“And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This verse is part of a section where Moses is instructing the people regarding their obedience to God’s laws, statutes, and commandments.
Promised Blessings: In this verse, Moses is reminding the Israelites of the blessings that will come upon them if they faithfully obey God’s covenant. The phrase “to make thee high above all nations” signifies that God will exalt and elevate the nation of Israel above all other nations. This elevation would manifest in three ways: praise, name, and honor.
Praise: The Israelites would become a people who receive praise from others because of the blessings and favor bestowed upon them by God. Their faithfulness and obedience would become a testimony to the surrounding nations, who would recognize and acknowledge the greatness of God.
Name: The Israelites would receive a distinguished reputation and recognition among the nations. Their name would be associated with the power and glory of God, becoming synonymous with the people chosen and blessed by the Lord.
Honor: The Israelites would be honored by God Himself. This honor would be a reflection of their obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands. It implies that God would provide for and protect His people, granting them favor and dignity in the eyes of others.
A Holy People: The ultimate purpose of God’s blessings and exaltation was to make the Israelites a holy people. The word “holy” means set apart or consecrated. God desired that His people would be dedicated to Him, living in accordance with His laws and reflecting His character to the world.
God’s Spoken Word: Moses emphasizes that all these promises are in line with what God had previously spoken to the Israelites. It emphasizes the faithfulness of God in keeping His word and fulfilling His promises to His chosen people.
This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites of the blessings and responsibilities that come with their covenant relationship with God. It also underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands. While this verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites, it can also be seen as a broader principle that highlights the blessings that come from living in alignment with God’s will and the significance of being a holy people dedicated to Him.
As you study this verse, it is important to consider the larger context of the biblical narrative and the specific application it had for the ancient Israelites while drawing lessons that can be applied to our lives today.
