the God of Israel. The fulfillment of this blessing in a later sense is often seen in the New Testament with the establishment of the Church, where believers from all nations are now called by the name of Christ, carrying His Spirit and demonstrating His power to a watching world, ultimately causing awe and leading some to repentance and faith.

Deuteronomy 28 10 Commentary

Deuteronomy 28:10 promises a profound international recognition of Israel's unique status among nations, a direct consequence of their covenant fidelity. The core of this recognition lies in the nations perceiving that Israel is "called by the name of the Lord." This idiom signifies divine ownership, an undeniable mark of YHWH's claim and presence over His people. Israel was not to be powerful in their own might but rather because the Lord's character, authority, and power rested upon them. This would instill "fear" in other peoples—awe and respect stemming from the visible display of divine backing and blessing, rather than Israel's military might alone. This promised status would validate YHWH as the one true God over all creation, fulfilling part of His intention to draw all nations to Himself through Israel. This blessing provided encouragement for obedience, linking a local spiritual walk with global implications for God's glory.