Deuteronomy 28:58
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 28:58
58 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 28 is a covenant blessing and curse chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, worship, love. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-68: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 28:58
58 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;
Analysis
If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book—the phrase šāmar laʿăśôt (שָׁמַר לַעֲשׂוֹת, 'observe to do') requires not just hearing but doing. That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD—Hebrew haššēm hanniḵbāḏ wǝhannôrāʾ hazzeh (הַשֵּׁם הַנִּכְבָּד וְהַנּוֹרָא הַזֶּה) uses 'THE NAME' (the Tetragrammaton YHWH) in all capitals, emphasizing God's covenant name.
This verse is the theological hinge: the curses result not from arbitrary divine cruelty but from refusing to fear God's 'glorious and fearful name.' The juxtaposition of niḵbāḏ (glorious) and nôrāʾ (fearful/awesome) captures the paradox of God's character—He is both attractive and terrifying, loving and holy. The phrase 'written in this book' refers to Deuteronomy itself, making obedience concrete and measurable.
Historical Context
This verse was read publicly during covenant renewal ceremonies (Deuteronomy 31:11, Nehemiah 8). By the first century, Jews avoided pronouncing the divine name (YHWH) out of reverence, saying 'Adonai' instead. Jesus's use of 'I AM' (John 8:58) deliberately invoked this 'glorious and fearful name,' claiming divine identity.
Reflection
- How does the fear of the Lord relate to obedience to His law?
- What does it mean that God's name is both 'glorious' and 'fearful'?
- In what ways does Christ embody the fullness of God's 'glorious and fearful name' (Philippians 2:9-11)?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Glory: Isaiah 42:8