“Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.”
Historical Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, specifically the fifth book of Moses. It contains the farewell speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses is praising and exalting the name of the Lord.
The Publishing of the Name of the LORD:The Hebrew word translated as “publish” in this verse means “proclaim” or “declare.” Moses declares that he will make known or proclaim the name of the Lord to the people. The name of the Lord represents His character, nature, and attributes. Moses wants the people to know and acknowledge who God is and to give Him the honour and praise He deserves.
Ascribing Greatness to Our God:Moses encourages the people to ascribe greatness to God. To ascribe means to attribute or assign a quality to someone. In this case, Moses is calling the Israelites to acknowledge and recognize the greatness of God. This implies giving God the reverence, awe, and respect that He deserves. By ascribing greatness to God, the people are acknowledging His sovereignty, power, and majesty.
Application:
- Knowing and proclaiming the name of the Lord: Just as Moses proclaimed the name of the Lord to the Israelites, we should also make an effort to know God intimately and declare His name to others. We can do this by studying His Word, understanding His character, and sharing our experiences of God’s faithfulness with others.
- Ascribing greatness to God: Recognizing and acknowledging the greatness of God should be a daily practice in our lives. We can do this through worship, prayer, and a lifestyle that reflects our reverence for Him. By giving God the honour and praise He deserves, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and grow in our understanding of His majesty.
- Reflecting God’s greatness: As followers of God, we are called to reflect His greatness to the world around us. This means living in a way that showcases His character and attributes. We can demonstrate His love, mercy, and justice by treating others with kindness, compassion, and fairness. Our lives should bear witness to the greatness of our God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 32:3 emphasises the importance of proclaiming the name of the Lord and ascribing greatness to Him. It encourages us to know and declare the character of God and to honour Him in our daily lives. By recognising God’s greatness, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and reflect His character to others.
