Deuteronomy 28:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all people {H5971} of the earth {H776} shall see {H7200} that thou art called {H7121} by the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}; and they shall be afraid {H3372} of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all the peoples on earth will see that ADONAI's name, his presence, is with you; so that they will be afraid of you.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will stand in awe of you.

American Standard Version

And all the peoples of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of Jehovah; and they shall be afraid of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:10 encapsulates a profound promise within the Mosaic Covenant, declaring that if Israel obeys God's commandments, their unique relationship with the LORD will be so evident that surrounding nations will recognize God's special ownership of them and be filled with awe and respect. This verse highlights Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people, destined to reflect His glory and power to a watching world, not through their own might, but through the manifest presence and abundant blessing of the Almighty upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:10 is strategically placed within the climactic covenant renewal ceremony detailed in chapters 27-30 of Deuteronomy. This chapter, in particular, forms the heart of Moses's final address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. The chapter is meticulously structured, presenting an extensive list of blessings for covenant obedience (verses 1-14) followed by an even longer and more severe list of curses for disobedience (verses 15-68). Verse 10 stands as a significant promise within the blessings section, emphasizing the external, international recognition and respect Israel would garner as a direct consequence of their faithfulness. This promise serves as a powerful incentive, illustrating the far-reaching implications of their national and spiritual choices, extending beyond their internal well-being to their standing among the nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, the Israelites were poised to transition from a nomadic, wilderness-dwelling people into a settled nation within Canaan, a land already populated by numerous polytheistic peoples. In the ancient Near East, a nation's prosperity, military success, and overall welfare were invariably attributed to the power and favor of its patron deity. Thus, the promise that "all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee" was a monumental declaration of Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all other gods. It promised Israel a unique and exalted status among nations, not based on conventional metrics like military strength or economic prowess, but solely on their distinct, divinely-ordained relationship with the one true God, setting them apart in a world saturated with idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:10 significantly contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Election and Covenant Relationship**, reiterating God's sovereign choice of Israel as His "peculiar treasure" among all peoples, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, God's Chosen People"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Universal Witness**, demonstrating His overarching intention for Israel to serve as a visible, living testament to His power, character, and faithfulness to the Gentile nations. This echoes the foundational promise made to Abraham, that through his descendants, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed," a theme initiated in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Finally, the verse speaks profoundly to the theme of **The Fear of the LORD**, which in this specific context is not merely terror, but a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respectful dread that God's manifest presence in Israel would inspire in observers. This "fear" is a recognition of God's unassailable authority and protective power over His chosen people, a concept that permeates the wisdom literature and prophetic books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** (H7121) A primitive root meaning "to call out to," "address by name," or "proclaim." In the passive sense here ("thou art called"), it signifies being named, designated, or identified with something or someone. When God's name is "called upon" Israel, it denotes His active declaration of ownership and identification, a public acknowledgment that they belong to Him and bear His mark. This is not a passive state but an active divine pronouncement.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** (H8034) An appellation, mark, or memorial of individuality. Beyond a mere label, "name" in ancient Hebrew thought encompasses the totality of a person's character, authority, reputation, and presence. To be "called by the name of the LORD" means that Israel's very identity, character, and destiny are intrinsically linked to Yahweh Himself. It signifies divine authority, honor, and a unique, protective relationship where God's own reputation is invested in His people.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) From the root "to be," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal One." This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His unchanging, sovereign, and relational nature. When Israel is called by the "name of the LORD," it refers to their direct association with the supreme, eternal, and covenant-keeping God, distinguishing Him from all other deities and highlighting His unique relationship with Israel.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** (H3372) A primitive root meaning "to fear," but also "to revere" or "to stand in awe of." While it can imply terror, in this context, the "fear" of the nations is primarily one of profound awe, respectful dread, and a recognition of overwhelming power. It signifies a cautious respect and acknowledgment of the formidable, protective power of the God who so evidently blesses and defends Israel, rather than hostile terror or aggression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all people of the earth shall see":** This opening clause emphasizes the public, undeniable, and universally observable nature of God's blessing upon Israel. It conveys that the divine favor bestowed upon them would not be hidden or internal but visibly manifest to surrounding nations. The phrase "all people of the earth" serves as a hyperbole, indicating widespread recognition among the known world or surrounding peoples, signifying a global acknowledgment of Israel's unique status.
* **"that thou art called by the name of the LORD":** This is the pivotal reason for the nations' observation and subsequent reaction. It underscores Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen, owned, and identified people. Their very existence, prosperity, and protection would serve as an undeniable testimony to the one true God, Yahweh, whose "name" (representing His character, authority, and presence) was uniquely and explicitly associated with them through the covenant. This phrase signifies divine ownership and a sacred, exclusive bond.
* **"and they shall be afraid of thee":** This concluding clause describes the direct and natural consequence of the nations witnessing God's manifest presence and ownership of Israel. The "fear" is not primarily one of hostile terror, but rather a profound, respectful awe or dread. It denotes an acknowledgment of the formidable power and protective presence of the LORD, which would deter aggression against Israel and inspire reverence for the God who defends them. It signifies a recognition of God's unassailable sovereignty demonstrated through His people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:10 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping phrase "all people of the earth," which, while not literally encompassing every human on the planet, powerfully emphasizes the widespread, undeniable, and international scope of the recognition Israel would receive from surrounding nations. The phrase "called by the name of the LORD" functions as a rich **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "name" stands for the entire character, authority, reputation, and manifest presence of God Himself. This allows for a concise yet profoundly deep declaration of divine identification and ownership. Furthermore, the verse clearly establishes a compelling **Cause and Effect** relationship: Israel's covenant obedience leads directly to God's manifest presence and blessing, which in turn causes the nations to "see" this divine favor and consequently "be afraid" (in awe and reverence) of Israel and their God. This structured relationship underscores the direct correlation between Israel's faithfulness and their elevated, protected standing among the nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's intention for Israel to be a visible, living testament to His glory and power among the nations. It reveals that God's covenant with Israel possessed a crucial missional dimension, extending beyond their internal well-being to a broader, global purpose. Their blessed and distinctive state, directly linked to their obedience, was designed to draw the attention of the world to the one true God, proving His existence, omnipotence, and unwavering faithfulness to a watching world steeped in idolatry. This concept aligns seamlessly with God's broader redemptive plan, where Israel serves as a prototype for a people set apart to reflect His divine light. The awe and reverence inspired in the nations were not for Israel's inherent greatness, but for the overwhelming greatness of the God who had uniquely called them by His name and powerfully manifested His presence among them.
* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant and Promise of Blessing to Nations")
* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests and Holy Nation")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Israel as a Light to the Gentiles and Salvation to the Ends of the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate promise of Deuteronomy 28:10 was given specifically to ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, its underlying principles resonate profoundly with believers today. As followers of Christ, we are spiritually "called by the name of the LORD," bearing the very name of Christ as Christians. Our lives, when lived in genuine obedience to God's Word and in distinctiveness from the world's values, are meant to be a visible demonstration of God's transformative presence and power. The Church, as the spiritual Israel, is called to be a "light of the world," a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Our integrity, love, faithfulness, and the manifest fruit of the Spirit in our lives should inspire a profound awe and respect for the God we serve, prompting others to inquire about the hope that is within us. This verse challenges us to live in a way that consistently brings glory to God and powerfully testifies to His awesome presence and redemptive work in our lives, making His reality undeniable and attractive to those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can my daily life and choices demonstrate that I am "called by the name of the LORD" to those around me?**
* **What does it truly mean for others to "be afraid" (in the sense of awe and reverence) of the God I serve, and how might my actions contribute to this perception?**
* **How does my personal obedience or disobedience to God's commands directly impact my witness and the perception of God's character by the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "called by the name of the LORD" truly mean for Israel in this context?**

