“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.”
Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible traditionally ascribed to Moses. In this particular chapter, Moses is delivering a message from God to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 28 contains a series of blessings and curses that are contingent upon the Israelites’ obedience to God’s commandments.
Calling by the name of the LORD:Being called by the name of the LORD implies that the Israelites are identified as God’s chosen people, set apart from other nations. God chose Israel to be a holy nation, representing Him to the world. This calling carries significant responsibilities and blessings.
Witness to the nations:The verse suggests that when the Israelites are faithful to God’s commandments, their reputation and relationship with God will be evident to all people. This witness extends beyond their immediate community, reaching out to the nations around them. The Israelites’ faithfulness would serve as a testimony, attracting attention and evoking fear among the surrounding nations.
Fear of the LORD:The phrase “they shall be afraid of thee” refers to the awe, reverence, and respect that other nations would have for the Israelites because of their connection to the LORD. This fear is not to be understood as terror or anxiety but rather as acknowledging God’s power and authority in the lives of His people. The nations would recognize that Israel’s relationship with the LORD grants them a unique position.
Lessons for believers today:Although this verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites of that time, there are some lessons that believers today can draw from it:
- Identity: As Christians, we are called by the name of the Lord. We are identified as followers of Jesus Christ and represent Him in the world. Our lives should reflect the character of Christ, making us distinct from the world around us.
- Witness: We have a responsibility to be witnesses for Christ. Our faith and obedience to God’s Word should be evident to those around us. Through our words and actions, we can testify to God’s love, grace, and transforming power.
- Impact: When we live in alignment with God’s principles, our lives can have a profound impact on others. The way we conduct ourselves can evoke curiosity, admiration, and respect from those who observe us. By living out our faith, we can inspire others to seek God and draw closer to Him.
In summary, Deuteronomy 28:10 conveys the idea that when the Israelites are obedient to God, their unique relationship with Him would be recognized by the nations, leading to a sense of awe and respect. This verse also encourages believers today to live in such a way that our identity as followers of Christ is evident to the world, thereby having a positive influence on those around us.
