Deuteronomy 9:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 9:28
28 Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 9 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, obedience, fellowship. 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 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 9:28
28 Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.
Analysis
Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness. Moses appeals to God's reputation among the nations - Israel's destruction would cause pagans to blaspheme God's name and question His power and character.
The argument is brilliant - Moses shows that Israel's destruction would create two false impressions among observers:
- God was not able to fulfill His promises, suggesting weakness
- God hated them, suggesting malicious intent.
Both would misrepresent God's true character and power.
This appeal to God's glory demonstrates proper priority in prayer - concern for God's reputation outweighs even concern for human preservation. Moses argues not primarily from Israel's need but from God's honor. The glory of God's name must be upheld among the nations.
Reformed theology emphasizes God's zeal for His own glory as highest good. God acts to magnify His name, and believers rightly appeal to this in prayer. All God's works ultimately serve to display His character and perfections to creation.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples closely identified deities with their nations. A nation's defeat implied its god's weakness. Israel's destruction in the wilderness would appear to Egyptians and Canaanites as Yahweh's failure, not as judgment on Israel's sin.
This concern for God's reputation among nations recurs throughout Scripture (Ezekiel 36:22-23; Psalm 79:10). God acts to vindicate His name before watching world.
Reflection
- Why is concern for God's glory the highest motivation in prayer?
- How does sin by God's people damage His reputation before watching world?
- What false impressions about God do unbelievers form when observing believers' failures?
- How should desire for God's name to be honored shape our behavior and prayers?
- Why is God's zeal for His own glory not selfish but perfectly right?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Numbers 14:16
- Parallel theme: Exodus 32:12