Deuteronomy 32:3

KJV

Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because I will publish {H7121} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}: ascribe {H3051} ye greatness {H1433} unto our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For I will proclaim the name of ADONAI. Come, declare the greatness of our God!

Berean Standard Bible

For I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Ascribe greatness to our God!

American Standard Version

For I will proclaim the name of Jehovah: Ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:3 encapsulates Moses' profound purpose in delivering the "Song of Moses": to publicly declare the character and attributes of the LORD, thereby calling the people of Israel to acknowledge and magnify God's supreme power and majesty. It serves as a foundational exhortation for Israel to respond to divine revelation with worship and adoration, setting the stage for the song's prophetic message of God's faithfulness amidst Israel's future apostasy and ultimate restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 32:3 is deeply embedded within the "Song of Moses," a lengthy poetic composition delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. This song, spanning [Deuteronomy 32:1-43](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses"), functions as a prophetic covenant lawsuit, with Moses calling heaven and earth to witness (as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:1](/deuteronomy/32-1 "Deuteronomy 32:1 - Heaven and Earth as Witnesses")) as he recounts God's faithful dealings with Israel, their anticipated rebellion, the resulting divine judgment, and ultimately, God's redemptive restoration. Verse 3, specifically, is part of the song's opening prologue (verses 1-4), which establishes Moses' authority and the divine origin of his message, emphasizing the critical importance of what is about to be declared. It sets the tone for the entire song as a solemn declaration of God's character and an urgent call to worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is spoken at a pivotal moment in Israel's history: on the plains of Moab, with Moses' life drawing to a close and the Israelites poised to enter Canaan. Forty years of wilderness wandering are behind them, and the challenges of settling the land and maintaining covenant fidelity lie ahead. In ancient Near Eastern culture, "songs" often served as enduring legal documents or historical records, intended to be memorized and passed down through generations (as commanded in [Deuteronomy 31:19](/deuteronomy/31-19 "Deuteronomy 31:19 - Write This Song")). By inscribing his message in a song, Moses ensured its longevity and accessibility, making it a perpetual witness against Israel if they deviated from the covenant. The call to "ascribe greatness" resonates with the cultural practice of acknowledging the supreme deity, but here, it is directed exclusively to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, in stark contrast to the pagan deities of the surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Central is the theme of **divine revelation and God's self-disclosure**; Moses' act of "publishing the name of the LORD" underscores that God is not a hidden deity but one who actively makes Himself known to His people. This revelation demands a response, leading directly to the theme of **worship and adoration**, as the people are commanded to "ascribe greatness unto our God." The song also heavily emphasizes **covenant faithfulness**, both God's unwavering commitment to His promises and Israel's repeated failure to uphold their end, which is a major concern throughout [the book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Finally, the theme of **God's incomparable sovereignty and majesty** is highlighted, setting Him apart from all other gods and validating the call for exclusive devotion, a theme echoed in other passages like [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The LORD is God; There is No Other").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Publish (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This verb (H7121) means "to call out," "to proclaim," "to read aloud," or "to summon." In this context, it signifies a public, authoritative declaration. Moses is not merely whispering God's name but making it known widely and forcefully, ensuring it is heard and understood by all. It implies an act of making public what might otherwise be private, or making clear what might be obscure. This public proclamation demands attention and a response, akin to a herald announcing a royal decree.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** In biblical thought, a "name" (H8034) is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates the essence, character, reputation, authority, and very being of the person or entity. To "publish the name of the LORD" is to make known His entire revealed character—His holiness, power, faithfulness, justice, mercy, and unique identity as Yᵉhôvâh (H3068), the self-Existent, covenant-keeping God. It is a declaration of who God is in His totality, not just what He does, inviting a full apprehension of His divine nature.
* **Greatness (Hebrew, _gôdel'_):** This noun (H1433) refers to magnitude, vastness, power, and majesty. When applied to God, it speaks of His incomparable transcendence, His infinite power, His supreme authority, and His boundless glory. It emphasizes that God is beyond human comprehension and measure, utterly unique and supreme. To ascribe greatness is to declare His unparalleled nature, acknowledging His inherent superiority and infinite worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because I will publish the name of the LORD":** This clause reveals Moses' driving motivation and the primary purpose of the Song of Moses. Moses, as God's chosen prophet and mediator, sees it as his sacred duty and privilege to make known the full character and identity of Yahweh to the people. This proclamation is foundational, as true worship and obedience stem from a proper understanding of who God is. It underscores the importance of divine revelation as the basis for all human response, indicating that God initiates the relationship by disclosing Himself.
* **"ascribe ye greatness unto our God":** This is a direct, imperative command to the Israelites. Following Moses' declaration of God's name, the people are exhorted to actively respond by acknowledging and declaring God's supreme power, majesty, and glory. The phrase "our God" (H430, ʼĕlôhîym) emphasizes the covenant relationship—He is their God, uniquely bound to them, and therefore deserving of their exclusive and profound adoration. This is a call to corporate worship, to collectively recognize and celebrate God's incomparable nature, giving Him the honor that is His due.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:3 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its message. The verse begins with a clear **Proclamation** ("Because I will publish the name of the LORD"), setting a tone of authority and divine purpose for Moses' speech. This is immediately followed by an **Imperative** command ("ascribe ye greatness unto our God"), which directly calls the audience to action, demanding a responsive act of worship to the divine revelation. The verse also functions as a form of **Apostrophe** when considered in context with [Deuteronomy 32:1](/deuteronomy/32-1 "Deuteronomy 32:1 - Heaven and Earth as Witnesses"), where Moses calls upon heaven and earth to bear witness, lending cosmic significance and solemnity to his words. Furthermore, there is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship implied: because Moses will proclaim God's character and identity, the people are then obligated to respond with worship and adoration. The "name" of the LORD functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, standing for God's entire being, attributes, and revealed character, making the declaration of His name equivalent to declaring His very essence and unique identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:3 stands as a foundational statement on the nature of God's self-revelation and humanity's proper response. It highlights that God is not a silent or hidden deity but one who actively makes Himself known, primarily through His "name"—His character, attributes, and covenantal faithfulness. This revelation, delivered through His chosen messengers like Moses, is not merely for intellectual assent but demands a profound, active response of worship and adoration. To "ascribe greatness" is to acknowledge God's supreme sovereignty and majesty, recognizing His incomparable nature above all else. This act of worship is both individual and communal, a perpetual call for God's people to honor Him in light of His revealed glory and steadfast love, serving as a reminder that true worship flows from a deep understanding of who God is and what He has done.

