Deuteronomy 28:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְרָאוּ֙
shall see
H7200
וְרָאוּ֙
shall see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַמֵּ֣י
And all people
H5971
עַמֵּ֣י
And all people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֵׁ֥ם
by the name
H8034
שֵׁ֥ם
by the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
6 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נִקְרָ֣א
that thou art called
H7121
נִקְרָ֣א
that thou art called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
8 of 11
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עָלֶ֑יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֑יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
2 Chronicles 7:14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.Deuteronomy 11:25There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.Jeremiah 33:9And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.1 Chronicles 14:17And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.Numbers 6:27And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.Exodus 12:33And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.Exodus 14:25And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.Joshua 5:1And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.Malachi 3:12And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
When Israel walked faithfully, surrounding nations did fear them - Rahab testified that terror of Israel fell on Canaanites because of what God had done (Joshua 2:9-11). Israel's God-given victories created international reputation.
When Israel disobeyed, they became objects of derision rather than respect, and God's name was blasphemed among the nations (Ezekiel 36:20-23).
Questions for Reflection
- What does visible testimony to watching nations teach about covenant blessing's purpose?
- How does bearing God's name create both privilege and responsibility?
- Why would nations fear Israel - because of Israel's strength or God's power?
- How does the church continue this missional purpose of displaying God to the world?
- What happens when God's people disobey and cause His name to be blasphemed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Covenant blessing produces visible testimony - all people of the earth shall see. Israel's relationship with God and resulting flourishing would be evident to watching nations, demonstrating the reality and power of the true God.
Being called by the name of the LORD indicates identification and ownership. Israel belongs to Yahweh, bearing His name as wife bears husband's name. This relationship creates both privilege (divine protection) and responsibility (representing God faithfully).
The result they shall be afraid of thee indicates that nations would respect and fear Israel, not because of Israel's inherent power but because of their association with the Almighty God. Fear here combines dread, awe, and reluctance to oppose.
This missional purpose - displaying God's character to nations - continues for the church. Christians bear Christ's name and should live in ways that cause the world to glorify God (Matthew 5:16).