Answer: In the context of Deuteronomy 28:10, "called by the name of the LORD" signifies God's unique ownership, intimate identification, and special covenant relationship with Israel. It means that God's very character, authority, and reputation were intrinsically associated with His people. Israel was, in essence, God's representative nation on earth, bearing His divine insignia. This profound divine endorsement was the ultimate source of their distinction, protection, and the basis for the awe and respect they would inspire in other nations. It implies that any action against Israel was, in effect, an action against the LORD Himself, as they were His designated people.

**Is the "fear" mentioned here literal terror or something else?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word `yârêʼ` (H3372) can indeed denote terror, in the specific context of Deuteronomy 28:10, the "fear" is primarily one of profound awe, reverence, and respectful dread. It is not about hostile terror or aggression, but rather an astonished recognition of the overwhelming power and majesty of the God who so evidently blesses and protects Israel. The nations would "see" God's manifest presence and favor upon Israel, leading them to acknowledge His supremacy and to treat Israel with a respectful caution, understanding that Israel was under the protection of an unparalleled divine power. This is akin to the "fear of the LORD" described in wisdom literature, which is a deep reverence for God's holiness and power, leading to obedience and right living, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and, by extension, in His Church. While ancient Israel was called to bear God's name, Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of God's name and presence, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Fullness and Supremacy")). He is the true Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus, God with Us")), the eternal Word who "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through Christ, the promise of God's name being "called upon" a people is realized in a new covenant reality. Believers, united with Christ through faith, are now "called Christians" ([Acts 11:26](/acts/11-26 "Acts 11:26 - Origin of the Term 'Christians'")), bearing His name and becoming His body, through whom God's presence and character are made known to the world. Just as Israel was intended to be a light to the nations, the Church, a "royal priesthood, a holy nation," is called to "proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood and Holy Nation")). The awe inspired by God's manifest presence in ancient Israel is now directed towards the transformative power of the risen Christ working through His people, drawing all nations to Him through the Great Commission, which commands us to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 7:14

If 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 11:25

There 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 33:9

And 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.

Malachi 3:12

And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

Numbers 6:27

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Deuteronomy 4:6

Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.

Deuteronomy 4:8

And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?