* [Psalm 96:2](/psalms/96-2 "Psalm 96:2 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")
* [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - Great is the LORD and Greatly to Be Praised")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Not Given to Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:3 serves as a timeless mandate for believers today, echoing Moses' commitment to make God known and calling us to respond with profound worship. Just as Moses declared his intention to "publish the name of the LORD," we too are called to be heralds of God's character in a world that desperately needs to know Him. This involves not only sharing the Gospel message of salvation but also living lives that consistently reflect His holiness, love, justice, and faithfulness. Our actions, words, and attitudes should serve as a testament to who God is, demonstrating His attributes in our daily walk. Furthermore, the imperative to "ascribe greatness unto our God" is a daily, lifelong summons to worship. It means consciously recognizing God's supreme power, His boundless wisdom, His unfailing love, and His sovereign control over all things, and then responding with praise, thanksgiving, and humble submission. This worship should permeate every aspect of our lives—in private devotion, in corporate gatherings, and in our interactions with the world, ensuring that God receives the honor and glory He alone deserves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "publish the name of the LORD" in my daily life and spheres of influence?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "ascribe greatness" to God, beyond mere words of praise, in my actions and attitudes?**
* **How does understanding God's "name" (His character and attributes) deepen my worship and obedience in tangible ways?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I have failed to give God the greatness He deserves? How can I rectify this and live more fully in worship?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "publishing the name of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: In biblical thought, God's "name" represents His entire revealed character, attributes, and reputation. To "publish" or "proclaim" His name means to make known His essential being, His power, His faithfulness, His holiness, and His unique identity as the covenant God of Israel. For Moses, it was about ensuring that the Israelites fully understood who Yahweh was, not merely as a distant deity but as the active, personal God who had delivered them and was leading them. This public declaration was crucial for establishing the basis of their worship and obedience, reminding them of the God they were to serve exclusively, as seen in the call to remember God's mighty acts throughout [the book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy").

**Why is it important to "ascribe greatness unto our God"?**

Answer: To "ascribe greatness" is an active command to attribute, acknowledge, and declare God's supreme power, majesty, and glory. It's a call to worship that stems from a proper understanding of who God is. In a world with many gods and idols, this command emphasizes Yahweh's incomparability and absolute sovereignty. It's an invitation for the people to respond to God's self-revelation with appropriate honor, praise, and submission, recognizing that He alone is worthy of such adoration. This act of ascribing greatness is not for God's benefit (as He is inherently great) but for the spiritual well-being and proper orientation of humanity, aligning our hearts and minds with divine reality, as echoed in [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "God's Greatness is Unsearchable").

**How does the "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32) function as a prophetic text?**

Answer: The "Song of Moses" is highly prophetic because it outlines the future trajectory of Israel's relationship with God. It foresees Israel's apostasy and rebellion against the covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:15-18](/deuteronomy/32-15-18 "Deuteronomy 32:15-18 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Jealousy")), the subsequent divine judgment and dispersion, and ultimately, God's compassionate remembrance and restoration of His people (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:36-43](/deuteronomy/32-36-43 "Deuteronomy 32:36-43 - God's Vengeance and Compassion")). It serves as a witness, a warning, and a promise, intended to teach future generations about God's unwavering faithfulness despite human failure. Its enduring nature ensures that its message would resonate throughout Israel's history, providing both rebuke and hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:3, with its emphasis on "publishing the name of the LORD" and "ascribing greatness unto our God," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Moses proclaimed God's character through words and law, Jesus is the very embodiment and perfect revelation of God's name. As [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") declares, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Jesus did not merely speak about God; He *is* God made manifest, the visible image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Image of the Invisible God")). He perfectly "published the name of the LORD" by revealing the Father's love, grace, truth, and power through His life, miracles, teaching, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. Furthermore, the call to "ascribe greatness unto our God" is supremely fulfilled in the worship of Christ. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as worthy of the same worship and honor given to God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Christ")). Through Christ, we not only understand God's name more fully, but we are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to truly ascribe greatness to Him, joining the heavenly chorus in declaring His incomparable glory ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Thus, Christ is both the ultimate Proclaimer of God's name and the supreme Object of our worship, fulfilling Moses' prophetic call in a way that transcends the Old Covenant.

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

Jeremiah 10:6

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

Psalms 150:2

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Deuteronomy 5:24

And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Exodus 6:3

And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by [the name of] God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

John 17:6

¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

John 17:26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.